If you’ve been craving a good pasta or pizza, you’ll be glad to know that a top chef has shared Vancouver’s best Italian restaurants to get you started.
Behshad Zolnasr’s passion for food began at a young age watching cooking shows with his grandmother and it sparked inspiration that led to an impressive culinary career.
He worked for “Michelin-starred venues around the world such as Ristorante Mamma Angelina in Rome, Gordon Ramsay restaurant in London and Jean-Georges in New York City before returning to Vancouver,” his communications team said.
Now he’s executive chef at C|Prime Modern Italian Steak & Wine in Vancouver, where he whips up some drool-worthy, Italian-inspired dishes.
“At C|Prime, I can fully explore and express my love for Italian cuisine and pay tribute to the steakhouse experiences I had while working in kitchens in New York City,” said Zolnasr.
“I’m excited to bring some of the same Big Apple magic to Vancouver while also showcasing authentic old-world Italian recipes that I’ve been fortunate to have encountered in my travels around the globe,” he added.
Zolnasr’s love and appreciation for Italian cuisine has also allowed him to spot some other fantastic restaurants in town that also cook up a mean dish.
When he’s not dining at his own restaurant, these are his best places to get a delicious Italian meal.
Osteria Savio Volpe
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 615 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC
Why you must go: Agnolotti dal plin with chicken and pork, red wine and crispy sage is Chef Zolnasr’s favorite dish at this restaurant. He loves how seasonal their menu is and how they use local farms to source ingredients.
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The Beppe
Price: 💸💸
Address: 8 W Cordova St., Vancouver, BC
Why you must go: Cacio e Pepe is a Di Beppe must-try, according to Zolnasr. They “got classic Italian dishes right — from pizza to pasta, you can taste the love and romance that goes into the dishes,” he added.
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Giardino’s restaurant
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Address: 1328 Hornby St., Vancouver, BC
Why you must go: Zolnasr loves to order the grilled 38 Oz Porterhouse Fiorentina at Giardino’s Restaurant. They have a “huge selection of classic handmade pasta and a delicious Fiorentina steak for two,” Zolnasr said.
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Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Address: 1133 Hamilton St., Vancouver, BC
Why you must go: The veal ossobuco with saffron risotto is Zolnasr’s favorite dish to order at Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill.
It’s an “award-winning restaurant for the best, classically delicious Italian dishes, Chef Pino is an inspiration for younger chefs,” said Zolnasr.
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Ask for Luigi
Price: 💸💸
Address: 305 Alexander St., Vancouver, BC
Why you must go: The campanelle and wild boar ragu is the best dish to order at this restaurant, he said. It’s a “relaxed atmosphere where you can enjoy classic, delicious Italian dishes”.
Plus, all the pasta is handmade and they also offer some delicious gluten-free options.
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Cafe La Tanna
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 635 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC
Why you must go: The tuna crudo is a must try at Caffe La Tanna. This restaurant serves great small plates that are best for sharing.
Zolnasr loves that they also source meat, produce and seafood from local businesses and farms.
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