Oui oui – Luna’s Deli brings artisanal gelato, flaky pastries and seriously good sandwiches to Coolangatta
Big, beautiful focaccia, flaky croissants and silky gelato crafted from scratch with the same precision you’d find in a Michelin-starred kitchen. Welcome to Luna’s Deli, Coolangatta’s newest artisan cafe, where French finesse meets Italian soul in a sunlit space overlooking the ocean.
Opening in June, Luna’s Deli is a dream-turned-reality for chef duo Loic (French) and Yazmin (Argentinian-Italian), who bring world-class culinary skills and an unwavering commitment to quality to every scoop, slice and swirl. Their culinary journey has taken them from French Michelin-starred kitchens in the south of France to a sunshine-yellow nook along Marine Parade in Coolangatta.
Loic, originally from Lyon, grew up baking bread before moving into patisserie, absorbing the time-honoured techniques of France’s culinary greats. Yazmin, born in Argentina to an Italian family, was practically raised at the hip of her grandmother, rolling pasta and crafting cakes from scratch before she could walk. A trip to Italy at age eight lit a lifelong spark for ingredients and Italy’s celebrated food culture, one that continues to inspire Yazmin to this day.
The pair crossed paths 12 years ago, while both were training in patisserie. A single day working together was enough to set the course for a future partnership – in life and business. After moving to Australia six years ago, they spent time working for other hospitality ventures before deciding it was time to create something entirely their own.
“We wanted to keep the quality and craft we learned in France, but bring it into a more casual, coastal setting,” says Yazmin.
The space itself is a nod to the couple’s European roots. The fit-out channels the sunny elegance of the French Riviera, with eye-catching yellow-and-white striped upholstery and views out to the ocean. The open kitchen design is deliberate, giving customers a front-row seat to the craft happening behind the counter – from spinning gelato to layering pastries.
When it comes to the opening menu at Luna’s Deli, the glass cabinet up front beckons with an array of freshly baked pastries, from pain suisse and cherry granny cake to the medialuna – a pastry Yazmin describes as a delightful cross between brioche and croissant. The breakfast menu offers elegant simplicity, featuring options like la tartine and avocado toast. From 8:00 am to 2:00 pm, freshly baked focaccia sandwiches are on offer, including the classic Tradizione and a pumpkin and nocciola (hazelnut) variation for something a little different. For those craving comfort, there are also two standout toasties – the earthy Truffle Shroomie and the satisfying Reuben.
Though the menu is concise, every dish reflects meticulous craftsmanship, with authentic ingredients and time-honoured techniques at its core. The gelato, for instance, is made entirely in-house — no premixes, no fake flavourings — just pure fruit, nuts and top-shelf products.
“Ninety-five percent of gelato shops use premixes,” explains Yazmin. “But for us, it’s about creating our own identity. We balance every recipe ourselves so it’s not too sweet and stays true to the flavour of the fruit or nut.”
That dedication extends to their pastries, which involve a three-day process – mixing, folding and resting – to ensure perfect texture and flavour.
Luna’s Deli has been envisioned for all-day enjoyment. Get your morning off to an excellent start with buttery pastries paired with a coffee from Lacey’s Lane, the boutique arm of Social Espresso. After a beach stroll, come back for a focaccia sandwich at lunch and return later for a slice of cake, or another scoop of their irresistible gelato.
One of their big goals was to create a place that doesn’t shut down in the lull between lunch and dinner. “In Europe, you can always find a place for afternoon tea or a sweet treat,” says Yazmin. “We wanted to bring that culture here.”
Future plans include night-time events like pizza parties, empanada nights and even baking classes where guests can learn to master croissants or macarons from a team who once trained under France’s best.
Luna’s Deli is now open. Head to The Directory for opening times.