Da Cecot: A Taste of Italy in Edmonton
When I heard there was a new Italian-owned pasta bar in Edmonton serving authentic handmade pasta, I knew I had to check it out. I visited last Thursday, arriving exactly five minutes after opening—just so I wouldn’t look too eager ;). When I opened the door, the person behind the counter, Erika, gave me an astonished look before warmly welcoming me in.
“I still get surprised whenever someone walks in,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting anyone to show up this afternoon!” She went on to tell me how impressed she is by Canadians’ willingness to go out no matter the temperature. It was -30 that day, and even I had questioned why I chose the coldest day of the week to brave the streets of Whyte. But like Erika said, the weather wasn’t going to stop me from getting my hands on good pasta.
The setup is casual: you order at the counter, then choose a seat. Erika walked me through the menu, explaining that it’s small but intentional, with a focus on quality over quantity. They also value locality and use seasonal ingredients. There are a handful of appetizers, seven pastas to choose from (three based on availability), and five house-made sauces. They also serve lasagna, baked fresh daily. I was initially set on ordering the Plasé, a tomato-based sauce, but then I figured I should ask the expert. Erika recommended the rosé sauce—Salsa al Baffo—paired with tagliatelle.
As she prepared my meal, we began chatting. I had looked at her website beforehand and noticed she’s ethnically Nigerian, like myself, so I asked her about it. Erika shared that she was born in Nigeria, but at age five her family moved to Italy, where she was raised. She met her husband there, and together they had their two children, Giovanni and Ennio. In 2021, they packed up their lives and moved to Edmonton.
After settling here, Erika noticed that fresh handmade pasta was often expensive. It was either reserved for high-end dining or sold at steep prices, sometimes as much as $35 a pack. “It’s simple ingredients,” she said. “Back in Italy, this is the kind of food you get at any restaurant on the side of the road.” That realization sparked her mission to make fresh pasta more accessible in Edmonton. She also shared that she wants Da Cecot to be more than just a restaurant, it’s meant to be a place where people can gather and feel at home.
While my pasta cooked, another person came in asking if they could warm up inside the restaurant. Without hesitation, Erika welcomed them, invited them to keep their electric scooter inside, and helped them up the stairs to a seat. That small interaction alone told me everything I needed to know about the kind of community she’s building.
Not long after, my pasta arrived perfectly al dente. It tasted just like the fresh pasta I’ve had in Italy. The sauce was rich and creamy with a subtle kick, thanks to a drizzle of hot honey Erika added since I didn’t include meat. It was the perfect comfort meal on a cold day. Before I even finished my plate, I knew this was a place I’d be returning to again and again.
As I ate, Erika was back behind the counter, stretching dough. She mentioned that she’s currently running the restaurant entirely on her own: cook, cleaner, and server. She plans to hire staff once she’s more established, but for now, she’s doing it all herself. With the heart she puts into the place, I can’t imagine it’ll be long before her team grows.
I can’t recommend Da Cecot enough. From the food to the service to the overall vibe, it’s a solid 10/10. If you’re interested in a hands-on experience, Erika also offers pasta workshops where you learn how to make pasta, and then enjoy it together afterward. If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend going for dinner, as that’s when the full menu is available. Appetizers aren’t offered in the afternoon, and the pasta selection is smaller. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, and now I have the perfect excuse to go back soon. If you love pasta, or great food in general, don’t miss out on Da Cecot. It’s truly a gem!