A Sunshine Coast business has been recognised as Queensland’s best tea house, taking out the state’s top prize along with several awards for its original blends.
The Silva Spoon, located at Cotton Tree, was acknowledged at the national Golden Leaf Awards, marking a major moment for the cafe that has welcomed locals and visitors for more than 16 years.
It received gold awards for Best Tea House (Queensland), Love Tea (flavoured black tea) and Berry Cheesecake aka Berry Bliss (freshly made iced tea), a silver award for Divine (herbal tea) and a bronze award for Baked Apple Rooibos (non-traditional chai).
The Golden Leaf Awards honoured outstanding teas sold in Australia and New Zealand, with entries assessed through blind tasting by professional tea judges.
For Fabrizia Roberto, who purchased The Silva Spoon with her husband Nick Laolao in 2025, the recognition is particularly special.
“To be recognised so significantly in our first year of stewardship, is so encouraging,” she said.
“To have our little shop in Cotton Tree recognised as Best Tea House in Queensland I believe is pretty amazing news for the local hospitality industry and we should feel pretty proud of it.”
Long before becoming its owner, she was a loyal customer for more than a decade, after first visiting the tea house when a friend hosted her surprise baby shower there.
The experience left a lasting impression, turning the tea house into a special place she returned to often over the years.
Now, just one year after taking over the business, the venue has been recognised with Queensland’s top tea house honour.
“This place has been part of my life for many years, so to now be its custodian and receive this recognition in our first year is incredibly special,” she said.
“The Silva Spoon has always been a place where people come to slow down and spend meaningful time together.
“Winning Best Tea House in Queensland tells us that what we’re creating here really resonates with people.”
Since opening in 2009, The Silva Spoon has built a loyal following among locals and visitors. It’s known for its relaxed atmosphere, house-made cakes and extensive tea offering.
Guests can explore more than 70 teas, from familiar favourites like black, green and chai to delicate white teas, oolongs, rooibos and vibrant herbal and fruit infusions, alongside specialty coffee and a curated range of teaware and gifts.
Ms Roberto said The Silva Spoon provided much more than tea offerings, too,
“The Silva Spoon is meant to be an inclusive place so while we specialise in tea, we put as much passion and care in crafting beautiful barista coffee.”
The tea house is particularly known for its signature high tea experiences, which celebrate tea not only in the cup but throughout the menu, with tea-infused food, iced tea creations, tea latte tastings and bottomless tea and coffee.
“All our cakes and scones are baked in-house by our fantastic staff,” Ms Roberto said.
“And we take orders for bespoke cakes for everything from weddings to birthdays.”
The venue attracts locals, families, couples and groups of friends looking for a place to slow down, as well as visitors seeking a uniquely Sunshine Coast experience or somewhere to celebrate life’s special moments.
Sharyn Johnston, head judge of the Golden Leaf Awards and founder and CEO of Australian Tea Masters applauded The Silva Spoon’s win.
“The Silva Spoon is one of the most innovative tea houses in Australia,” she said.
“Not only is their tea menu extensive with delicious teas available for everyone, but their food offerings are also amazing. We are so happy to see Silva Spoon win Best Tea House in Queensland.”
Ms Roberto said the recognition belongs as much to the community as it does to the business.
“The Silva Spoon has always been about bringing people together through experiences. We’re incredibly grateful to the community who continue to support us and make this place what it is,” she said.
The Silva Spoon is located at Shop 1, 27–29 Cotton Tree Parade, Maroochydore (Cotton Tree).
