Hold onto your forks, folks! Vancouver, the city that’s blessed with lush landscapes and an uber-hip culture, is about to take you on a roller coaster ride of flavors, Italian style.
Cue dramatic music. Yes, you heard it right, we’re talking pasta so perfect it could make a grown man weep and pizzas that’ll have you singing operas.
But wait! Before we dive into the luscious land of marinara and mozzarella, let’s give a tip of the hat to Vancouver’s culinary scene.
It’s like the United Nations of food out here. From sushi to poutine, the city’s got it all. But in the midst of this global bonanza, Italian cuisine stands like the Colosseum, majestic and proud.
So, why the Italian affair, you ask? Well, dear reader, it’s not just food – it’s a sonnet of history, traditions, and Nonna’s secret recipes. It’s comfort on a plate.
The Italian restaurants in Vancouver don’t just serve you a meal; they hand you an Italian passport.
As your taste buds wander through Tuscany and Sicily, you’ll realize that every bite tells a story.
Now, tighten that apron and get ready as we embark on this culinary Vespa through the cobblestoned streets of Vancouver’s Italian dining scene.
There’ll be cheese, there’ll be wine, and there’ll be enough garlic bread to make you forget about your carb-free diet. Allora, andiamo! Let’s go and find out the five best Italian restaurants in Vancouver!
My Top Three Picks of the Best Italian Restaurants in Vancouver
| Restaurant | Top Pick | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Little Italy’s Trattoria | Tuscan Chicken | 5/5 |
| Grassa | Fusilli Alla Vodka | 5/5 |
| La Bottega Cafe Deli Wine Shop | Pastrami Sandwich | 4.5/5 |
The Five Best Italian Restaurants In Vancouver
Little Italy’s Trattoria
901 Washington St., Vancouver, WA 98660, United States // +13607372363
Starting off with a place tucked away like a precious gem in the heart of the city, Little Italy’s Trattoria is the epitome of a cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant.
It’s the kind of place where the scent of fresh basil and garlic greets you at the door, and the welcoming smiles of the staff make you feel like you’re stepping into a home away from home.
One glance at their menu, and I was torn between every delectable dish. I mean, we’re talking pages filled with classic pasta dishes and drool-worthy desserts.
Now, it’s no secret that I’m a ravioli lover, but the world stopped when I tried their ravioli. It was like my soul found its cheesy, saucy counterpart.
But wait! This story is far from over. Alongside my ravioli, I decided to adventure further with their Tuscan chicken special and – wait for it – added Italian sausage. My friend, who’s quite the culinary daredevil, went for the puttanesca.
The aroma wafting from our table was what dreams are made of. Each bite of that Tuscan chicken was like a fireworks show of flavors – the peppers and sauce coming together in perfect harmony.
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents for a second. I must admit, at first, I balked at the $20-a-plate tag. But let me tell you, after that first bite, I’d have happily handed over my wallet and car keys. It was THAT good.
And, before I wrap up this love letter to Little Italy’s Trattoria, let’s have a moment of silence for the bread. It’s rare for bread to steal the show, but this one could have headlined at Carnegie Hall.
The portions? Oh, so generous. But did that stop me from cleaning my plate and sopping up every last drop of sauce with that show-stopping bread? Absolutely not.
If your taste buds are yearning for one of the best Italian restaurants in Vancouver, head to Little Italy’s Trattoria. Your senses will thank you.
La Bottega Cafe Deli Wine Shop
1905 Main St., Vancouver, WA 98660, United States // +13605715010
Now, I’ve got a soft spot for family-operated joints, and let me just say, La Bottega Café Deli Wine Shop is like a warm, Italian hug wrapped in a symphony of flavors.
Founded in 2006 by the dynamic duo, Peter and Lisa Dougherty, La Bottega effortlessly marries the charm of an Italian café with the abundance of a deli, and the sophistication of a wine shop. I could feel the love and passion for cooking in every nook and cranny.
As I stepped in, I was greeted with a beaming smile from the staff. It felt as if I’d teleported straight to a quaint café in the heart of Rome but with a cozy Vancouver spin.
Now, folks, let’s talk wine – La Bottega’s wine list is like an Oscar nomination list for wines.
They’ve got something for every palate, from the adventurous to the classic. But that’s not all! The deli is where the magic really happens.
Did someone say house-made corned beef and pastrami? Yes, please! And the Italian salami is nothing short of legendary. The moment I bit into a sandwich, it was as if the heavens opened up. The combination of pork, cheeses, and that delectably fresh bread was a love letter to Italian authenticity.
Speaking of authenticity, every dish here is made from scratch. We’re talking fresher than a Will Smith song in the ‘90s, people! The house-made soups and sauces? Divine. The entrees? A standing ovation of flavor.
But wait, there’s more! La Bottega is also a treasure trove for tea lovers. With their assortment of signature remedy teas, it’s like they’ve bottled up comfort and serenity.
For those looking to dabble in antipasti creativity, you can whip up your own combinations, exploring the tapestry of flavors that La Bottega has to offer.
So, if you’re yearning for one of the best Italian restaurants in Vancouver, mosey on over to La Bottega Café Deli Wine Shop.
Pizzeria La Sorrentina
3000 SE 164th Ave. Suite 107, Vancouver, WA 98683, United States // +13603144447
Pizzeria La Sorrentina – the words flow like a gentle cascade, mirroring the grace with which their pizza pacifies your hunger.
Here’s the deal; Naples, Italy, and its intoxicating tastes are no stranger to me. Been there, devoured that.
But, crossing the threshold into Pizzeria La Sorrentina, it felt like straddling a vortex straight to the vibrant squares of Naples. It’s surreal in its genuineness.
What’s Pizzeria La Sorrentina’s secret ingredient? The almighty wood-fired oven. It’s the pulsating core of the establishment, as it breathes a smoky kiss of life into every pizza. Imagine if pizzas could dream; this oven would be their dreamscape.
Now let’s gab about what’s on top. The Margherita – it’s an ageless beauty in its unadorned elegance.
The Pepperoni and Sausage pizzas? A round of applause, please! But don’t let the celestial pies outshine the supporting cast.
The pasta dances divinely on the palate. The salads? Imagine the crispness of dawn in Tuscany. Gluten-sensitive warriors, worry not; they’ve got your back.
But allow me to center stage my personal encore: the pizza – oh, that magnificent pizza. The tomatoes tasted like a personal gift from Mother Earth, cheese that was a festival of tastes, and a crust that was the epitome of duality – slender, supple, crispy, and yet, cloud-like.
The sauce? A heartfelt ode to the mighty tomato, untouched by the folly of over-seasoning.
Let’s not forget the focaccia – akin to a snug hug on a chilly eve. And the desserts – the baba and cheesecake were celestial. The baba was an epiphany of rum-drenched brioche commingling with Italian pastry cream.
I’d be remiss not to mention my one smidgen of discontent – the espresso. Picture a grand orchestra with a single wayward violin string – potent but slightly more bitter than I’d like. Nevertheless, it was but a speck in the splendor of the feast.
Pizzeria La Sorrentina is an Aladdin’s cave of Italian riches. This isn’t just sustenance; it’s a journey, a Vespa ride through Naples while still anchored in the Pacific Northwest.
If your spirit is on a quest for bona fide Italian pizza in Vancouver, the search ends here. This is one of the best Italian restaurants in Vancouver.
Grassa
780 Waterfront Way, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States // +13603604687
Ah, Grassa! A gem nestled in the picturesque waterfront area of Vancouver, where the vibes are as comforting as Nonna’s embrace and the pasta – well, let’s dive into that!
Step into this modern Italian Vancouver trattoria, and you’re greeted by communal tables, an open kitchen, and a chef’s counter that buzzes like Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
The atmosphere is unpretentious and inviting, making you feel like you’re settling into a big family dinner – albeit with better interior design.
Now, let’s address the mechanics. Grassa operates with a counter-service model. Mosey on up, place your order, pay, and then take a seat with your number. It’s like a pasta-laden bingo where everyone’s a winner!
Speaking of winners, the pasta here is the showstopper. And guess what? It’s all handmade! As you eagerly await your order, you can actually watch the pasta being crafted. It’s like front-row tickets to the most satisfying show in town.
My heart, or rather, my stomach, belongs to the Fusilli Alla Vodka. But beware, my fellow flavor seekers, this dish packs a punch.
It’s like the pasta went on a date with a chili and they really hit it off. If spice isn’t your vice, I’d steer clear, but if you’re up for the challenge, you’re in for a treat.
My accomplice in culinary adventure opted for the rigatoni, and oh boy, both dishes were sublime.
We added garlic bread to the mix because, well, garlic bread. It didn’t disappoint. The meatballs? Respectable. And what’s pasta without a bit of vino? I savored a glass of Malbec as the perfect companion to my saucy extravaganza.
Here’s the icing on the cake – the portions are bountiful, and the price is right. The whole shebang came in under $80. In my book, that’s value that deserves a standing ovation.
So, if you’re wandering the streets with dreams of al dente and the taste of Italy on your mind, make a beeline for Grassa’s Italian restaurant in Vancouver.
Leonardo’s Pizzeria
16505 SE 1st St., Vancouver, WA 98684, United States // +13602532394
Wrapping up the list is the illustrious Leonardo’s Pizzeria, tucked in the charming embrace of Vancouver.
As you cross the threshold into Leonardo’s, it’s akin to discovering an underground club where the motto is “pizza is life” and ecstasy of taste buds is inevitable.
The milieu at Leonardo’s is drenched in flair. Here’s the scoop – they’ve got specialty pizzas and – drum roll, please – a weekday all-you-can-eat extravaganza. And for all you hop enthusiasts, there’s beer flowing through the taps.
Now, brace yourself for this. Leonardo’s is like a culinary fairy tale where the pizzas mirror the menu photos. It’s that rare breed of Vancouver pizzeria that turns foodie fantasies into tangible, delectable reality.
Toppings are my hill to die on, and let me tell you, Leonardo understands. They adorn their pizzas with a cornucopia of toppings until there’s no naked crust in sight. This place doesn’t know the meaning of the word “scant.”
Forewarning – your wallet might feel a tad lighter here, but trust me, the splurge is worth its weight in gold. The sumptuousness at Leonardo’s is of the decibel that reverberates through the room.
Heads up: If Italian sausage is your jam, steel yourself for a landslide of toppings. The generosity is off the charts; you might need a blueprint for navigating a slice without any casualties in the topping department.
Onward to their specialty pizzas. My taste adventure led me to the Hawaiian and Pepperoni, and my taste receptors were doing the samba. A veritable skyscraper of toppings atop a crust that was pure alchemy.
Speaking of crust, my eyes feasted on the sorcerers in the kitchen, conjuring dough into the perfect canvas for their flavorful artwork.
The icing on this delectable cake? The team. They’re the hip relatives you seek out at reunions. Ultra pleasant and exudes warmth.
Leonardo’s Pizzeria in Vancouver transcends the ordinary; it’s a symphony of zest and pizzazz. This is the sanctum where Vancouver pizza fantasies take wing.
FAQs
What’s the Italian food scene like in Vancouver, WA?
Vibrant, my friend! From hole-in-the-wall gems to chic waterfront eateries, Vancouver, WA, boasts an array of Italian restaurants that are big on authenticity and flavor. Whether you’re craving a slice, a hearty pasta, or a glass of the finest Chianti, this town delivers.
Gluten-free options? Where should I head?
Pizzeria La Sorrentina has got your back. They go out of their way to cater to gluten-sensitive folks without sacrificing flavor. Plus, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into Naples itself. Gluten-free and globetrotting? Yes, please!
I’m all about that vino! Which Italian joint has the best wine list?
Say hello to La Bottega Cafe Deli Wine Shop. Seriously, their wine list is like an encyclopedia of grape heaven. Pair it with some house-made salami, and you’ll be channeling your inner sommelier.
Wrapping Up: The Five Best Italian Restaurants in Vancouver
There you have it, my fellow food lovers! We’ve been on an epicurean adventure through the cobbled streets of Italy right here in Vancouver.
From fragrant marinara wafting through the air to the gentle whisper of Parmesan gracing the surface of al dente pasta, we’ve traveled through a rich tapestry of culinary delights.
One can’t help but notice that Italian cuisine in Vancouver is all about heart; heart in the cooking, heart in the ingredients, and the heart of a community coming together over a shared love of good food.
The authenticity and passion infused in every dish are palpable, and the Italian restaurants in Vancouver, WA, have captured this essence beautifully.
The diversity of choices is yet another facet of this splendid food scene. From the pizza purist on the hunt for the perfect Margherita to the adventurous palate yearning for unique twists on traditional fare, there’s a seat at the table for everyone.
And let’s not forget the vino – an Italian meal is akin to a symphony, and the wine is that crescendo that brings it all home.
It’s also refreshing to see that these establishments wear their values on their sleeves. From sourcing local, quality ingredients to crafting dishes from scratch, there is a deep-seated reverence for the very soul of Italian cooking.
Plus, in an era of nutrition consciousness, the array of healthful options is as bountiful as the flavors themselves.
But let’s take a minute to talk about the atmospheres. Oh, the atmosphere! It’s not just a meal; it’s a rendezvous with Italy in Vancouver’s Italian restaurants.
These restaurants have nurtured spaces that make you want to linger just a little longer over that last sip of espresso.
In conclusion, Italian restaurants in Vancouver, WA are more than just eateries; they are custodians of a rich cultural legacy.
They stand as testaments to the power of food to traverse borders, to tell stories, and to unite us in a shared experience.
They remind us that in a world of frenzied schedules, there’s something profoundly human about breaking bread together.
Visiting other destinations in Washington State? Check out our other guide:
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- 9 Best Tacoma North End Restaurants
- 10 Must-Try Bellevue Restaurants
- 7 Amazing Things To Do In Redmond WA
- Where to Eat in Yakima Valley, WA
- Must-Try Seattle Seafood Restaurants
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever