Italian chef dismissed in Brisbane after refusing to make pineapple pizza
The Fair Work Commission confirmed that chef Davide Tamburella was terminated by La Costa restaurant for repeatedly refusing to prepare ham-and-pineapple pizzas, a decision the chef described as an insult to his culture.
A Brisbane restaurant terminated Italian chef Davide Tamburella in May after he declined to make ham-and-pineapple pizzas for customers, according to a ruling by Australia’s Fair Work Commission. The commission noted that this was the third instance in four years that Tamburella had refused a directive to add pineapple to a pizza. When questioned, Tamburella said that, as an Italian, the topping was "an insult to his culture."
Restaurant owner Elliot Ingram said the dismissal was based on multiple factors, including concerns about Tamburella’s language, communication style and workplace frustration, and told 7 News that pineapple on pizza is "very common" in Australia. He added that the establishment operates in Australia, not Italy.
Tamburella’s challenge to the dismissal was rejected because the application was filed after the 21-day deadline, leaving the commission without a ruling on the merits of the termination. La Costa has since closed after its lease ended, and Tamburella has reportedly taken a position at another Italian restaurant in Brisbane.
The case sparked debate on social media about whether chefs must accommodate customer preferences that conflict with personal or cultural culinary beliefs.