Italian chef says he became a hero after being dismissed for refusing pineapple on pizza

Davide Tamburella, who was dismissed from his role as head chef at La Costa, an Italian restaurant in Brisbane that closed in May, took his case to the Fair Work Commission. The commission dismissed his claim because the application deadline was missed, and the restaurant’s owner cited multiple factors for his termination, including use of inappropriate language, frustration during service, and an incident in which Tamburella fractured his hand after striking a metal rail.

After the ruling, Tamburella told the Courier Mail that he is now regarded as a culinary hero in Italy, where some have suggested he be honoured as a Cavaliere del Lavoro (Knight of Labour). > "In Italy, I’m definitely a hero … mostly because I stood my ground," he said.

Tamburella explained that he refused to add pineapple to pizza dough on three occasions, arguing that the fruit would overwhelm the dough’s flavour and that it was his responsibility as head chef to protect cultural standards. He said he would allow pineapple on pre-made bases but not on dough he prepared himself, noting the practice was an insult to his late grandmother’s recipe. > "I’m nobody to tell you, especially if you’re the owner, not to do it (on pre-made bases), but not on my dough," he said.

He added that while he feels celebrated in Italy, some Australians have called for his deportation, accusing him of disrespecting local culture. > "In Australia, I’m being crucified. People are even telling me that I should be deported, that I don’t respect their culture and their lifestyle," he said.

The story revived the long-standing debate over pineapple on pizza, a combination that originated with a chef in the early 60s and remains controversial in Italy, where traditionalists argue that fruit does not belong on pizza. A recent survey cited by news.com.au indicated that pineapple ranks among popular pizza toppings in most Australian states, with particular enthusiasm in Queensland.