The Leaning Tower of Pizza: America’s Influence on Italian Cuisine
- Corey Fiske
- May 24, 2023
- 4 min read
By Corey Fiske
The United States of America is a relatively young country, but its influence is known around the globe. Italian immigrants in the United States have forever altered American cuisine, however, this Americanization of Italian food now exists in Italy, as well.
History of Pizza
Contrary to what may be popular belief, pizza was first invented in Italy, not in America. It was created in Naples, Italy sometime around the 18th century when Neapolitans required inexpensive food that they could eat quickly. At the time, Italian authors called the Neapolitans “disgusting” for eating pizza.
In 1889, Italy’s monarchs King Umberto I and Queen Margherita visited Naples. Legend says they were tired of the French diet and wanted to try something new. Queen Margherita fell in love with a pizza topped with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. They named it after her so that is why it is called Margherita pizza.
Even with the Queen’s endorsement, pizza remained unknown in Italy outside of Naples. Across the Atlantic, however, pizza was just gaining steam in the United States. Italian immigrants from Naples started spinning pies throughout many American cities. In New York City, one of the first pizzerias, Lombardi’s, opened in 1905 and still slings pizza today, although in a different location.
It was not until the 1940’s when the Americanized classic received popularity in Italy. Now synonymous with American cuisine, it was expected that pizza would be readily available in all of Italy. Like anything American, the rest of the world also started to eat pizza, not just Italy. For example, the American pizza chain Domino’s is in 90 international markets.
Leaning Tower of Pizza
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a universally known landmark. The tower began construction all the way back in 1173. When just the third floor was completed, it began to lean due to the uneven settling of the building’s foundation. Today, people from around the world, including many Americans, visit the town of Pisa to view the Leaning Tower. Visitors are allowed to buy tickets to climb over 290 steps to the top.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is sometimes mistakenly referred to as the Leaning Tower of Pizza. The similarity between the words “Pisa” and “pizza” have created expectations for many visitors about what sort of restaurants should be in the vicinity of the tower. For instance, the Internet holds many listicles of the best pizzerias in Pisa.
Marco Russo, a local restaurant waiter, says “So many tourists come and all they want is pizza. There is so much other food to try here.”
Pisa is over 550 kilometers away from Naples, the birthplace of pizza. It is even farther from America, where pizza became popular. Pizza is not a native food in Pisa, yet the play on words and international popularity have allowed many pizzerias to thrive in Pisa.
The Toppings
Since the beginning, pizzas have come with a variety of toppings. From the simple margherita with just cheese, tomatoes, and basil, to the Californian idea of pizza with barbeque chicken, there is no wrong way to dress up a pizza. Outside of Naples, one should not be so snooty with the idea of authentic pizza.
There is always the controversial pineapple on pizza which is sure to cause a stir at the dinner table. Whether you love it or hate it, basically anything can be a pizza topping. America’s creativity knows no bounds. The Americanization of pizza has led to crazy topping combinations, like chicken bacon ranch or even putting baked ziti on pizza.
Jason Ryan says, “I love anything on pizza but you can never go wrong with just a simple cheese pizza.” Ryan declined request for photo.
Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana
Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana is a pizzeria in Pisa that has been open since 1976. It is located just steps away from the Leaning Tower of Pisa. With its close vicinity to the tower and baptistry, Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana was made for tourists. It does not even charge a coperto which is the norm for restaurants in Italy.
Russo says, “We get a lot of people from around the world.”
While it is definitely not a local favorite, it is still a decent option for those set on having pizza by the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The pizza is relatively affordable, and one can enjoy a pizza Margherita just like the Queen Margherita in 1889. Despite the menu having pictures, which is a tell-tale sign of a touristy restaurant, the pizza is good and the view is even better.
Tourists enjoy the food at Trattoria Pizzeria Toscana in Pisa.
By The Slice
“Pizza al taglio” or “pizza by the slice” has crept its way into Italy. In Italian culture, people often enjoy meals at restaurants by spending a long time there. The idea of the “quick bite” is very American. Oftentimes in the United States, a person will go into a pizzeria and order just one or two slices of pizza. This is usually to-go or just eaten at the counter.
The pizza in America is supersized compared to the pizza in Italy. This makes it easy for a person to enjoy just a couple slices of pizza and call it a satisfying meal. However, in Italy, the pizza is much smaller and even thinner. Most pizzas in Italy would be considered a personal size pizza. The bringing over of the “pizza by the slice” meant Italians had to make larger pizzas. “Pizza al taglio” is generally a large square or rectangular pizza, rather than the traditional circle. It also fundamentally changed the culture by encouraging people to eat their pizzas faster instead of sitting down at a restaurant. This mimics the convenience and affordability of American fast food.
Pizza and Pisa
Whether pizza is American or Italian, one thing is always true. Pizza is delicious. So, if you are in Pisa or having a late night on the couch, feel free to order a pizza and know that the only truly authentic pizza is in Naples, Italy. When in Pisa, eat pizza.
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