The 3-in-1 The Girlies Have Been Waiting For

I’m giving you the details on the best 3-in-1, and no, I’m not talking about your ex’s shampoo-conditioner-body wash combo.

Located in Edmonton’s Little Italy is a destination that manages to bring together three of my favourite things: plants, coffee and retail therapy. If you’re not familiar with her, meet Zocalo.

Zocalo has been a local staple since 2003, bringing together indoor and outdoor plants, fresh-cut flowers, and an espresso bar. I first visited in 2014 and hadn’t been back, so I was surprised to find that they had expanded. The café, which used to share the same space as the plants, has since moved into the building next door, where they’ve added distinctive gifts and eclectic décor to the mix. And while you could easily visit for just one of those things, why stop there?

Start with the plants

My Sunday afternoon visit happened to line up with Zocalo’s backyard sale, so naturally, I had to take a look.

I was already happily wandering through the plants when something unexpected caught my attention: music.

Across the street, Edmonton Opera was putting on a free outdoor performance in the square, and the music carried right into Zocalo’s plant section. Surrounded by greenery, sunlight filtering through the greenhouse and the sound of live opera drifting in from outside, I found myself having one of those wonderfully unexpected moments you can’t really plan for.

It was the kind of experience that made me pause and take it all in.

And honestly, is there a better soundtrack for plant shopping?

The plant section itself is the kind of place where “I’ll just have a quick look” can turn into a considerably longer stay. There’s plenty to explore: from leafy indoor plants to outdoor greenery, pots, vases and garden finds. Whether you’re looking to add a little life to your home or simply enjoy wandering through a greenhouse, there’s something to catch your eye.

Then, grab a coffee

Once I’d had my fill of plant browsing, I crossed over to the café for an iced vanilla latte and a breakfast bagel.

Breakfast Bagel

The bagel was fresh and, with one small swap, vegetarian-friendly: I traded the bacon for arugula. The latte was delicious, and the café made the perfect place to settle in between shopping.

One of my favourite details? You’re surrounded by the gift shop while you eat, so there’s plenty to look at while you sip your coffee. It’s also an excellent setting for a little people watching, which is an underrated part of any good café experience.

Save room for the gift shop

Once brunch was finished, I took my time wandering through the gift shop.

This is where Zocalo’s eclectic side really comes through. There are colourful glass pieces, distinctive ceramics, decorative objects, clever gifts and plenty of unexpected details tucked throughout the space. It’s the kind of shopping experience where you might walk in looking for one thing and leave thinking about something you didn’t know you needed.

Which, in my opinion, is exactly how a good discovery should work.

But what exactly is a Zocalo?

The name itself has a little character.

A zócalo is a public square, particularly associated with Mexico, where the central plaza becomes a gathering place filled with trees, benches, activity and community. Zocalo brings that same spirit to Edmonton’s Little Italy, creating a destination where people can browse, eat, drink, gather and discover something unexpected.

And after spending an afternoon there, I can see why the name fits.

Your new 3-in-1 destination

If you’re a girlie — or guy — who loves plants, coffee and trinkets, Zocalo might just be your haven. But even if you only have a thing for one of the three, it’s worth the visit. Each section has its own distinct character, while together they create an experience that feels lively, local and completely one-of-a-kind.

And sometimes the best part of a discovery is the thing you didn't plan for. For me, it was standing among the plants, listening to opera drifting in from across the street.

So grab a coffee, find a new plant friend, leave a little room in your bag for something unexpected and see what you encounter at Zocalo.