Pasticceria Via Reggio: Best bakery in Blacktown and Mt Druitt

They’re known for making the best cannoli in western Sydney, and now they’ve been crowned the best bakery in Blacktown. Can you guess who?

After a year like no other, one Blacktown bakery has risen above the challenges to be voted the best in the region.

Pasticceria via Reggio in Blacktown had not long celebrated 30 years in business when the COVID pandemic hit last March and rocked small businesses.

The shop’s bread and butter – weddings, birthdays, christenings – were cancelled as the virus took hold, and a large part of the business came to a halt.

Pasticceria Via Reggio's Daniele Scullino, Kristy Jacobs, Joe Marchetta, Ivana Cassar and Khiara Lizzio. Picture: Kate Lockley

But thanks to their established reputation and a steady stream of loyal customers, it’s back to business for Pasticceria via Reggio as life slowly returns to COVID normal.

The family business is known among locals for their delicious cannoli and coffees and was recently voted the best bakery in the Blacktown and Mt Druitt region.

Pastry chef and owner Joe Marchetta said the business was flourishing with a new van and new-look shop.

A list of orders put on hold during COVID were now back on people resumed life’s celebrations.

“It has been amazing because there have been repeat customers and they have been coming to support us and they have been saying, ‘I’m glad you’re still here, we want to keep coming,” Mr Marchetta said.

“To hear that is very gratifying. We’ve got that assurance from our customers that they’re happy to know we’ve pulled through.”

Joe Marchetta with Pasticceria Via Reggio’s new van. Picture: Kate Lockley

He said it was repeat customers who keep the business going through the worst of the shutdown.

“We didn’t go backwards, but we did slow down,” he said.

“Between a few coffees and a few pies and a bit of outside work we cruised through it.

“We managed to keep our staff and now it’s all gun’s firing.”

If there’s one silver lining, Mr Marchetta said it was having Sunday’s off for the first time in more than three decades.

Joe and his wife Sandra Marchetta celebrated 30 years in business in 2019. Picture: Angelo Velardo

“The last 12 months I have not come in on a Sunday as there is no need,” he said.

“All in all, I can’t really condemn COVID. It’s been good to us.

“Especially with the cooler weather now, people are eating and drinking more and wanting to go out for a coffee.

“Thank you to our customers, it’s a big reward for our efforts.”