the Chef

Flavio de Stefano, born June 1, 1988, in Rome, Italy, started his journey in a family photography shop but quickly realized that food was his true calling. So, he traded cameras for kitchen knives and dove into culinary school at the Italian Chef Academy.

His first gig? A dream job at the Hotel Hassler in Rome, where he worked under Michelin-starred chef Francesco Apreda and pastry genius Dario Nuti. From crafting perfect pastries to mastering Michelin-level magic, Flavio soaked it all up like a croissant in espresso!

Next stop: Denmark, where Nordic cuisine’s love for fresh, local ingredients grabbed his attention. Then it was on to France—the holy land of butter, where he mastered French pastries like viennoiseries and macarons in both Paris and Brittany.

After two sweet years in France, Flavio hopped over to London, soaking up the city's wild and diverse food culture. And, for the final cherry on top, he headed to Singapore to explore Asian flavors.

Finally, on May 1, 2022, Flavio brought his pastry passion to Gran Canaria, opening Bakery de Stefano. Now, he’s baking up top-quality breads and pastries, drawing on all his globe-trotting culinary adventures to make every bite a masterpiece!

the Team

Cookies don’t just pop out of the oven by magic (we wish!)—it’s thanks to our team of talented bakers and professionals. Get to know the passionate folks who make everything so special.

Angela Rolla

Meet Angela Rolla, our Italian baking superstar! Hailing from the charming town of Lodi, Italy, Angela has brought a little slice of Italian sweetness all the way to Gran Canaria. With years of experience perfecting pastries and confections across Italy and here in the islands, she’s landed at Bakery de Stefano, where her talent shines in every delicious bite. Known for her passion, creativity, and a sprinkle of Italian flair, Angela crafts everything from melt-in-your-mouth pastries to unforgettable cakes.

Estelle Charruaz

Say hello to Estelle Charruaz, our Italian gem from the picturesque town of Cogne! Growing up surrounded by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in her family’s coffee business in Northern Italy, Estelle learned the art of hospitality and flavor from a young age. After making the sunny leap to Gran Canaria and gaining experience here, she chose Bakery de Stefano as her new culinary home. Estelle brings her Italian heart and passion into every pastry she creates, infusing each treat with warmth and a dash of her family’s love for good food.

nelleke meijer

Nelleke Meijer

Hailing from the Netherlands, Nelleke is a powerhouse in online advertising with her company, Meliorem International, handling campaigns for major global players. But when Flavio asked for her help with Bakery de Stefano’s ads, she couldn’t resist—and neither could he! A few campaigns and a marriage proposal later, Nelleke now doubles as our online ad expert and Flavio’s wife, bringing her business brilliance and personal charm to every ad we run!