About 769 Erie St E
769 Erie Street East in Windsor is home to La Zingara Pizzeria & Trattoria , a popular Italian restaurant in the city’s Via Italia (Little Italy) district (experiencewindsor.ca ) (community.metrotimes.com ). This cozy eatery channels an "old-style pizza joint" vibe (community.metrotimes.com ), serving classic Italian dishes in a casual yet intimate setting. The building offers indoor seating for roughly 70–80 guests, including one or more private dining rooms for events (www.yellowpages.ca ). Decor tends to be warm and rustic, and the restaurant atmosphere is described as casual, upscale, romantic and intimate (www.yellowpages.ca ). As part of Windsor’s Erie Street dining scene, 769 Erie St E is notable for its wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta and focus on quality ingredients, making it a beloved local spot for families and food lovers alike.
Events and Programming
At 769 Erie St E, “events” typically revolve around dining and special meals rather than live stage shows. The restaurant runs regular lunch and dinner service all week, but also caters private gatherings and celebratory meals (wedding parties, anniversaries, corporate dinners, etc.) using its private dining rooms and catering options (www.yellowpages.ca ). Visitors can expect themed evenings or holiday menus (for example, special Valentine’s Day or Christmas dinners) when advertised by the restaurant. The venue is also integrated into the wider Via Italia community events: each summer Erie Street hosts the popular Butterfly Festival and the Tour di Via Italia cycling races (viaitalia.com ), which bring festive crowds to the neighborhood. During such local festivals, La Zingara often participates with special menu items or outdoor food specials on Erie Street (weather permitting). For day-to-day dining, programming is simply the welcoming family-style service typical of an Italian trattoria. There are no advance tickets to purchase – guests simply reserve a table or walk in to enjoy the restaurant’s regular menu.
Tickets and Booking
No formal tickets or admission fees are required to dine at 769 Erie St E. To visit, simply reserve a table or walk in (preferably call ahead on busy nights). Reservations can be made by phone at the restaurant’s number (519-258-7555 (community.metrotimes.com )). La Zingara accepts major credit cards including Visa and MasterCard (community.metrotimes.com ). There is no box office or ticketing office – you pay for your meal at the end of your visit. Group bookings for private rooms are available via advance arrangement. The menu prices are moderate: entrees generally run in the mid-$20s (CAD) range, pizzas around $20, and pastas or appetizers often under $15. Dinner for two with wine typically costs $60–$80, depending on choices (premium items or wine will raise it). No hidden fees – just standard menu pricing plus customary tax and tip.
Seating and Layout
The interior of 769 Erie St E is divided into a bar area and a main dining room, with one or more adjoining private rooms or alcoves for events (www.yellowpages.ca ). When you enter, you’ll see a host stand by the front door. To one side is a wood-lined bar with high-top stools for casual drinkers, and beyond that the main dining hall is arranged with comfortable tables and booths. Many tables are standard height, and some booths along the walls provide cozy booth seating. The restaurant is bright with evening lighting but retains an intimate feel, often with checkered tablecloths and Italian decor. The best seats depend on your preference: window tables (near the front) offer people-watching along Erie Street, while tables deeper in the dining room are quieter. The private dining room or closed-off alcove is ideal for groups or quiet conversation. During busy service, the room can get lively – it’s a convivial Italian dining room, so expect moderate background noise from other diners and servers. Tip: if you want a quieter meal, skip peak dinner hours or request seating away from the kitchen door. The floor plan is all on one level (ground floor), so sightlines are generally unobstructed for most of the room. No assigned seating – tables are open-plan, and staff will seat your party in an optimal spot based on party size.
Getting There and Parking
Location: 769 Erie St E is located on Windsor’s east side on Erie Street (Via Italia), roughly between Lincoln Road and Mercer Street (experiencewindsor.ca ). The building’s full address is 769 Erie St. East, Windsor, ON N9A 3X8 (La Zingara Pizzeria & Trattoria) (community.metrotimes.com ). By car: From downtown Windsor, head east on Wyandotte St to Ouellette Ave, turn north to Erie St, and continue east. From Highway 3 or the 401, use the Ouellette Ave exit south and turn east onto Erie. There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant (adjacent to the building) that offers a few free spots when available (www.yellowpages.ca ); additionally, street parking along Erie is free. However, spaces can fill up on weekend evenings, so arriving early is wise. No valet service is provided, so park responsibly on Erie or in private lots nearby. Public transit: Transit Windsor buses run along Erie St and nearby arteries. The closest bus stop is at Erie & Lincoln (just a block or two west) – check your route charts (for example, many east-west routes on Wyandotte will connect here). Lines 3 or 4 on Wyandotte, and local #2 or #15 on Erie, can serve this area. Riders should verify current schedules at windsor.mytransitride.com . Rideshare/Taxi: Uber and Lyft can drop off directly in front of 769 Erie St E on Erie Street. Taxis can likewise stop briefly at the curb; just pull into the Erie Street frontage. The address is well-marked. Finally, the venue is about 2.5 km (5–10 min drive) from downtown Windsor and the Windsor Transit Terminal, 3 km from Windsor International Airport (via Highway 3), and a 10-minute drive from the Ambassador Bridge/Detroit border crossings, making it easily accessible by car in the region.
Inside the Venue
Expect a warm Italian restaurant atmosphere inside 769 Erie St E. The décor is classic trattoria-style – wood and tile floors, rustic wooden tables, and accents like wine bottles or Italian artwork. The Open Kitchen is often visible, letting guests catch a glimpse of pizzas being slid into ovens or pasta being dressed. On entry you’ll find coat hooks/closets for jackets (no formal cloakroom, just wall hooks as needed). The bar area stocks beers and wines; a small wine list offers several Italian reds and whites, and the bartender can mix cocktails. A kids’ menu is not formal, but cheese pizza or pasta can be ordered for children. Restrooms are at the back – one for women and one for men – and meet basic accessibility standards (wide stalls and handrails) for this style of restaurant. The venue does not have an official Wi-Fi or business center, and cell reception is usually good inside for mobile orders or maps. Coat check and luggage storage are not offered other than by personal arrangement (the tables may have under-chairs or hooks for bags). Merchandise is limited; sometimes they sell house-made pasta or sauces. In short, you will dine like in a homey Italian trattoria: order at the table, enjoy the open, friendly vibe, and relax with good food. The staff is typically attentive and can often speak English and some Italian; service is casual but professional.
Nearby Amenities
769 Erie St E sits in the heart of Windsor’s Erie Street “Little Italy” district (experiencewindsor.ca ), so visitors are surrounded by shops and restaurants. For pre- or post-meal dining/drinks, there are dozens of options within a few blocks: for example, Nico Taverna (501 Erie St E) serves upscale Italian fare, and Spago Trattoria slightly to the east is another casual Italian favorite. The Erie Street GastroPub (839 Erie St E) is across town for Asian fusion fare. A local bakery, Lolo Café (occupying part of the same building) offers pastries, coffee and cakes – perfect for desserts or brunch (www.mapquest.com ). Unique bars nearby include The Parlour or Prince of Wales Pub for drinks. If you need groceries or foreign ingredients, Italian markets and bakeries line this street (look for signs like “gastronomia” or “panificio”). Hotels are not on Erie Street itself, but the Windsor waterfront and downtown area (2–3 km west) has several: e.g., the Caesars Windsor Hotel & Casino, Four Points by Sheraton, and Holiday Inn Express. All are a short drive away. Practical amenities close by include banks/ATMs, pharmacies (Medicine Shoppe on Erie), and public parking lots. Late-night transportation is also available: after closing, the nearest bus stop returns you downtown or cab stands can be found on Ouellette Ave. Walking around Erie Street in the evening is generally safe and lively, but as always exercise normal urban caution.
What Makes This Venue Special
What sets 769 Erie St E apart is the authentic Italian neighborhood experience it offers. It’s not a chain or glitzy nightclub — it’s a cozy, family-run trattoria where the focus is on good food and atmosphere. The signature specialty is its wood-fired pizzas: for example, the Four Seasons pizza (Quattro Stagioni) of ham, artichokes and olives, or the prosciutto pizza that’s liberally topped with shaved cured meat (community.metrotimes.com ). The team prides itself on homemade pastas, friendly service and time-honored recipes that have won local loyalty. The Via Italia heritage also means community traditions (like Pizza on the Piazza events, outdoor dining when festivals roll by, and friendly neighborly chatter). Many patrons are multi-generational: grandparents who lived on Erie Street and their grandchildren enjoying Sunday supper. This blend of genuine Italian culinary tradition with Windsor’s multicultural vibe is truly unique. Compared to other city venues, it’s like stepping into a little slice of Italy: wood-oven pizze baking, espresso brewing, and lively conversation in Italian – all right on Erie Street. (community.metrotimes.com ) (www.yellowpages.ca ).
Visitor Tips and Information
– Accessibility: The restaurant entrance is street-level with a few small ramps into the doorway. The main dining floor is flat (AODA-compliant). An accessible restroom is available.
Do I need to buy tickets or reserve in advance for 769 Erie St E?
No tickets are required for dining. 769 Erie St E is a restaurant, so you simply reserve a table or walk in. Reservations are recommended for popular nights (call ahead at the number on the website or listed signage) but not mandatory. You pay per menu prices at the end of your meal. For special events (like holiday dinners) the restaurant may have a set menu and take reservations in advance.
What is the price range of meals at La Zingara (769 Erie St E)?
La Zingara has mid-range pricing. Expect appetizers or salads around C$10–15, pizzas about C$18–22, and entree pasta or protein dishes C$20–30. A typical dinner with drinks for two often costs about $60–$80. Wine by the glass might be $7–12, and beers $6–8. No cover charge applies – just pay for what you order off the menu (plus tax and tip).
Does 769 Erie St E offer catering or private event services?
Yes. This location has private event space available (see our layout section) and offers catering and party services (www.yellowpages.ca ). You can host special occasions (birthday parties, business dinners, wedding rehearsal dinners, etc.) in a private room at the restaurant, or arrange catering from their kitchen. To book an event, contact the restaurant and discuss group menus or packages. These arrangements typically require advance notice and sometimes a deposit.
What is the exact address and location of 769 Erie St E?
The address is in Windsor, Ontario: 769 Erie Street East, Windsor, ON N9A 3X8 (community.metrotimes.com ). It sits in the Via Italia (Little Italy) neighborhood between Lincoln Rd. and Mercer St (experiencewindsor.ca ). It is on the north side of Erie Street. If using GPS, entering the postal code or “La Zingara, Windsor” should locate it exactly. The entrance faces Erie Street.
How do I get to 769 Erie St E by public transit?
The venue is served by Transit Windsor buses. Routes that travel along Erie Street or nearby Wyandotte will get you close. The nearest stop is around Erie & Lincoln (a couple blocks west) or Erie & Mercer (a block east). From downtown, you can take a bus to Ouellette and switch to an Erie-bound route. Always check the current Transit Windsor schedule or the “Where’s My Bus” app. After getting off at the Erie St stop, the restaurant is a short walk down Erie St towards #769. Rideshare options (Uber/Lyft) and taxis are also readily available for direct drop-off at the front door.
Is parking available at or near 769 Erie St E, and is there a cost?
Yes. There is a small private parking lot behind the restaurant for patrons (www.yellowpages.ca ), which is free, but spaces are limited. Erie Street also has free metered street parking. In the evening, these spaces fill quickly, so it’s wise to arrive early or valet elsewhere. There are additional pay parking lots a few blocks away. No garage parking is built into the building. All parking around here is free (no paid parking machines specific to Erie Street), and time limits (if any) are managed by the city.
Does 769 Erie St E have wheelchair-accessible entry and seating?
The entrance to 769 Erie St E is at street level with only a gentle ramp, so most wheelchair users can enter the dining area comfortably. The interior is a single floor with wide aisles between tables. An accessible restroom (with grab bars) is provided. The restaurant strives to comply with accessibility standards (AODA). If you need assistance, staff are typically happy to accommodate with accessible seating and help navigating the space. However, if you have specific concerns, you may wish to call ahead to confirm any needed accommodations.
Is there an outdoor patio or smoking area at 769 Erie St E?
There is no fixed outdoor patio attached to 769 Erie St E. Erie Street itself can be busy, and in summer the restaurant may set up a few tables at the sidewalk for al fresco dining (weather permitting), but this is not a formal patio. Smoking is prohibited inside (per Ontario law). Outdoor smokers must step well off the restaurant sidewalk – try nearby side streets. For fresh air during meals, the front door area can be opened in nice weather to let air circulate.
Are children allowed at 769 Erie St E?
Yes, children are welcome. This is a family-friendly Italian restaurant with menu choices that suit kids (like pizza or pasta). High chairs are available upon request. There is no age restriction as at a bar or club – kids should be accompanied by adults. The atmosphere is casual, and many families dine here. The only restriction is the legal drinking age (19+ in Ontario); minors cannot be served alcohol, but they can join adults at the table.
What is the dress code at 769 Erie St E?
There is no formal dress code. Guests typically dress smart-casual. Neat jeans, shirts, or casual dresses are common. On busy dinner nights, some diners may dress a bit nicer (collared shirts or nice blouses), but open-toed shoes and casual t-shirts are fine. In short, dress comfortably and respectfully. Keep in mind it’s a sit-down restaurant, so avoid overly beachwear-type clothing. If in doubt, check the restaurant’s social media – they sometimes post photos of the atmosphere.
Does 769 Erie St E have Wi-Fi, and can I charge my devices there?
Public Wi-Fi is generally not advertised at this restaurant. Expect to rely on your own mobile data or the metro’s free hotspots. Some restaurants on Erie Street share Wi-Fi passwords with diners, so it’s worth asking. Power outlets are scarce in casual restaurants; there aren’t designated charging stations. If you need to charge a phone or laptop, polite practice is to ask a staff member before plugging in (and bring your own charger). Most visits are short enough that recharging isn’t necessary.
Can I bring coats or luggage with me to 769 Erie St E?
There is no formal coat check or luggage storage. However, servers will help by providing a closet or wall hooks for your coats near the entrance. Dining tables often have space underneath or behind chairs to stow small bags. For larger items, it’s safest to leave them elsewhere (hotel, car). Travel bags are not recommended, but a small backpack or purse can be kept by your table. The venue isn’t set up for long-term luggage storage – it’s meant for meal visits.
What types of cuisine are served at 769 Erie St E?
769 Erie St E is an Italian restaurant. The menu focuses on Northern Italian and classic Italian trattoria fare. You’ll find wood-fired pizzas, pastas, risottos or oven-baked meat dishes, as well as Italian appetizers and desserts. The MetroTimes description notes they rely on simple ingredients and “terrific pizzas,” including specialties like the Four Seasons pizza and prosciutto-topped pie (community.metrotimes.com ). Overall, expect pizza, pasta, salad and Italian desserts (tiramisu, gelato) rather than sushi or American-style burgers.
Is 769 Erie St E near any hotels if I’m visiting Windsor?
There aren’t large hotels on Erie Street itself, but downtown Windsor hotels and the waterfront casino are only 10–15 minutes away by car. Nearby options include the Caesars Windsor Hotel, Holiday Inn Express, and Four Points by Sheraton along Riverside Drive or Ouellette Ave. If staying overnight, these hotels are convenient (3–5 km away). Closer to Erie Street, there are boutique inns and B&Bs along Wyandotte Avenue. Guests often choose a downtown or waterfront hotel for more amenities.
What are some other dining or entertainment options near 769 Erie St E?
Erie Street (Via Italia) is packed with restaurants and cafes. Besides La Zingara, nearby attractions include the Erie Street GastroPub (Asian fusion cuisine), Spago Trattoria (casual Italian) and Nico Taverna (elegant Italian) within a short distance. For a drink or dessert, local favorites include The Parlour (Italian lounge) or Decade Bar & Kitchen downtown. If you walk a few blocks, there’s a gelateria and bakery for coffee and sweets. The district is also known for cultural events: you might catch street performances or food festivals on Erie St in summer. For nightlife, downtown Windsor venues (1–2 km away) offer pubs, live music and the casino at Caesars. Often, visitors combine a meal here with a trip to the Casino or a riverfront walk.
Does 769 Erie St E ever host live music or entertainment events?
La Zingara is primarily a dining venue and does not regularly feature live bands like a concert hall. However, it may occasionally have acoustic musicians or special evenings (especially during festivals) – check their social media or call to ask. Most “entertainment” happens on Erie St itself during events (live street performers or DJs at outdoor festivals). If you want live music, you’ll find clubs downtown or in nearby bars; 769 Erie St E focuses on food and casual conversation rather than stage shows.
How many people can 769 Erie St E accommodate at once?
The indoor restaurant seating capacity is around 70–80 guests, not including small private event rooms (www.yellowpages.ca ). This includes table and booth seating in the main dining area, plus the private dining spaces. There is no fixed “fire code” posted capacity, but in practice around 80 covers can be served comfortably. For larger parties, some seats (from booths or private rooms) may be rearranged. For walk-ins, being too large of a group (over 8–10 people) might require split seating unless you reserve in advance.
