If you’ve been keeping up with the restaurants opening in and around Vancouver, you may have noticed a number of Italian eateries opening in the city.
Whether they’re sticking to traditional Italian eats, offering rarely-seen pasta shapes (that are also freshly made), or opting for some Italian-American varieties on the fan-favourite pizza, there are plenty of new Italian spots to check out.
Here’s a list of 13 restaurants that opened this year that are worth checking out the next time you have a craving for some Italian cuisine.
Fred’s Restaurant, renowned for its handmade pasta, hearth-fired pizza, and other Italian favourites, has just expanded with a new flagship location in Kitsilano.
Located at 1873 West 4th Ave., Fred’s has opened in the former home of Romer’s Burger Bar, which closed on Oct. 27, 2024.
“Kitsilano has this incredible energy — it’s community-driven, creative, and food-loving,” said Luke Evanow, CEO of Catalog Hospitality. “Fred’s feels right at home here, and we’re excited to welcome guests into a space that celebrates good food and good company.”
The new location features an oak-wrapped dining room, a two-tone Italian design bar, and a private space for up to 12 people.
Address: 1873 West 4th Ave., Vancouver
Giusti is a new Italian concept led by chef Mark Perrier, which has taken over the previous home of Bar Susu (and before that, The Whip) in Mount Pleasant. While Vancouver may have no shortage of Italian restaurants, this latest venture promises to be “anything but ordinary.”
Named after Carla Giusti’s Italian family, Giusti is the vision of herself alongside hospitality veteran Cam Watt (The Keefer Bar, Acre, June) and Miguel Quezada (formerly of Savio Volpe, Oddfish, and Elio Volpe).
Here you’ll find a menu that honours Italy’s regional traditions, as well as one that reflects Perrier’s dedication to simplicity and flavour. For example, every pasta will be made fresh in-house each day, including a few rarely seen shapes.
Additionally, you’ll find vegetable-forward “verdure di stagione” antipasto to complement the pastas.
Address: 209 East 6th Ave., Vancouver
Nook has opened its latest location in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour at The Stack (AKA B.C.’s tallest office tower, located a few blocks away from the Vancouver Convention Centre).
Expect everything that you’ve grown to love about Nook, from its house-made pastas and pizzas to its hospitality.
The 107-seat restaurant includes an additional 32-seat covered patio, along with an expansive central bar and open kitchen, allowing you to watch your pizzas and pastas being prepared.
Address: 1155 Melville St., Vancouver
Folietta is the latest concept from the Wentworth Hospitality Group, which is behind fan-favourite restaurants Homer St. Café and Bar, Tableau Bar Bistro, and Maxine’s Café and Bar.
Inspired by the Italian word foglietta (meaning foliage), the Folietta name pays homage to the area’s leafy character and vibrant community roots. Meant to be a neighbourhood gathering place, this 130-seat space designed by Ste Marie will combine family-style dining with late-night cocktails and weekend brunch.
Folietta’s stand-out menu items include its 32-ounce Bistecca Fiorentina, plenty of handmade pasta, and other standout dishes like a bone-in veal chop Parmigiana.
Address: 1480 Nanaimo St., Vancouver
Angela Pastificio is an intimate 20-seat Italian restaurant that offers guests a pasta tasting menu featuring many yummy bites.
“At its heart, Angela is a tribute — to a grandmother’s warmth, to the intimacy of a shared meal, to the artistry of handmade pasta. A pastificio in spirit and in practice. A place to gather, to taste, to remember,” wrote the restaurant.
Address: 1869 Powell St., Vancouver
The team behind Dolce Amore has opened the final part of its three-in-one Italian dining destination, with the help of renowned Vancouver chef Pino Posteraro (Cioppino’s) as the culinary director.
The building consists of an indoor/outdoor gelato patio and pick-up window called The Gelato Mafia “TGM Terrazza,” as well as a 25-seat modern Italian cafeteria called Dolce Amore Bar and Caffetteria, and the crowning jewel of this location: Il Cappello Enoteca.
Il Cappello Enoteca will be the team’s first full-service restaurant, featuring a menu rooted in traditional Italian cooking. However, the founders want people to know this isn’t just another pizza and pasta joint.
Here, there will be an emphasis on Tuscan cuisine, as well as regional dishes from across Italy, including a variety of antipasti, risotto, piatti principali, and, of course, gelato desserts (but don’t worry, pizza and pasta will also be on the menu).
This 2,000 sq. ft. space will feature 100 seats in an intimate dining room, as well as an enclosed year-round patio.
Address: 6011 Hastings St., Burnaby
Located at the Tricity Pavilion is the latest concept from the Ask for Luigi team. Led by Top Chef Canada winner and Culinary Director Chanthy Yen, alongside Head Chef Lloyd Taganahan, you’ll find all the same big flavours as its sister restaurant. Guests can anticipate a selection of fresh pasta, pizza, Italian, wine, and cocktails in a relaxed, welcoming space.
“With Gigi’s by Ask for Luigi, we’re bringing the same heart and hospitality that our Vancouver restaurants are known for to the Tri-Cities,” said Jennifer Rossi, co-founder of Kitchen Table Group.
Gigi’s by Ask for Luigi is also joined by a new Nemesis location.
Address: 2968 Christmas Way, Coquitlam
Located in the former space of Anthem Sound Lounge (which was Smitty’s Oyster House Main Street before that) is Lucia, a new Italian restaurant from the creators of Harbour Oyster & Bar and Social YVR.
At the helm of this new concept is Chef Zachary Steele, who brings what is described as a refined yet approachable touch to each dish, combining modern Italian sensibilities with the kind of flavours that would make your Nonna proud.
“Lucia is a celebration of food that brings people together, whether it’s for a long lunch, a late-night bite, or simply to sip on one of our signature cocktails,” said Chef Steele.
Here, customers will find a menu featuring a variety of Italian-inspired dishes made with local ingredients, including pastas, antipasti, pizzas, and more.
Address: 3124 Main St., Vancouver
Fiorino has expanded its much-loved Chinatown concept to North Vancouver
You’ll find rustic Florentine flavours inspired by the backstreets of Tuscany, all on the second floor of the Lonsdale Quay Market.
In terms of specific dishes, Fiorino previously confirmed to Dished that it is planning on keeping the program similar to the Chinatown program, focusing on seasonality and classics it has become known for, like its Coccoli e Prosciutto.
As for the space, Fiorino will have a waterfront patio that overlooks the Vancouver harbour, as well as an intimate private dining room.
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct. #218, North Vancouver
From the same team behind Ask For Luigi is Cantina di Luigi, which is described as a natural extension and little sibling of the Michelin Guide-recommended eatery.
To get to Cantina, you must first walk through the daytime concept that operates at the same address, Mercato di Luigi. If in doubt, just follow the glow of the red neon “Cantina” sign in the foggy window.
For those unfamiliar, Mercato di Luigi is an Italian marketplace serving as a café, grocer, and bakery. The concept has two locations: one on East Georgia Street and one on East 12th Avenue. At the Chinatown address, you pass an array of pantry staples and fresh-baked pastries on your way to the new, intimate dining destination.
Cantina di Luigi is tucked away in the back of the space. The dining room is small but mighty and boasts warm wood tones, pops of greenery, and an ample amount of wine on display.
Address: Inside Mercato di Luigi — 213 E Georgia, Vancouver
“In a sentence, Belli is a new-school Pizzeria with a heavy hit of nostalgia,” said co-owner Scott Thornhill when he spoke with Dished. “We were homesick for that fun, down-to-earth dining experience you get at the neighbourhood joints in cities across the East Coast.”
Inspired by the old-school diners serving up the Italian-American dish in New York, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax, you’ll find a selection of both New York-style round and Detroit-style square pizzas.
Address: 1733 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Onda, brought to us by the same team behind Casereccio, specializes in what the team will be calling pizza, but explained to Dished that it’s technically something different.
“Our main focus will be pizza: still Roman style (crunchy, airy, 90 per cent hydration), but closer to what’s currently booming in Italy — pinsa romana,” said Simone Tarallo, co-owner of Casereccio and Onda. “It’s a lighter dough, served in a rectangular shape. For the North American market, we’ll continue to call it pizza, but with this unique twist.”
Address: 1610 Salt St., Vancouver
Don’t Tell Nonna is serving up pies “Nonna might not approve of, but your taste buds will.” Whether you’re looking for thin New York-style slices or a whole Detroit deep-dish pie, you’ll find it here.
Located at 20504 Fraser Highway in Langley (just steps away from Steven’s Cocktail Corner Bar), it can be found in the former space of McBurney’s Coffee & Tea House.
Address: 20504 Fraser Highway, Langley
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