Acquafarina is open in downtown Vancouver (PHOTOS)

Vancouver’s new destination for Italian fine dining, Acquafarina, is officially ready to welcome you through its doors and into its grandiose space.

The stunning 200-seat eatery, which features intricate woodwork, one-of-a-kind European antiques, copper details, and sky-high ceilings, is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of West Georgia Street and Homer Street downtown.

This spot quietly opened at the end of last year before closing over the holidays, and now, it’s accepting limited dinner reservations for parties of 2 to 4 people.

Patrons are encouraged to bring their appetites, but not their phones. Acquafarina has a strict no cell phone and camera policy in the dining room, which will be in place for the foreseeable future.

During a walk-through of the restaurant, Acquafarina’s owner Fabrizio and the Director of Operations for his restaurants, Oli Bureau, explained to Dished Vancouver that there was a very important reason for this: the art of dining.

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In addition to being fully engaged in the conversation and soaking up the room’s decor and atmosphere, Fabrizio says this ask ensures that guests enjoy Chef Valerio Pescetelli’s skillfully crafted tasting menus as he intended.

Fabrizio, who also owns Yaletown’s popular Per Se Social Corner, designed his newest restaurant around the rich culture and alluring tastes of Sicily, with odes to his Italian heritage and the Mediterranean island in every corner of the sprawling eatery.

Just as Acquafarina’s opening was relatively under wraps, so is its menu.

What we can tell you, is that every dish here is made with the most premium ingredients one could get their hands on, and everything is made in-house, from the breads to the pasta to cocktail bitters.

Chef’s rotating tasting menus will feature six to seven courses with wine pairings.

But let’s talk about wine for a moment, because Acquafarina has one of the most stunning, large-scale cellars you might ever lay eyes on in Vancouver.

Executive Sommelier Leagh Barkley has put together the program here, which features a collection of 8,000 bottles from a whopping 1,500 labels.

The eatery also boasts the biggest selection of grappa in the city.

We’re told an à-la-carte menu will be available starting mid-March. But that’s not the only thing to look forward to from this concept.

Acquafarina is currently in the process of building its 70-seat, four seasons covered patio.

In addition to this, a shipping container concept from the restaurant is slated to open in its front plaza. Ciclo Espresso will offer fresh-baked ciabatta paninis and espresso.

There is a lot to explore at this new downtown destination, we look forward to returning and trying the food very soon.

To book your seats visit Acquafarina’s website or email the team at [email protected].

Acquafarina

Address: 425 W Georgia Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-558-3099

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