Interview by Tijana Ibrahimovic;
Edited and Translated by Tamara Patrizi
Gino Sorbillo (born 1974 in Naples, Italy) is one of the world’s most famous master pizza chefs (pizzaiuoli) and a prominent global ambassador for traditional Neapolitan pizza. Born into pizza royalty, he is the grandson of Luigi Sorbillo and Carolina Esposito, who founded their legendary family pizzeria at 32 Via dei Tribunali in Naples back in 1935.
🍕 Early Life & Pizza Royalty
Sorbillo’s grandparents famously raised 21 children, all of whom became pizza makers. Gino is the son of Salvatore (the 19th child) and grew up learning the craft alongside his beloved aunt, Zia Esterina, a legendary figure who helped raise the family and ran the fryers. Gino served his very first Margherita pizza at just nine years old. In the 1990s, he and his brother Toto officially took over the historic Via dei Tribunali shop, transforming it into a global culinary landmark famously known for hours-long queues.
🚀 Culinary Expansion & Philosophy
Sorbillo elevated the traditional, working-class street food of Naples into a respected contemporary art form. His signature pizza style is “the pizza of the poor alleys”—traditionally thin, very large, generous, and accessible. He prioritizes organic flour, mother yeast, and seasonal Campania ingredients recognized by the Slow Food Ark of Taste.
Today, his culinary empire stretches far beyond Naples under brands like Pizzeria Gino Sorbillo, Lievito Madre, and Zia Esterina (dedicated to fried pizza).
📺 Media Presence & Accolades
Sorbillo is a highly recognizable television personality and a regular face on Italian food media. He has served as a guest judge on MasterChef Italia, a resident pizza expert on Rai 1’s La Prova del Cuoco, and has been featured globally in documentaries by National Geographic and Discovery.
In 2016, the International School of Italian Cuisine (ALMA) awarded him the prestigious Master of Arts and Crafts title. He also served as a prominent ambassador for the successful 2017 UNESCO bid to recognize the art of the Neapolitan Pizzaiuolo as World Intangible Cultural Heritage. In 2020, he was knighted as a Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
🥊 Anti-Mafia Stance & Food Controversies
- Standing up to the Camorra: Sorbillo is celebrated for his resilience against organized crime. In April 2012, his historic Naples pizzeria was severely damaged in a fire widely tied to the Camorra mafia after he refused to pay extortion fees (pizzo). Undeterred, he rebuilt immediately and continues to use his platform for social good, including partnerships that support Amnesty International.
- Shaking up Tradition: Despite his deep roots in tradition, Sorbillo loves to stir the pot. He frequently makes international headlines and sparks outrage among Italian culinary purists by creating boundary-pushing pizzas topped with controversial ingredients like pineapple, bananas, and even watermelon slices to challenge culinary snobbery.
We can also show you how to make a pizza yourself! Here is our pizza class video at Kesté