The Roots of the Famous New York Style Pizza

New York-style pizza is an American institution that has captured the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. But do you know how it all began? The story of New York-style pizza begins in the early 1900s, with the opening of the first pizzeria in New York City.

In 1905, an Italian immigrant named Gennaro Lombardi opened a grocery store in the Little Italy neighborhood of Manhattan. Lombardi, who had previously worked as a baker in Naples, began selling pizzas made with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and other toppings to his customers. The pizzas were a hit, and Lombardi soon realized that he could make more money by focusing solely on pizza.

In 1905, Lombardi opened the first pizzeria in New York City, which he named Lombardi’s. The pizzeria, which is still in operation today, is located at 32 Spring Street in Manhattan. Lombardi’s is credited with popularizing pizza in New York City and creating the foundation for what we now know as New York-style pizza.

So, what makes New York-style pizza so special? One of the defining characteristics is the crust. New York-style pizza has a thin, crispy crust that is slightly chewy and foldable, yet sturdy enough to support a generous amount of toppings. The crust is typically made with high-gluten flour and is hand-tossed to achieve a uniform thickness.

Another key feature of New York-style pizza is its size. The slices are large and wide, typically sold by the slice, and they’re meant to be folded in half and eaten on the go. The toppings are usually simple, with a light tomato sauce and a generous amount of mozzarella cheese. Other popular toppings include pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.

New York-style pizza has become a global phenomenon, with pizzerias all over the world attempting to replicate its unique flavor and texture. However, true aficionados know that nothing beats a slice of authentic New York-style pizza, enjoyed in the city where it all began.

In conclusion, New York-style pizza has a rich history that dates back over a century to the opening of Lombardi’s, the first pizzeria in New York City. Its signature thin, crispy crust and generous toppings have made it a beloved food around the world, and its legacy continues to this day. As a pizza owner and operator of The Pizza Place, I feel humbled to be a part of this storied tradition and to continue to share my passion for New York-style pizza with my customers. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the world of pizza, there’s nothing quite like a slice of authentic New York-style pizza.