A widespread belief says that in June 1889 the pizzaiolo Raffaele Esposito invented a dish called “Pizza Margherita“ in honor of the Queen of Italy, Margherita of Savoy, and the Italian unification, since toppings of tomato, mozzarella and basil represented the same colors of the national flag of Italy.
In 1889, pizza had not yet become a popular or well-known dish. At that time, Esposito was considered the premier pizza-maker in the city ofEsposito was, therefore, requested to prepare a pizza for Queen who had traveled to NaplesEsposito and his wife were admitted to the royal kitchens to prepare this dish as he saw fiIt is claimed by some sources that this was the first time pizza was made with mozzarella cheeseQueen Margherita, having never had pizza before, so enjoyed the dish that she had her head of table services send Esposito a letter to commend his pizzas, stating that they "were found to be delicious
Because of Esposito's experiments with ingredients and presentation, and his successful preparation of the dish for Queen Margherita, it is suggested by some that Esposito was the father of the modern pizza.