Little Italy has always been a part of my family’s life — it’s where I grew up. I love seeing success stories from my community, and Nina’s journey is one I really wanted to share.
I even found out we have a generational connection. My parents knew Nina’s grandparents on her mom’s side. My dad worked with her Nonno Natalino (which is also my dad’s name!), and my mom used to do her Nonna Norina’s hair. She was first my mom’s client when she worked at Steno’s Beauty Salon and later followed her when she opened her own shop — Wanda Beauty Salon.
Nina Agostini
Co-owner, Farinella, Farinella Snack Bar and Retro Gusto
www.farinellaeats.com | @farinella.ottawa
www.retrogustoeats.com | @retrogusto.ottawa
Nonna’s Kitchen
In Italian culture, food and family go hand in hand. It’s not just about the holidays. Even a quick visit and a shared cup of espresso feel special.
Nina’s grandmothers loved having her and her brother in the kitchen whenever they spent time together. So, she always knew her future would involve food somehow, even if she didn’t quite know how it would all come together.
Nina’s family has been involved in the restaurant industry since 1968. She was about eight years old when she first dreamt of one day owning her own business. At the age of 14, she got her first job at the local Italian grocery store, Nicastro’s, and fell in love with the fast-paced energy. In high school, on weekends, she worked at Life of Pie, a neighborhood pie shop in the Glebe, and on weekdays at Simply Biscotti in Ottawa’s Little Italy.
2013
Nina and her brother moved to Italy to learn the art of making authentic Italian pizza and gelato.
After high school, Nina moved to Italy to study at Università dei Sapori in Perugia. Her brother joined her in Italy later and went to work in Rome.
2014
Finding work wasn’t easy at first, but in May 2014, Nina landed a job in Perugia as a gelatiera at the popular Menchetti. Just six months later, she was promoted to head gelatiera and general manager. She spent the next three years there. Inspired by her mentor, Marco Sogetti, she would even come in on her days off to learn as much as she could.
After three years with Menchetti, Nina knew it was time to return home with everything she’d learned.
2017
The return home.
I have always known that Ottawa was were I wanted to build my future.
– Nina Agostini
2018
Filuccia Gelateria – Ottawa’s First Taste
Nina and Cesare launched their own gelato cart with their cousin, offering rotating homemade flavours. It quickly became one of Ottawa’s hottest spots. I remember people sharing gelato shots on Instagram, especially on those beautiful summer nights.
2019
Brining a taste of Italy home.
Nina and her brother finally opened Farinella on Rochester Street in Ottawa’s Little Italy after months of planning and hard work. Their philosophy is pretty simple: find the best product, find where to get it, and then do as little to it as possible — just keep it authentic.
I don’t eat meat, but I’ve tried just about everything else on their menu: pizza (I absolutely love the crust), panini, supplì, calzone, focaccia, bread, bomboloni, cannoli, maritozzi, and zeppole di San Giuseppe.
When my dad first tried the maritozzi, he told me he used to make them when he was a little boy in Rossano Veneto. That’s how I know he really likes something.
DISCLAIMER: He did not bake or cook when he was a little boy. I asked both my Zias.
2021
Nina and her brother opened a second Farinella location in Kanata.
2022
Nina and her brother opened Retro Gusto, a Roman-style pizzeria and cocktail bar at the corner of Somerset and Preston. I love the retro look of this spot, it reminds me of my parents’ basement when they first got married.
As soon as you walk in, you get a cozy vibe. There’s a neon sign, a great bar, framed vintage Italian magazines on the walls, and even a needlepoint portrait of Jesus. I feel like every Nonna and Nonno’s house has some religious imagery. I even inherited one from my mother’s parents. It hung in my Nonno’s bedroom until he passed away.
The menu changes with the seasons, which I love to see (although they always have the favorites — the supplì are delish). New menu items will always get me out of the house! If you post it, I will come!
2024
The seasonal Farinella Snack Bar opens its doors.
Success means more when you earn it.
There is no secret: Nina’s success comes down to hard work and commitment to a dream.
Knowing all the challenges my family faced when they first came to Canada, not knowing the language or culture, what they achieved is absolutely remarkable. I admire people who appreciate those who came before them and work hard to make their family proud.
In an interview with Good Story, Nina shared how her Nonnas played a big part in making their business dream come true. When she was asked what she credits her success to, she got so emotional, it really warmed my heart.
Hard work. My brother and I always had the mentality that we we could do anything, anything we put our minds to, as long as we worked hard enough. We need to be the best, there is no choice when it comes to family, you got to make it work.
Something else the interviewer said, which speaks volumes, is that when you come in to the Farinella Rochester location, it feels like family, and the team runs it like their own.
Honestly, this is 100% true. You feel it at Retro Gusto and the Farinella Snack Bar, too.
The staff always greet you with a smile. They can hold a conversation with you and look you in the eye. They’re never scrolling on their phones, which you see so often nowadays. They’re dressed appropriately and genuinely act like they want to be at work and enjoy the people they work with. It’s a feeling that really comes through when you’re there.
After the interviewer made that comment, Nina beamed a little, saying this is something the Farinella family does really well. When it comes to building a strong team and community, her answer was simple.
Love each other.
