If you’re on the hunt for a cozy Italian restaurant in Vancouver, look no further than the newly opened Cantina di Luigi in Chinatown. Tucked away at 213 E Georgia Street, this intimate wine bar and eatery brings a fresh yet nostalgic take on Italian dining to one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. Whether you’re planning a Vancouver date night, organizing a girls’ night out, or just visiting the city and searching for great eats in Vancouver, Cantina di Luigi is a hidden gem you’ll want to bookmark.
An offshoot of the beloved “Ask for Luigi,” Cantina di Luigi is Kitchen Table Group’s latest addition to the city’s dining scene, and it brings serious charm. From the moment you step inside, you’re wrapped in a rustic, wine-cellar vibe—dim lighting, wood finishes, and walls lined with bottles of Italian reds and whites. It’s got all the ingredients for a cozy, romantic night out, but also feels casual enough for a relaxed evening with friends. Check out my full review of Cantina di Luigi below.
Cantina di Luigi – Menu (Starters)
The menu is a celebration of Italy’s regional flavors – simple, high-quality ingredients presented with a touch of flair. Think creamy burrata, house-made focaccia, silky pasta, and a rotating selection of Italian cured meats and cheeses. The wine list is the star, showcasing thoughtful Italian selections that pair beautifully with every dish. We got:
- Anchovy & Egg ($18.00) – salsa verde, salmon roe, calabrian chili aioli
- Burrata ($22.00) – balsamic, sea salt, olive oil
Every table receives delicious table bread that consists of foccacia and sourdough. Knowing this, we had to get the Burrata. The burrata is so fresh and creamy. It sits in a lovely pool of really good olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It goes so well with the bread. I really appreciate that they noticed we had finished our bread and offered to provide more.
The Anchovy & Egg is another great appetizer. The eggs are perfectly jammy and it pairs really well with the anchovy. The salsa verde adds a really lovely punch of herbaceous flavour.
Cantina di Luigi – Menu (Pasta Fresca)
- Pappardelle ($32.00) – venison, tomato, red wine, parmigiano reggiano
- Tagliolini ($31.00) – shrimp, mussels, calamari, lemon butter, mixed herbs
The Pappardelle had lovely thick sheets of pasta coated in a slightly spicy and tangy tomato sauce. The venison wasn’t gamey and pairs well with the fresh pappardelle sheets.
The Tagliolini was the star pasta dish of the night. Tagliolini is a delicate, ribbon-like pasta similar to tagliatelle but thinner, traditionally made with egg and perfect for light, buttery sauces or seafood dishes. The pasta was perfectly cooked and the seafood flavour really shines through in this dish. The lemon butter was bright and flavourful and pairs really well with the fresh seafood.
Worth a Try?
Whether you’re planning a relaxed evening out, catching up with friends, or looking for a cozy spot to share a meal, this place delivers on atmosphere and flavor. With its inviting ambiance, shareable plates, and well-curated wine list, it’s an easy choice for everything from casual get-togethers to more intimate nights out. It strikes that ideal balance – warm, welcoming, and just the right amount of special. This place has atmosphere for days. The low lighting and intimate table settings create the perfect backdrop for a night out. Everything we had was fantastic and I highly recommend checking out this new Italian spot in Chinatown. They don’t take reservations so make sure you come early. We came around 5:30 PM and the space was already starting to fill up.
Cantina di Luigi
Address: 213 E Georgia Vancouver, BC, Canada V6A 1Z6
Website: https://www.cantinadiluigi.com/
