Bello e Buono — Restaurant in Sawtell

I’m not Italian by blood. I’m a first fleeter. White convict stock with a sunburnt soul and a passport full of stamps. But after learning to ride a Vespa through the chaos of Florence in the late ’80s - no helmet, bad decisions, and a heart full of Chianti - I earned my honorary stripes. Italy isn’t just a place. It’s a fever. Once it gets under your skin, it never really leaves.

The people? Mad, passionate, opinionated, endlessly stylish. The kind of folks who argue about tomatoes like it’s politics. The food? It doesn’t whisper. It sings arias. And the love of life? Palpable. Like espresso - hot, strong, and guaranteed to leave a mark.

So when I was wandering through some sleepy coastal town in Australia and saw Bello e Buono, I stopped in my tracks. Through the doors: a glimmer of the old country. A real Italian owner. Pasta. Focaccia stacked like edible art. And Ona coffee - Australia’s crown jewel in a cup, maybe the world’s, if you ask the right people.

I didn’t hesitate.

We ordered two piadine - thin, soft, like an Italian hug folded in half. One filled with fresh mozzarella, pesto, tomato, and rocket kissed with lemon. The other: prosciutto, scamorza, more tomato, more rocket, more reasons to believe in something greater. Simple. Unapologetically good.

The coffee? Look, great beans are just a start. Without a skilled hand, they’re nothing but potential. But here, the barista knew the gospel. The result? Liquid gold. Balance, body, bite - everything in tune like a symphony in a demitasse.

For a moment, I wasn’t in Australia. I was back in Florence, on a Vespa, chasing some kind of...

Super warm atmosphere and yummy food!!! Friendly staff & hearty food & it's clearly a local favourite! Super accommodating to my mate who has a newborn and I when we like to Meetup in our hometown incognito over a nice meal!!! Since I live in Sydney most of the year this really gives me Leichhardt vibes and based on the accent & hospitality of the staff members this deli/cafe is real hearty & contains that authentic hospitality that Italians are known for!!!

Make sure you book ahead as it's super busy regardless of the time of day & planning ahead never hurt anyone! We were a little late ourselves but the staff members still saved it for us from...

Dropped into Sawtell on the way home to the Gold Coast from Port Macquarie and found this delightful little Italian Cafe and had lunch. The Gluten Free Piadina (Venezia) was molto delicioso and the fresh mixed Berry smoothie just added to the menu was heaven. Just waiting to devour the GF Italian Apple Plum cake, which I'm sure will be equally impressive. The lovely staff were welcoming and friendly and yes we actually got greeted with a smile. Great location. I wish we lived closer so I could visit regularly. My wife's focaccia was excellent and fresh. 10 out of...