Queensland has taken out the 2025 State of Origin Pizza Awards, with Brisbane’s Stefano Spataro of Elementi Restaurant crowned overall winner at Food & Hospitality Queensland.
Spataro impressed judges with his signature La Campagnola pizza, featuring mozzarella, Jersey Brie, olive jam, rocket with balsamic, and culatello di Zibello prosciutto.
The victory earned him $2,000 and automatic entry into the 2026 Australia’s Best Pizza Competition at Food & Hospitality Week in Sydney.
A two-time Australian qualifier for the World Pizza Championship and runner-up at Italy’s National Pizza with Fish Championship, Spataro is recognised for his expertise across Neapolitan, Roman, and tray pizza styles.
“The competition level was seriously high this year; everyone brought their absolute best to the table,” said head judge Johnny Di Francesco, Director of Gradi Group and World Pizza Champion. “Stefano’s pizzas were world-class, and Team Queensland came in strong with incredible quality and passion.”
Team Queensland also featured Giammichele Laccetti of Freghete Authentic Pizza in Broadbeach Waters, a 2025 world championship competitor, and Salvatore Mazzarino of La Napoli Verace, a Naples-born pizzaiolo from a family of pizza makers.
The trio defeated a strong NSW contingent before a packed live audience, though Di Francesco noted NSW’s creative tiramisu pizza demonstrated impressive out-of-the-box thinking.
The competition was judged by Di Francesco, Emanuele Malara (2025 Australia’s Best Pizza Awards winner), and Youssef Ben Touati of Selecta Food Group. The event was presented in partnership with Marana Forni, That’s Amore Cheese, and Mauri.
