The Deli by Pepe and Burleigh Gelato Co. have teamed up for a new Italian street-food concept, Piada Co
The Deli by Pepe and Burleigh Gelato Co. are both highly regarded in their respective culinary corners. In news that is guaranteed to have your taste buds tingling, the teams behind the celebrated spots have joined forces to open Piada Co – a mouth-watering new concept inspired by Italian street food. After eight long months, we’ve got our first taste of the light and bright new noshery …
Transforming the once-dark and moody RaRa Ramen space into a vibrant, coastal eatery, Piada Co is a refreshing addition to Burleigh’s dining options. With its bright maroon tables and orange-striped upholstery reminiscent of Amalfi’s iconic beach umbrellas, the chic 50-seater exudes a breezy, seaside charm that invites you to linger with an Aperol in one hand and a piadina in the other.
The masterminds behind this new hotspot are Andrea and Alexa Fabrizio, owners of Palm Beach’s beloved The Deli by Pepe, along with Bree Edwards and Simon Bird of Burleigh Gelato Co. The four entrepreneurs first crossed paths as neighbours in the beachside suburb, and their shared passion for food sparked the idea for Piada Co. Andrea, drawing on his Italian heritage, envisioned a place that celebrates the street food of Romagna — think piadinas, burrata bowls, and suppli, which is like arancini but better. Bree and Simon didn’t need convincing, they we’re in. “We knew that we worked really well together,” Bree said. “We all have our different strengths and we were really confident in that process.”
Although the obvious choice given the group’s existing businesses would have been a pizza, pasta and gelato offering, that wasn’t something that was ever considered Bree tells us. “We never even contemplated doing pizza or pasta. We just feel like … the Gold Coast needed something new and fresh. A different concept.”
And different it is. At Piada Co, piadinas (also known as piadas) take centre stage. For the uninitiated, a piadina is a traditional Italian flatbread filled with an array of mouth-watering ingredients. Classic options like salami, mortadella, prosciutto and porchetta are available, but those with adventurous palates might opt for the meatball smash, tuna, or chicken schnitzel variations. The bread itself is a highlight – made fresh in-house daily using imported Italian zero flour, it’s lighter, less processed and easier to digest.
Alongside the piadinas, you’ll find a selection of street food favourites, including suppli (think giant arancini balls filled with gooey cheese), burrata bowls featuring Byron Bay’s award-winning burrata with fresh tomato and basil, and crispy calamari fritti. And for dessert? Don’t miss the Nutella-slathered piadina or the hero of the sweet offerings – cannoli in pistachio, chocolate and Biscoff flavours.
Piada Co also boasts a unique drink menu, featuring their take on frappes, served in cans and made with Japanese soft serve so they’re creamy, dreamy and downright delicious. Flavours like chocolate, coffee, strawberry, matcha and Biscoff are poured and canned on the spot – simply shake and enjoy! If you’re in the mood for something stronger, the menu includes ready-to-drink cocktails like Aperol spritz, as well as wines and beers.
With around 50 seats available inside and out, Piada Co offers a laid-back, modern vibe that’s perfect for enjoying a leisurely meal. But if the sun’s out and the beach is calling, simply grab your piadina to go and savour it picnic-style on the hill, letting the fresh sea breeze complete your Italian street-food experience.
Piada Co is now open! Head to our Stumble Guide for opening times.
The Stumble Guide is our comprehensive Gold Coast dining guide with more than 870 places to eat, drink, shop and play.
