In suburban Nepean, Zola’s remains family-owned and operated. Since 1986 this spot has kept a focus on its mission to deliver Italian food made from scratch, with super friendly service and a wholesome atmosphere. Owner Antonio Vacchio says he is proud to have been at the helm since day one of the first restaurants in the west end of Ottawa to offer an Italian dining experience with an open-concept kitchen. Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free? They have you covered. Vacchio and his team have spent time focusing on options for different dietary restrictions and lifestyle choices. They also operate a popular catering arm.
I met a friend there for breakfast, taking advantage of what they call “Blunch,” served from 8 am to 3 pm each day. Our server Caitrin started us off with coffee and then it was time to peruse the menu. The Big Budgie caught my eye: three eggs, home fries, corned beef hash, calabrese sausage, capicola ham, bacon plus a breakfast sausage and a choice of toast. I substituted the sausages for some smoked salmon. Everything was prepared to perfection.
My friend has lived in Ottawa for over 20 years yet was unfamiliar with Zola’s. He was pleasantly surprised and plans to come back for dinner one day. He chose the eggs Benny: two poached eggs, home fries and an English muffin topped with hollandaise choice and a small salad.
Vacchio came to sit with us as we concluded our “Blunch,” the latter of which he introduced about a decade ago. “My bakers were already coming in early to prepare the food for the day, so I figured why not introduce this breakfast service?” he shared. “It is available throughout most of the day. We were very pleased with the reaction from the start. I think people appreciate the creativity and variety of our menu items.”
Besides the traditional breakfast-time items of eggs, French toast, pancakes and waffles, there are also poutine and special breakfast pasta and pizza dishes.
Vacchio said his kitchen bakes fresh goods daily, including pasta and desserts. The menu and take-out items cater to individuals with celiac disease. Visiting NHL teams and some concert performers, such as Bruce Springsteen, have their meals catered by Zola’s.
The restaurant can seat 84. On weekends you can look forward to live jazz performances.
I will return to Zola’s down the line for lunch or dinner to try the famous semolina dinner rolls. These soft, supple, and sweet little buns are a staple. They are baked fresh every day, beginning at 11:30 am, with a choice of white or whole grain. Their in-store pasta shop has been a part of the business since the beginning and is something Vacchio takes great pride in. Customers regularly walk out with their homemade pasta, pizza, meatballs, bread, pies, and quiche. Zola’s is located at 2194 Robertson Road and is open seven days a week. For more information log on to https://zolas.ca/ or call 613-721-0227.