Christian Mena and Lino Oliveira opened Sabor in December 2008, inspired by the flavours and hospitality they had encountered while traveling through Europe in their twenties. That vision—of bringing a truly European-style restaurant to Edmonton—has been the backbone of their success.
But Sabor’s story is as much about place as it is about passion. Mena and Oliveira chose their downtown location not just for its potential, but because the area carried meaning for them: as teenagers, they had once cleaned a nearby restaurant. That sense of continuity, of building something lasting in the city they loved, has guided them through the challenges of launching and sustaining a restaurant. Their secret? Consistency, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to hospitality. As Mena puts it, they focus on “genuine passion” for food, service, and community.
That community, in turn, extends far beyond Edmonton. Thanks to their proximity to luxury hotels and Mena’s connections in the entertainment industry as a former musician, Sabor attracts an international clientele, from curious tourists to celebrities. Some discover the restaurant through concierge recommendations, others through word-of-mouth, but many return again and again, drawn by the warmth and reliability of the experience.
For all its international flair, Sabor’s heart beats locally. Mena and Oliveira are deeply invested in Edmonton, not only through their restaurants but through philanthropy. They support organizations like Ronald McDonald House, the Bissell Centre, and Santa’s Anonymous—causes that personally resonate with them. It’s this blend of world-class hospitality and community spirit that makes Sabor and its owners stand out: a restaurant group with global appeal, rooted in Edmonton’s soul. Almost two decades later, Mena and Oliveira continue to invest in Edmonton with a growing number of tapas bars called Bodega (eight, at last count), and Atrium, a new, just-opened restaurant and event space steps away from the beloved flagship.
