The best Italian restaurants in Vancouver go way beyond red sauce joints and checkered tablecloths.
We’ve rounded up 12 spots across the city, from Michelin-recognized pasta counters to old-school trattorias on Commercial Drive, with what to order at each one.
1. Magari by Oca (Commercial Drive)
Renowned for daily-changing menus showcasing handcrafted pasta, Magari by Oca is a Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee in Vancouver. The intimate atmosphere allows guests to witness the art of pasta making. A must-try is their veal ragu with Pappardelle, perfectly complementing the pasta’s thickness.
The Rotolo, a crown-shaped pasta with squash or cheese filling and sage butter, is a delight. They also serve an outstanding Risotto, making Magari a pasta lover’s paradise.
P.S. expect to wait in line half an hour before doors open if you want to get a spot
What to order: garganelle with lamb ragu, Rotolo, Leek Taleggio Risotto with Walnuts
Address: 1260 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5L 2T6
2. Cincin Ristorante + Bar (West End)
Located in downtown Vancouver, Cincin Ristorante & Bar shines in Italian cuisine, offering handmade pastas and an exquisite wine selection.
Begin with their Parmesan soufflé, then add the tuna crudo (BC albacore with tomato vinaigrette, olives, crispy capers) before moving on to a choice steak.
Each dish pairs beautifully with a bottle from their award-winning wine list.
Cincin’s cozy ambiance, coupled with their culinary excellence, ensures a dining experience that’s both memorable and gratifying.
What to order: Parmesan soufflé, tuna crudo, Albacore Tuna, steaks
Address: 1154 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2
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3. Pepino’s Spaghetti House (Commercial Drive)
In Vancouver’s Commercial Drive, Pepino’s is a treasure trove of Italian comfort food. Known for its cozy vibe, generous portions, and reasonable prices, it’s the perfect spot for an easygoing evening.
The menu features classics like Spaghetti and Meatballs, Alfredo, and irresistible desserts like tiramisu and cheesecake.
Pepino’s warm atmosphere and delicious offerings make it a local favorite for those seeking a taste of Italy in the heart of Vancouver.
What to order: Fennel Sausage Wrapped Olives, Spaghetti and Meatballs, Alfredo, Tiramisu
Address: 631 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3W3
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4. Acquafarina (Downtown)
If you want Italian that feels polished (but still fun), Acquafarina is the move. It’s modern, a little dressy, and one of the best romantic restaurants in Vancouver for birthdays, date nights, or when you just want to order pasta and pretend you’re in Europe.
They do the classics with a sharp edge: handmade pastas, shareable plates, and a bar program that makes it easy to say yes to a second drink.
What to order: caprese and scallops, beef carpaccio
Address: 425 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K5
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5. Osteria Savio Volpe (Kingsway)
Offering an authentic Italian dining experience, Osteria Savio Volpe in Vancouver captivates with its rustic charm. The wood-fired dishes, like the Flat iron steak with sunchokes, are a highlight, and their handmade pasta changes with the seasons, so there’s always something worth ordering.
The ambiance, characterized by dim lighting and elegant windows, complements the rich flavours and adds to the restaurant’s appeal as a true Italian culinary haven.
Tip: Don’t leave without sampling a chocolate tart for dessert, or some yummy, creamy gelato!
What to order: Flat iron steak, Caramelle, meatballs, chocolate tart, gelato
Address: 615 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5
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6. Di Beppe (Gastown)
Di Beppe in Gastown, Vancouver, is the quintessential spot for pizza and pasta lovers. Its straightforward approach focuses on delivering hearty Italian classics in a relaxed setting.
Favourites include their Funghi pizza (mixed mushrooms + taleggio + truffle bianco), the Diavola (calabrese salami + basil), making Di Beppe one of the best pizza spots in Vancouver, plus the pomodoro and pecorino & black pepper pastas.
Concluding with their delightful cannoli or tiramisu, Di Beppe offers an unpretentious yet satisfying Italian dining experience perfect for families and friends.
What to order: Funghi pizza, Diavola pizza, pomodoro, pecorino & black pepper, cannoli, tiramisu
Address: 8 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1C9
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7. La Terrazza (Yaletown)
La Terrazza in Vancouver stands out for its sophisticated Italian dining experience. The restaurant excels in creating gourmet dishes that linger in memory.
The menu leans luxe, with great steaks, big seafood mains, and a few “go big or go home” plates for the table.
If you’re ordering like you mean it, the King Crab Cioppino is the splashy, tomato-broth seafood bowl you build your night around, the Sablefish is silky and rich, and the Boneless Ribeye Steak is the no-regrets, classic steakhouse move.
What to order: King Crab Cioppino, Sablefish, Boneless Ribeye Steak
Address: 1088 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6J5
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8. Marcello Ristorante and Pizzeria (Commercial Drive)
A staple in Vancouver’s Italian dining scene, Marcello Ristorante and Pizzeria offers a warm, neighbourhood ambiance with exceptional Neapolitan-style pizzas from their wood-burning oven.
The menu begins with enticing cocktails like the Lavanda, followed by a selection of well-executed pasta dishes such as Spaghetti Alla Bolognese and Linguine Carbonara.
Their pizza offerings, like the spicy Palermo By Night, are a testament to their commitment to authentic Italian flavours and quality.
What to order: Lavanda, Spaghetti Alla Bolognese, Linguine Carbonara, Palermo By Night
Address: 1404 Commercial Dr. Vancouver, BC V5L 3X9Website | Instagram | Facebook
9. Robba Da Matti (Yaletown)
In downtown Vancouver lies Robba Da Matti, a quaint trattoria offering an authentic Italian experience. Known for using fresh ingredients and generations-old recipes, their menu is a delightful exploration of Italian cuisine.
Start with the Yaletown Antipasto, then go straight for the Lobster & Crab Ravioli (it’s one of their signatures) or the Risotto ai Funghi when you want something rich and cozy.
What to order: Antipasto, Lobster and Crab Ravioli, Risotto ai Funghi
Address:
-1127 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P2
-1906 Haro St., Vancouver, V6G1H7
10. Nook (Multiple Locations)
Nook, a favorite among Italian cuisine enthusiasts in Vancouver, offers a relaxed setting ideal for enjoying sumptuous meals with friends.
Begin with their antipasto, like the meatballs in tomato sauce, then move to pasta dishes such as Rigatoni Arrabbiata or Orecchiette with Italian sausage.
Their pizzas, especially the Ricotta and mushroom veggie, are crowd-pleasers (Nook also made our list of the best pizza in Vancouver).
End the meal with a delicious Chocolate Budino or vanilla pannacotta for a sweet finish.
What to order: Rigatoni Arrabbiata, Orecchiette, Ricotta, Mushroom & Pancetta, Chocolate Budino, vanilla pannacotta
Address:
-195 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 4A1
-1525 Yew St, Vancouver, BC V6K 3E5
-781 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L6
-150 Victory Ship Way #160, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2
Order Online: DoorDash
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11. Ask for Luigi (Gastown)
Tucked away near Gastown, Ask for Luigi is a cozy Italian eatery offering a unique group dining experience. Their antipasti, like veal tartare or grilled octopus, set the stage for a range of exquisite pasta dishes.
Order like a regular by getting the burrata with mixed beets. Pasta-wise, rigatoni alla bolognese is the classic, and campanelle & lamb ragu is the one you order when you want something a little richer.
If you’re in the mood for seafood pasta, the bigoli nero, frutti di mare is the flex. Desserts like olive oil cake and traditional panna cotta round out a meal that feels both comforting and luxurious.
What to order: Burrata with mixed beets, Rigatoni alla bolognese, Campanelle & lamb ragu, Bigoli nero frutti di mare, olive oil cake, panna cotta
Address: 305 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C4
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12. Angela Pastificio (East Vancouver)
Angela Pastificio is an intimate, 20-seat Italian spot, where it feels like you scored a seat at a pasta studio. The tasting menu is the whole point: course after course of handmade noodles, each one showing off a different shape, sauce, and mood.
This is the spot for nights you want dinner to take its time. Come hungry, come curious, and let the kitchen show you what pasta can do when it’s made right.
What to order: Tasting Menu
Address: 1869 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1H8
That’s our list of the best Italian restaurants in Vancouver right now. If we missed your go-to spot, let us know.
Looking for more food spots? Well, take a look at our picks of the best restaurants in Vancouver!