216 Elgin (at the corner of Lisgar Ave.), Ottawa | 613-565-5155
Owner / Operator / FounderI’ve been passionate about Italian food and hospitality for as long as I can remember. Growing up in an Italian household, Sundays were sacred—reserved for big family lunches filled with homemade food, laughter, and the simple joy of being together. It was around those tables that I learned the true meaning of connection, tradition, and great food.I started Johnny Farina Restaurant along with my silent partner brother Mauro (Moe) in 1997, and over the years, I’ve carried those early lessons with me into every part of my career. My goal has always been to create a space where people feel at home the moment they walk in—a place where the food is honest, the service is warm, and the atmosphere reflects the heart of Italian hospitality.One of my biggest priorities is making sure our staff feels happy and supported. When the team loves where they work, it shows in the consistency of the food and the quality of the service. That positive energy carries through to our guests, who we treat like extended family.There’s nothing that makes me happier than seeing people gathered around a table, enjoying great food and even better company—just like Nonna used to do.People often ask me what to order. I always say: you can’t go wrong with a classic Margherita pizza topped with a little spicy olive oil. Simple and satisfying.Benvenuti!
ManagerWith nearly 11 years at Johnny Farina and a lifetime in the hospitality industry, Jimmy Pulente is the heart and soul of our dining room. What started as a paper route in his early teens quickly turned into a lifelong passion for hospitality after his second job as a busboy—he never looked back.Jimmy’s roots run deep in the world of Italian food and family. Born into a large Italian family, he spent countless hours watching his Nonna, mother, and aunts cook traditional meals, sparking a love for food that’s only grown stronger over the years. His early professional experience was shaped at two of Sault Ste. Marie’s most beloved Italian restaurants, Aurora’s and the iconic Giovanni’s, a family-run spot celebrating over 40 years of excellence.He later took his skills to The Keg restaurant group, where he worked as a dining room manager and trained under seasoned hospitality professionals in Toronto. Those years gave him the tools and insight to lead with both efficiency and heart.Today at JF, Jimmy brings the same energy and philosophy to every shift: warm, genuine service that makes people feel at home. “Many restaurants have great food,” he says, “but if you don’t have that family feel, it’s just not the same.”Ask him what to order and he’ll always say: pizza or pasta. With our wood-burning oven and handmade pasta, there are lots to choose from.Come in, say hello, and receive a warm welcome from Jimmy—you’ll feel like part of the family from the moment you walk through the door.
Deli & Catering ManagerSince 2017, Joseph Keenan has been an essential part of the Johnny Farina team, managing both the deli and catering operations with creativity, dedication, and a deep love for good food.With no formal culinary training and Johnny Farina as his first experience in the industry, Joseph’s journey is a true example of passion meeting opportunity. Inspired by culinary icons like Anthony Bourdain, he jumped into the food world headfirst—and hasn’t looked back since.Joe thrives on the freedom to be creative, whether he’s crafting fresh daily specials for the deli or helping guests plan memorable catered events. He takes pride in ensuring the deli is fully stocked and ready to serve at lunch, and in offering attentive, personalized service for every catering request.“I love dining out myself,” he says, “so I try to treat every guest the way I’d want to be treated—warmly, sincerely, and with great food.”When he’s not behind the counter, you might find him at the bar with an Aperol spritz in hand, chatting about movies or enjoying one of the kitchen’s featured pizzas. Friendly, approachable, and passionate about the customer experience, Joe brings heart and hospitality to everything he does.Next time you're in, swing by the deli and say hi—Joe’s always happy to chat and help you find something delicious.