For Chef Leo Spizzirri, exceptional food isn’t just a profession, it’s in his blood. As a first-generation Italian-American, Leo’s passion for pizza began in his childhood kitchen, where he spent countless hours alongside his Mom and Nana Gilda. They nurtured his love for traditional Italian cooking, embraced his perfectionist streak, and tolerated the creative chaos that came with his endless culinary experiments.
That early passion evolved into world-class expertise. Trained by Head Master Graziano Bertuzzo and 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani, Chef Leo earned the prestigious distinction of becoming one of only 100 Master Instructors worldwide from the Scuola Italiana Pizzaioli in Venice, Italy. He’s also a proud member of the World Pizza Champions Team.
A Chicago native, Chef Leo has left his mark on the local pizza scene through his work with Giordano’s Famous Stuffed Pizza, Francesca’s Restaurant Group, Labriola Baking Company, and Bakery Cafe. As Corporate Pizzaiolo at The BG Hospitality Group, he oversees pizza operations for the Gia Mia Pizza Bar brand.
His expertise in dough rheology and high-speed manufacturing has positioned him at the forefront of pizza innovation, where he’s supported major national brands across the United States and Canada in commercial artisan bread and frozen pizza production.
While the accolades are impressive, Chef Leo’s true passion lies in education. Through his “Ask Chef Leo” social media and YouTube channels, he shares tips, tricks, recipes, and tutorials for pizza professionals and home foodies alike. His mission is simple: to bring his knowledge and passion directly into your home and life.
With his tattooed, punk rock exterior and warm, relaxed teaching style, Chef Leo offers unmatched technical expertise delivered with authenticity and encouragement. He believes in learning from mistakes and inspiring experimentation, empowering you to become your own “Culinarian and Pizzologist!”
Want personalized, one-on-one training with Chef Leo? Whether you’re a pizza professional looking to refine your craft or a passionate home cook ready to master the art of pizza making, Chef Leo offers customized training programs tailored to your goals. Learn about our services here and start your journey to becoming a true pizzailo!
