With her mobile phone ringing constantly, deliveries arriving through the door and her three sons preparing for a busy night ahead, restaurant owner Gabriella Cavuoto is beaming.
Boasting her trademark welcoming smile, Gabriella describes the history of her family business, the European Cafe, which is the oldest restaurant on The Parade, Norwood.
“We have been here for more than 45 years. We were the first pizza shop to open on The Parade and people keep coming back over the years because we haven’t changed,” she said.
“People want consistency and that’s what we are – consistent.”
Gabriella, her husband Giorgio and three sons, Gianni, Ricardo and Julian, work around the clock to ensure the European Café – at 219 The Parade – delivers exceptional service with modern and traditional Italian cuisine.
“We are famous for our gnocchi ragu and our polenta with gorgonzola and spinach sauce,” Gabriella said. “Customers also love our veal saltimbocca – we tried to take off the menu but people order it anyway. We sell out without it even being on the menu.”
Last year, the business launched a series of Sunday lunches, themed around having lunch at Nonna’s. “We offered a different menu, very traditional,” Gabriella said. “We held three or four last year and we’ll probably do more this year because people like coming to Sunday lunch.”
With busy nights accommodating more than 100 people plus a private function room, Gabriella said the future is looking very bright for the European Cafe, which is commonly described as an “institution”.
“We really care – we have a connection with our customers, most of whom are on a first-name basis. When people leave, even if we’re busy, we always shout goodbye because that’s the European Cafe experience.
“On one memorable interaction a couple who were getting engaged came back here on purpose because they met here and they wanted to sit at the exact table where they met. It was a Saturday night and the whole restaurant joined in the celebrations. Things like that happen a lot here.”
And what would Gabriella say to anyone who hasn’t been to the European Café yet?
“We make everything here, from our renowned gnocchi to our huge range of desserts, so come along and try good, honest food – you will love it.”