Zenari’s 'Little Italy' Legacy Blooms Anew in Edmonton

Elisa Zenari and her husband, Ran Huget, have breathed new life into Edmonton's culinary scene with the opening of Zenari’s Little Italy inside the vibrant Zocalo shop.

 

This marks a heartfelt return for the Zenari family, whose gastronomic journey in Edmonton began in the 1980s.

 

The original Zenari’s was a beloved fixture in Manulife Place for 35 years, offering a unique blend of a kitchenware store, deli, and wine bar.

 

In 2020, the family transitioned to Dalla Tavola Zenari at the Enbridge Centre, but the challenges of the pandemic led to its closure in late 2024.

 

Now, less than a year later, the Zenaris have embraced a new chapter.

 

Elisa reflects, "This was not on our 2025 bingo card," highlighting the unexpected yet serendipitous nature of this venture.

 

The café's location within Zocalo is no coincidence.

 

The Zenaris have a longstanding relationship with the shop, having previously supplied it with baked goods.

 

Elisa and Ran even took on roles delivering flowers for Zocalo between their own business endeavors.

 

Living just blocks away in Little Italy, Elisa notes, "It just felt like such a natural fit."

 

Currently in a "super soft opening" phase, the café offers coffee and a selection of baked goods.

 

Plans are underway to expand the menu to include soups, sandwiches, small plates, and even alcohol.

 

Some dishes will pay homage to the original Zenari’s offerings, blending tradition with innovation.

 

Elisa's mother, Glenda, who initiated the first Zenari’s, is also involved.

 

Approaching retirement, she expressed a desire to contribute by baking for the new café, bringing the family legacy full circle.

 

The café's opening coincides with a period of revitalization in Little Italy.

 

Recent developments include the addition of Earth's Refillery Coop, a zero-waste shop and café, and the presence of Paper Birch Books, which hosts readings by local authors.

 

These establishments, along with Zenari’s Little Italy, contribute to the area's transformation into a bustling, walkable dining and shopping district.

 

Elisa embraces the growing number of coffee spots in the vicinity, stating, "When there are a bunch of places that offer this similar product, then [the area] becomes a destination."

 

This sentiment reflects a collective effort to enhance the neighborhood's appeal and vibrancy.

 

Adding to the area's charm is Giovanni Caboto Park, a central gathering place in Little Italy.

 

The park hosts events like Festa Italiana in late August, featuring live music, food trucks, and cultural celebrations.

 

Such events draw crowds from across the city, further cementing Little Italy's reputation as a cultural hub.

 

The Zenari family's resilience and dedication to their craft are evident in this new venture.

 

By intertwining their rich history with the evolving landscape of Little Italy, they offer Edmontonians a taste of tradition in a contemporary setting.

 

As the neighborhood continues to flourish, Zenari’s Little Italy stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of family and community.