Edmonton’s Zenari family back in business with a café

After almost a year after closing the family-owned downtown restaurant, a member of the Zenari family is back in business.

Elisa Zenari and her husband Ran Huget have opened a café, named Zenari’s Little Italy, inside Zocalo Greenhouse, a popular gift and gardening store on 95th St.

“It’s like an itch I keep scratching. I can’t get rid of it”, said Zenari, who is happy to be behind the counter once again.

The connections with the Zenari family and Zocalo Greenhouse run deep. Zenari says she and Huget worked at Zocalo in between businesses and her father delivered food to the original coffee shop operators.

“We’ve been so connected over so many years that it felt like a natural fit,” she said.

“It feels a little different, but also a homecoming in a weird way… like coming back to our roots. It feels like rebuilding in a way that’s more intentional.”

In December 2024, the Italian restaurant Dalla Tavola Zenari on Rice Howard Way had to close after 40 years of operating. Zenari declared bankruptcy and is still working through the process.

But the family is back to hosting and making food. Elisa’s husband officially owns this new business, and her sister also works here.

The Zenari name still remains popular among customers.

Nora Turenne, who along with her retired friends try different restaurants every week. They were once regulars at the original Zenari’s restaurant. When they heard about the café opening, they decided to try it.

“We’re so glad they’re here,” Turenne says. “We wish them all the best and we’ll come often.”