Our story
Just like Mamma makes.
Mamma G's is a tribute to Joyce Gambaro. To the Gambaro family, she is Mamma. To Coolangatta, she is the reason this deli exists.
The Gambaro story begins in 1937 in Falerna, a small village in Calabria, Italy, where Michael Gambaro, father to John, Frank and Donny, was born. In 1950, at just thirteen years old, Michael made the long journey to Australia and settled in Brisbane, bringing his family’s recipes with him and their traditions in his hands.
Three years later, in 1953, he bought a shop on Caxton Street. What began there has grown, over seven decades, into one of Australia’s most respected hospitality families.
But before all of that, and behind all of it, there has always been the family kitchen. And in the family kitchen, there has always been Joyce. Mamma to her children, grandchildren, and everyone who has ever sat at her table.
Mamma G’s is her deli. A small, honest neighbourhood store where the food is made with the same care she pours into every meal she cooks. Charcuterie and salumi. Fresh pasta and slow-simmered sauces. Focaccia straight from the oven. The pantry staples of good Italian home cooking, side by side with the best artisanal local, regional and national produce.
A place to grab a coffee. To collect dinner. To bring a little Calabria home with you.
Mamma taught us how. This is our way of saying thank you.
The Gambaro Family
Come say ciao.
227 Boundary Street, Coolangatta QLD 4225. Opening Tuesday 29 September 2026.