Italy is the country known for the invention of pizza. Although variations of flatbreads with toppings existed in various cultures, the modern pizza as we know it originated in Naples, Italy, in the late 18th to early 19th centuries. The Margherita pizza, featuring tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, was created to honor Queen Margherita of Savoy in the late 1800s. Pizzas quickly gained popularity, and Italian immigrants brought the dish to America, where it evolved into numerous regional styles. Today, pizza is enjoyed globally and is recognized as a beloved dish with endless variations.