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Zenari's
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 7 am - 6:30 pm
Thu 7 am - 9 pm
Fri 7 am - 8 pm
Sat 8 am - 6 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
10 reviews for Zenari's
10 reviews in English
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Review from Kim H.
4/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Whoa! A hidden gem!
I seriously didn't know this place existed, a coworker showed me the way! I work downtown and try to avoid going out for lunch. You always feel rushed, and eating out can be expensive!
This little restaruant/cafe is tucked away on the main floor of Manulife. Most people end up on the second floor because of the pedway.
You order and pay at the counter and then find a seat. The staff will find you and bring you out your dish and the necessary cuttlery.
They do a large variety of dishes for lunch. One coworker had the pasta special, one a soup and salad combo, and I tried a chicken sandwich. The prices are a tad high, but not ridiculous. The pasta serving looked very large, and my one friend couldn't finish the soup and salad.
Lunch took about 50 minutes (including the 5 minute walk each way) and allowed for some chit-chat between the three of us. I'd go back, and suggest this as a place for small groups. -
Review from Mark L.
8/5/2011
My experience at Zenari's was quite odd. A co-worker suggested I go here since it's close to my office. At first glance, it seemed to be a store for cooking tools. At second glance, it revealed itself to be a place that also sold pricey soups, sandwiches, and salads.
I ordered a vegetable sandwich and then proceeded to stand around for a few minutes. There wasn't any indication that the sandwich was being grilled and the cashier didn't let me know that I should sit down; I was in an odd limbo. Eventually, I just sat down. I would have asked the cashier what was up, but she had disappeared.
Then five minutes later, I received my sandwich. The sandwich itself was quite good. It had a nice variety of vegetables and the bread was delicious. I'm a fan of seedy bread and this bread was some of the seediest I've had.Listed in: 30 day challenge
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Review from Karlie M.
Updated - 5/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
The time has come for me to seriously downgrade my review for Zenari's :(
I hadn't been in months, but met a friend yesterday for lunch. The food is still delicious. Most of the old staff are there, with a couple of new faces. The service I received was the worst I've ever had there, unfortunately. Very slow, didn't seem like she was paying attention to me, etc. I'm fully aware that the prices went up last year-ish, but it was still a shock to me when a large spinach salad and a regular sized pasta came to $18.45. Just too ridiculous (to me) for a quick lunch, as delicious as it may be.
Sorry Zenari's, there will always be a place in my heart for you, and I may visit you from time to time, but don't count on it.Listed in: My downtown
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/14/2011
Zenari's is one of my absolute favourite places to go for lunch downtown. I'll admit I haven't been… Read more »
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Review from Jude P.
Edmonton, AB
10/18/2011
I've been an occassional patron of Zenari's for about 10 years. When my son was a toddler, I'd take him here for an Orangina and muffin in the summer. It was fun to sit at a table outside the eatery and people-watch. There are many well-dressed people that work near Zenari's, so it's fun to check out people's attire.
Since I work downtown,I've had many delicious pasta lunches. In fact, every pasta dis that I've tried has been top notch. Unfortunately, their prices have markedly increased. I went there with 2 co-workers last week (the last time we went was August) and realized that a half-order of pasta was $2 more than last time. That makes $10 for a plate of pasta, which seemed steep although the pasta was tasty. I'd recommend ordering the full orderm which is $3 more. At least you can eat it the leftovers for dinner!
We also noticed with dismay that their focaccia bread was now $4. Balsamic vinegar for the bread was an extra $2! People, focaccia used to be $1.50 with complimentary balsamic on the side. In fact, we ordered it in August and received free balsamic :P We weren't impressed; after all, how much does it cost to make a bun? In terms of value for your money, it's a fail.
I've had the cappuccino and lattes here, which are either OK or lackluster. The moccaccino isn't bad. Quite frankly,I expect more espresso drink quality from an Italian eatery. Grab a Pellegrino instead.
The salads, pasta and risotto are delicious.
To avoid the line-ups, arrive there at 11:30am. It's quite busy by noon.
If you're with friends, get them to grab a table while the others stand in line.
I still like Zenari's, but their prices will keep me away. A monthly treat for me! -
Review from Brittany K.
Edmonton, AB
1/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
I like this place because it's such a surprise. Being in the dead centre of Manulife Place (an office building/mall kind of a thing), you wouldn't expect this place to be an awesome Italian restaurant with a ton of seating.
Grab a chair inside of the joint or steal a table in the great "outdoors" in the middle of the lower level (beside Holt Renfrew, so don't let them tempt you! ....OK, let it tempt you).
Servers stationed both inside the restaurant and at a small booth-like area for refillng drinks, etc. beside the outdoor tables. I just stuck to coffee, which our friendly server refilled often (thanks!), but I can't wait to try one of those desserts I saw coming out to the table next to us. Yum!Listed in: Four-Stars, Lunch Break, Cups of Coffee, Italian Eats
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Review from Lauren N.
4/3/2011
Zenari's is great for lunch downtown, but a bit on the pricey side. Not one of my first choices when I'm aiming for low-budget, but still on the list.
They do catering services too; our office likes to order from here for lunch meetings because they have amazing sandwiches. Honestly, I'm not really a sandwich person but I love the ones from Zenari's!
If you go visit for lunch, try to get there early before 12pm to beat the lunchtime crowd on weekdays. The bacon risotto is pretty good, thick and creamy with enough cheese that it's not overpowering the dish. There's a seating area outside the small restaurant; it's kind of like an outdoor cafe patio, only inside the mall :)
Also a great place to pick up office birthday cakes and treats! They have a great selection of cakes (including cheesecakes) that they'll box up for you.
In the corner they sell all kinds of kitchen gadgets, it's pretty neat. Kitschy toasters, coffee mugs, wine glasses and other trendy kitchen accessories.
Add Zenari's to your list of downtown eateries!Listed in: Downtown Lunching Grounds
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Review from George T.
Edmonton, AB
4/12/2011 ROTD 4/23/2011
Zenari's in Manulife Place is an excellent restaurant for those who wish to have a healthy lunch in a great central downtown location surrounded by expensive shops such as Holt Renfrew, Henry Birks and Sons, Henry Singers, and Jamison's Opticians. The food selection is fantastic, however, it is a little bit pricey. There are many different types of food to choose from such as vegetarian, chicken, beef, and pasta. The staff is very friendly and willing to help out. Any customer at this eatery will be satisfied with the great food and great service at this fine establishment.
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Review from Jessica L.
Edmonton, AB
10/31/2009 1 photo
I'm not a huge fan of Italian food but this place never fails to impress me. Its a great lunch stop in Manulife place. The food is served cafeteria/deli style and there are tables inside and just outside the store. They are rarely empty due to the amazing pizzas, pastas and salads that are made fresh here daily!
Zenaris is much more than just food. There is also a very large selection of kitchenware and appliances. There is also a small grocery area of imported Italian food items.
It can be a bit pricey, but I think worth it for the freshness of the food! -
Review from Jeanette B.
Edmonton, AB
12/5/2008
I really liked Zenari's on 1st, but that closed down for some reason, so all I have left is Zenari's in Manulife Place. It's a very cafe-style type of place, with tables set up inside and outside (which is actually inside the mall.)
It's a little pricey, butt the food is good. They serve stuff like salads, pizza, and sandwiches--a lot of Italian food. You can also get a slice of one of their delicious cakes or pies.
They also have a small area with imported Italian foods for sale like balsamic vinegars, olive oils, pestos, pastas, and sauces. Also attached, is Zenari's kitchen store that sells everything a cook will ever need. Everything is really expensive. I saw cookware sets that were locked up in a glass case. A single deep frying pan costs $360. I can't imagine ever paying that for just one item, but it probably lasts a lifetime--or at least it better for that price!
They also had some very fancy pepper mills. I could almost see myself splurging on one of these, but some of them were way overpriced. I saw one that actually cost $240! If the mill isn't going to turn my pepper into gold or some kind of magical cure, then I really have no reason to spend that much on a pepper mill. -
Review from Paula K.
5/27/2009
Zenari's is a popular lunch place for the downtown business crowd. Located in Manulife Place, most of the tables are outside the cafe (which is also a small gourmet food store). There is also a licensed wine bar area that is fenced off from the main area. Customers can purchase small food items like pasta, individual pizzas, and sandwiches , as well as cold and hot drinks of all kinds. I find the prices to be higher here than other coffee establishments, and the portions smaller. My latte was close to three dollars and came in an average sized coffee cup. It was also blazingly hot. I am also always amazed at coffee shops that do not sell iced coffee drinks, especially in the warmer weather. I would not purposely come here by myself to eat, but have had meetings here on a regular basis because of its central location. If you come here on a week day for lunch, be prepared to wait in line for a while.
