Coming Home… A Return to the Table
For over 40 years, Julia Hanna has been a visionary in the restaurant industry and the Oakville community, creating spaces where the simple act of sharing a meal turns into something magical. Her deep-rooted belief in the importance of food, family, and connection—particularly influenced by her Italian heritage—has defined her career and inspired those around her.
At the heart of her legacy is Ritorno, Julia’s beloved Italian restaurant in Oakville, a name that fittingly translates to “return.” For her loyal guests, it’s a place where they rediscover the joy of food, connection, and life’s beautiful moments. For Julia, Ritorno also marked her own return—back to the industry she loves—after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Reflecting on her experience, she shares, “We aren’t guaranteed tomorrow. But when you’ve had the support and healthcare I did, if you come out of it unchanged, it’s a missed opportunity. This chapter of my life is about embracing that opportunity—to live more fully, more intentionally.”
Julia’s journey through cancer has given her a new perspective, one she’s eager to share. “When life forces you into an awakening, you get to choose what the future will look like. My son Alex told me, ‘This will be the best chapter of your life.’ I believe it’s true.”
Julia’s battle wasn’t just against illness—it was a fight for her life and everything she holds dear. “Cancer is like a living enemy. When you give up, it thrives. You have to fight with everything you have. Staying strong is not just about physical endurance but also the people you have by your side. My healthcare team gave me the strength I needed when I needed it most.”
The restaurant industry has faced its own challenges in recent years, and Julia acknowledges how economic pressures and the rising cost of food continue to affect it. Yet, for her, the importance of restaurants goes beyond business—they are about human connection. “We need each other. Restaurants have always been a place for people to gather and reconnect. The power of food, especially in Italian culture, is something I hope we never underestimate.”
Food, Julia emphasizes, nourishes more than just the body—it nourishes relationships and brings people together. “There’s a reason why Italian mothers and Nonnas spend hours in the kitchen. It’s not about the work; it’s about the love behind it. They understand that the food is just a reason to bring the people they care about together.”
This philosophy has guided Julia throughout her career: bringing people back to the table. Her mother Jenny, who, for over 40 years has been making gnocchi in all of Julia’s restaurants, and to this day, still makes homemade gnocchi for Ritorno, embodies that spirit. Every Friday, you’ll find Nonna in the kitchen, doing what Nonnas do best—creating meals from the heart.
With a new menu and plans for a “Nonna series” at the restaurant, Julia is more energized than ever. “Having worked with more than one Nonna in the kitchen before,” she laughs. “and you know what they say about too many chefs in the kitchen… I think this series will be something special.”
Having faced both personal and industry challenges, Julia says everything now tastes sweeter—literally and figuratively. “After going through what I did, there’s a deeper appreciation for life’s joys. The flavours, the moments, the connections—they’re richer than I ever imagined.”
