Nero Restaurant Ignites Downtown Edmonton's Dining Scene from Historic Molson Brewery

A new culinary titan has arrived in Edmonton's Brewery District, and it’s already commanding the city’s attention.

 

Nero Restaurant, the latest venture from acclaimed restaurateur Dave Manna, has officially opened its doors in the iconic Molson Brewery Building, and it is nothing short of a showstopper.

 

This is not just another Italian restaurant; it’s a statement.

 

It’s a signal of the incredible culinary renaissance sweeping through downtown Edmonton, a movement that blends our city's rich history with a bold, contemporary vision.

 

Located at 12068 104 Ave NW, Nero breathes new life into a space steeped in local heritage.

 

The team behind the beloved Bianco and Rosso Pizzeria has meticulously crafted an experience that feels both grand and intimate, elegant yet approachable.

 

The moment you step inside, the ambition is palpable.

 

Designers have masterfully navigated the building's heritage constraints, creating what many are already calling one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city.

 

Think soaring ceilings, exposed brick protected by glass, and a stunning marble bar that anchors the room.

 

The aesthetic is a powerful mix of industrial-chic and old-world European elegance, with soft lighting and glittering chandeliers creating a warm, inviting glow.

 

Despite seating over 100 guests, the space is cleverly designed with intimate nooks and semi-private corners, avoiding the cavernous feel that plagues many large restaurants.

 

But a beautiful room is nothing without a menu to match, and Nero delivers with confidence and flair.

 

The concept centers on modern, Italian-inspired cuisine designed for the way Edmontonians love to eat: socially and with style.

 

Expect shareable antipasti, vibrant seasonal mains, and, of course, the kind of house-made pastas and wood-fired pizzas that made its sister restaurants household names.

 

This is food that respects tradition while pushing flavor forward, highlighting fresh, high-quality ingredients in every dish.

 

The cocktail program is equally ambitious, positioning Nero Restaurant as a prime destination for after-work drinks or a sophisticated night out in the Brewery District.

 

Nero's arrival is a crucial piece of the puzzle for the ongoing revitalization of 104th Avenue NW.

 

For years, Edmontonians watched the Brewery District develop, wondering when the historic Molson building would finally join the action.

 

The wait, it seems, was worth it.

 

The restaurant’s opening this past spring marked a pivotal moment, transforming the landmark into a vibrant hub of activity.

 

It joins a growing community of businesses that are reshaping this corridor, which sits conveniently near MacEwan University and the bustling ICE District.

 

The area is quickly becoming a self-sufficient urban village, blending residential living with essential services and, now, destination dining.

 

The launch of Nero is part of a larger, exciting trend across the city.

 

Edmonton's culinary scene is firing on all cylinders, with 2025 seeing a wave of sophisticated and highly-anticipated openings like Olia and Bar Trove that are capturing national attention.

 

These establishments are elevating the standard for dining in the city, offering experiences that feel both worldly and deeply connected to their local roots.

 

Dave Manna and his team have a proven track record of understanding the Edmonton diner.

 

They know how to create spaces that are simultaneously cool and comfortable, a place you’d be equally happy to bring a first date or celebrate a milestone anniversary.

 

This is their most ambitious project yet, and it carries the weight of both its legacy and its location.

 

Nero isn’t just feeding people; it’s anchoring a neighborhood.

 

It’s providing a reason for people to explore a historic part of our city, to gather, and to celebrate the incredible momentum building in downtown Edmonton.

 

This restaurant is a testament to the power of thoughtful development and local vision.

 

It proves that you can honour the past while creating something entirely new and exciting.

 

It’s a bold move, and one that is already paying off, judging by the buzz and the packed tables.

 

As downtown Edmonton continues its evolution, with new residential towers rising and public spaces being reimagined, anchors like Nero are more important than ever.

 

They are the heartbeats of their communities, the places where memories are made and the city's story is written, one delicious plate at a time.

 

Our reader's top 3 Questions

 

What kind of food does Nero Restaurant serve?

 

Nero features a modern, Italian-inspired menu with shareable antipasti, house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal main courses, all focusing on fresh ingredients.

 

Who owns Nero Restaurant in the Brewery District?

 

Nero is owned and operated by the successful team behind Edmonton's popular Bianco and Rosso Pizzeria, led by restaurateur Dave Manna.

 

Is Nero located in the old Molson Brewery building?

 

Yes, Nero is located in the historic Molson Brewery Building at 12068 104 Ave NW, a landmark in the heart of the Edmonton Brewery District.