The Sauce Pasta Cafe

The vibes here are impeccable! The cozy ambiance, lighting, and decor make it feel like a family…read morerestaurant, and it was the perfect location for our party of 8. The service was also great, with multiple people checking in on us. The corkage, at $20, is very reasonable and the restaurant even comp'ed our tiramisu! We will miss it once it is gone. The food was quite decent. I thought the prices were a bit inflated for just pasta, but the portion size was pretty massive -- most of us took leftovers to go. The sauces in general were a bit bland and the pasta was definitely cooked to beyond al dente, which isn't my preference for dried pasta. That said, the toppings were generous, especially for the linguine crab that I ordered (would highly recommend!). Come by before they close permanently!

The place was busy, loud and lively. It wasn't necessarily the best place to have a good…read moreconversation with a friend because of the volume but the vibes feel like a fun family restaurant which is also a good experience for a Friday night. We got the linguine puttanesca which was tangy and a little bland but with the olives and shrimp the dish finished up well. The spaghetti carbonara was perfect. Creamy but not too heavy I wish it had more bacon but it was delicious all around. The daily special veal was also amazing. The veal was juicy and perfectly seasoned and paired with the creamy pasta was perfect. We ended with the panacotta which was fresh, fruity and light! Will definitely be back!!

2.1 km•Yaletown, Downtown

Pesto Seafood Fettucine

Linguine Vongole

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Ambiance

Robba da Matti

4.2(553 reviews)

This tiny little restaurant is quaint and perfect for dinner on the patio…read more Service is prompt, don't expect bread service and the menu is very limited. Might be an off day but the ravioli was way under cooked and very chewy and tagliatelle too salty. Lovely patio in the summer.

I walked past this restaurant and made a note that I wanted to try it out. Came back the next…read morenight. Sat inside right next to the kitchen and enjoyed the bruschetta, pasta with meat, and tiramisu. All of it was delicious. The service was very good, and the ambience of the restaurant is nice.

2.0 km•Downtown, Yaletown

Barista handiwork on one of the many specialty coffees...

Smoked Salmon Penne paired with Cono Sur Chardonnay

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Specials for Wednesday, November 23rd...

Lupo

4.3(496 reviews)

Amazing food, amazing vibes! And great service…read more A must visit when in Vancouver! 10/10 would recommend

I booked Lupo for dinner from our arrival into Vancouver. We headed straight to dinner from the…read moreairport - driving distance is short but Vancouver rush hour traffic is no joke. The restaurant is located next to a fire station, sushi takeout and indoor bike gym. You can park in the underground pay lot shared between a hotel and public. The restaurant interior is pleasant and inviting, like dining in a rustic mansion. Restrooms are located on the upper level. The service was great and food was excellent overall - just one minor ding. Overall 4 stars. 1. Absolutely share the Octopus Mosaic, a carpaccio-preparation of paper-thin octopus fused together like chain mail armor, and bursting with flavor from the limoncello dressing. High protein and low carb too (5 stars) 2. Romaine salad was fresh and had light dressing with a quail egg snuck underneath. (4 stars) 3. No kid's menu here but they do offer half-sized entree portions with modifications. We got the rigatoni with butter parmesan and our son eventually ate half of it. He was probably still full from lunch. 4. The lobster-prosciutto stuffed chicken breast was skin-on and cooked perfectly. Very hearty dish, with veggies and gnocchi to add some carbs for balance. 5. Wife got the Branzino filet in Veloute sauce. Fish was cooked perfectly and packed with flavor. The minor ding is that a few hours after dinner my wife was getting super thirsty. It was either dehydration or maybe there was more sodium than expected. Vietnamese fish sauce has a similar effect on her. Anyways, it was an excellent dish when we ate it. Also, they had this awesome beet puree on the side which our son loved. He eventually ate some of my chicken when slathered with the beet puree. Kids and their quirky appetites...

Upstairs

Meatballs

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Tea Service

Italian Kitchen

3.8(784 reviews)

1.3 km•Downtown

Amazing experience, food and service. The ambiance was perfect! Our server Brad went above and…read morebeyond.

Food service abs atmosphere outstanding. Great restaurant. Great vibe. Always come to this…read morerestaurant when in Vancouver.

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The risotto going into the cheese wheel!

Robba Da Matti

4.6(35 reviews)

2.5 km•Gastown, Downtown

My fiancé and I first visited this restaurant about six months ago because we could keep an eye on…read moreour dog while dining. We absolutely loved their house-made pasta during that visit, so we knew we had to return and explore more of the menu. Ambiance - 4/5 One of the things we appreciate most about this restaurant is the outdoor seating. On a beautiful day, it's a wonderful place to enjoy a meal, especially if you're dining with a dog. Being able to relax outside with our pup made for a very enjoyable experience. Service - 3/5 Service was friendly, but not quite as attentive as during our previous visit. Our server was pleasant, though there were a few missed opportunities to enhance the experience. For example, we weren't informed that alcohol could not be served in the outdoor dining area until after we had already started looking at the drink menu while we were in the middle of dining. Food - 4/5 The highlight of this restaurant continues to be its house-made pasta. The texture is wonderfully chewy and perfectly cooked, giving each dish a freshness that's difficult to find elsewhere. This visit, we tried the mushroom tagliatelle with truffle rosé sauce. While the description sounded incredible, the dish didn't quite live up to our expectations. It was enjoyable, but we still preferred the bolognese from our previous visit and cacio e pepe from this visit, both of which showcased the pasta more effectively. We also ordered the gnocchi, which was well prepared and satisfying to certain extent, but it didn't surpass our favorite one from San Francisco. The pesto sauce was just okay. If we order the gnocchi again, we'd likely try it with a tomato-based sauce instead. Overall Value - 4/5 This restaurant offers excellent value, particularly for pasta lovers. The quality of the house-made pasta alone makes it worth a visit, and there are still several dishes on the menu we're eager to try. We're already looking forward to returning and exploring more of what the kitchen has to offer.

Husband and I were out for a Friday date night and wanted to try a new place while walking around…read moreGastown and walked by this place. The restaurant was cute, cozy, and could seat us right away so we decided to give it a try. We got the poached pear salad and enjoyed it! The pears were delicious and a very refreshing salad. It did come with burrata on top which was a bit disappointing since it wasn't gooey at all. For our mains, we split the pesto rigatoni and the special which was also a rigatoni with white wine, capers, shrimp and lemon. First off, the noodles are delicious on both dishes. They are clearly handmade in the best way possible. Very tender, delicate, and almost melt in your mouth. The pesto dish was perfect but again the burrata on top was disappointing since it was sort of tough/dry and not gooey. The special dish was very good but the lemon was quite strong. Initially it was a bit too much but it did grow on you over time and I did like the dish. We ended with a tiramisu and while it was delicious, there wasn't much of the bread/cake/cookie part as it was mostly cream. Overall, it was fun to try a new place but I expected a more for the price point. For $35 per plate plus salad and dessert it was a very expensive dinner and we weren't full.

Interior

Arugula Salad

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Acquafarina

4.1(62 reviews)

1.9 km•Downtown

Went there for a birthday dinner celebration and it definitely felt like a date or celebration…read moremeal. All staff that we were in contact with was very attentive and friendly. Food was delicious! got a pizza, pasta, and beef carpaccio, all of them had stood out. Of course price is on the higher end but I think I'd return for another celebration meal!

Came here with some friends for a birthday and we were seated at the patio. Our server was…read morefriendly and there was a good atmosphere as they were playing fifa on 2 large television screens on 2 sides of the patio. We ordered an assortment of items to share family style. Stand outs were the hokkaido scallops, octopus, lamb chops, and frutti di mare risotto. I would return just for their frutti di mare dish! We all agreed the food was great and is worth returning for. The only negative was that it was starting to rain towards the end of the night but they didn't pull the clear rain shield down on our side only.

Interior

Octopus

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Bolognese

Ask For Luigi

4.1(592 reviews)

2.9 km•Downtown Eastside

Pastas were so good here! We tried various of their pastas and all agreed that their white sauces…read moreare much better than their red ones. Their mushroom pasta was our favourite! The restaurant was a bit small and located in a seedier part of town, so plan accordingly. Our server was very friendly and came to check in on us repeatedly so that was appreciated.

Between Luigi and Mario, you ought to make a reservation here because Luigi is definitely more…read morepopular than Mario. It's a small restaurant that is packed even on weekdays. When you have a bite of Italian, you'll see why. We started off with some beef carpaccio which is standard and refreshing. The pasta? Simply delicious. It's al dente all the way through and the sauces are nice and rich without being overly heavy. I got a bigoli nero, frutti di mare, lemon butter which was an amazing blend of light and savory. The rigatoni alla bolognese was also a banger as well. The meat sauce is savory and each bite of rigatoni was simply savory beyond delight. For dessert, we had to make room for their Olive oil cake and Panna cotta. It was nice and sweet and just genuinely a perfect way to end the dinner. So if you snag a reservation here, be prepared to enjoy some amazing pasta and dessert.

Inside

Radicchio Salad! IG - @bilalandjesseatfood

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Salad and foccacia bread.

Tavola

4.4(406 reviews)

0.1 km•West End

We had an excellent experience at Tavola. We enjoyed the happy hour from 5-6p on a Saturday. We…read morebrought an infant and they were quite accommodating. We sat outside on the patio and parked our stroller right outside of the patio and sat on the end. The food and drinks were delicious and the staff was welcoming.

I've never felt so unwelcome at a restaurant…read more I made a reservation at Tavola and specifically chose to sit outside because I was bringing my dog. When I arrived, I was told that I hadn't booked an outdoor table and that I would have to wait if I wanted to be seated with my dog. What made the situation especially frustrating was that there were several tables available. There were three four-person tables occupied by only two people each, and they had literally just sat down and still had their menus. I asked if it would be possible to separate one of the tables, but the host immediately said no because they were "eating dinner." They clearly hadn't started their meal yet. She even mentioned that the tables would normally be separated, but that it was "too late" to do it now. Unfortunately, I was in a rush and couldn't wait, so I had to leave without dining. What disappointed me most wasn't just the seating issue, but the host's attitude. Her facial expressions and tone were dismissive and made me feel like I was being unreasonable for simply asking a question. Overall, it was a really disappointing and disrespectful experience. Good customer service is about trying to find solutions, not making guests feel unwelcome. Based on this experience, I won't be returning and won't be recommending Tavola to my friends.

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Exterior

CinCin Ristorante + Bar

4.1(484 reviews)

1.0 km•West End

Great place to dine. Great service and great food. The best desserts in town - outstanding!!!!I…read morelove the ambiance, super cozy and romantic.

This place offers an elegant atmosphere, attentive service, and beautifully prepared dishes. The…read morerestaurant strikes a perfect balance between upscale dining and warm hospitality, making it ideal for both special occasions and a relaxed evening out. We started with the Parmesan soufflé and baby gem Caesar salad. The soufflé was light, rich, and full of flavor, while the Caesar was crisp and refreshing with just the right amount of dressing and Parmesan. For our mains, the osso buco was incredibly tender and comforting, with deep, savory flavors that made it a standout dish. There was also bone marrow which was a plus! The lemon and garlic wood-fired chicken was juicy and perfectly cooked, with a bright citrus flavor that complemented the smoky notes from the wood fire. The tagliatelle al ragù was another highlight, featuring fresh pasta and a rich, hearty sauce that was both satisfying and authentic. The service was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the meal, enhancing the overall dining experience. Overall, Cin Cin Ristorante is a fantastic restaurant for anyone looking to enjoy exceptional Italian cuisine in Vancouver. We would gladly return and highly recommend it to anyone seeking outstanding food and hospitality.

1.5 km•Downtown, Coal Harbour

Bar

Tiramisu | Espresso & rum soaked sponge, marsala mascarpone zabaglione, chocolate.

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Aperol Spritz | Aperol, prosecco and soda.

Bacaro

3.9(42 reviews)

Nice little Italian spot in walking distance from the Fairmount waterfront hotel. We sat on the…read morestreet / patio and enjoyed some wine and dinner with my two kids and friend. The tartar was second to none and the kids pasta was the surprise hit of the evening when My daughter couldn't finish it my son and I finished it off. I had the lamb, very good but wouldn't get it again at the price. The rigatoni was also lights out. The server was so friendly but the wait was long due to two waiters handling the entire restaurant. She explained they don't know how busy it gets sometimes and over staffs when cruise ships are scheduled but under staffs when they are not sometimes. Didn't bother us, wine and great company for the win

I remembered to take pictures this time let me start by talking about Miriana, she explained the…read moremenu adequately talked about wine pairings and asked about preferences which would help us feel more confident when choosing our meals. When the food arrived the plates were beautiful the sauce on the pork chops my partner had was rich and balanced. My plate the steak rigatoni went was complemented by the Cabernet I received. The beef was tender and well seasoned and the carrots roasted in honey gave a sweet but delicious addition to the entree. For desert we had a gelato...forgot that picture...oops but it was rich smooth and creamy. The calm dimly lit atmosphere with smooth jazz in the background was a great environment that helped us celebrate our anniversary in style. We loved the experience. Thanks a million Miriana!!

Bar@GiovaneBacaro (The Fairmont Vancouver)

Not a fan these tables @GiovaneBacaro (The Fairmont Vancouver) #opinions

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Keep it Casual @GiovaneBacaro (The Fairmont Vancouver)

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Erin L.

13

1

0

8 years ago

Excellent food and the nicest owners! Such a great option to have in the neighbourhood! I had half alfredo and half marinara and it was very good. My daughter had fettuccine alfredo and gobbled it up in a hurry. She loved it. We will definitely be back! read more

D C.

0

2

0

4 years ago

The sauce has fantastic fine restaurant quality pasta at take out prices! The portions are huge and the value is amazing. If you are looking for great pasta look no further. read more

The Sauce Pasta Cafe - italian - Updated September 2026

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Jo's Italian Deli

3.8

(81 reviews)

Price- check. Food Quality - check. Service - check. Huge line on the weekend - honestly kind of…read moreworth it if you have the time but requires patience for sure. I have to say- although we got three types of hot items (two pastas and a meatball sandwich) the highlight for me was the pesto pasta salad. SO delicious. Highly recommended.

Located on the border of Kitsilano and Point Grey, Jo's Italian Deli is an excellent pasta joint…read morewith a casual feel and affordable prices. I ordered a Radiatore Rose, which has a flavourful sauce and chunks of sausage, mixed in with perfectly cooked pasta. I also got a piece of bread on the side. When I'm in the area again, I'd love to return!

Solo Pasta

4.1

(38 reviews)

In love! It was so fresh and so good…read more The chef was so polite, great service, and you can tell he loves his craft! Hoping this restaurant has longevity / success / expansion- the chef seems very humble and deserves it. We ordered and he told us it'd take 15 minutes. You can hear he sets a timer for the pasta and I heard him blend up the sauce for the next customer. It was two tables inside and 2 outside with 2-3 chairs each. On a summer day it's nicer to sit outside cuz inside is pretty hot. But outside there's no covered porch so u might be in the sun. Great portions, food is not heavy, pasta was amazing. He'll ask you if u want it cooked Al dente or soft, ask if Parmesan on top is ok. same questions he asks each customer. He gets a lot of call ins/delivery orders. Really difficult parking situation tbh- not a lot of street or lot stalls.

I've eaten my way through a lot of places around the world, and this is hands down the best pasta…read moreI've ever had. Everything about it was marvelous -- the pasta was perfectly cooked and impossibly fresh, and the pesto was out of this world. For a second I forgot I wasn't sitting somewhere in Italy. If you're making a list of must-visit spots, put this one at the top. Highly, highly recommend.

Jo's Italian Deli

4.5

(14 reviews)

We got the chicken Parmesan and turkey pesto sandwiches which were both flavorful, filling, and…read morerelatively cost-effective. This was the perfect spot for a quick lunch.

Affordable place for some decent Italian eats on main street…read more Prices are the main draw, with combos and add ons at a reasonable price. Got the pasta and salad combo with an additional chicken cutlet for $20. Pretty good deal! Order at the counter and get your food cafeteria style. Tables go pretty quick, scope it out before ordering! Get's a bit loud and crowded inside, but if's a good vibe.

Casereccio Foods

4.4

(80 reviews)

My friend did take out for a creamy pasta - campanelle carbonara - and lasagne. We had garlic bread…read moreon the side and tiramisu for dessert. My favourite is the creamy pasta, I love the pasta texture and the composition of the tiramisu!! Overall everything is on the saltier side, I wonder if this could be adjusted above request otherwise it's too bad because this would be my 10/10. The next day I ate the pasta with a slice of plain bread im attempt to balance out the salt level. Can't comment on the service and ambiance since I wasn't there.

Stopped for lunch on a Monday…read more There is indoor seating and outdoor seating. Build your own pasta menu. Pick your pasta and pick your sauce. Additional charge for meatballs, chicken, garlic bread, etc. They also have gelato. Staff was friendly.

Pepino's

4.1

(188 reviews)

Came here for our Marathon Eve carb load dinner and it did not disappoint! We ordered SO MUCH food…read morefor 3 people which we regretted at first but much appreciated for leftovers post race. Portions are definitely family style! We ordered the rigatoni bolognese, vodka rigatoni, pepperoni pizza, and their house spaghetti and meatballs. Food: the food was incredible. All the pastas were perfectly al dente. My favorite was the vodka rigatoni and their pizza was a beautiful hefty square Detroit style like pizza and was probably one of the best pizzas I have had. The spaghetti and meatballs was delicious and you can taste the slow hours long simmer taste with sauce and ginormous meatballs. Tip: you definitely need reservations as we tried to adjust our reservation for an earlier dinner and that wasn't even possible because of how popular they are.

Back at Pepinos exactly a year later with the same girlfriend who enjoyed it with me. I am so glad…read morewe finally got to order the spaghetti and meatballs - absolutely no regrets and all joy when we saw that massive meatball piled on top. This time around, I was also still impressed with the appetizers, particularly the salad. This place makes great salads! The avocado and feta paired really nicely with the greens and the dressing was light, tart, and refreshing. The cheesy bread may not rival last year's cheesy dish, but it was solid nonetheless. And as we did last year, we each ended up with a full portion of leftovers. Great food, service, and vibes. I must try to come here more!

Nonna's Cucina

4.5

(49 reviews)

Very small shop with limited seating. We tried the rigatoni (with meat sauce) and pappardelle (with…read moretruffle cream sauce.) The canned sparkling lemonade was also quite good. The portion size is decent and I left feeling full but not stuffed. The noodle texture also has a nice bite to it. For me I prefer creamy sauces so the pappardelle was my favorite!

Decent food and genuinely friendly staff -- that part's not in question. But here's the setup:…read morethere's no indoor seating, just a few tables on the sidewalk where you can practically direct traffic on Hastings from your chair ;) The rigatoni and gnocchi were both staff recommendations, and both were decent. With sides of meatballs, prawns, and bread, we landed at $80 with tip, no drinks included. Felt very pricey for the setting. Which brings me to the head-scratcher: the POS terminal's lowest default tip option was 20%. For a place that's a long way from a traditional sit-down experience, that felt very ambitious. What's going on with tipping in Vancouver these days?

Basil Pasta Bar

3.4

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Very pleasantly surprised with the quality of this quaint spot in downtown Vancouver. It's a great…read morelocation, very bustling in yaletown. A small shop that may not look like much, but seriously delicious pasta and great portions! Not a lot of seating, but enough for a few small groups. Kind staff and quick service. Really great portions. Would try again!

I liked this pasta place because there isn't many Italian restaurants and the ones that are in the…read moredowntown core are expensive and close early. Basil Pasta Bar is like a greasy spoon hole in the wall, but for pasta . My daughter and I had the Four Cheese Ravioli, which was pretty good though a little less salt would be nice. The service I received was good. The lady did her job. The atmosphere wasn't the greatest, but you get what you pay for, which is good cheap pasta.

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