Miami Pizzaiola Loredana Passariello Wins Neapolitan Division at International Pizza Expo

Passariello's Marinara pizza earns her the coveted Pizza Maker of the Year title, inspiring more women to enter the field.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:34pm

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Loredana Passariello, co-owner of La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana in Miami Beach, Florida, has won the Neapolitan division at the International Pizza Challenge (IPC) held during the International Pizza Expo. As the winner, Passariello also competed for the overall Pizza Maker of the Year award, becoming the only woman to achieve this milestone in 2026.

Why it matters

Passariello's victory is a significant achievement for women in the male-dominated pizza industry, and she hopes it will inspire more women to enter the field and believe in themselves. Her award-winning Marinara pizza is now a staple on the menu at La Leggenda, where it is the most affordable entrée, showcasing her commitment to quality and accessibility.

The details

For the Neapolitan division, Passariello opted to create a Marinara pie, which she finished with hand-crushed San Marzano DOP tomatoes, fresh garlic, oregano, and extra-virgin olive oil. Her dough was made with a combination of flour, water, salt, and a small amount of yeast, fermented for 24 hours at room temperature to achieve a higher hydration and an open, light, and digestible gluten structure that respects Neapolitan standards. She baked the pizza for 60 seconds at 450 C.

  • The International Pizza Challenge (IPC) was held from March 24-26, 2026 during the International Pizza Expo.
  • Passariello has been operating La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana with her partner of 30 years, Giovanni Gagliardi.

The players

Loredana Passariello

The co-owner of La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana in Miami Beach, Florida, and the winner of the Neapolitan division at the 2026 International Pizza Challenge.

Giovanni Gagliardi

Passariello's partner of 30 years and co-owner of La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana.

La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana

The Miami Beach, Florida-based pizzeria co-owned by Loredana Passariello and Giovanni Gagliardi.

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What they’re saying

“It's a great honor and also a responsibility. I hope this result inspires more women to enter this field and believe in themselves.”

— Loredana Passariello, Co-owner, La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana

“After more than 30 years working side by side with my husband, this victory represents love, sacrifice and dedication. It's a dream come true.”

— Loredana Passariello, Co-owner, La Leggenda Pizzeria Napoletana

What’s next

Passariello hopes to compete in the International Pizza Challenge again in the future, as she loves challenging herself and continuing to grow as a pizzaiola.

The takeaway

Loredana Passariello's historic victory as the first woman to win the Pizza Maker of the Year title at the International Pizza Expo showcases the growing influence and talent of women in the traditionally male-dominated pizza industry. Her award-winning Marinara pizza has become a signature dish at her Miami Beach pizzeria, highlighting her commitment to quality, authenticity, and accessibility.