Little Italy’s Allegro Ristorante closing its doors after 30 years

After more than 30 years of serving customers in Little Italy, Allegro Ristorante is calling it quits — another local business to cite COVID-19 as the cause. 

In an Instagram post Sunday afternoon, business owners Toni and Angela Imerti said, “After over 30 years of being a staple in Ottawa’s Little Italy and serving our community, it is with heavy hearts that today we announce the closing of Allegro Ristorante.” 

The last night Allegro will be serving its food will be on Saturday, October 24. 

“We will miss sharing in your special day, being a part of your celebrations and being there for you through your sorrows,” the post continued. “We will miss having the dining room full of your laughter and the clinging of the glasses when we say ‘salute’ or ‘buon appetite!’”

If there is something the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the owners, it is to support one another. 

“Make the effort to support your local restaurants, dry cleaners, pharmacies and small shops,” Allegro said. “It is they who make our community what it is. It is them who make you feel welcome when you walk in and they know your name, it is them who care. It is them that needs us now more than ever.”

The restaurant is located on Preston Street. 

“This is not goodbye, this is so long.”

Read their full statement here.