Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill

NO OTHER RESTAURANT in town delivers luxurious Italian dining—and drinking—of such estimable range, passion and authenticity.

Chef-owner Pino Posteraro, who was recently named a Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, has weathered the dining-local trend with his dignity and principles intact: he is interested only in the best. If that happens to be local spot prawns in their season (lightly charred with fritto cucumber sprouts) or hand-harvested B.C. scallops (seared and bedecked with Northern Divine caviar), fine. But also expect Nova Scotia lobster with smoked uni beignets and Spanish turbot showered with white Alba truffles. In fact, there are few better places to find yourself during white truffle season. Pappardelle with four-hour-braised veal cheeks, spaghetti alle vongole and linguine all’aragosta never come off the menu.

But the best way to enjoy Cioppino’s is to ask for the daily changing chef’s menu. This is where he really stretches his creativity, with modern techniques applied to such finely crafted delicacies as dry-aged squab on gingerbread purée, deconstructed paella and house-smoked fish terrine with horseradish Chantilly. The wine list is magnificently deep and something of a magnet for the expense account. Service is highly professional. The Yaletown room will soon undergo a major, $1.5-million renovation, thanks to a new partnership with developer Ryan Beedie.

Monday to Saturday
5:00 PM until 10:30 PM

Available for lunch for large parties upon inquiry.