Best Italian Restaurants in Vancouver 2022
GOLD: Caffè La Tana, 635 Commercial Drive
SILVER: La Quercia, 3689 W 4th Ave.
BRONZE: Autostrada, Various locations
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Oca Pastificio, CinCin
Caffè La Tana
Well, this is a shake up. Pepino’s sister restaurant, Caffè La Tana, nabs the top spot for the first time. Our judges applauded its evolution from a neighbourhood alimentari into a true culinary slice of the old country, under the guidance of culinary director Phil Scarfone and chef de cuisine Vish Mayekar. Ethereal handmade pastas pair with exquisitely prepared proteins: like baby back ribs rubbed with porcini spice and presented with a Campari glaze, charred oranges and fried rosemary leaves.
La Quercia
Over a decade in, silver winner La Quercia continues to delight West Point Grey locals with its elevated take on the neighbourhood restaurant. Chef Adam Pegg’s seasonally driven menu tours Italia with delights like perfectly seared sausage-stuffed morels with sweetbreads, and gorgeously green spring asparagus and prawn risotto. (And if the deli has it on offer, pick up their note-perfect lasagna to bring the magic home.)
Autostrada
Bronze goes to Autostrada, which has perfected the notion that casual Italian can come hand-in-hand with thoughtful preparation under chef Lucais Syme’s careful watch—where a simple seasonal salad will be studded with local kohlrabi, and the cacio e pepe is elevated with single-origin black pepper.
Honourable mentions to Oca Pastificio for its handmade, sublime pastas and to CinCin for its homey trattoria vibe and excellent hospitality.
Want More Restaurant Award Winners? Read Them All Here
