After four decades as a cherished part of Edmonton’s culinary landscape, Dalla Tavola Zenari, a family-operated Italian restaurant, is closing its doors. Elisa Zenari, reflecting on the bittersweet end of an era, watched over the preparations for the restaurant’s final service on New Year’s Eve. The eatery, originally founded as Zenari’s, seamlessly transformed from a kitchenware store into a beloved deli and eventually a full-service restaurant.
The Zenari family’s journey in the heart of Edmonton began when Glenda Zenari opened the initial concept at Manulife Place. The venture expanded over the years, integrating a deli and coffee counter alongside the store’s specialty kitchen items. Elisa, along with her family, spent her formative years growing up in the restaurant, gradually learning the ropes under the meticulous supervision of her father, Adriano, who converted the store into a wine bar.
Faced with the expiry of their lease in December 2020, the Zenari family relocated nearby to the Enbridge Centre, where they rebranded the restaurant as Dalla Tavola Zenari. Despite confronting significant hurdles during the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of inflation, the Zenaris demonstrated resilience. However, the restaurant ultimately succumbed to the economic pressures that many others in the industry have similarly faced.
Elisa Zenari shared candid insights into the challenges they encountered, such as missing out on various COVID-19 wage and rent subsidies and the constant struggle with tight operational margins. As a result, the decision was made to close Dalla Tavola Zenari at the end of 2024 to prevent impending bankruptcy. Sharing a message of gratitude, the Zenari family acknowledged the many businesses in Edmonton that have endured similar challenges.
In a farewell nod to the city’s food scene, Elisa hinted at a desire to remain involved in the restaurant industry, assuring patrons that the Zenari legacy might continue. As the family bids adieu to their beloved establishment, they leave behind a tapestry of rich memories and strong relationships forged over the years.
