In June 1889, King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples, which had recently become part of the unified Kingdom of Italy1. The royal couple's visit was significant, as they needed to establish a connection with the people of Naples, once the proud capital of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies2. During their stay, the monarchs resided at the Royal Palace of Capodimonte, which was already equipped with a wood-fired oven installed nearly a century earlier by Ferdinand IV, the former king of Naples2. This royal visit set the stage for the legendary creation of the Pizza Margherita, though the historical accuracy of the events that followed has been subject to debate among food historians13.

Located in Naples, Raffaele Esposito's pizzeria was originally named "Pietro... e basta così" (Pietro's Pizzeria and that's enough). In a shrewd business move, Esposito renamed it "Pizzeria della Regina d'Italia" (Pizzeria of the Queen of Italy), perhaps anticipating future royal patronage12. The establishment, now known as Pizzeria Brandi, still exists today at its original location on Salita Sant'Ana di Palazzo 1/23. It proudly displays the alleged thank you note from Queen Margherita's chamberlain, dated June 11, 1889, though the authenticity of this document has been questioned by historians45.

According to legend, Raffaele Esposito and his wife Maria Giovanna Brandi were invited to prepare pizzas for Queen Margherita at the Royal Palace of Capodimonte. They created three different pizzas: a marinara with garlic and oregano, a Napoli with anchovies, and a new creation featuring tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil12. The queen reportedly favored the third pizza, whose red, white, and green toppings resembled the Italian flag. Impressed by this patriotic combination, Esposito allegedly named the pizza "Margherita" in honor of the queen13.