In Loving Memory of Davide Lubrano: Philadelphia Mourns the Loss of Beloved Chef and Pizzata Pizzeria Co-Founder
With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the untimely passing of Davide Lubrano, a beloved Philadelphia chef, restaurateur, and co-founder of the renowned Pizzata Pizzeria. Davide passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a legacy of culinary passion, community connection, and an infectious zest for life. His loss has sent ripples of grief throughout the city of Philadelphia and beyond, especially among the food lovers, friends, family, and colleagues whose lives he touched so deeply.
Davide Lubrano wasn’t just a chef — he was an artist, a visionary, and a soul whose work in the kitchen was a direct expression of his heart. Known for his dynamic energy, humble leadership, and fierce dedication to authenticity, Davide helped shape Philadelphia’s food scene with a unique blend of tradition and innovation. His love for pizza wasn’t just about ingredients and dough; it was about heritage, culture, and sharing joy. Every pie that came out of his kitchen carried with it the story of his roots, his passion, and his deep respect for the craft.
Co-founding Pizzata Pizzeria in the heart of Philadelphia was not just a career milestone — it was Davide’s dream brought to life. Alongside his close partners and friends, he built more than just a restaurant; he created a community hub where patrons felt like family and every meal was served with warmth. Pizzata quickly rose to fame not only for its incredible Neapolitan-style pizzas but for the soul that was baked into every bite — a soul that came from Davide himself.
Born into an Italian-American family with deep culinary ties, Davide’s journey as a chef began in the kitchens of his youth. Inspired by the smells of garlic and basil, the sound of sauce bubbling on the stove, and the laughter around dinner tables, he fell in love with the power of food to bring people together. That early love never left him. He trained, traveled, and honed his craft, blending classic Italian techniques with modern culinary vision, always staying true to his roots and never compromising on quality or integrity.
Beyond his remarkable talent in the kitchen, Davide was known for his enormous heart. He treated everyone — customers, staff, delivery drivers, fellow chefs — with respect and kindness. He mentored aspiring chefs, supported local farms and vendors, and used his platform to uplift others. During the most difficult times, including the height of the pandemic, Davide and his team remained committed to serving the community, offering food, comfort, and connection when it was needed most.
To his family, Davide was a cherished son, a proud brother, a loving partner, and a steady source of joy and strength. He brought laughter to the dinner table, cooked with passion for those he loved, and always made time to celebrate life’s small moments. He was grounded in love — for his heritage, his people, his city, and his work.
Philadelphia’s culinary world and broader community have lost one of their brightest stars. Social media has since been flooded with tributes from friends, fellow chefs, patrons, and food critics — all echoing the same sentiment: Davide was one of a kind. The kind of person who left an imprint on your heart after a single conversation. The kind of chef whose food stayed with you long after the last bite. The kind of friend you could count on, always.
A celebration of Davide Lubrano’s life will be held in Philadelphia, with details forthcoming. The community is invited to come together, share memories, and honor a man who gave so much to the city he loved. In his memory, a scholarship is being established to support young chefs and culinary students pursuing their dreams with the same fearless passion Davide embodied every day.
As we mourn his loss, we also celebrate his life — a life filled with flavor, friendship, laughter, and love. Davide may be gone from this world, but his legacy will forever live on in the kitchens he inspired, the meals he crafted, the hearts he touched, and the fire he lit in countless others.
Rest in peace, Davide Lubrano. Your table may be empty, but your spirit will always be full — in every oven’s warmth, every hand-tossed dough, and every heart you nourished. You will never be forgotten.