From Italy to Australia

Our story begins in the port city of Messina, Sicily, in 1947. At just 14 years of age, Giuseppe Luca stepped into the world of pastry at the renowned Pasticceria Irrera, beginning a lifelong devotion to craft, tradition, and excellence. It was here that he completed his apprenticeship and earned a reputation as one of Sicily’s most respected pastry chefs.

Years later, Giuseppe married the love of his life, Elisa, and together they welcomed their first child. United by family and ambition, they moved to Trastevere, Rome, where they opened their first wholesale business, supplying pasticcerie and gelaterie across the city with handmade Italian sweets.

In 1960, driven by hope and opportunity, Giuseppe and Elisa took a leap of faith and journeyed to Australia. With only £10, a single suitcase, and a dream of building something of their own, they began a new life in Melbourne. That dream became a reality in 1963 with the opening of Pasticceria Italia.

From that moment on, Pasticceria Italia became a defining story of family and tradition with every generation. Alongside their children, and grandchildren, Giuseppe and Elisa crafted Italian continental cakes, wedding cakes, biscuits, cannoli, granita, and countless sweets for the community that marked life’s most meaningful moments.

Today, Giuseppe’s grandson, Lui Jon, proudly carries the family legacy forward, honouring the past while embracing a modern vision. Our commitment to tradition and quality remains unwavering. Using only the finest ingredients and recipes passed down through generations, we bring the flavours of Italy to your table, from our family, to yours.