‘It’s very unexpected’: Best Coast cafe revealed

The owners of a cafe less than a year old were thrilled to be voted as the Sunshine Coast’s best, citing their authenticity as the reason behind their success.

Cafe Sisily has been voted as the best cafe on the Sunshine Coast. Owners, Giuliana Steppa and Paolo Valvoletti with daughter Eliana. Picture: Patrick Woods

The owners of a cafe less than a year old were thrilled to be voted as the Sunshine Coast's best, citing their authenticity as the reason behind their success.

Cafe Sisily earned a huge portion of the votes out of 24 cafes in the running to be crowned as the region's best.

The Golden Beach authentic Italian bakery was opened by couple Giuliana Steppa and Paolo Valvoletti just before Covid hit last March.

Cafe Sisily has been voted as the best cafe on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Patrick Woods

Ms Steppa said the pair were humbled but extremely appreciative of their loyal customers for voting for them to win the crown.

"It is a big surprise considering we're less than 12 months old, but we're very grateful as well," she said.

"It's very unexpected. It's nice."

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Business took off for Cafe Sisily after its opening last year, with its authentic Italian cannolis one of the most popular items on the menu.

"The first couple of months were pretty crazy, but it's been really steady since and we've had a pretty good time this past year," Ms Steppa said.

Giuliana Steppa and Paolo Valvoletti with daughter Eliana. Picture: Patrick Woods

"It was totally unexpected to have such a huge response in that time, considering it was starting to get into the thick of Covid.

"But we just had a massive, massive response to it and people were just crazy."

Other than a loyal following, Ms Steppa believed their genuine Italian pastries were what set them apart from other cafes.

"I think because we're authentic we have a bit of a difference about us, like our cannolis have been the big wow factor for us really," she said.

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"I think maybe we're not your traditional patisserie that is on the Coast, we're trying to bring Italy to the Sunny Coast.

"(Paolo) has been in the industry since he was 12 years old … so he had an idea of what we wanted to do and I think that's why it's helped us win."

Cafe Sisily has been voted as the best cafe on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Patrick Woods

Celebrity chef Matt Preston said his search to find the best Coast cafe was just the start of the Delicious Local push.

"It's clear from the vast number of nominations and votes we saw come in that local communities are rallying around their favourite eateries; supporting those food businesses who have done it tough over the past 12 months," he said.

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"That is exactly what we set out to achieve.

"And this is just the beginning. Our local cafe winners are soon to appear in a statewide battle of the postcodes where the cream will rise to the top - as it always does!

"Don't forget to have your say by checking out your state finalists and voting for your favourite."

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