Even those of us who aren’t of Italian heritage dream of Sunday lunch at Nonna’s. The palette of colourful ingredients, the taste of the freshest produce, the scent of hand-kneaded dough baking and the feel of breaking that crusty bread all adding to the sound of joy, of family and friends united – delighting all our senses. This is what the team at Papa Luigi’s brings to the table six days a week.

Childhood sweethearts, Luke and Johanna Vitalone made the move from Sydney to Tamworth in 2016 with their two children, Bianca and Cody, in tow.

A carpenter by trade but Italian by birth, for Luke, Papa Luigi’s is an ode to family as you can see by his Nonna’s photo on the wall keeping a close eye over the kitchen.

Looking up at that photo, Luke proudly reminisces about his father talking of a time when his Nonna spent her days baking bread for people throughout Sydney suburbs. He remembers moments from his own childhood, the camaraderie created by seating strangers at a table together to share a meal – this concept is the motivation behind all they do here at Papa Luigi’s.

Opening the restaurant in 2020 was the pair’s first venture into the food and beverage industry and Johanna’s flare for entertaining is a perfect addition to the mix. It’s a skillset she’s honed after years spent as a guest performer singing on cruise ships – sailing with the likes of P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises.

In the kitchen

It’s June 2023, pre-dinner rush and here we are in the kitchen – Bianca is cooking a big batch of Nonna’s meatballs and Cody is standing at the ready by the pizza station. Luke and Johanna are on the sidelines tonight, discussing what pizza to serve up for me to try.

Luke suggests the traditional Acciuga – simply made with a tomato base, anchovies and mozzarella, but the kids chime in in chorus and suggest I try their most popular choice here in Tamworth, the Gourmet Supremo with salami, ham, cabanossi, onion, mushroom, anchovies – but wait THERE’S MORE – olives, capsicum, tomato, fetta, bocconcini and mozzarella. WOWEE that’s a lot! But I’m here for it.

I’ve been here before (a time or two!) and I’m all about the classics, Margarita, Pepperoni and their Meatball (Polpette) pizza with a six-hour slow cooked tomato base, Nonna’s homemade meatballs, mozzarella, ricotta and parsley – YUM. Their creamy Boscaiola hits the indulgent spot too! But tonight is a treat trying something new and they serve it up with a bottle of chianti – well hello.

The sweet stuff

Although you will fill up on bread, pizza and pasta, you’ll regret not getting dessert – check their menu featuring authentic Italian gelato, tiramisu, cannoli, affogato, chocolate mousse AND then there’s a nutella pizza. You’re welcome.

Pull up a chair

If you’re in the mood to people-watch, pull up a chair curbside with Papa Luigi’s located in the heart of Tamworth on Peel Street. Head inside and discover (in true Trattoria style) the back-to-back tables with red and white checkered tablecloths, a red rose on each. Or perhaps you’re up for being whisked away to Italy for a night? In that case, let your imagination take you there while enjoying your meal in the courtyard out back beneath a string of festoon lights. You’ll have hearty Italian fare to warm you up and if that’s not enough to get you outside this winter – don’t worry there are heaters!

What’s new and what’s next?

Luke and Johanna say there is so much more to come at Papa Luigi’s, as they start to find their feet post-pandemic. For starters, they’re now open for breakfast, coffee and snacks Wednesday to Sunday 8.00am – 2.00pm, with a build your own breakfast starting from just $8.00 for eggs on toast. Or maybe the roasted eggplant is calling your name?! It’s topped with grilled capsicum, onion and tomato sauce topped with a fried egg… winning.

They’re looking forward to putting on events soon too – think long lunches in the courtyard and footy nights… because pizza and footy, what a match! It all circles back to family and bringing good people together. Buon appetito!

2/24 Spains Lane | Kingswood NSW 2340 | (02) 6766 1957 | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Monday to Thursday 5.00pm–8.00pm | Friday 5.00pm–9.00pm | Saturday 11.30am–2.00pm, 5.00pm–9.00pm | Sunday 11.30am–2.00pm, 5.00pm–8.00pm | Words Claudia Monique