Two Sugars makes its coastal debut

Two Sugars only recently opened its doors on the Surf Coast and already it has hit a sweet spot with local diners and visitors alike.

Founder and CEO Nick Crisciane believes in giving his customers what they want – authentic classic Italian fare that is simple, delicious and accessible.

It has been a recipe for success at both his Pakington Street and central Geelong venues.

Now his third venture, which opened in Torquay on February 24, is continuing that tradition from its prime beachside position on The Esplanade.

Two Sugars Torquay opens seven days a week offering both dine-in and takeaway.

Popular dishes include eggs benedict for breakfast, shallow fried calamari for lunch and the linguine frutti di mare for dinner, with the wood fire pizzas always a favourite.

“People want the basics – they love their pastas and they love their pizzas and homemade Italian meals,” Nick, a trained chef and pastry chef, says.

“Two Sugars is not a fine dining restaurant, it’s an affordable restaurant serving authentic Italian.”

Nick’s long-time friend, Luigi Volpe, is a shareholder and manager of the coastal venue and the pair collaborated on a vision for the interior decor which has exceeded even their expectations.

The monochrome decor and complementary feature lighting is warm and welcoming from the moment you step inside the dining room.

A large wallpaper print of Naples along the main wall is a standout, while the main bar with its striking black and white encaustic tiles adds yet another eye-catching European touch.

A shiny red woodfire pizza oven steals the show in the neighbouring takeaway area.

“We had an idea of what we wanted but when we saw the finished result it was amazing,” Lou says, looking around the restaurant packed with lunchtime diners.

“Some customers have said they have been to Italy and this feels like being in Italy.”

Lou says he is relishing the chance to welcome fresh faces into Two Sugars as they discover the venue for the first time.

“I’ve been in the industry all my life – I’ve grown up with it,” he says.

“My father was in hospitality since he was 15, starting as a waiter and becoming a chef, then moving to Australia and continuing to work in hospitality all his life.”

For Nick, the new location (in the former Whytes restaurant) is an ideal fit for his Two Sugars brand.

“I’m not a person who likes to take high risks so with this venue, being on the main strip of the waterfront, I know we are going to be busy,” he says.

“You can dine here on this big table and look out across the beautiful water so that was a big part of why I chose Torquay.

“Also, the population growth and the cafe and restaurant culture in Torquay really inspired me to come here.

“When you look at the other venues and what they do, they are great – they all have their own unique thing.”

The venue can seat up to 120 patrons inside and in the alfresco dining area

There are also plans to offer home delivery so locals might see a couple of cute Fiats getting around town soon.

“We’ve had a very good response from our locals already,” Lou says.

“We have experienced some great feedback from customers and we’ve even had some people come back three times already in the first week we were open so that’s very good.”

Two Sugars Torquay, located at Shop 1-2/40 The Esplanade, opens seven days a week – from 7.30am until late on Saturday and Sunday, and 11am until late Monday to Friday (during the non-peak period).
For online bookings go to twosugarscafe.com/torquay