Skip to Content
News

Philadelphia’s Pizzata Pizzeria Now Has Two In-House Champions

Davide Lubrano of Pizzata Pizzeria brought home first place in the Roman Style category at the International Pizza Expo 2025.

Davide Lubrano and his award-winning Roman-style pie. Photo courtesy of Mike Prince.

Davide Lubrano and his award-winning Roman-style pie. Photo courtesy of Mike Prince.

Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria's Davide Lubrano won first place for Best Roman Style Pizza at the International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Lubrano, a third-generation pizza maker from Naples, has trained with some of the best pizzaiolo in Italy, preparing him to take home the win from the three-day tournament competing against some of the best pizza makers around the world.

A true stunner, Lubrano’s award-winning pizza was topped with organic mixed wild mushrooms (oyster, shiitake, portobello, cremini), organic leeks, low-moisture mozzarella, prosciutto cotto Italian ham, stracciatella, pickled chiodini mushrooms in oil, chives, aged parmigiano Reggiano, and truffle caviar pearls. It’s a must-try and will be offered as a special for one night on April 17 (read on for the details).

“We are so happy and very proud to represent Philly – a city that has shown us nothing but love since we first came here,” said Lubrano. “We have put in so much work into our dough and on this pizza, and to come out a champion makes all the hard work worth it. I want to thank my brother Ciro and my business partner Vinny for always believing in me and for always being by my side. Without them, none of this would’ve been possible. I also have to thank Massimiliano Saieva, my Roman style instructor, for just being an incredible human, mentor, and friend.”

Davide Lubrano's award-winning pizza will be available at Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria at their South Philly location on April 17.
Davide Lubrano's award-winning pizza will be available at Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria's South Philly location on April 17. Photo courtesy of Mike Prince.

Pizzata Pizzeria is now the first pizza shop ever to have two champions. Co-owner Vinny Gallagher, a self-taught and self-proclaimed San Francisco natural-leaven dough freak, won the same event in 2019. He has been featured in the NY Times and Pizza Today.

Proudly boasting “naturally leavened in Philly” with their motto of “Crust the Process,” Pizzata Pizzeria has two locations in Philadelphia: Pizzata Pizzeria and Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria. Pizzata roughly translates to “pizza party” in Italian and symbolizes how pizza should be eaten - with a group of your favorite people.

On Thursday, April 17, join the party and book your reservation at Pizzata Pizzeria & Birreria at their South Philly location at 1700 E Passyunk Avenue. Reservations can be made by calling 267-324-3127 or by messaging Pizzata on Instagram. Note: Guests must reserve the special pie when booking their reservations. The pizza feeds 3-4 people.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Appetito

Costa: A Taste of the Italian Coast in the Heart of Charleston

From caviar-topped gnudi to roaming digestivi, this waterfront dining room makes a compelling case for Italian coastal dining in the Lowcountry.

March 3, 2026

I ♥️ Portland, Says Chef Gabriel Pascuzzi — and He’s Proving It

Over multi-course dinners and seasonal menus, Pascuzzi aims to remind diners why Portland is worth the trip.

Bread and Hunger: Italy’s Measure of Good and Bad

From Buono come il pane to Brutto come la fame, two familiar sayings reveal how Italian culture measures good and bad at the table—through sustenance and deprivation.

March 2, 2026

Sunday Shop: An Ode to the Slip Skirt 

Morgan Hines seeks out the best in not only food and drink but style, housewares, and more. Welcome to Appetito’s Sunday Shop!

March 1, 2026

How Italian Professor Ilaria Serra Eats in America

Professor Ilaria Serra, a native of Venice, shares her experiences with Italian food in her adopted hometown of Boca Raton, Florida.

February 27, 2026

A Late Winter Dessert Sip: The Hazelnut Espresso Martini

This cozy cocktail blends espresso and toasted hazelnut with honeyed vanilla vodka for a rich finish to the colder months.

February 26, 2026
See all posts