Born in Perugia, Italy, to an Italian mother and a French-Tunisian father, Youssef Ben Touati was destined for a life in food. Raised in a multicultural household and surrounded by a family deeply rooted in the hospitality industry, Youssef’s culinary journey began early. By the age of 11, he was clearing tables in his uncle’s Tuscan restaurant; by 14, he was in the kitchen prepping ingredients, and at 16, he was cooking full-time—laying the foundation for a career that would span continents.
Youssef’s passion for pizza took shape at “La Casetta,” his uncle’s pizzeria in Perugia, where his natural talent and relentless drive caught the attention of the Italian National Team of Pizzaioli. Under the guidance of Danilo Pagano, he competed nationally and internationally, winning first place in FreeStyle Pizza and a bronze in Gourmet Pizza at the 2013 International Pizza Championship in Rimini.
Today, Youssef is a decorated member of the Acrobatic Pizza Italian Team, known for his entertaining dough-spinning performances. While his flair captures the crowd, he never loses sight of the rigorous craftsmanship that defines true pizza-making. He has earned multiple world championship titles across categories including Pizza STG (Napoletana), Pizza Classica, and Pizza Dessert, as well as prestigious awards like the “Trofeo Pizza d’Autore” and special recognition at the Trofeo Pulcinella in Naples.
In 2014, Youssef moved to Brisbane, Australia, seeking new challenges and opportunities. Despite arriving with limited English, his skill and charisma quickly made an impact. He has worked at top establishments such as Tartufo and Mr. Paganini, while also consulting for leading brands like Valoriani wood-fired ovens and Le 5 Stagioni.
Youssef’s presence extends beyond the kitchen—he has captivated audiences at events like Festitalia and the Ingham Australian Italian Festival, and performed on major TV shows including Italia’s Got Talent and Australia’s Got Talent. For him, these moments are more than entertainment—they’re a chance to share joy, culture, and tradition, especially with younger generations.
A staunch advocate for authenticity, Youssef tailors dough recipes to suit diverse tastes while remaining grounded in the principles of traditional Italian pizza. His dedication to the “white art”—pizza, bread, pasta, and pastry—reflects in both his teaching and certifications.
Whether consulting, performing, or crafting the perfect pizza, Youssef Ben Touati is on a mission to inspire, educate, and bring people together through his love of food.
