After first reporting on it back in November 2024, the long-awaited opening day of Folietta Ristorante and Bar has finally arrived.
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), 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.
Additionally, guests visiting Folietta will be greeted with four distinct dining areas alongside an open kitchen and a semi-enclosed patio.
“We’ve created Folietta to be a true local favourite, where families, friends, and food lovers can come together over great meals and even better company,” said Roy Comesotti, Vice
President of Operations for Wentworth Hospitality Group. “This is our fourth and largest restaurant, and our first outside of downtown Vancouver. We are extremely excited to be a part of the community.”
Leading the culinary program are Executive Chef Bobby Milheron, known for his work at West Restaurant and Boulevard, and Chef de Cuisine Imtiaaz Patel, who has worked at establishments like Livia, Autostrada, and Boulevard.
Folietta shared that its menu goes beyond the expected, meaning you won’t find any Italian clichés like pizza here. Instead, customers can expect menu items such as a 32-ounce Bistecca Fiorentina, plenty of handmade pasta, and other standout dishes like a bone-in veal chop Parmigiana.
Leila Kwok
“Folietta is all about sharing — just like in Italy,” said Chef Imtiaaz Patel. “We’ve drawn from regional traditions but added a Vancouver lens through local ingredients and seasonal creativity.”
On the beverage side, Beverage Director J-S Dupis (Bearfoot Bistro, Tableau Bar Bistro, Homer St. Café and Bar) will be offering a twist on numerous classic Italian cocktails. Examples include negronis on tap, ice-shaved amaro slushies, and bellinis. Additionally, Folietta will feature one of the city’s most extensive amaro collections.
Folietta officially opens its doors on May 27 at 5 p.m. You can visit daily from 3 to 5:30 p.m. for aperitivo hour, and for dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. (or until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday). Brunch service is expected to launch soon.
Folietta
Address: 1480 Nanaimo St., Vancouver
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