After an eight-year absence, Queensland’s beloved Festitalia Italian food festival returns to Brisbane this Father’s Day, September 7, bringing with it a unique blend of culinary artistry and entertainment that’s catching the attention of hospitality professionals across Australia.
The festival’s star attraction is world champion pizza acrobat Youssef Ben Touati, a Brisbane-based performer whose gravity-defying dough displays represent a growing trend of experiential dining that combines food preparation with live entertainment. Ben Touati, who has competed on Australia’s Got Talent and earned multiple world championship titles in categories including Pizza STG (Napoletana) and Pizza Classica, transforms traditional pizza-making into performance art.
“It’s Australian Ninja Warrior meets MasterChef meets Cirque du Soleil,” organisers describe the spectacle, which sees flying dough and athletic moves culminate in finished pizzas for the audience.
Ben Touati’s journey from clearing tables at age 11 in his uncle’s Tuscan restaurant to becoming a decorated member of Italy’s Acrobatic Pizza Team illustrates the evolution of hospitality entertainment. Since relocating to Brisbane in 2014, he has worked at premium establishments including Tartufo and Mr. Paganini while consulting for global brands like Valoriani wood-fired ovens.
The RNA Showgrounds festival showcases authentic Italian hospitality with wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, espresso bars, and regional specialities prepared by vendors using family recipes passed down through generations. The event also features opera performances, folk bands, and interactive competitions, creating a community-focused dining experience.
For restaurant operators, Festitalia’s emphasis on traditional techniques alongside theatrical presentation offers insights for venues looking to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.
The festival runs all day Sunday 7 September, at the RNA Showgrounds. Tickets are available at www.festitalia.com.au.
