Philadelphia Mourns Davide Lubrano, Beloved Pizzata Pizzeria Co-Founder and International Pizza Champion, Dead at 33
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The city mourns the untimely passing of Davide Lubrano, the visionary co-founder of Pizzata Pizzeria and Pizzata Birreria, whose passion, artistry, and warmth helped transform Philadelphia’s pizza scene. Born and raised in Naples, Italy, Lubrano’s journey from third-generation pizzaiolo to international champion left an indelible mark on both local and global food culture.
🍕 A Passion Forged in Dough and Determination
Davide’s roots in pizza craft run deep: he trained at the esteemed Roman Pizza Academy, carrying forward a family tradition as a third-generation baker. After relocating to the U.S., he partnered with longtime friend Vinny Gallagher and brother Ciro Lubrano to launch Pizzata Pizzeria in Philadelphia in late 2020, during the heart of the pandemic.
Driven by a philosophy of “Crust the Process,” their pizzeria elevated naturally fermented dough into art—slow-rise, sourdough-based, and topped with exquisite ingredients from locally sourced producers.Pizzata quickly became celebrated not only for its flavor, but for its joyful party-like ambiance—a nod to the Italian origins of its name.
🏆 A Champion of Craft
In April 2025, Lubrano earned international acclaim by winning the Roman Style Pizza category at the International Pizza Challenge during the Pizza Expo in Las Vegas—and ranked second overall in the Pan Division. His award-winning creation, topped with four kinds of mushrooms, leeks, stracciatella, prosciutto cotto, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, and truffle caviar pearls, exemplified his mastery and innovation. Pizzata thus became the first pizzeria ever to field not one but two in-house champions, as Gallagher had won a competition in 2019.
🌟 A Legacy of Community and Creativity
Davide’s warmth extended beyond his pizzas. Known as a mentor and collaborator, he inspired staff, peers, and apprentices. His artful creations and willingness to share his craft reflected a larger belief—that food can unite, uplift, and celebrate. Plans for a new dough lab and upgraded ovens spoke to his commitment to innovation and quality.
Under his stewardship, Pizzata not only served great pizza—it became a staple of Philly’s food culture, honored by outlets like Pizza Today, Appetito, Philadelphia Magazine, and 34th Street Magazine.
📋 Summary Table
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Davide Lubrano Lavadera |
| Origin | Naples, Italy; third-generation pizzaiolo |
| Businesses | Pizzata Pizzeria (Center City), Pizzata Birreria (South Philly) |
| Training | Roman Pizza Academy |
| Major Awards | International Pizza Challenge 2025 – Best Roman Style; 2nd in Pan Division |
| Signature Pizza | Wild mushroom & truffle caviar pearl Roman-style pie |
| Legacy | Community-focused entrepreneurship, innovation, and culinary excellence |
🌅 Final Reflection
Davide Lubrano’s passing leaves a void in Philly’s culinary community—and in the hearts of pizza enthusiasts around the world. His dedication to craft, humility as a mentor, and generosity as a person turned ordinary dough into extraordinary experience.
Though he has departed too soon, his spirit endures—in every crust that crackles, every communal table he helped bring together, and in the countless lives he touched with warmth and flavor.
Rest in peace, Davide. Your legacy is baked into every slice, and your memory will always nourish.