Home » Il Gazzettino » Father’s Day the Italian Way: Food, Family & Traditions
In Italy, La Festa del Papà (Father’s Day) is a time to honour fathers and grandfathers with love, gratitude, and, of course, incredible food. While Italians traditionally celebrate on March 19th—St. Joseph’s Day—here in Canada, we embrace our own summer version with just as much warmth and flavour.
At Mercato, Edmonton’s Italian market, bakery, and café, we believe the best way to celebrate Father’s Day is the Italian way: by gathering around the table, sharing traditional dishes, and creating memories that last a lifetime.
In Italian culture, food isn’t just nourishment—it’s connection. Some of the most treasured family moments happen in the kitchen or around the table, where recipes are passed down and stories are shared.
Father’s Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate:
The dad who makes the perfect Sunday lasagna
The grandfather who taught you how to knead dough by hand
The uncle who never shows up without a box of pastries for the family
These are the traditions that shape our lives—and the ones we carry forward.
Whether you’re preparing a full meal at home or picking up a few of Dad’s favourite items, Mercato has everything to make your Father’s Day table unforgettable.
From the Market:
Imported cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, and Burrata
Cured meats such as prosciutto, mortadella, and soppressata
Fresh pasta, house-made sauces, and pantry staples
Olives, marinated vegetables, and Italian condiments
From the Bakery:
Focaccia, ciabatta, and rustic Italian breads baked fresh daily
Classic Italian pastries, including cannoli, biscotti, and sfogliatelle and even custom cakes made fresh right in our bakery.
From the Café:
Freshly made panini, salads, and pastry options perfect for brunch
Authentic Italian coffee and espresso drinks to start (or end) the day right
Whether you’re hosting brunch at home or grabbing lunch with Dad at our café, you’ll find the perfect combination of fresh, authentic flavours at Mercato.
If your dad has a sweet tooth, he’s in the right place. Surprise him with his favourite Italian pastry or pick up a few different options so he can indulge after a great meal. From the creamy filling of a freshly piped cannolo to the flaky layers of sfogliatelle, our bakery is full of treats made with care and tradition.
Pair it with a rich espresso or a cappuccino from our café and you’ve got a Father’s Day moment he won’t forget.
At the heart of every Italian celebration is the idea of togetherness. This Father’s Day, we invite you to celebrate in that same spirit—by sharing a meal, a conversation, and a few simple pleasures with the fathers and role models in your life.
Whether you’re preparing a full Italian meal from scratch or simply stopping by for coffee and pastries, Mercato is here to help you create meaningful moments through food.
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