IL NONNO
Family is at the heart of everything we do, and pasta is what brings us together. Our journey began with Nonno — Antonio De Pasquale — who emigrated from Calabria, Italy, to Melbourne in the early 1950s. Over the years he worked across different industries, but his passion always pulled him back to one thing: pasta.
Growing Up with Pasta
Our childhoods were full of flour-dusty aprons, dough-crusted hands, and learning the craft at Nonno’s side. The kitchen table was our classroom. If there was a disagreement over whose turn it was to knead, Nonno always had something for each of us to do.
For more than 60 years, pasta-making was his life. When he retired around the age of 80, he found that staying away from pasta was impossible. The love for what he did, and what he taught, wouldn’t let him simply walk away.
Passing the Baton
In 2020, Il Nonno Foods was officially born. Krystal, our youngest — was raised in the world of fresh dough, early mornings, and Italian traditions. School holidays were spent working in the factory, helping dad make deliveries, and, of course, lots of pasta-making. Even as a teenager she would make ready made Lasagne to sell at her dad’s factory- which was a hit from the start!
Krystal combines her upbringing with her background in biomedicine and a lifelong love of cooking to guide our product development. She ensures each product stays true to Italian methods, while focusing on natural Australian ingredients that meet the needs of today.
Our Promise
We use 100% Australian durum semolina and free-range eggs, with no added colours, flavours or preservatives.
Our pasta is 100% Australian made, crafted using traditional Italian techniques and with care in every step.
We believe in quality that you can taste in every bite, and in recipes that bring families together
From Our Famiglia to Yours
Nonno taught us that great food isn’t just about ingredients — it’s about people, heritage, and love. When we gather, pasta is never just a meal. It’s tradition, laughter, and connection.
We hope our pasta can bring that same warmth to your table. From all of us here at Il Nonno — and especially from our famiglia — buon appetito.
