This Vancouver institution opened in 1999 and has attracted a loyal following for fine Italian dining ever since. The warm, welcoming atmosphere, professional staff, and excellent food have diners returning time and time. The dishes are filled with fresh ingredients, and the extensive wine list is popular among vino-lovers.

Winner of the Vancouver Magazine Awards 2014 Best Upscale Italian (Gold), Cioppino's is owned by Chef Giuseppe “Pino” Posteraro (2015 Pinnacle Award for Independent Restauranteur of the Year), whose unique perspective on Mediterranean fare has won the restaurant many more awards over the years. ​Located in the bustling nightlife-and-restaurant district of Yaletown, Cioppino's attracts its share of celebrities and is a foodie favorite for its “Cucina Naturale” philosophy: "a classical style of cooking that emphasizes the use of only the freshest of ingredients." Their wine selection is among the largest in the city, making this a great destination for oenophiles, too. Price: High-End / Upscale

Style / Ambiance: Awarded “Best Formal Italian Restaurant” in Vancouver by Vancouver magazine for nine years running, Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill offers an innovative personal take on Mediterranean cuisine rooted in Chef Posteraro’s personal philosophy of “cucina natural”. This focuses on the freshest ingredients, vegetables, low-cholesterol olive oil, and striking the perfect balance between flavors. The end result is light, fresh and delicious, and can be enjoyed in a fun, unique atmosphere, with an open-show kitchen and plenty of outdoor space for relaxed alfresco dining – as well as stylish private rooms for corporate and personal events.

Description: “Widely acknowledged as the best expression of Mediterranean cooking in British Columbia, Cioppino's offers a large patio, open show kitchen and a full-service dining room as well as several private rooms for corporate and special functions. Cioppino’s boasts one of the largest wine cellars in Vancouver, with thousands of bottles available, among them many of the best ever created. For the experienced wine lover, the full list is a wonder to explore, while casual sippers will appreciate the many well-chosen labels available by the glass.

Why You Need To Go: From the Michelin Guide to big-time celebs, this local Italian restaurant has received a ton of hype and people seem to love it. Celebrities like Drake, Jason Momoa, Jennifer Aniston, Stanley Tucci, Bono and even George Clooney have all dined there in the past. Restaurant owner and chef, Giuseppe (Pino) Posteraro, told Narcity that Jennifer Aniston celebrated her birthday there and ordered the chef's "special pizza" as her dish of choice.

Next on this list of best Italian restaurants in Vancouver is Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill – an iconic Yaletown institution by award-winning chef and owner Giuseppe Posteraro. His use of natural flavors and regionally sourced ingredients have landed this restaurant numerous awards, including the Restaurant of the Year and many others. His menu is filled with delectable starters, soups, salads, pastas, fish, and meats which are served flawlessly.

Chef Pino was born in Lago, Italy, but spent much time in Canada visiting family and eventually decided he wanted to move here and make a name for himself in the restaurant industry. Cioppino's opened in 1999 and since then, it has been a Vancouver institution for those looking for a fine-dining Italian experience. Chef Pino is known to demand excellence in his kitchen and this shows up in each dish.

Wondering where to eat in Vancouver for the best celebrity spotting opportunities?. Actor Stanley Tucci wrote in his 2021 book “Taste: My Life Through Food,” that Cioppino’s in Vancouver was his favourite place to eat when shooting in the city. Giuseppe “Pino” Posteraro is the Chef and Founder of Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, ranked as one of the best Vancouver Restaurants for Italian food lovers.

Helming this iconic Yaletown restaurant is Pino Posteraro, who has been awarded the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy, making him the first chef in Canada to receive the distinguished honour for individuals working to promote Italian culture internationally. This will be the last summer to enjoy Cioppino’s; chef has announced it’s closing down at the end of 2024 after 25 years.

Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill and Enoteca earns silver for chef Pino Posteraro’s classic take on Italian and Mediterranean fare, blending tradition, modernity and a touch of Japanese aesthetic—look for the veal ossobuco, the Fraser Valley duck or the spicy medley of sustainable fish and seafood in bouillabaisse broth with rouille. 1133 Hamilton St., Vancouvercioppinosyaletown.com

MEDITERRANEAN | We’ve had a few ethereal nights at Cioppinos, set to the tune of freshly shaved truffles, creamy pasta, and clinking wine glasses. There are a few restaurants with great Mediterraean food in Vancouver, but only one that has a has a massive wine cellar in house. Locals and celebrities have visited Chef Pino for years and that won’t change anytime soon.

Marrying casual elegance with exquisite Italian cuisine, Cioppino’s in Vancouver is ideal for date nights or special occasions. The open kitchen adds an entertaining touch, while the classy ambiance sets the stage for a sumptuous feast. Start with their caprese or beef carpaccio, then indulge in any of their impeccably crafted pasta dishes.

This long-time restaurant has been an integral part of the Vancouver food scene since 1999. Hop down to Yaletown to try this spot’s fine Mediterranean-style dining menu, like calamari fritti, octopus, and incredible pasta. Address: 1133 Hamilton Street, VancouverNeighbourhood: YaletownPhone: 604-688-7466

Bring your appetite to enjoy their Italian-inspired fare of charcuterie boards, Potato Gnocchi and Funghi Risotto. They also serve up a selection of seafood, including a classic Lobster Bisque, Calamari, Wild Prawns, Pacific Octopus and Hokkaido Scallops. Check them out at 1133 Hamilton Street.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (359 reviews) - Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5) - Type of cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean - Price: $$$$ - Address: 1129-1133 Hamilton St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 5P6 Canada - Read more on Tripadvisor

This Yaletown restaurant promotes luxurious Italian dining—and drinking—of the sort once strictly associated with New York. Chef-owner Pino Posteraro is far from fixated on cooking local; from Dover sole to Tasmanian truffles, he unashamedly sources the best products from as…

Participating eateries currently include Botanist, Boulevard, and Cioppino’s, as well as Cambie Village’s Potluck Hawker Eatery with an Uni Nasi Goreng special, Savio Volpe with its White Wine and BC Green Sea Urchin Linguine, and Fanny Bay Oyster Bar with their Umami Bomb.

Cioppinos Cioppinos is located in one of the most romantic neighbourhoods of the city, Yaletown!. Does your date love wine?. Well, Cioppinos boasts one of the largest wine cellars in the city perfectly paired with fresh and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Cioppino’s is a quintessential spot in Vancouver for classic Italian and Mediterranean fare, from calamari to cannoli. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that it’s among the top Italian restaurants in the world outside of Italy. Where: 1133 Hamilton Street

Finalists: Chef’s Choice Chinese Cuisine; Golden Paramount Seafood Restaurant; iDen and Quan Ju De Beijing Duck House (Bronze); Mott 32 (Silver); Sea Harbour Restaurant; Seaport City Restaurant

Kessel & MarchThe chef/owner has logged time in serious kitchens. Tapas style Mediterranean-influenced dinner menu; great baked goods during day. 1701 Powell St., 604-874-1197.

$$$$ | Italian | 1133 Hamilton St. | Skytrain: Yaletown | Website. This Yaletown institution offers fine diningItalian-style. Chef/owner Pino Posteraro’s recipe for success?