The round-up: here’s where to find the best tiramisu on the Gold Coast
Caffeine fiends the world over were rocked last week when it was reported that chef Roberto “Loli” Linguanotto, the visionary behind the cherished Italian dessert tiramisu, passed away. It was a simple mistake in the kitchen by Loli (dropping mascarpone into a bowl of eggs and sugar) that would lead him to develop the dessert alongside wife, Alba. Named after the Italian phrase for “pick me up”, Loli introduced tiramisu to the world in 1972. A mouth-watering medley of espresso, ladyfingers and cocoa powder, the tiramisu has captivated our palates for decades. We’ve rounded up the best tiramisu across the Gold Coast so you can grab a hearty spoonful and salute the legacy of this beloved dessert doyen.
Tommy’s Italian, Currumbin: The 120-seat trattoria can be found in a converted 1920s building on Pacific Parade, Currumbin. The all-day menu is stacked with Italian delicacies, cooked to perfection with Australian produce. The dolci menu is led by Tommy’s original tiramisu – an orthodox take on the classic dessert with house-made elements. A generous heaping of Tommy’s original tiramisu is the perfect finish to your Italian feast.
Balboa Italian Restaurant, Palm Beach: This Palm Beach institution is best known for its modern Italian flair, bringing a slice of rustic charm to the beachside. The restaurant revolves around its traditional, hand-made, woodfired pizza oven, firing up a menu of blistered pizzas as well as pastas, sumptuous secondi plates and of course, dessert. The house tiramisu is widely considered a must-order item. Made of 70 percent cocoa powder, this indulgent dessert uses traditional savoiardi biscuits and sweet masala to perfect its rich and complex flavour.
The Deli by Pepe’s Italia, Palm Beach: Home to a menu of authentic dishes and take-home meals, this restaurant and deli hybrid has been soothing Palm Beach’s Italian cravings for years. Family owned and operated, The Deli by Pepe Italia is on a mission to bring people together through the power of Italian cuisine. However, the addictive nature of The Deli by Pepe’s Italian tiramisu might threaten this goal because you most definitely won’t want to share. Fortunately, the deli is even stocked with take-home packs so you can bring the delicacy back to your place.
Sofia’s Bar & Restaurant, Broadbeach: Nestled in The Oasis Shopping Centre, Sofia’s airy-white restaurant feels straight from Positano – complete with mismatched colourful plates, flowing Aperol and a stacked dessert menu. Sofia’s is committed to using only the finest local ingredients as well as a few imported delicacies from the motherland, and its tiramisu is no exception. Sofia’s house-made tiramisu boasts cloud-like Italian mascarpone loaded with rich espresso and bathed in cocoa powder and a secret blend of liquors. Even Nonna would be proud. You can also grab this tiramisu at Sofia’s sibling venues FARINA & Co and Luna’s Pizza & Wine.
MOZZA MOZZA, Southport: Decked out in pops of orange, olive trees and beige tones, MOZZA MOZZA serves up authentic Italian dishes from a minimalist modern trattoria. Whilst the dining room is anchored by a personalised woodfired pizza oven that’s firing up pizzas made on 48-hour fermented dough, you won’t want to skimp on its dessert menu. MOZZA MOZZA’s liqueur-spiked tiramisu is served straight from the pan at your table. This version of the luscious dessert is made from local ingredients and marks the perfect finale to your indulgent MOZZA MOZZA meal.
Honourable mentions: Can’t get enough of this coffee-cocoa goodness? You’re in luck. The beloved Bam Bam Bakehouse does a tiramisu tart – complete with coffee cremeux, chocolate sponge, ‘tiramisu’ chantilly. For our early birds, Kefi Cafe just dropped a tiramisu hotcake (and even bakes up tiramisu brownies on occasion).
Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg! Feel free to send us your faves.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
