From Nonna’s Hands to Your Plate: Dining at The St. Rita

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by Ali Tejpar and Jade Monaghan 

On bustling Bank Street in the Glebe, The St. Rita offers something rare in Ottawa’s food scene: a restaurant that feels less like an outing and more like an invitation to a family dinner.

Opened in January 2023 by 24-year-old owner Amadeo Iafelice, The St. Rita is a tribute to his Italian heritage and Ottawa roots. Amadeo learned the business from his father Dino, co-owner of Johnny Farina, where Amadeo started as a prep cook and became a kitchen manager at 19, before striking out on his own.

The St. Rita is truly a family affair, with Amadeo’s grandmother, Nonna Maria, handmaking every batch of pasta herself, lending the restaurant not only her recipes, but also her sense of warmth and hospitality.

Amadeo Iafelice at home at St Rita’s. Photo Jade Monaghan

“We want people to know that young people are here for Ottawa and want to make their mark on the city,” Amadeo told us. “There are family restaurants that use local, high-quality ingredients, where people can eat well without breaking the bank.”

That spirit is reflected in every aspect of the experience, from the thrifted chandeliers and vintage art to the hyper-local kitchen staff (the pizzaiolo or pizza chef lives two doors down from Amadeo’s apartment). During our visit on a Thursday evening, the space quickly filled up with a mix of couples, families, and friends celebrating milestones. The vibe is cozy and welcoming, intimate but unpretentious. And the food? Honest, unfussy, and delicious.

We began with the bruschetta: a generous mix of fresh cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and garlic on toasted Italian bread, lightly drizzled with aged balsamic from Modena, Italy. The arancini struck the right balance of savoury and salty, with breaded rice balls filled with fresh mozzarella, peas, and olives served atop a rich, house-made pomodoro sauce.

For mains, the Fettuccine Marsala featured tender handmade pasta tossed in a light Marsala wine cream sauce with grilled chicken and sautéed mushrooms. It was rich without being heavy, a difficult feat to pull off. The Gnocchi di Maria, named after Nonna herself (and Amadeo’s favourite dish), was pillowy and delicate, coated in a velvety rosé sauce.

Then came the wood-fired pizza, made with The St. Rita’s own dough. We had the Molisano pizza, which delivered bold umami and peppery flavours, with a truffle mushroom spread, sautéed mushrooms, fresh fior di latte, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Gnocchi di Maria. Photo Jade Monaghan

Dessert was the classic tiramisu, made in-house, and everything you want it to be: creamy, decadent, and satisfying without being too sweet.

The St. Rita sources local ingredients whenever possible and leans into seasonal menus. This fall, expect hearty plates like veal piccata, beef short rib, eggplant parmigiana, and blackened salmon. The cocktail list is small but intentional. The blackberry basil smash with gin, elderflower, and house-made syrup is a crowd favourite. And the wine selection draws from Canada, Italy, and Argentina.

The St. Rita will be one of several local restaurants featured at the PLEO Art of Support Gala at the Ottawa Art Gallery on Oct. 9, alongside Raphael Peruvian Cuisine, Coconut Lagoon, and Play Food & Wine. The event raises funds for mental health and addiction peer support for families across Eastern Ontario.

It is a fitting spotlight for a restaurant built on the importance of family. Amadeo’s mother Melody manages the restaurant’s social media. His longtime friend makes the sauces. And his grandmother hand-rolls the pasta and prepares the tiramisu. At The St. Rita, family is not a theme, it is the foundation. Dining here feels like joining the Iafelice family for Sunday dinner.

The St. Rita is open Tuesday to Wednesday from 5pm to 9pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 12pm to 10pm. The last seating is 45 minutes before closing. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available by request. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and has two gender-neutral washrooms.