HIDDEN GEM: Rea’s Italian Cucina

We’ve been hearing about Rea’s for, well, decades. Finally, in February we were able to make it down to it’s tucked-away location just off Edmonton Tr. N.E. and see what the big deal is all about. Founded as Sandro’s in 1996, Sandro’s suffered a fire that required a complete rebuild. In 2009, it reopened with a new name – Rea’s – and the same vast menu of Italian home cooking.

We started with a Caesar that featured a traditional, creamy dressing complete with anchovy and a ton of garlic – just how we like it. Fresh rolls accompany your meal – the kind that could ruin an amateur eater’s appetite. Fortunately, we’re in no danger of that. We followed up with the spaghetti carbonara which was amazing and generously portioned. Rea’s is well known for its pizza and those in the know tell us the The Dom is the way to go. Make a reservation as the place fills up quickly after 6 p.m.