Categories > Dining
The 10 Best Italian Restaurants in Vancouver
Vancouver is known for its diverse food scene, from homemade pastries to pasta to sirloin steaks. And if you’re craving Italian cuisine, you’ll find a bunch of spots to try out in the city.
But not all offer food that will make you go “mamma mia!” So, we scoured the city, donning our most expandable pair of pants to look for the best Italian restaurants Vancouver has to offer that will take your tastebuds on a dazzling culinary adventure!
Ask for Luigi
Media credit: askforluigi
Website: https://www.askforluigi.com/
Address: 305 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C4, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 428-2544, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
Brunch
- Monday – Friday: Not available
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Lunch
- Monday – Friday: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: Not available
Dinner
- Sunday – Thursday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Price Range: $8 – $36
Ask for Luigi is a go-to for casual Italian dining. This Michelin Guide Recommended restaurant is all about family-style dining experiences, complete with a cozy vibe—even the exterior of the place looks inviting, kind of like entering a quaint house.
As a family-friendly place, all dishes are made to be shared. The handmade pasta is fresh and delicious, and the taste almost brings you to Italy.
For delicious mains, try the campanelle pesto verde with mint ricotta and the fried cauliflower. Both dishes taste fresh and flavourful but not so rich that they’re overwhelming.
Pro Tips:
It’s highly recommended to get a reservation because lines can get long, especially for brunch. If you don’t get one, don’t be surprised with a one-hour-long wait.Ask for Luigi isn’t exactly in a restaurant-filled street. If you can’t find it, look for a white house in the corner with a few trees out in front.
Carlino Restaurant
Media credit: carlinorestaurant
Website: https://www.carlinorestaurant.com/
Address: 1115 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A5, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 695-1115, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
Breakfast
- Monday – Sunday: 7:00 am – 11:00 am
Brunch
- Monday – Friday: Not available
- Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 am – 2:30 pm
Lunch
- Monday – Friday: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: Not available, brunch menu only
Dinner
- Monday – Sunday: 5:00 pm – late
Aperitivo Hour
- Monday – Sunday: 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Price Range: $9 – $170
An Italian restaurant in Vancouver you have to visit is Carlino Restaurant, nestled on the first floor of the Shangri-La Vancouver. Given its location in a luxury 5-star hotel, you can expect an elegant Italian dining experience.
Dishes are inspired by Italy’s Friuli region, with most ingredients coming directly from their very own farm in the Fraser Valley. You’ll also find food inspired by British Columbia and specialty dishes from the nearby areas of Friuli.
A good appetizer you have to check out is the frico, a traditional Friulian fried cheese. If you’re craving meat, try the delicious petto di anatra, which is duck breast with gnocchi and black currant jus.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer small bites, we suggest sitting in the lounge during aperitivo hour. It’s first come, first served, so it’s better to book a reservation for a sure table.
Zefferelli’s Spaghetti Joint
Media credit: zefferellis_vancouver
Website: https://www.zefferellis.com/
Address: 2nd Floor, 1136 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 687-0655, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm
- Saturday: 5:00 pm – 10:30 pm
- Sunday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Price Range: $9.95 – $29.95
For pasta galore, check out Zefferelli’s Spaghetti Joint. It’s the kind of place you visit to try out different types of spaghetti, whether you’re looking for one topped with tomato sauce, cream sauce, or garlic and olive oil.
This Italian restaurant is unpretentious; it’s straightforward and casual but full of authentic dishes that will keep you wanting more. That makes it the perfect spot for lunch in downtown Vancouver with family or friends.
A definite must-try our foodie team loves is the linguini puttanesca and the tortellini gorgonzola for some creamy spaghetti. Don’t forget a side of garlic bread to scoop out the remaining sauces on your plate!
Pro Tip:
If you want to avoid gluten, you can substitute spaghetti for gluten-free potato gnocchi. But do ask the servers about possible contamination in the kitchen, just to be sure.
Nonna’s Cucina
Media credit: nonnascucinayvr
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/nonnascucinayvr
Address: 2166 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1V2, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 423-9200, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
Price Range: $13 – $21.50
We all know that Italian grandmas make the best meals. But if you don’t have a nonnina, don’t fret because Vancouverites can always drop by Nonna’s Cucina for yummy, freshly made Italian meals.
This is the spot for Italian street food—no fuss, just pure deliciousness with every bite. This Cucina doesn’t require reservations or dress codes because everyone is welcome to have a taste from lunch to dinner.
Try the pizzas, which are to die for because of the perfectly crispy and chewy Scrocchiarella—check out the calabrese pizza, which has soppressata, anduja, mozzarella, and tomato sauce.
Their Nonna’s Speciale is another bestseller to try. It’s a panini with various cold cuts, cheese, veg, dijon mayo, and fig spread, which all go together so well!
Pro Tip:
Get a half-and-half pizza if you want to taste two flavours in one. Just ask the staff and they’ll make it for you!
Fiorino, Italian Street Food
Media credit: fiorino_isf
Website: https://www.fiorinovancouver.com/
Address: 212 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 568 0905, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 11:30 am – 10:30 pm
Price Range: $14 – $29
If you want a highly recommended spot in Vancouver, Fiorino, Italian Street Food is a must-visit. After all, it earned the recognition of a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2022 and 2023, meaning good quality and good value cooking!
This Italian restaurant has a homey vibe and feels like dining in Nonna’s home. But this time, with a cocktail in your hand to pair your meals with.
To keep you full, try the yummy potato gnocchetti with white fennel sausage ragú and the formaggi e salumi for a tray of cured meats and cheeses. But make sure you have room for dessert for the scrumptious tiramisu!
Pro Tip:
To get a table, make a reservation, especially if you’re not coming alone. Solo dining without reservations may get seated at the bar if the tables are full—the bar’s not too bad, though!
Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca
Media credit: luporestaurant_vancouver
Website: https://luporestaurant.ca/
Address: 869 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2R7, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 569-2535
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 5:00 pm – closing
Price Range: $24 – $59
Lupo Restaurant & Vinoteca is the kind of place you go to for a cozy and intimate meal. The vibe of the place somehow has a nostalgic feeling, possibly because it’s a house converted into a restaurant.
Since pasta is a must in Italian restaurants, we suggest trying their rich truffle fettuccine. Add the fancy octopus mosaic for a refreshing and tangy taste.
Every meal you try here invites you to savour the moment, as everything is made in-house using fresh, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find popular Italian meals but with luxurious touches here and there.
Pro Tip:
Get a reservation early to secure the best time slots. Availability is limited, too, since the restaurant only offers dinner menus.
Magari by Oca
Media credit: magari_by_oca
Website: https://magari-o.ca/
Address: 1260 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 2T6, Canada
Contact Information: No phone available
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – late
Price Range: $22 – $40
Vancouver’s contemporary Italian restaurant, Magari by Oca, received the Michelin Bib Gourmand—a reason to try out this restaurant. But that’s not the only reason to visit this spot; besides yummy food, it’s one of those places you visit for a casual hangout.
This place is famous and receives long queues in the neighbourhood for its freshly made pasta. Each plate is perfectly prepared and will take your tastebuds to an Italian adventure.
We suggest the tasting menu, a must if you’re in for a full-course meal. Then you can order your favourite ala carte next time! You get to try four different varieties of pasta, and of course, appetizers and desserts.
Pro Tip:
Better drive there early because there are no phone reservations available. You may need to queue during your visit, but it’s only a few minutes of waiting if you’re early.
CinCin Ristorante + Bar
Media credit: cincinristorante
Website: https://cincin.net/
Address: 1154 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 688-7338, (604) 688-7339 (Fax), [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Price Range: $15 – $68
If you’re looking for an upscale Italian restaurant for a romantic date night, CinCin Ristorante + Bar is a good option right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Sure, the prices are a little high, but the service and food quality are worth the money.
At this sophisticated restaurant, each plate is a culinary masterpiece. The dishes are clean, abundant with flavours, and well-prepared with exquisite plating. *chef’s kiss*
All ingredients are carefully selected and prepared, which is evident with the popular veal osso buco, a braised Montreal veal shin covered in white wine and tomato with a generous serving of saffron risotto.
Pro Tips:
If you’re planning a lavish event, say a wedding reception, you can check out CinCin Restaurant + Bar because it can cater to up to 180 guests. The location is also equipped with audio-visual equipment for you to dance the night away!
For special occasions, like Valentine’s Day, you will need to reserve a table weeks in advance. This is a hotspot for romantic date nights, after all.
Giardino Restaurant
Media credit: giardinovan
Website: http://umberto.com/giardino/
Address: 1328 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W5, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 669-2422
Operating Hours:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday – Sunday: 5:30 pm – closing
Price Range: $30 – $74
Giardino Restaurant offers Tuscan-style dining, complete with an intimate setting. It’s famous for its vaulted ceilings and wooden beams, but most of all, its courtyard that will make you feel like you’re in a romantic movie in Florence, Italy.
But the main character in this Vancouver Italian restaurant is the food. The melt-in-your-mouth oven-roasted Pacific sablefish is truly a delight, as is the pasta dish linguine alle vongole.
The extensive wine list is also worth a look. There’s a glass to complement every dish—so don’t be shy and ask the servers!
Pro Tip:
If you can, ask for a table in the courtyard, especially if it’s still bright out. It’s the perfect setting for good conversations and great food.
Osteria Savio Volpe
Media credit: savio_volpe
Website: https://www.saviovolpe.com/
Address: 615 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5, Canada
Contact Information: (604) 428-0072, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 5:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Price Range: $10 – $48
What makes Osteria Savio Volpe a must-visit in Vancouver is its impeccable menu. It’s not a long list, but each dish is carefully prepared and full of flavours that aren’t too overpowering for your tastebuds.
What we recommend is the tasting menu, with dishes all selected by the chef. Don’t forget to mention any dietary restrictions so they can curate the selection based on your preferences.
The cocktails are also worth trying, or the wine list to pair your meals with. Many bottles are from Italian wineries, so you can complete your Italian culinary adventure without leaving Vancouver!
Pro Tip:
The staff cannot squeeze in many walk-ins, so book a reservation to get a table. If you’re a group of seven or more, you have to contact the restaurant directly to get a table.
