If you are a long time reader around here, you know that we hold Zaffino by Nori in the highest regard. It is the Italian food in Little Rock that we judge all other Italian food by. So we were sad this afternoon when we saw that the beloved North Little Rock establishment announced it is closing for good.
Zaffino’s opened in the 1980s and changed hands several times before being purchased by current owner Nori Fryar in 1997, who previously worked in the restaurant. We charted Nori’s journey from growing up in Italy, immigrating, and becoming one of our favorite people in the food scene a few years back. Nori brought a number of her childhood Italian recipes into the restaurant and grew it with her personality and her two sons who have both worked alongside her at times.
Zaffino’s had closed down for “reorganizing” in May, after COVID hit, never to reopen. It will certainly be missed in the Little Rock area, as will being greeted by owner Nori at the door, who has the ability to remember everyone who passes through.
We will keep an eye out for any hopes of a second life for Zaffino’s.
Zaffino’s opened in the 1980s and changed hands several times before being purchased by current owner Nori Fryar in 1997, who previously worked in the restaurant. We charted Nori’s journey from growing up in Italy, immigrating, and becoming one of our favorite people in the food scene a few years back. Nori brought a number of her childhood Italian recipes into the restaurant and grew it with her personality and her two sons who have both worked alongside her at times.
Zaffino’s had closed down for “reorganizing” in May, after COVID hit, never to reopen. It will certainly be missed in the Little Rock area, as will being greeted by owner Nori at the door, who has the ability to remember everyone who passes through.
We will keep an eye out for any hopes of a second life for Zaffino’s.
