September 2025

We were just two of a planned group of five, resulting from one of BC Ferries’ surprise mechanical collapses. We hurried to the terminal very early and did a five hour wait not to miss a flight the next day, worth it as two of us also made our dinner reservation.

This little restaurant in a gentrifying east Van location is classy and welcoming. There is a hard to pinpoint atmosphere that quietly lets you know you’ve arrived.  We sat at high seats at one side of the room and were welcomed by a polite anxious lady who introduced the menu and specials. Custom-ordered cocktails were delicious and soothing following a day of BC Ferries nonfeasence.

The menu is short but impressive with tapas-style content. We chose two entrees and a main: negroni-infused succulent pork belly which was tender and packed with flavour, and a prawn and scallop mixture gathered into small cooked oblongs with a milk-bread crust. This had a hot-seasoned mayo-tomato sauce that helped it on its way. The main was seasoned tomato-sauce small curly pasta mouthfuls with burrata on top. Mellow and gently seasoned. Everything understated but perfectly satisfying.

The place filled up over ninety minutes or so. Noise was substantial but somehow cheery and inoffensive. Our original server was replaced by a sprightly unassuming young guy who had attention and cadence effortlessly mastered. I didn’t read past the first red item on the wine list, which was a teroldego for $98. I happen to have tried that obscure northeast Italian varietal in a now-closed Prince Edward Island bistro years ago and have been looking for it ever since. It’s Barolo-like and earthy but light in the mouth like a small Chianti. Fragrant and balanced. Couldn’t imagine a better friend at that price for this dinner.

The kitchen space is shared by an American-style spaghetti-and-meatballs place which friends have tried and warned us away from. No way is that kitchen shared by anything other than the real estate and devices, although you can order off the next door menu at La Tanna. We were out the door minus about $280.

On our way to off-tourist-season Lake Como we wouldn’t be disappointed if the food there no better than this little spot much closer to home.

Food 9.1, service 9.1, ambience 9.2, value 8.1, peace and quiet 8.2.