A cosmopolitan team with a background in private catering has opened a new pizzeria in a space that was formerly home to another Italian eatery.
Jessica Pennesi and her chef husband Daniele last week opened Nasone Pizzeria and Bar at Golden Beach, serving authentic Roman-style food.
The couple’s journey to opening Nasone began in 2017 when they arrived in Australia from Rome. They started with a food trailer, working long nights at markets and private events, gradually building a loyal following.
“This dream has been with us for many years. Every step of our journey, every customer and every wedding, helped us arrive here,” Ms Pennesi said.
The name ‘Nasone’ comes from the word for public fountains found on street corners in Rome, which are always running with fresh drinking water.
“It is simple, honest, always there for everyone. That idea inspired us – we want to be a place people can rely on, welcoming, genuine and part of daily life,” Ms Pennesi said.
She said Golden Beach was the perfect place for the eatery, which was formerly home to Pizzeria Sisily. The popular Cafe Sisily continues to operate next door.
“Many of our catering clients and supporters live locally and we loved the relaxed coastal lifestyle. When the opportunity came up, we felt it was the right place for our family business,” she said.
Ms Pennesi – who is a chef in the catering business but manages Nasone’s front of house and day-to-day operations – said food had always been central to their lives.
“Food has always been our way of bringing people together. We have spent many years catering weddings and events across the Sunshine Coast, and we fell in love with watching people eat, celebrate and create memories around our dishes,” she said.
“Opening a pizzeria felt like the natural next step – a place where the community can come every day, not only for special occasions.”
She said they aimed to create a warm, informal Italian atmosphere with a focus on authentic food.
“Our menu focuses on traditional Italian flavours, beautiful antipasti and recipes connected to our memories and our regions,” she said.
“The margherita Romana with pecorino romano is a favourite because it shows how beautiful simplicity can be. The carbonara and amatriciana pizzas are inspired by the iconic sauces of Rome and bring those true flavours to our kitchen. And of course, we are very proud of our Nasone pizza, topped with Italian sausage and finocchiona salami – bold, generous and full of character.”
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Ms Pennesi said customer response in the opening weeks had been encouraging.
“We have felt incredible support. Guests have been patient while we learn and many tell us they can already feel the love behind what we are building. Seeing returning faces means everything to us,” she said.
Nasone’s team of about 10 staff members represents an international mix from Italy, Chile, France and Australia.
“Building a team from zero has been emotional and challenging, but we are very proud of them,” she said.
“Many are young and growing with us, and we are creating our culture together.”
The Pennesis are waiting on a liquor licence approval, which they said would enhance the overall experience once granted.
Catering remains a major part of the business, with the restaurant operating alongside ongoing wedding and private event services.
“Nasone is an addition, not a replacement,” Ms Pennesi said.
She said opening the venue had been intense in terms of systems, staffing, compliance and long hours, but was ultimately rewarding.
“The biggest challenge is also the most beautiful one: turning a dream into reality while keeping the heart of it alive,” she said.
“We want Nasone to be a place for everyone, every day – somewhere you know you will find a smile, good food and a story behind every dish. We love talking to our customers and sharing those stories.”
Nasone Pizzeria and Bar is off Jellicoe Street and open Tuesday to Saturday.
