The team behind Michelin-recommended Ask For Luigi opens new Vancouver restaurant

Mar 4 2025, 6:43 pm

There’s no denying that one of the more popular Italian restaurants in Vancouver is Ask for Luigi (just ask Ryan Reynolds). Now, the team behind the much-loved Italian restaurant has opened a new, intimate, and more wine-fused dining experience: Cantina di Luigi.

At Cantina, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated list of Italian wines, from crisp whites and bold reds to refreshing rosĂ©s and sparkling Lambrusco. These are paired with handmade pasta and bread, Italian cheese, and small plates that Cantina said “reflect the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients.”

Located inside Mercato di Luigi’s E Georgia location, by day, the space will operate as the Italian marketplace that’s home to a cafe, grocer, bakery, and deli, offering plenty of Italian pantry staples. Then, in the evening, the restaurant space in the back transforms into Cantina di Luigi.

Cantina di Luigi

Cantina di Luigi

Cantina di Luigi

Cantina di Luigi

“We wanted to create a space that feels like a discovery, something intimate, atmospheric, and a little mysterious. With its warm glow and cellar-like ambiance, Cantina di Luigi invites you to slow down, enjoy a glass of wine, and linger over dishes that feel both familiar and unexpected,” said Chanthy Yen, culinary director and Top Chef Canada winner.

Cantina di Luigi

Cantina di Luigi

It also teased that lunch and brunch offerings will be introduced further down the line.

The new spot is open Wednesday to Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Cantina di Luigi

Address: Inside Mercato di Luigi — 213 E Georgia, Vancouver

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