Enoteca - Saint Ives Australia

Cioppino 's came highly praised and highly recommended. Their published accolades were aplenty. So often, places don 't live up to the hype.  But Cioppino 's did not disappoint. From the vibe, to the service,  to the meal,  everything was spot on for a casually elegant anniversary dinner. The cocktail menu was more robust than the wine by the glass menu,  but the 3 different wines that I tried were great and reasonably priced (even better,  the reds were served at a proper temperature). Our only regret was not being hungrier.  My wife and I split an appetizer (the 'prawns ' which were actually medium sized shrimp good, but nothing overly note worthy). I had the risotto alla carbornara and my wife had the gnocchi cacio e pepe.  Both were ridiculously scrumptious.  Like meals served in Italy,  the portions were a perfect size. While we had no room for a 'main ' course, we were completely satisfied. There are a lot of incredible food choices in this beautiful city.  If you have one night to do Italian, you won 't go wrong with Cioppino 's.

Worth Trying. Would Return. I committed reviewer crime by not ordering Steak at a Steakhouse. Cioppino's namesake dish is a seafood soup, filled with chunks of fish and other seafood with a flavourful, hearty broth. Not bad. Needless to say, great service, refined atmosphere. Extensive wine list, but very very poor offering by the glass considering. Expect $70+pp

Had dinner for the second time this visit at Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill in Yaletown.  I found out about this place from reading Stanley Tucci's new book, Taste. The food was superb as was the service. I ordered gnocchi with lobster and the gnocchi was a revelation. Soft and pillow-like, melted in my mouth. First time ever that I've ignored the lobster! Then for dessert a delectable chocolate soufflé with salted caramel ice cream.

Impeccable service. Great atmosphere and food. I had their special sablefish stuffed ravioli which was delicious and my dining partner had the halibut which was so fresh and tender. Ciopinno's is a Yaletown staple and this is definitely on my list of usual restaurants I frequently eat at.

As expected, so much care to every component of food and service. Top Italian spot in Van and consistent over so many years has gotta hold weight over all these new fine Italian spots.