Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Lucchini Cakes - Authentic Italian Baking Since 1952
Established in 1952, we pioneered Italian cake-making on Lygon Street before expanding to Preston in 1973. Our family-owned business combines traditional Italian baking with modern Australian tastes, offering handcrafted cakes, pastries, and light meals. We pride ourselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create authentic flavours that have delighted generations of customers. Our cafe provides a unique dining experience with its artistic ambiance and commitment to quality coffee. Specialising in celebration cakes for weddings, birthdays, and baptisms, we continue to uphold our reputation for excellence.With decades of experience, we maintain the same passion for food that our founders established. Our team of skilled bakers and baristas ensures every product meets our exacting standards. We remain dedicated to evolving our menu while preserving traditional techniques. Our loyal customer base reflects our commitment to community and consistency. Today, we continue serving both classic favourites and innovative creations that cater to contemporary preferences.
Services
Wedding Cakes
Birthday Cakes
Baptism Cakes
Gourmet Coffee
Breakfast & Lunch
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We have over 70 years of experience in Italian baking tradition
- We use only fresh, locally sourced Australian ingredients
- Our family-owned business serves three generations of customers
- We offer custom-designed celebration cakes for all occasions
- Our cafe combines quality food with unique artistic ambiance
Services
Wedding Cakes
We create bespoke wedding cakes using premium ingredients, offering chocolate mud, white chocolate, and traditional fruit cake options. Our experienced cake designers work closely with couples to realise their vision, providing tastings and consultations. Each cake receives meticulous attention to detail, combining Italian baking traditions with contemporary design trends.
Gourmet Coffee
Our cafe serves premium Coffee Mio blends in various styles, from classic espressos to specialty drinks. Trained baristas prepare each beverage to perfection, complementing our baked goods and meals. The coffee program focuses on consistency and quality, with regular equipment maintenance and staff training ensuring optimal results.
Breakfast & Lunch
We offer Italian-inspired daily meals featuring homemade fillings in fresh breads like piadinas and focaccias. The menu includes lasagna, ricotta canneloni and salads made with seasonal produce. Ingredients are prepared on-site daily, maintaining traditional Italian cooking methods while incorporating Australian produce preferences.
Birthday Cakes
Our birthday cakes come in various styles including bombolines, ricotta tarts and custom-designed options. We accommodate specific themes and dietary requirements while maintaining presentation standards. The cake-making process follows strict hygiene protocols, with decorators trained in food safety and allergen management.
Bakery Pastries
We produce a range of baked goods daily including pies, pasties, quiches and danishes using traditional techniques. The pastry program focuses on consistent quality through standardised recipes and temperature controls. Products use seasonal ingredients sourced from trusted local suppliers to ensure freshness and traceability.
People
Gianni Menara
Part-Owner
Gianni Menara co-owns Lucchini Cakes with his family, continuing the business started by his father John in 1973. He oversees daily operations and customer relations.
John Menara
Founder
John Menara established the Preston branch of Lucchini Cakes in 1973, building on the family's 1952 Lygon Street heritage. He remains involved in business strategy.
Questions
Do you create custom-designed wedding cakes?
Yes, we specialise in custom wedding cakes including chocolate mud, white chocolate, and traditional fruit cake options with personalised designs.
What types of celebration cakes do you make?
We create cakes for birthdays, baptisms, anniversaries and special events, including Italian specialties like cannoli and millefoglie.
Do you offer delivery for celebration cakes?
Yes, we provide free delivery to most Melbourne metro areas for celebration cake orders.
What cafe menu items are available?
We serve breakfast, lunch and coffee daily with Italian-inspired options like piadinas, focaccias and homemade pastries.
Are your baked goods made on-site?
All our cakes, pastries and baked goods are freshly made on-site daily using traditional methods.
Reviews (4)
Paula De Lazzari
Jan 19, 2022
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Don't step inside this shop for takeaway orders, you'll be asked to step out & place your order at the window & then be totally ignored, while others are granted entry to order takeaway inside. Being a local trader I couldn't be ignored too much longer as I had to go back to work Not the first time, though. I have been ignored before as the waitresses discussed their nail technicians fees & skills! 2 strikes & you're out! So rude, so unprofessional!
Evelyn S.
Jan 09, 2022
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Always fantastic coffee, food and very friendly service. Every time we visit Melbourne, Lucchini is a must. We love it. All the best from Sydney.
Dilnaz Billimoria
Dec 12, 2021
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Always a fav cafe in Darebin! Great Service and Maria goes the extra mile for us, always! We the coffees made just right for our preferences, with extra treats! Lovely Bread Pudding!The Almond Tart, absfab dessert!! Thanks everyone, stay well
Aleisha Fdv
Nov 06, 2021
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Coffee is awful, I only went cos I saw reviews saying coffee was good, that was a lie unfortunately or that reviewer has a very low standard for coffees. Lovely service however.
