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Teresa Bruno

B – 1950

Chef, Restaurateur and Pioneer of Italian Cuisine in Melbourne

“ I grew up in a time and place that suppressed women, but I always fought against it.”

Teresa Bruno, affectionately known as Zia Teresa, is a passionate and dedicated chef and restaurateur whose love for authentic Italian cooking has made a lasting impact on Melbourne’s vibrant culinary scene.  Born in Calabria, Southern Italy, Teresa faced a challenge when her education was cut short at grade 5, with her father presenting her with two options: become a dressmaker or join a convent to learn embroidery. Teresa chose to attend the convent, but her life took an unexpected turn when she met Franco, her future husband.

“…Franco realised that to love me meant to treat me as an equal. So, we became business partners. Being treated as an equal meant I was able to lift myself, recognise my passion and understand the capabilities I had.”

In 1970, after getting married, Teresa and Franco decided to move to Australia to start a new life. 

 ‘With all our enthusiasm, we decided to migrate to Australia, arriving in Melbourne with much anticipation. But of course, nothing like that is ever easy. We left all our loved ones behind to begin our new journey. The language barrier also made things very difficult. We didn’t have children yet, so we were able to attend English language classes after work every day.”

In 1972, Teresa and Franco began working at a local restaurant called Papa Pizza. When the owner lost his chef, Teresa offered to cook, a talent she had developed growing up in her mother’s kitchen and traveling throughout Italy. Her cooking impressed the owner, who offered her a partnership. However, Teresa insisted that Franco be part of it too because they were a team.

By 1977, Teresa, Franco, her brother-in-law, and a family friend opened Brussio on Smith Street, Collingwood. The restaurant quickly became popular for its homemade pasta and traditional Italian dishes. However, missing their family in Italy, they sold Brussio in 1980 and returned home.

In Italy, they opened a small rosticceria, but Franco’s declining health led them back to Melbourne in 1984. They bought Papa Pizza in Brunswick and, in April 1985, reopened it as Zia Teresa Restaurant—’Zia’ meaning Aunt in Italian.

Teresa and Franco poured their hearts into Zia Teresa, with Franco building tables and Teresa making tablecloths. The restaurant became famous for its authentic pasta and unique dishes, drawing locals, tourists, and celebrities alike.

When Franco passed away in 1989, Teresa continued to run the restaurant and care for their three young children. Despite the challenges, her passion for cooking and love for people kept her going. She continued to innovate, always using fresh produce and never compromising on quality.

Zia Teresa Restaurant became a place where customers felt like family, welcomed by Teresa’s warm and genuine hospitality and delicious trademark “just like Nonna” style food.

Today, Zia Teresa is celebrated as a landmark of authentic Italian cuisine in Melbourne, frequented by people from all over the world.

Teresa’s story inspires others to follow their dreams, work hard, and never give up, even when things get difficult. Her life and work reflect her resilience, creativity, and enduring love for her family, good food, and community.

This Biography was written by Her Place Women’s Museum in consultation with family using the primary resource Zia Teresa. (n.d.). Our story. 

Photograph: Zia Teresa Mural – Provided by artist Katherine Gailer (Katira)

Commemoration –  Renuwall Mural Commission – Zia Teresa – Katherine Gailer

Artist Katira completed her vibrant mural at 90 Lygon Street, Brunswick East. Katherine says “When I read about Theresa Bruno and her journey as an immigrant, entrepreneur, and mother, I felt inspired by her resilience and leadership. My mural of Teresa, surrounded by fettuccini-inspired strips, lemons, tomatoes, and bougainvillea in movement, symbolise her journey as a chef and immigrant.” The image of Teresa spills colour and warmth onto Lygon Street.

“The expression in her eyes and body language reveal the strength and sense of achievement of this woman – whose portrait and story will inspire other women migrants and the local community.”

If you’re in Brunswick East, make the trip to see this beautiful mural – and visit Zia Teresa Restaurant!

Artist: Katherine Gailer (aka Katira) is a Colombian/German artist currently based in Melbourne, exploring cultural identity, the natural environment, women’s empowerment, and contemporary design through public murals, installation works, painting, design, and music. 

Find more of Katherine’s beautiful and impactful  work: Katherine Gailer

This mural was commissioned through Merri-bek City Council’s RenuWall program and supported by the State Government through its COVIDSafe Outdoor Activation program.

Further Resources:

Articles

Film

Online Resources