La Storia

Giacomo Pasqualini's

Italian Soul, Sydney Spirit

La Storia

My name is Giacomo Pasqualini, and I come from Senigallia, a small town on the east coast of Italy. Food has always been part of my life. Growing up, my mum and grandmother were incredible cooks, and I was always in the kitchen asking questions, trying to learn every secret behind the dishes they made. I started cooking very young — usually for myself and my brother — often leaving a huge mess behind for my mum to find when she came home.

At 14 years old, I began studying hospitality in my hometown while also working in a busy Italian pizzeria. By 18, I had completed my hospitality diploma, but my learning never stopped. Over the years I worked across catering, hotels, traditional restaurants, and even a Michelin-starred kitchen. At 24, I opened my own restaurant in Italy — one of the proudest moments of my career.

In 2017, I moved to Australia looking for a new challenge and a new chapter in life. Once I arrived in Sydney, I realised something: people truly love Italian food here, but authentic Italian cooking — the kind I grew up with — wasn't always easy to find.

That became my mission.

At 51 Café, I want to share real Italian food made the way I was taught: from scratch, using fresh ingredients, experience, and passion. No shortcuts, no cutting corners. Just honest food, cooked with care and respect for tradition. I believe quality shouldn't have to come with unreasonable prices, which is why I aim to offer authentic Italian flavours that are accessible to everyone.

Every dish reflects where I come from, what I've learned over the years, and the people who first taught me to love cooking.

Welcome — I hope you enjoy our food as much as I enjoy making it.

— Giacomo