Written by Craig Fleisch
Some days you just crave wholesome, homemade pasta, especially on a rainy Vancouver night. Fortunately, we have no shortage of delicious Italian restaurants in the Lower Mainland, but which ones are considered the best? For that, we asked our culinary critic, Craig Fleisch to provide us with his top five Italian Restaurants in Vancouver. He did not disappoint.
1. Mangia Cucina
Set in a heritage home in the heart of Mount Pleasant Mangia Cucina provides an authentic Italian experience with a cozy romantic atmosphere. Owner and chef Alessandro Riccobono hails from Sicily and takes inspiration from his heritage while bringing his own interpretation to the menu. Make sure to reserve in advance as the restaurant will fill up quickly due to the limited seating capacity. Delicious, locally sourced ingredients, fresh and full of flavour this is Italian at its best.
Address: 2211 Manitoba St, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 3A3
Book a table: https://www.mangiacucina.com/reservations
2. Savio Volpe
As soon as you set foot in front of Savio Volpe you begin to understand that you are in for a culinary experience. The restaurant has garnered much attention and notoriety in the hospitality and restaurant scene since its opening in 2015. Savio Volpe serves simple yet flavourful Italian food that stays true to traditions and its roots from the home country. One important aspect that sets this restaurant apart from its Italian counterparts is that the owners have forged close relationships with local farmers, foragers and suppliers providing quality ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients. They combine the province’s best ingredients with traditional Italian style cooking.
Address: 615 KINGSWAY, VANCOUVER, BC, V5T 3K5
Book A Table: http://www.saviovolpe.com/contact/
3. Ask For Luigi
This cozy restaurant offers a homely feel. You feel as if you have been transported into your bestie’s Italian mom’s home, set with big bright windows, traditional black & white floor tiles, wooden furniture and décor. The staff are warm and friendly and the food portions healthy, this ‘Italian mom’ knows exactly how to feed you right. Ask for Luigi is both a casual yet intimate Italian-inspired restaurant, and specializes in fresh handmade pasta. Next time you feel inspired for Italian food visit Ask For Luigi and make sure to come hungry.
Address: 305 ALEXANDER ST, VANCOUVER, BC
Book A Table: https://www.exploretock.com/askforluigi
4. Lupo
Set in an elegant Victorian heritage house, a rare find on the edge of Yaletown, Lupo offers a little historical charm coupled with the trendy look and feel the surrounding area exudes. Lupo is the perfect spot for everybody, whether it be before the game or a show, a romantic evening out or your family wanting a night out from mom’s cooking, their philosophy is all inclusive. The menu covers all your favourite Italian dishes and more, with quality ingredients, prepared with an attention to detail that does not go unnoticed. This dedication to excellence pairs perfectly with their wine list. Their own resident sommelier (Michael Mameli) takes pride in curating wines that enhance the flavours of every appetizer, main dish and decadent dessert created at Lupo.
Address: 869 HAMILTON STREET, VANCOUVER, BC V6B 2R7
Book A Table: https://luporestaurant.ca/reservation/
5. CinCin
From the bustling street of Robson, a winding stone staircase leads you up to CinCin, where you feel as if you’ve been transported directly to Italy (without the thirteen hour long flight). The decor is absolutely stunning, it has its own charm and elegance that is a rare find in Vancouver. The menu, albeit pricey, is stylish, thoughtful and full of distinct flavours. The food is seasonal and the focus is on fine locally-sourced ingredients which sets the tone for CinCin’s menu that embraces the traditions of Italy. This is a restaurant where one goes to celebrate fine dining at its best and partake in a memorable culinary experience if only just for an evening.
Address: 1154 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
Book A Table: https://cincin.net/reservations/
Bored in Vancouver: Food & Drink
Looking for more ideas of where and what to eat in Vancouver? Check out our other articles in Bored in Vancouver: Food & Drink
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