Discover Lorenzo’s Gem, a little taste of Italy in Eumundi serving authentic Italian gelato, coffee and delicious Italian treats.
There’s a new reason to indulge when visiting Eumundi. Lorenzo’s Gem Gelato Coffee Bar has brought a taste of authentic Italy to the heart of town, combining traditional Italian gelato with coffee, sweet treats and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
But behind this new Eumundi business is a love story that began in Australia and grew stronger in Italy.
From Parma to Eumundi
Before meeting Lorenzo, Gem had been considering buying a café. Then the couple travelled to Italy together, visiting Venice, Rome, Lake Como and Florence before spending time with Lorenzo’s family in his hometown of Parma.
It was there that Gem tried spagnola gelato for the first time – a creamy flavour featuring Italian Amarena cherries and dark Italian chocolate – and fell in love with it.
Italy, Lorenzo’s family, food and the simple pleasure of bringing people together around a shared experience all became part of the couple’s vision for the future.
Rather than returning home to pursue separate careers, they decided to create something together.
Their idea? Bring a little piece of Italy to the Sunshine Coast.
A taste of Italy in Eumundi
Lorenzo began researching traditional Italian gelato-making while Gem searched for the perfect location.
With guidance from an Italian gelato chef, they imported their Capigiani Italian gelato machine and Pozzetti and began creating their own authentic flavours.
When they discovered their little shop in Eumundi, everything fell into place.
The couple had already fallen in love with Eumundi as visitors, regularly coming to town for coffee, the markets and a wander through the village. They loved its distinctive personality and strong sense of community.
They wanted to become part of a community rather than simply open a business – and Eumundi felt like the perfect fit.
Authentic Italian gelato and treats
Lorenzo’s Gem is all about creating an experience, not simply serving gelato.
Visitors can take their time choosing a flavour, ask questions, try something new and enjoy a chat with Gem and Lorenzo.
The gelato includes traditional favourites such as stracciatella and bacio, alongside specialty flavours made with carefully sourced Italian ingredients.
The spagnola combines a creamy crema base with Amarena cherries and dark Italian chocolate, while the hazelnut flavour uses hazelnuts from Piemonte in northern Italy. Pistachio lovers can enjoy pistachios sourced from Sicily.
Lorenzo is also constantly experimenting, with new flavours regularly appearing for returning customers to discover.
Alongside the gelato, the café serves coffee, traditional Roman maritozzi filled with Madagascar vanilla cream, pastrami toasties, buttery ham and cheese croissants, macarons and tempting sweet pastries.
A new Eumundi favourite
One of the most rewarding parts of opening has been getting to know the local community.
Lorenzo and Gem have quickly become familiar faces to families in Eumundi, including children from Eumundi State School and surrounding schools.
They already know many young customers by name, along with their favourite flavours and special orders.
The couple are also creating an Italian-inspired feel in the little alleyway beside the shop, making it a welcoming spot for families to pause and enjoy their treats.
Make a day of your Eumundi visit
Planning a visit to Eumundi? Wednesday and Saturday are perfect days to explore the town and experience the famous Eumundi Markets.
Spend the morning browsing market stalls, then wander through the village discovering independent shops, galleries, cafés and local businesses.
Stop for lunch, enjoy the parks with the kids and finish the day with a scoop of authentic Italian gelato at Lorenzo’s Gem.
There are plenty of reasons to spend a whole day in Eumundi – and Lorenzo’s Gem is another delicious addition to the town’s food scene.
With traditional Italian granita planned for summer and plenty more ideas in development, there will be even more reasons to return.
Whether you’re visiting for the markets, enjoying a Sunshine Coast day trip or simply looking for something delicious, make time to discover Lorenzo’s Gem.
Come for the gelato, stay for the feeling – and take a little taste of Italy home with you.
Getting to Eumundi
Eumundi is located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, approximately:
20 minutes from Noosa/ 35 minutes from Maroochydore/ 1 hour 45 minutes from Brisbane
The village is an easy day trip destination and one of the most popular places to visit during school holidays on the Sunshine Coast.
Author: Hayley Gee, Experience Eumundi
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