Juana Ines: A Bold Taste of Mexican Resilience and Poetry Blooms in Manchester Square

In the heart of Manchester Square, amidst its much-debated European-style facades, a vibrant and defiant spirit is taking root.

It’s called Juana Ines, and it’s more than just a restaurant; it's a statement of resilience, a celebration of authentic Mexican heritage, and a tribute to one of history’s most powerful female voices.

For many Edmonton food lovers, the story begins with a loss.

The prolonged and disruptive construction on 124th Street claimed a local favourite, Frida Urban Taqueria, leaving a void in the city's culinary heart.

But the family behind that cherished spot has re-emerged, channelling their passion into a new, more spacious, and visually stunning home at 12042 107 Ave NW.

This is not just a reopening; it's a bold rebirth.

Stepping inside Juana Ines is an immersive experience.

The walls are washed in soft pastel pinks and greens, with lush floral arrangements climbing towards the high ceilings.

It feels expressive, warm, and deeply personal.

Gilded skulls sit perched on tables, a nod to Dia de los Muertos, but the undeniable focal point is a magnificent, pop-surrealist portrait of the restaurant's namesake.

Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, a 17th-century Mexican nun, philosopher, poet, and composer, gazes out with a halo and feminist iconography.

Known as “The Tenth Muse,” she was a self-taught scholar who championed women's rights to education and intellectual freedom in a deeply patriarchal society.

Choosing her as a guiding star is a powerful, intentional move.

This tribute to intellect and defiance sets the stage for a menu that is equally confident and rooted in tradition.

The cuisine at Juana Ines is a proud exploration of Central Mexican flavours, heavily influenced by the family's roots in Querétaro.

This is a region known more for its colonial architecture than its culinary exports, a fact the restaurant embraces with palpable pride, serving homestyle dishes and street food staples without fuss or dilution.

Here, tradition is presented with unshakable confidence.

Expect to find plates that speak of heritage, like mole enchiladas, nopales (cactus), and slow-stewed meats.

The tacos are a perfect entry point into this world of flavour.

The suadero taco, featuring tender brisket slow-cooked in beef tallow, is a lesson in comforting subtlety.

It’s juicy and mild, served simply on a corn tortilla with diced onion and cilantro, making it an accessible choice for those wary of intense spice.

On the other end of the spectrum is the tinga taco.

This creation offers roasted chicken simmered in a smoky chipotle-tomato sauce, balanced beautifully with a crumble of sour cream and queso.

It delivers a satisfying punch of heat and tang that lingers delightfully.

The new location in Manchester Square represents a strategic shift for the owners.

While staying close to their original neighbourhood, the move provides more space and, crucially, easier parking—a practical advantage that regulars of the old spot will surely appreciate.

The square itself has had its own journey of resilience.

Opening in March 2020, right at the onset of the pandemic, the development faced a slow and challenging start.

Its unique, European-inspired architecture was met with a mixed reception from Edmontonians, with some critics claiming, "It's not Edmonton."

Yet, over time, it has transformed into a thriving destination, a haven for local, independent businesses that have collectively built a unique community vibe.

From a brewery to boutiques, Manchester Square has become a place to spend an afternoon, a sharp contrast to a typical trip to the mall.

Juana Ines fits perfectly into this tapestry of local entrepreneurship.

The dining room is already buzzing with energy, a testament to the city's eagerness to welcome back a beloved culinary team.

On any given night, the space might be filled with the exuberant sounds of staff singing a traditional Mexican birthday song for a celebrating patron.

And the ambition doesn’t stop at the main floor.

There are exciting plans in the works for a speakeasy-style bar upstairs.

Whispers of late-night drinks and even a pulley system to deliver snacks from the kitchen below hint at a future where Juana Ines becomes an even more dynamic part of Edmonton's nightlife.

This new chapter is a story of turning adversity into opportunity.

It’s about honouring the spirit of Frida Kahlo, the namesake of their previous venture, while embracing the intellectual fire of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.

It’s a celebration of authentic Mexican food in a city increasingly hungry for genuine global flavours.

For the Queen Mary Park neighbourhood, and for Edmonton as a whole, Juana Ines is a welcome and delicious victory.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of food does Juana Ines serve?

Juana Ines specializes in authentic Central Mexican cuisine, with a focus on traditional recipes and homestyle dishes from the Querétaro region. You can expect items like mole enchiladas, nopales, and various street-style tacos with slow-stewed meats.

Where is Juana Ines located?

Juana Ines is located in Manchester Square at 12042 107 Ave NW in the Queen Mary Park neighbourhood of Edmonton, Alberta.

Are the owners of Juana Ines new to Edmonton's food scene?

No, the family behind Juana Ines are the former owners of the popular Frida Urban Taqueria, which was located on 124th Street before closing due to prolonged construction in the area.