Meanwhile, in ancient Rome, they had something called a thermopolium (say “ther-mo-POH-lee-um”). That’s Latin for “a place where hot stuff is sold.” Sounds like a pizza joint, right? Close!
These were basically fast-food counters built into the street. You’d walk up, point at a pot of stew or wine, and eat standing up or take it home. The Romans were big on garum (a fish sauce that smells like a gym sock), so don’t expect a Michelin star.
But here’s the twist: the first known restaurant in the Western world might have been in Pompeii. Archaeologists found a thermopolium with colorful frescoes of food and even a menu painted on the wall. “Today’s special: roasted dormice and wine.” No thanks, I’ll stick with pizza.
