The oldest pizza place in the United States is Lombardi's, which first opened its doors in 1905 in New York City.
Lombardi's: America's First Pizzeria
Lombardi's holds the distinct honor of being recognized by the Pizza Hall of Fame as the first pizzeria in the United States. Established in 1905 by Gennaro Lombardi, this iconic establishment began its journey as a grocery store in 1897 before evolving to sell pizza. It quickly became a cornerstone of Italian-American culinary history.
Located at 32 Spring Street on the corner of Mott Street in the Nolita neighborhood of Manhattan, Lombardi's played a pivotal role in introducing and popularizing pizza to the American palate. Unlike general bakeries or delis that might have sold pizza alongside other goods, Lombardi's was dedicated to serving pizza, marking it as the nation's inaugural true pizzeria. Its opening signified a turning point, transforming pizza from an ethnic food primarily consumed by Italian immigrants into a beloved American staple.
The longevity and historical significance of Lombardi's underscore its foundational contribution to the vast and diverse pizza landscape found across the United States today.
Key Facts About Lombardi's
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Lombardi's |
| Location | 32 Spring Street, Nolita, Manhattan, New York City |
| Opened | 1905 |
| Distinction | Recognized as the first pizzeria in the U.S. |
| Neighborhood | Nolita, Manhattan |
