Order a Caesar salad in Boston’s North End, and you might assume you’re tasting a slice of old-world Italy. In truth, this beloved dish has a far more surprising origin story—one that begins not in Rome or Florence, but in a bustling Mexican border town nearly a century ago. Read all about the history of caesar salad below!
Was the Caesar salad actually invented in Italy?
No—despite its name and its permanent place on Italian menus, the Caesar salad was invented in Tijuana, Mexico. In 1924, restaurateur Caesar Cardini created the dish at his restaurant, Caesar’s, to serve hungry Fourth of July crowds crossing the border from San Diego during Prohibition. Legend has it Cardini improvised the recipe with whatever ingredients he had on hand: romaine lettuce, garlic, croutons, Parmesan, egg, and olive oil, tossed tableside for dramatic effect.
So why is it considered an Italian dish?
The connection comes down to Cardini himself. He was an Italian immigrant who brought his culinary philosophy—one rooted in fresh, quality ingredients and confident simplicity—to Mexico. That approach happens to be the very foundation of authentic Italian cooking. Over the following decades, as the salad spread across North America, it found a natural home on Italian restaurant menus, where its emphasis on bold, few-ingredient flavor felt right at home alongside pasta, pizza, and antipasti.
By the time it crossed into mainstream American dining, most people had lost track of its Mexican origins entirely and simply accepted it as an Italian classic.
How does Bricco put its own spin on the Caesar salad?
At Bricco, our Caesar salad honors its roots while embracing a distinctly boutique sensibility. Instead of the traditional romaine, Bricco’s version combines Blue Sky Bibb lettuce and radicchio for a slightly peppery, more delicate bite. The real showstopper, though, is what replaces the usual crouton: crispy ricotta polpette, small fried dumplings of creamy ricotta that add richness and a satisfying crunch you won’t find anywhere else.
Why do Caesar salads pair so well with Italian meals?
Caesar salad works as a starter because it does exactly what a great first course should: awaken the palate without overwhelming it. The bright acidity of the dressing, the salty depth of Parmesan, and the crunch of a well-made crouton (or, in our case, a polpette) prepare your taste buds for the richer courses to follow, whether that’s a brick oven pizza or a plate of handmade pasta.
Come Try Our Caesar Salad at Bricco in the North End!
Reserve your table at Bricco today on our website or call us at 617-248-6800.