5 Legendary Pizzas You Need to Try
5 Legendary Pizzas You Need to TryBy Shammas / April 27, 2025 Legendary Pizzas Pizza is more than food—it’s an experience. A slice of something bigger, a moment that makes you stop, smile, and savor. It’s a universal language that speaks to the heart, and it’s woven deeply into the cultural fabric of nearly every part of the world. Among the thousands of pizza variations spinning around the globe, there are a few legendary pizzas that shine above the rest, slicing their way straight into our hearts (and cravings). Today, we’re serving up the five must-try pizzas that you absolutely cannot miss. Each one tells a story. Each one brings its own unforgettable flavor. These pizzas have achieved iconic status, leaving lasting impressions and claiming their place in the pizza hall of fame. So grab your plate, lean in, and get ready to meet the stars of the pizza universe. 1. Pepperoni Pizza: The Icon If pizza had a rockstar, it would be pepperoni. Pepperoni pizza is the definition of an all-time favorite. Inspired by spicy Italian salamis, pepperoni was taken to new heights in America, where it underwent a transformation: finer grind, bolder seasonings, and a quicker cure. What we get is a topping that packs a punch with every bite. The magic happens when those thin, round slices of pepperoni curl up and crisp at the edges in the oven, creating tiny pools of oil that add to the rich flavor. The result? A slice that’s crispy at the edges, chewy in the center, spicy, smoky, and utterly addictive. Pepperoni pizza is more than just a topping; it’s one of the most beloved legendary pizzas worldwide. Whether you’re enjoying it at a late-night hangout or the centerpiece of a pizza party, this iconic topping never gets old. It has stood the test of time, constantly ranking as one of the most ordered pizzas around the world. Its popularity isn’t just about flavor—it’s about the feeling it evokes. That first bite, with the perfect crisp of pepperoni and the gooey cheese beneath, is an experience you’ll crave again and again. 2. Neapolitan Pizza: The Original Love Story Every pizza has a debt to pay to Naples, Italy—the birthplace of one of the most legendary pizzas ever created: the Neapolitan. This is the pizza that started it all, the gold standard that shaped the world’s love for pizza. The Neapolitan pizza is more than just a dish—it’s an edible work of art, rooted in tradition and perfected through centuries of Italian culinary passion. Why is it one of the most legendary pizzas? It’s the simplicity. Neapolitan pizza is known for its thin, tender crust that puffs into beautifully blistered edges, soft yet satisfyingly chewy in the center. Baked in an intensely hot wood-fired oven, it achieves that iconic combination of smoky aroma and lightly crisp texture in just 90 seconds. The dough is made with high-quality, finely milled flour and fermented to perfection, creating a base that’s as flavorful as it is airy. But the magic lies in the details—sweet San Marzano tomatoes grown on volcanic soil, fresh mozzarella di bufala or fior di latte, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. That’s it. No overload of toppings. No distractions. Just pure ingredients working in perfect harmony. The minimalism of this pizza is its greatest strength. Take a bite, and you’re instantly transported to the lively piazzas of Naples, where tradition, passion, and flavor collide. You’ll hear the clatter of espresso cups, the echo of church bells, and the sizzle of pizza crust meeting fire. Neapolitan pizza isn’t just one of the most beloved legendary pizzas—it’s a cultural treasure. It represents authenticity, pride, and the enduring love affair between Italy and its most iconic culinary gift to the world. 3. Margherita Pizza: Royal Simplicity Sometimes, less really is more—and the Margherita pizza proves it with every bite. Revered as one of the most legendary pizzas in the world, it’s a timeless masterpiece born from the heart of Italy. This isn’t just a pizza; it’s a symbol, a slice of Italian heritage that continues to capture hearts across generations and continents. The story begins in 1889, when Queen Margherita of Savoy visited Naples. In her honor, a local pizzaiolo crafted a pizza using ingredients that reflected the colors of the Italian flag: red tomatoes, white mozzarella, and green basil. The result was a dish that resonated so deeply it became a national treasure—and earned its queenly name. What makes the Margherita one of the most enduring legendary pizzas is its elegant simplicity. But don’t be fooled—its minimalism is intentional, demanding the finest ingredients and perfect execution. Ripe San Marzano tomatoes bring bright acidity and sweetness, fresh mozzarella provides a creamy, luxurious base, and whole basil leaves offer a fragrant, peppery lift. All of it rests on a thin, hand-stretched crust that’s soft in the middle with a slightly charred edge, kissed by flames in a blistering hot oven. The Margherita is the kind of pizza that speaks volumes without saying a word. Legendary Pizzas No bells and whistles. No towering toppings. Just harmony, balance, and tradition on a plate. It’s soft, warm, and satisfying in a way that only food made with love can be. Biting into a Margherita pizza is like taking a bite out of Italy itself—rich with history, flavor, and national pride. Among all legendary pizzas, this one remains a humble yet powerful reminder that greatness doesn’t always need grandeur. Sometimes, the simplest things leave the deepest impressions. 4. New York-Style Pizza: Street Food Royalty Large, crisp, and effortlessly foldable—New York-style pizza is the edible embodiment of the city that never sleeps. Fast, flavorful, and unapologetically bold, it’s one of those legendary pizzas that captures the spirit of its birthplace with every oversized, grease-kissed bite. Born from the bustling boroughs of the Big Apple, this pizza was made for movement. Designed for people on the go, the classic New York slice is wide