New Italian Restaurant ‘Giusti’ to Open in Mount Pleasant Later This October

A century-old building on East 6th Avenue is about to take on new life as Giusti — a neighbourhood trattoria built on classic Italian cooking and modern Vancouver warmth.

Opening the week of October 20th, the restaurant marks a collaboration between Carla Giusti, hospitality veteran Cam Watt (The Keefer Bar, Acre, June), and Miguel Quezada (formerly Savio Volpe, Oddfish, and Elio Volpe). And in the kitchen: Chef Mark Perrier, whose menu aims to remind diners that good Italian food doesn’t need to be excessive — all that it requires is attention to detail and great ingredients.

The Food

Giusti’s menu will stretch across Italy’s various regions, with handmade pastas and vegetable-forward antipasti, and timeless, quietly confident cooking. Every pasta shape will be made fresh daily under the watch of pastaiolo Tew Udomchaisakul (Locanda dell’Orso, Savio Volpe), while Sous Chef Marquella Uhrigh (Locanda dell’Orso, Fred’s, Savio Volpe) brings precision to the supporting plates. Perrier describes his philosophy as “minimal intervention, maximum flavour” – and it shows. Think bright seasonal produce, clean lines on the plate, and an unspoken trust in simplicity.

The Drinks

Award-winning Wine Director Lisa Cook (Bufala, Savio Volpe) leads a wine program that’s anchored in Italy, with smart detours through Burgundy, Champagne and B.C. — alongside aperitivi-style cocktails and classic, no-fuss drinks. General Manager Miguel Quezada brings the front-of-house experience together, steering the kind of service that feels intuitive rather than rehearsed.

The Space

Hodgson Design Associates is behind the 2,400-square-foot space’s refreshed design (previously it was home to Bar Susu, and before that, The Whip). Expect plenty of sunlight in the daytime, a soft glow at night, and a room that reflects both the age of the building while also providing a stage to show the spirit of a contemporary Italian restaurant.

The Intent

Giusti’s goal is simple: to become an integral part of the community; somewhere that residents of Mount Pleasant naturally gravitate again and again, where they can feel at ease. As Miguel puts it, “Most of all, we want to build a place where people can take off their armour. Not a showpiece for special occasions, but a spot that becomes part of your weekly rhythm.”

If all goes according to plan, Giusti will open doors the week of October 20th, 2025. Hours will be from 5 to 10pm daily.