Italian chef loses appeal after being dismissed for refusing pineapple topping

The Guardian reported that Davide Tamburella was dismissed from his role at La Costa after he refused to add pineapple to a pizza, a topping the restaurant described as controversial. The Fair Work Commission heard the case, and Tamburella’s bid to be reinstated was rejected. La Costa, which marketed itself as an "elegant slice of Italy" in Queensland’s sunshine state, featured sea‑foam green and white decor, exposed brick columns and European oak tables. Its website still carries the line, “We promise, it’ll only take a moment to realize you’re not in Brisbane anymore, you’ve made it to the Italian Riviera.” The chef’s termination and the subsequent hearing have drawn attention to the balance of authority between employers and kitchen staff over menu decisions.

Why it matters

The decision highlights how disputes over menu choices can affect employment rights in the hospitality sector.

Key details

Location

Italy · Europe

Reported by

The Guardian

First reported

5 Nov 2026, 10:23 IST

Key names

Italian Riviera, Italian, Australia’s Fair Work Commission, Davide Tamburella

Section

Lifestyle

Sources

This is an independent summary. Read the full, original reporting from the publisher:

• The Guardian‘An insult to his culture’: Italian chef sacked for not putting pineapple on pizza loses bid to get job back 5 Nov, 10:23

Read the full story at The Guardian ↗

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