Neighborhood restaurants. Sometimes they are quaint (even a bit dated), and the food is simple and the wines are main stream (not too exciting but they do the trick). And you go there because it’s an easy walk or drive from home, and well, you want to support your local businesses (or you can’t think, because you are tired from a long week). BUT sometimes your neighbourhood restaurant is the ‘bomb’! It’s quaint yet modern and welcoming, it’s always busy, it’s got a killer wine list (interesting and diverse) and the food… is not simple, it’s thoughtful and delicious.

Meet my neighbourhood restaurant – Savio Volpe. Located in a pocket of Vancouver, which is outside of downtown, away from any main popular walking strips. It’s neighbours are small eateries and coffee and baking shops on a little strip of 15th Ave in the Fraser Neighbourhood aka ‘Fraserhood‘.

The reason I like going here, is because it’s atmosphere is welcoming and approachable, yet modern and fresh. It’s about a year or so old. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable which makes your experience that much better. The food is rustic italian, which honestly, some of the creative dishes are not commonly found around Vancouver. Case in point: Bagna Cauda. Vegetables with a garlic, anchovy butter bath. I am in love with this dish. As well as great food, the wine list, rocks it. The reason is Mark the sommelier and his team of expert palates. Diverse, interesting, thought-provoking wines that go well with what’s on the menu. Me and the girls enjoyed a bottle of the Villa Bucci Classico Verdicchio from Italy. Round, full, yet fresh citrus and crisp minerals… D-light-ful.

Make a reservation, or take your chances for the first come first served seats at their bar (my fave place to sit). But do go and visit this amazing little neighbourhood find.

Other great places to check out in my ‘hood’…

Pizzeria Barbarella, Mensch deli, Jean Talon Poutinerie (Fraser/Broadway), Les Faux Bourgeois (the pioneers of this little pocket), Sal y Limon, Bows & Arrows, Prado Cafe, Straight Outta Brooklyn Pizzeria, The Gluten Free Epicurean

eat, drink and enjoy!