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.
Highly recommend!
Food was exceptional. We tried the red sauce pasta with lobster and that changed my perspective on lobsters! Absolutely loved it.
Service was great and fast, we came really early! Haha Although I wished our waitress was in a better mood, she needed to smile more! :)
Atmosphere was questionable, super super dark inside!!
Also have to book months in advance!!!!!
Overall we had a wonderful experience for our anniversary.
I’ve been wanting to come here for a while. Made reservations but it was a quiet night. The food was good, I was hoping everything would be impeccable. We were still full from a massive sushi lunch so only sampled a few things. Octopus starter was amazing, great flavour and texture and some fava beans floating around 4.5/5. We had 2 pastas, the first being the lobster linguine. This was amazing, you get half a tail and a claw in a tomato cream sauce which has a little spice to it. Perfectly Al dente, I think this is a must have everytime 5/5. We also had one do the night specials which was ravioli with ricotta and Buffalo mozz, it had a light tomato sauce 4/5. We shared a branzino main, this is good too, Perfectly cooked with a lemon caper sauce and some fresh veg 3.5/5. Finished it off with a panna cotta, now I’m very picky with my panna cotta. I felt it was a little too thick, and had too much going on. Too much fruit and chocolate crumble, the streusel was good but overall the panna cotta didn’t shine. This was a miss and probably a 3/5. Service is amazing here and I’ll be back to try the rest of the menu, probably with a larger group so I can sample more dishes.
This place is next level delicious. Amazing food, service and room absolutely exquisite. Top 50 Italian restaurant in the World and I can clearly see why.
We went to celebrate our birthdays and anniversary with our family and friends- we were pampered from the beginning till the end- the food was amazing- the Burrata eggplants is a must- the short ribs were melting in the mouth- everything was cooked to perfection! Highly recommend
Even though it’s difficult getting a reservation here, I promise it’s worth it. 4 of us came here for a birthday and first impression started off well with the hostess offering to coat check our coats. We were seated and service was prompt. We were given water and offered drinks right away.. seeing that we weren’t ready, Ian (our server) gave us time but made sure to return promptly.
The food was immaculate. Probably one of the best meals and overall experiences I’ve had in a while. I ordered the Wild Prawns for an appetizer and out of all 4 appetizers, this one took the limelight. Presentation was amazing, prawns delicious and the garlic sauce left over in the plate was so full of flavour and excellent to spread on the bread.
We also had the Lobster Bisque which I will preface with- I’m not usually a fan, but this one was creamy but not heavy and such a nice subtle buttery lobster flavour. For dinner I went with Ian’s recommendation of the Pappardelle “al guanciale di vitello e porcini”. He mentioned it’s one of their most popular dishes and I can see why. The 4 hour braised veal cheeks just melt in your mouth. The pasta was *chefs kiss* perfection. The other entree pictured was the sablefish, and I’m getting tired of using the word perfect, but it was cooked to buttery perfection. You could probably slice it with an actual butter knife.
20/10- definitely recommend
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