Edmonton has a medium-sized Italian community, but Italians have long made their mark on the city with several top restaurants and coffee bars, thriving community centres, a nice park (Giovanni Caboto Park)---but especially a trio of food stores that almost everybody in the city knows about. I live close to the oldest, original one, in Little Italy, and I can't go for more than a month without shopping at The Italian Centre. A few years ago, this branch expanded their rather cramped quarters southward next door to open a cafe called Spinelli's Bar Italia (named after the original founder of the stores, Frank Spinelli), and this turned out to be the best decision they've ever made! The place is rather small, crowded and noisy---exactly what is needed for an authentic Italian cafe/bar! The only thing lacking is a view outside onto some ancient Roman ruins, or a tiny street buzzing with strolling pedestrians and noisy motor scooters! Full Italian ambience aside, this cafe is expertly run. Not once have I had a counter waitress/waiter who was not professional, efficient and friendly. Where do they recruit their staff? There is always a line-up to order (staff brings the food and drinks to your table), but the wait-time is never more than 5-10 minutes except perhaps a bit longer on weekends. There are some already-prepared sandwiches in the glass case, but they will make a fresh one on request. The sandwiches come on soft white Italian bread, or as panini. The meat and cheese fillings are from their grocery next door---for example, mortadella, capocollo, asiago, pecorino. And there is always a choice of 8-10 kinds of fresh-baked, thin-crust pizzas. For me, the best choices at Bar Italia are their daily soups---minestrone, or anything with beans in it, is really fresh and tasty. Bowls of soup are large...sandwiches generously proportioned...the smell of coffee strong...and elderly Italian women and men talking and laughing animatedly at the next table. What more does one want?
Bozocea
Stop for quick bite. Had the two soups of the day and Stella beer. Food quality was fantastic and service was friendly and fast.
PMahdis
The workers are busy and so they may appear to brush you off. They just do not have time to wait for you to stare blankly but they are nice and friendly even if they are rushed. Somehow I have always found the last empty table. The food is okay. A steamed milk is $2 and at a different place I went yesterday a steamed milk was $5. So it is okay price wise. The pizza looks like the pizza in Italy not like Boston Pizza (but I do like BP). I come here when in the area.
eztourist
I was there several times during our visit to Edmonton. The staff and customers are friendly. Good staff service. A large variety of drinks, desserts and food for any meal of the day. Hours of service are 7:30am to 9 pm. There are 3 seating areas you can choose from.
Ian K
Spinellis is the restaurant attached to the Italian Centre on 95st. I always enjoy coming here, both to shop and to eat. They have great pastries and coffee, wonderful paninis, and today I had the Roma pizza with a glass of red wine. It was very good. I like the casual, familial atmosphere, I like being able to pick up a few things as ell. Overall, always a pleasure.
SunSeekingCouple
Enjoyed the grilled chicken foccaccia sandwich here today. Sat outside the restaurant and had a cappuccino to go with it. The sandwich was huge, fresh and tasted great. It was brought to us outside shortly after we ordered. The pasties looked divine so will be back another day to sample.
Jim R
If you are looking for a non traditional North American pizza this is the place. Not thick crust loaded with cheap meats and chesses. This is original Italian Pizza. Taste of fresh ingredients. Sparsely placed, but tastefully delicious. We ordered number "3" Capricciosa 14.00$ crust tastes wood ocen baked and thin. Havent had a bad experience at either locations.
Shelley K
Spinelli's is to Edmonton that Spago's is to Beverly Hills, except the prices are definitely different. It is a great place to come with friends, eat and drink and be happy. Locals thrive here, and it is a great stopping spot for vacationers who just want to explore little Italy in Edmonton. Sit and have a cappuccino with dessert, or try a Panini. Whatever your taste buds want at that time, you'll probably find it here. Best off, it's reasonable. Parking can be a pain in this neighborhood so you may need to park around the block. Recommend driving here or taking Uber.
tn0va
Amazing food, great service and great atmosphere. The lattes are amazing, when paired with one of their chocolates croissants they are heaven. I visit the cafe at least 2 times a week and I am never disappointed.
honeydrop
Came here on a very bustling Sunday afternoon around lunch time with my boyfriend. We waited patiently in line beside the dessert display, for someone to take our order. The lady behind the display doesn't give you any time to order, pushing people through so quick your head will spin. There is no menu board up for people to review, with only what you can pick up in your immediate view. She took my boyfriend's order (a piece of focaccia), while I was undecided still. By the time we got to the til to pay, I was ready to order, and at the annoyance of the man at the til I may add. I ordered a turkey panini and a small tomato boconccini salad. He begrudgingly and rather rudely gathered the items for me (the salad on a plate and the sandwich into a panini press) like I was throwing off his mojo or something. In the meantime, we found an empty table on one side of the restaurant (which as rare to get I might add). The table still hadn't been cleaned and there were dishes and glasses and crumbs left over from the previous patrons. And not once, I might add, did I see any employees come out to clean any of the tables as people left. We weren't sure how the process worked for my panini as it was being heated up. After several minutes, my boyfriend got up to see if they were bringing it out to us, when he returned with the sandwich in hand. Talk about hard crusty bread! I know for sure that the sandwich was left to "panini" WAY too long which was why the bread was practically unedible. I actually ended up removing the top layer of bread just so I could bite through the sandwich without it cutting my mouth. So I would not recommend this place after this poor experience. No one was friendly, no one cleans the tables, and the food is very mediocre.
We enjoyed lattes and desserts of brownies, tortes and cream horns.. all very nice. good atmosphere. a definite people watch place!
pbarford
Spinelli's is the original Italian stop in Edmonton. Coffee and ice cream is every bit as good as the trendier south side and downtown places but at half the price. $2.50 will get a lovely cappucino with a leaf and everything in the foam. Sandwiches, soups and salads are all fresh with items from the Italian Centre store next door, so things can't get any fresher. The place is always hopping and you can hear any number of languages while catching Euro soccer on the screens. It's very civilized and I love that you can grab coffee and a croissant then pick up your Asiago and mortaella by walking into the next room. Either the south side or north side cafe are equally great, but the north side shop is where you'll see the most interesting people.
Gordon G
Old world prices, community atmosphere, and delicious pastries and coffees. Enter though the grocery store doors and you'll be transported into a European "gastronome". Aromas of meats, breads, and coffee permeates the air. Walk through the fresh fruits and vegetable section and enter the Bar Italia populated by locals drinking their Espressos, urban life-style folks in-the-know, regular folks, and families sharing great pastries, sandwiches, or pizza. Soccer games play out on the many screens. It's a treat to escape the "yuppified" alternatives. I challenge you to walk out of the store with buying some of the freshest cold cuts, deli items, and melt in your mouth cheese. If your visiting Edmonton drop in and then have a great experience to share with your friends when you get back home.
MissTBritishColumbia
A recent visit to Edmonton took us to Little Italy. On arrival in the area we decided to get a light lunch and decided to try Spinelli. We were warmly treated on the sidewalk by the locals enjoying the warm afternoon! This was a perfect start to a nice snack. Once inside it was obvious that this is a very popular place and it is connected to an excellent Italian grocery store! We enjoyed a fabulous Italian sandwich, excellent tortellini slad and fabulous authentic style cannollis. The espresso was great. I highly recommend this cafe if you are in the area! In fact, we went back for breakfast the next day before heading home to British Columbia!
Edmonton has a medium-sized Italian community, but Italians have long made their mark on the city with several top restaurants and coffee bars, thriving community centres, a nice park (Giovanni Caboto Park)---but especially a trio of food stores that almost everybody in the city knows about. I live close to the oldest, original one, in Little Italy, and I can't go for more than a month without shopping at The Italian Centre. A few years ago, this branch expanded their rather cramped quarters southward next door to open a cafe called Spinelli's Bar Italia (named after the original founder of the stores, Frank Spinelli), and this turned out to be the best decision they've ever made! The place is rather small, crowded and noisy---exactly what is needed for an authentic Italian cafe/bar! The only thing lacking is a view outside onto some ancient Roman ruins, or a tiny street buzzing with strolling pedestrians and noisy motor scooters! Full Italian ambience aside, this cafe is expertly run. Not once have I had a counter waitress/waiter who was not professional, efficient and friendly. Where do they recruit their staff? There is always a line-up to order (staff brings the food and drinks to your table), but the wait-time is never more than 5-10 minutes except perhaps a bit longer on weekends. There are some already-prepared sandwiches in the glass case, but they will make a fresh one on request. The sandwiches come on soft white Italian bread, or as panini. The meat and cheese fillings are from their grocery next door---for example, mortadella, capocollo, asiago, pecorino. And there is always a choice of 8-10 kinds of fresh-baked, thin-crust pizzas. For me, the best choices at Bar Italia are their daily soups---minestrone, or anything with beans in it, is really fresh and tasty. Bowls of soup are large...sandwiches generously proportioned...the smell of coffee strong...and elderly Italian women and men talking and laughing animatedly at the next table. What more does one want?
Stop for quick bite. Had the two soups of the day and Stella beer. Food quality was fantastic and service was friendly and fast.
The workers are busy and so they may appear to brush you off. They just do not have time to wait for you to stare blankly but they are nice and friendly even if they are rushed. Somehow I have always found the last empty table. The food is okay. A steamed milk is $2 and at a different place I went yesterday a steamed milk was $5. So it is okay price wise. The pizza looks like the pizza in Italy not like Boston Pizza (but I do like BP). I come here when in the area.
I was there several times during our visit to Edmonton. The staff and customers are friendly. Good staff service. A large variety of drinks, desserts and food for any meal of the day. Hours of service are 7:30am to 9 pm. There are 3 seating areas you can choose from.
Spinellis is the restaurant attached to the Italian Centre on 95st. I always enjoy coming here, both to shop and to eat. They have great pastries and coffee, wonderful paninis, and today I had the Roma pizza with a glass of red wine. It was very good. I like the casual, familial atmosphere, I like being able to pick up a few things as ell. Overall, always a pleasure.
Enjoyed the grilled chicken foccaccia sandwich here today. Sat outside the restaurant and had a cappuccino to go with it. The sandwich was huge, fresh and tasted great. It was brought to us outside shortly after we ordered. The pasties looked divine so will be back another day to sample.
If you are looking for a non traditional North American pizza this is the place. Not thick crust loaded with cheap meats and chesses. This is original Italian Pizza. Taste of fresh ingredients. Sparsely placed, but tastefully delicious. We ordered number "3" Capricciosa 14.00$ crust tastes wood ocen baked and thin. Havent had a bad experience at either locations.
Spinelli's is to Edmonton that Spago's is to Beverly Hills, except the prices are definitely different. It is a great place to come with friends, eat and drink and be happy. Locals thrive here, and it is a great stopping spot for vacationers who just want to explore little Italy in Edmonton. Sit and have a cappuccino with dessert, or try a Panini. Whatever your taste buds want at that time, you'll probably find it here. Best off, it's reasonable. Parking can be a pain in this neighborhood so you may need to park around the block. Recommend driving here or taking Uber.
Amazing food, great service and great atmosphere. The lattes are amazing, when paired with one of their chocolates croissants they are heaven. I visit the cafe at least 2 times a week and I am never disappointed.
Came here on a very bustling Sunday afternoon around lunch time with my boyfriend. We waited patiently in line beside the dessert display, for someone to take our order. The lady behind the display doesn't give you any time to order, pushing people through so quick your head will spin. There is no menu board up for people to review, with only what you can pick up in your immediate view. She took my boyfriend's order (a piece of focaccia), while I was undecided still. By the time we got to the til to pay, I was ready to order, and at the annoyance of the man at the til I may add. I ordered a turkey panini and a small tomato boconccini salad. He begrudgingly and rather rudely gathered the items for me (the salad on a plate and the sandwich into a panini press) like I was throwing off his mojo or something. In the meantime, we found an empty table on one side of the restaurant (which as rare to get I might add). The table still hadn't been cleaned and there were dishes and glasses and crumbs left over from the previous patrons. And not once, I might add, did I see any employees come out to clean any of the tables as people left. We weren't sure how the process worked for my panini as it was being heated up. After several minutes, my boyfriend got up to see if they were bringing it out to us, when he returned with the sandwich in hand. Talk about hard crusty bread! I know for sure that the sandwich was left to "panini" WAY too long which was why the bread was practically unedible. I actually ended up removing the top layer of bread just so I could bite through the sandwich without it cutting my mouth. So I would not recommend this place after this poor experience. No one was friendly, no one cleans the tables, and the food is very mediocre.
Restaurantji Recommends
We enjoyed lattes and desserts of brownies, tortes and cream horns.. all very nice. good atmosphere. a definite people watch place!
Spinelli's is the original Italian stop in Edmonton. Coffee and ice cream is every bit as good as the trendier south side and downtown places but at half the price. $2.50 will get a lovely cappucino with a leaf and everything in the foam. Sandwiches, soups and salads are all fresh with items from the Italian Centre store next door, so things can't get any fresher. The place is always hopping and you can hear any number of languages while catching Euro soccer on the screens. It's very civilized and I love that you can grab coffee and a croissant then pick up your Asiago and mortaella by walking into the next room. Either the south side or north side cafe are equally great, but the north side shop is where you'll see the most interesting people.
Old world prices, community atmosphere, and delicious pastries and coffees. Enter though the grocery store doors and you'll be transported into a European "gastronome". Aromas of meats, breads, and coffee permeates the air. Walk through the fresh fruits and vegetable section and enter the Bar Italia populated by locals drinking their Espressos, urban life-style folks in-the-know, regular folks, and families sharing great pastries, sandwiches, or pizza. Soccer games play out on the many screens. It's a treat to escape the "yuppified" alternatives. I challenge you to walk out of the store with buying some of the freshest cold cuts, deli items, and melt in your mouth cheese. If your visiting Edmonton drop in and then have a great experience to share with your friends when you get back home.
A recent visit to Edmonton took us to Little Italy. On arrival in the area we decided to get a light lunch and decided to try Spinelli. We were warmly treated on the sidewalk by the locals enjoying the warm afternoon! This was a perfect start to a nice snack. Once inside it was obvious that this is a very popular place and it is connected to an excellent Italian grocery store! We enjoyed a fabulous Italian sandwich, excellent tortellini slad and fabulous authentic style cannollis. The espresso was great. I highly recommend this cafe if you are in the area! In fact, we went back for breakfast the next day before heading home to British Columbia!
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