Inside Per se Social Corner, now open in Yaletown (PHOTOS)

Per se Social Corner, a new dining destination in Yaletown recently opened its doors. Located on the corner of Homer and Smithe Streets, the 7000-square-foot, high-ceilinged, open-concept space boasts three different food and drink-focused entities, all housed under the one roof.

While the coffee shop (Illy Café), Spanish-inspired tapas bar (Rosalinda), and pizzeria (Water + Flour), each have their own unique identity, they flow effortlessly into one another.

The sophisticated yet casual Illy, a canteen-style eatery, greets customers at the entrance. The cafe serves freshly made baked goods, pastries (cannoli), tradizionale pizza, and panini, and–not surprisingly–uses coffee from Illy.

Housed around a central island, Rosalinda Spanish Bar offers small bites (called “tappetizers”), cured meats, and a collection of domestic and international wines. Bar seating allows guests to grab a quick drink and bite from the counter, and perhaps some cut-to-order potato chips or chicken croquettes.

Water + Flour pizzeria resides towards the rear of the space. With plenty of seating the third and final component of Per se Social Corner is stylish but unpretentious, and boasts an imported stone-oven and dough rounder.

The pizzas all run between $14 and $22, come on sugar-free dough, and include classic options like margherita (tomato sauce, fior de latte, and basil), and more inventive takes like Tuna Tartare (tuna, Japanese mayo, avocado, sesame seeds, and sesame oil).

A range of greens and main plates also feature on the menu and include a goat cheese salad and a juicy grilled Argentinian steak, for example.

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Yes, the three concepts operate separately, but no mater where patrons sit, they have access to entire menu. Owner Fabri Foz says Per se Social corner is “all about simplicity, and showcasing good food.”

Before opening its doors, the former Subeez locale underwent a massive refurb. Significantly brighter and airier than its predecessor, Per se Social Corner flaunts shiny surfaces, concrete flooring, cushioned-covered stools, leather-backed chairs, and timber tables.

Casual meets chic, Per se Social Corner transitions from a relaxed spot during the day into an alluring dinner time destination. Come the summer, the eatery will open up its sizable patio and offer Spanish-style paella and rotisserie pig.

Like with any new business, Foz and his team are still ironing out a few wrinkles (modifications have already been made to the menu and growing wine list, which will soon include 40 plus bottles), yet despite these initial bumps they have created a unique and memorable spot.

Per se Social Corner

Address: 891 Homer Street
Phone: 604-428-6111
Twitter: @_socialcorner
Hours: Illy–Monday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 7:30 to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Water + Flour and Rosalinda –11:30 to 1 a.m., Saturday and Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.