La Roma Celebrates 35 Years on Preston Street: A Legacy of Family, Food, and Community

For 35 years, the Papalia family has welcomed guests through the doors of their restaurant on Preston Street in Ottawa’s Little Italy, building something that feels both timeless and familiar. The restaurant's roots stretch back even further — La Roma’s story began in the 1960s, but it’s here on Preston that it truly found its home. This stretch of street, with its mix of old-world charm and modern energy, has shaped the restaurant’s character and spirit. The Papalias, who took ownership in 1990, grew up in Little Italy and around the business. That sense of family still defines the restaurant today, where a warm welcome and the comfort of a familiar face are as much a part of the experience as the food itself.

Inside, La Roma continues to honour its history while bringing fresh energy to the table. The kitchen remains rooted in Italian tradition with handmade pastas, slow-simmered sauces, and regional recipes, yet each dish carries a modern touch that keeps the menu evolving. Under the steady hand of Head Chef Ilya Dyagilev, who has led the kitchen for more than a decade, La Roma continues to balance comfort and creativity. Diners return for their favourite classics but often leave having discovered something new to love.

The space has evolved as well. Over the years, La Roma has expanded to include a semi-private dining room upstairs, perfect for intimate gatherings, and a reimagined bar area where guests can enjoy a glass of Chianti or an after-dinner espresso. The atmosphere feels both elevated and approachable — a place where a milestone anniversary dinner fits just as comfortably as a casual weeknight meal. Small details, from the music to the lighting to the gentle hum of conversation, make the restaurant feel alive in a way that only a true local spot can.

As La Roma marks 35 years on Preston Street, it remains a reflection of everything that makes Little Italy so special: history, hospitality, and heart. Its longevity speaks to the Papalia family’s dedication and the community that continues to support them. Weekly favourites like half-price wine Tuesdays and Aperitivo Hour on Thursdays carry on the spirit of gathering that has defined the restaurant since its earliest days. More than just a place to eat, La Roma remains a cornerstone of Little Italy, where the past and present meet over good food, good company, and warm hospitality.