Little Italy Gets Little-er

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9 places recommended by tanyab

Expert Family from The Drive

Created on May 8 2009

First Starbucks popped up on the Drive and, this year, we have a Tim Hortons and a Dairy Queen...

Santa Barbara Market

1322 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L3X6

Rated this place:

posted Jul 9 2008

Independent grocery store: The prices are great and I always find something there to inspire my cooking. Great place to get produce and they have a large selection of pasta too. I bought some super cute little mini bowtie noodles there and made them for my daughter when she was 10 months old. Well-stocked deli counter (cold cuts, cheeses) but be prepared to take a number because it's always busy!

Fratelli Bakery

1795 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC

Rated this place:

posted Jul 10 2008

Brownie: I've never had anything that wasn't delicious at this Commercial Drive bakery; however, I distinctly remember thinking 'this is the best brownie I've ever had in my whole life' when I was eating it. It's not fancy, it sticks to the basic brownie style, and it does this absolutely perfectly.

  • favourite thing(s) at this place:
  • brownie

Federico's Supper Club

1728 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5N 4A3

Rated this place:

posted Jul 14 2008

Lounge singer: I imagine that Federico created his own supper club just so that he would have somewhere to perform (not a lot of gigs for lounge acts here perhaps?). And I have to say, he's a genius! The food is okay if a bit over-priced but keep in mind you're really paying for the entertainment and it's totally worth it! If you're a fan of goodfella movies or tv shows you'll truly appreciate the atmosphere. As a sidebar- I just went to their website and it's really cool.

Joe's Cafe

1150 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, V5L3X2

Rated this place:

posted Aug 23 2008

Old school coffe shop: Anyone else just a bit intimidated by all of the old Italian men? Maybe I've watched too many mob movies and also why I love this place's atmosphere! Also used as a location in the Douglas Coupland movie 'Everything's Gone Green' according to their website and they sell merch - what a great gift for your homesick buddy living in Toronto or Phoenix or wherever...

La Casa Gelato

1033 Venables Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A3R9

Rated this place:

posted Apr 14 2009

La Grotta Del Formaggio Inc

1791 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC, V5N4A4

Rated this place:

posted Apr 19 2009

Big Italian Style Sandwiches: This Italian grocery store and deli has the tastiest sandwiches on Commercial Drive. Often there is a line up to order, but it always goes very fast. Pick up some dolmathes from the deli as a sandwich sidekick and then take yourself to the bakery next door for dessert and a coffee.

Rocca Ristorante Italiano

1565 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC, V5L3Y1

Rated this place:

posted May 7 2009

Wine-0 Wednesdays: Excellent friendly service and nice atmosphere - food was okay but they have a lot of competition considering their location. I'd recommend going on Wednesday if you like wine - I think the server said each bottle was $10 cheaper on Wednesdays. Try the seafood appetizers - lots of choices. There are also a few seats at a bar where you can watch sports.

Arriva Ristorante Ltd

1537 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC, V5L3Y1

Rated this place:

posted May 7 2009

Old Time Italian Restaurant: It looks like most of the staff have worked here since Commercial Drive's Little Italy was really all Italian. Old time service - servers that anticipate your needs rather than avoiding eye contact. Perfect for a romantic date - in fact most of the tables were couples when we went. Delicious food. Family run and operating for 25 years...

Marcello Pizzeria

1404 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC, V5L3X9

Rated this place:

posted Aug 11 2009

Easter Island Head Pizza?: I've always wanted to try this restaurant and just recently did - I'm so glad I finally went in. Big tables for family dining, high ceilings, friendly staff, and the pizza oven is a big head (the pizza goes into the mouth). It was about $130 for 4 adults and 1 toddler (included 4 beers and one appetizer) - everyone was happy with their meals, very busy place.