Frankie's Italian Kitchen: Authentic Italian fare with a cool side of jazz and blues

Mar 16 2017, 4:02 am

Right across the street from BC Place and around the corner from Rogers Arena is Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar.

This spot, located inside the Georgian Court Hotel, serves authentic southern Italian fare in an atmosphere oozing with old school charm, not to mention the same building houses Frankie’s Jazz Club, a live music venue showcasing the best of the best in the genre.

Frankie’s Jazz Club is open Wednesday to Friday with live music Wednesday to Sunday. This spot hosts local and international jazz musicians right in the heart of Vancouver.

By working with Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, a community based, not-for-profit, charitable arts organization, to feature local and international musicians, Frankie’s has established itself as a cornerstone in the Jazz music scene in Vancouver.

Photo courtesy of Coastal Jazz

In addition to the talent that takes the stage, there is serious skill behind the line in the kitchen too.

Comfort food made with old family recipes from proprietor Raffaele Aiello’s lineage takes centre stage here when it comes to eats. Hearty portions and fresh ingredients make this spot an ideal place to head when you’re with family or friends looking for a satisfying bite or a refreshing drink.

Champagne (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

The wine list at Frankie’s consists of an approachable mix of Italian and local wines including Mission Hill Reserve, Red Rooster, and Gray Monk Estate. With a handful of craft beers, signature cocktails, classic aperitif cocktails, and unique 2 oz martinis, this spot boasts a drool-worthy drink menu as well.

One of Frankie’s custom martini concoctions is the “Caesartini” – a delicious mixture of vodka, caesar spices, Clamato juice, and balsamic finished with a celery salt rim and garnished with a selection that definitely qualifies as a small starter in our books.

Caesartini (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

The menu is all housemade Italian, fresh-outta-the-oven and plated-to-perfection classics like pasta, pizza, paninis, meatballs, and soups.

Starters and small plates at Frankie’s include a selection of meat and cheese plates like the Antipasto Platter for 2, and smaller portions of traditional dishes like Gnocchi, Calamari Fritti, Saltspring Mussels, and Prawn & Crab Raviolo. A standout on this list is the Crostini Burrata, a winning combination of filone bread, tomato jam, and burrata cheese made from fresh mozzarella.

Crostini Burrata (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

For some, a few starters here could be considered a filling meal, but those who choose to stop there have probably never laid their eyes on Nonna Maria’s Lasagna before.

This dish needs no formal introduction – we all know how homemade lasagna hits the spot every time – and Frankie’s version of this classic is no different.

Nonna Maria’s Lasagna (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

No sides or salad needed – despite its large size, this dish of housemade pasta, ricotta, bolognese sauce, san marzano tomato sauce, and mozzarella won’t take you long to devour.

This epic creation is is one of the heavier dishes in the entree section of Frankie’s lunch and dinner menu. This spot has a selection of salads including an Italian Nicoise Salad, along with Minestrone Soup and the option for meat-and-veg plates from the Carne & Pesce portion of the menu.

Veal Parmesan, BC Salmon, Lamb Shank – Frankie’s has it all, including a Marsala Chicken that almost makes you forget about the Tiramisu and Affogato on the restaurant’s dessert menu.

Marsala Chicken (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Whether you’re heading to Frankie’s for a bite before the Canucks Game, the Jazz show next door, or simply to enjoy some housemade pasta and Okangan wine, you’re bound to leave happy, full, and on a good note.

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar is open Monday to Thursday from 7 am until 11 pm, Friday and Saturday from 7 am until midnight, and Sunday from 7 am to 10 pm.

You can make reservations for Frankie’s Jazz Club as well; check out the hours online.

Frankie’s Italian Kitchen & Bar

Address: 765 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @frankiesitaliankitchen

Hanna McLeanHanna McLean

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