What is raffaele esposito?

Raffaele Esposito was an Italian chef who is widely credited with creating the modern pizza as we know it today. Born in Naples in 1859, Esposito was the head chef at Pizzeria di Pietro e basta Così, a popular pizza establishment in Naples.

Legend has it that in 1889, Esposito created the Margherita pizza in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, using tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil to represent the colors of the Italian flag. The pizza was a hit with the queen and quickly became a favorite among the locals, helping to solidify Naples' reputation as the home of pizza.

Esposito's pizzeria still operates today under the name Pizzeria Brandi, and it proudly displays a plaque commemorating the creation of the Margherita pizza. Esposito is considered a pioneer in the world of pizza-making and his contributions to Italian cuisine are still celebrated to this day.