Roma Nord bistro, slated to permanently close in December, 2026. (Image Credit: Facebook/RomaNordbistro)

By Vernon Matters Staff

Bitter Taste

Kelowna’s Roma Nord Bistro to close amid immigration complications

Jun 9, 2026 | 10:22 AM

A downtown Kelowna restaurant known for its Roman-inspired dining is preparing to serve its final dish as immigration complications force them to leave Canada.

Roma Nord Bistro, a local establishment that has brought vibrant life into Kelowna’s Rotary Centre for the Arts, will close permanently at the end of December, according to a lengthy message posted to social media by owner Danilo D’Alba, who described the situation as unexpected and devastating for his family and staff.

“It is with incredibly heavy hearts that we share some news we never imagined we would have to speak aloud,” the Instagram statement reads.

“Due to a series of administrative issues and errors that occurred throughout our immigration process, we are being forced to leave Canada.”

The restaurant, located inside the Rotary Centre for the Arts, has become a familiar stop for patrons since opening in 2022, serving Italian-inspired cuisine rooted in the owners’ Roman background.

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In the same post online, D’Alba said the closure was not a business decision and emphasized the emotional weight of leaving both the community and the team behind.

“This is not a choice we made, and it breaks our hearts to leave the community, the team, and the beautiful future we were building here in Kelowna,” the post said.

Roma Nord Bistro will continue operating through the end of the year, with the owners encouraging guests to visit during its final months.

“Our doors are open until the end of December,” the statement added. “Come share these final months with us and let’s make them unforgettable.”

D’Alba also expressed gratitude to customers and staff who supported the business since its launch.

“To our amazing guests, our staff, and our friends—thank you for the best years of our lives,” the post reads. “We don’t know what the next chapter holds, but we know we want to spend our remaining months here doing what we love most: serving you with passion, gratitude, and family.”

The message was signed by Danilo and Angela D’Alba along with the Roma Nord family.

Reaction online has been swift, with customers expressing sadness and appreciation for the restaurant’s contribution to Kelowna’s dining scene and its close-knit atmosphere.

Roma Nord Bistro opened its doors in 2022, several years after the D’Albas relocated from Rome with the goal of bringing a slice of traditional Roman piazza culture to the Okanagan.

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by Vernon Matters Staff

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