If one thing is certain, Rosa Marinuzzi loves to cook and loves her family. Those passions led her to serve up southern Italian favourites alongside her son Vito at 7 Numbers. “Mama Rosa,” as she’s lovingly called by many, brought her traditional recipes from a farm in Modugno, Italy to Eglinton Avenue in 2001, and later to the Danforth with a second 7 Numbers location. Originally named for the business registration number (the full number even once hung above the door!), 7 Numbers is spending 2026 celebrating 25 years of family dining and business built on family.
Take us back to 2001. What did you want 7 Numbers to become?
We wanted a place that people would feel comfortable at, and we always wanted to work together as a family. That was the dream. And I love to cook and I love to feed people. For me, that is everything.
Before 7 Numbers, you spent time working for your cousin at Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant,—which is another legacy establishment. How did that influence 7 Numbers?
Gio’s was very important for us. We learned a lot there, and he was a big influence on us, for sure. But we wanted to do it our way—more family, more heart, more simple food done right.
When you opened on Eglinton in 2001, did you anticipate becoming a legacy establishment with two locations 25 years down the line?
No, never. We only thought about the next day. One day at a time — shopping, cooking, feeding people, and now it’s been 25 years. We were very busy in the early days. Family was always involved, and we were always working — cooking, cleaning, serving, everything. We were tired all the time, but very happy.
What is the secret ingredient that has made 7 Numbers a success for 25 years?
The people. Our community has made it what it is, and so has our family in the restaurant. I love seeing people smile because of the food, and seeing families sitting together, talking, eating, enjoying. That makes me happy. And honest food—it was always about simple, good ingredients made with love.
Have any fav celebrities dropped into 7 Numbers over the years?
Bonnie Stern, the famous cookbook author and local celebrities like Kiefer Sutherland, the Tragically Hip, and the Barenaked Ladies were always special for us. But when Madonna came, I knew we did something right.
What is an underrated ingredient?
Cardoons, when we can get them. They remind me of home. They are not easy, but when you cook them simply—olive oil, garlic, maybe a little tomato, sometimes with egg—they are so good. But more importantly, eat in season. Food tastes better when it is fresh, local, and kept simple. Don’t do too much. Good ingredients, treated properly.
What is your message to your 7 Numbers family after 25 years?
I want to say thank you. We have the best customers and all these year they have supported us. I want to say thank you so much for all of them. I didn’t think about 25 years. I just cooked every day and tried my best to take care of people.