Miami Restaurant Owner Wins International Pizza Contest Her Husband Previously Won

Loredana Passariello becomes one of the first women to take the Neapolitan division title at the prestigious competition.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic pizza slice repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the celebration of a woman's historic achievement in the male-dominated culinary field.A landmark win for women in the pizza industry, as a Miami restaurant owner becomes one of the first to take home the prestigious International Pizza Challenge title.Today in Miami

Loredana Passariello, co-owner of La Leggenda Pizzeria in Miami, has become one of the first women to win the Neapolitan division of the International Pizza Challenge, a prestigious competition her husband Giovanni has won in the past. Passariello, who used to be an accountant in Italy before moving to the U.S. and opening the restaurant with her husband of 30 years, hopes her victory will inspire more women to enter the pizza industry.

Why it matters

Passariello's win is a landmark achievement for women in the male-dominated pizza industry. As one of the few women to ever win the Neapolitan division of the International Pizza Challenge, her success helps break down barriers and encourages other women to pursue their passions in the culinary field.

The details

Passariello competed in the International Pizza Challenge in Las Vegas on March 24, 2026 in the Neapolitan division. Her winning pizza was made with the same fermented dough recipe used at La Leggenda Pizzeria, topped with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, oregano, and olive oil, and baked for just one minute in an 842°F oven.

  • Passariello and her husband Giovanni have co-owned La Leggenda Pizzeria in Miami for 30 years.
  • Passariello won the Neapolitan division of the International Pizza Challenge on March 24, 2026.
  • Giovanni has previously won awards at the International Pizza Challenge and holds a Guinness World Record.

The players

Loredana Passariello

The co-owner of La Leggenda Pizzeria in Miami, who became one of the first women to win the Neapolitan division of the International Pizza Challenge.

Giovanni Passariello

Loredana's husband and co-owner of La Leggenda Pizzeria, who has previously won awards at the International Pizza Challenge and holds a Guinness World Record.

Umberto Fornito

Loredana and Giovanni's late friend, whose name was coincidentally engraved on the award Loredana won.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I [wanted] to prove that all those years of sacrifice can actually yield results. I wanted to validate our shared work and see what those 30 years of working side-by-side with him had truly amounted to.”

— Loredana Passariello, Co-owner, La Leggenda Pizzeria

“Quite unexpectedly, I won! I won a very prestigious championship.”

— Loredana Passariello, Co-owner, La Leggenda Pizzeria

“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

“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

What’s next

Passariello plans to compete in the International Pizza Challenge again, as she loves 'challenging myself and continuing to grow.' She hopes her win will inspire more women to enter the pizza industry.

The takeaway

Loredana Passariello's historic win at the International Pizza Challenge not only validates her and her husband's decades-long partnership in the pizza business, but also serves as a powerful symbol of progress for women in the male-dominated culinary field. Her success is sure to motivate others to pursue their passions and break down barriers in the industry.