Welcome to Poor Italian Ristorante
At Poor Italian Ristorante, we celebrate the essence of authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, inviting atmosphere in Vancouver. Our story is woven from a passion for Italian flavors and a commitment to quality ingredients. Guests indulge in expertly crafted entrees like savory Veal Marsala and rich Seafood Risotto, each dish a testament to our culinary artistry. Customers rave about our warm service and delightful desserts—like the iconic tiramisu, enhanced by a thoughtful touch for special occasions. Whether it's a family gathering or a romantic dinner, Poor Italian Ristorante promises an unforgettable dining experience rooted in tradition and a love for Italian food.
Poor Italian Ristorante: Reviews & Ratings
Absolutely the best Italian restaurant ever tried so far in the Metro Vancouver area! Food was super delicious, excellent service, and super nice and relaxing atmosphere. We've ordered fried calamari, mixed seafood linguine, veal marsala, and then continued with some dessert... tiramisu was spectacular, sicilian cannoli excellent, and single shot espresso coffee was like in Italy... they've also offered two cantuccini cookies for free. I must say, it's pretty pricey, but if you're looking for some good quality Italian food... this is the place! Thank you
Celebrated my wife’s birthday with my entire family and we all enjoyed! I have a culinary degree from Sicily so let’s say I know a thing or two about good traditional Italian cuisine. They offer a great menu selection and personality speaking, their list of good Grappas seal the deal! I’ll post more photos during our next visit. We’re having so much fun I missed the opportunity to take more pictures lol
This is definitely a little hidden gem! Service is outstanding. The food is out of this world. The experience for my family was so cool. Without a doubt, get the pasta platter. Every single dish looked outstanding and fresh
Went out for family dinner Sunday. Also to celebrate my wife's birthday. Decided to try Poor Italian Ristorante for the first time. Very nice decor and a nice place to bring the family or a date night. Friendly staff and amazing food! Place wasnt busy so we received our orders quickly. We order starters calamari, lightly battered so you can taste the fresh calamari and crispy cheese toast. You get 4 but it was being devoured before I could take pictures. For mains we ordered seafood linguine, lamp chops, pappardelle and lamp, seafood risotto and tortellini with pancetta and peas. All the dishes very very favorable. Couldn't say which was best. Than we had dessert, sorry about bad dessert pictures, it was being devoured too quickly. Desserts were not overly sweet and heavy. Restaurant surprised us by giving a complimentary tiramisu with a candle as a birthday gift for my wife. Great touch and perfect end to a great night. Must try spot if you're craving good Italian food or a good date night destination!
Really good food! Really really great service from johnny! Would definately come here again! Very friendly place and everything was so tasty. Cant say enough about our amazing experience.
As a group of six (The Sexy Six actually-not so sexy but definitely six) we had an absolutely fabulous dining experience. The staff was incredibly warm and gracious and were attentive to our every need. The meals were exquisite, portions generous and fairly priced. The restaurant was quiet with a pleasant decor and atmosphere. This is a first class establishment and we’ll be back!
Hands down, one of the best Italian restaurants in town! The food is authentic and absolutely delicious, capturing the essence of true Italian cuisine. The ambiance is warm and inviting, creating the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience. The service is exceptional—attentive, friendly, and professional. This is the closest you’ll get to a genuine Italian experience without leaving the city. I will definitely be returning soon. A must-visit for anyone who loves Italian food!
This is a great Italian restaurant with very high quality tasty food. I've been driving by it for several years but only when they were closed. They have pleasant well experienced servers who are very familiar with the menu. We started with the calamari and appetizer plate. We ordered bruschetta and 4 different pastas. We also shared 3 desserts among us. Update: This great restaurant is closing for redevelopment. In the meantime enjoy Maitre d' Giovanni's excellent oversight of your meal. Food and wine recommendations like pairings and sequence.
Location
-
3296 E 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V5M 1B8, Canada Hotline: +1 604-251-1122
Welcome to Poor Italian Ristorante, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Vancouver at 3296 E 1st Ave. This charming establishment invites you to indulge in an authentic Italian dining experience, where passion for quality ingredients and traditional flavors harmoniously converge.
Boasting a menu that pays homage to Italy's rich gastronomic heritage, Poor Italian Ristorante has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As you step inside, the warm ambiance, complete with elegant decor, sets the perfect stage for a memorable meal—ideal for both intimate dates and festive family gatherings.
- Starters: Kick off your culinary journey with the Caprese Salad, featuring decadent buffalo mozzarella paired with vine-ripened tomatoes, baby greens, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Or savor the Mussels Marinara, where fresh mussels enveloped in a flavorful seafood broth showcase the essence of coastal Italian cuisine.
- Entrees: Delight in the expertly roasted Free-Range Chicken, served with Roman-style peperonata—a vibrant medley that brings the plate to life. If you’re in the mood for something richer, the Veal Marsala, sautéed with mushrooms and a delicate Marsala wine reduction, promises an explosion of flavors that will leave you longing for more.
- Pasta: The homemade pasta is a highlight that should not be missed. Indulge in the Tortelloni with Pancetta and Peas, where each bite reveals a luscious cream sauce that beautifully complements the richness of the filling. The Pappardelle and Lamb is another standout, tenderly crafted to deliver bold flavors infused with white wine and roasted lamb jus.
Diners have raved about their experiences, with many noting the impeccable service and welcoming atmosphere. Alessandro Salaris described Poor Italian as "the best Italian restaurant" he's encountered, praising not only the taste of the food but the thoughtful ambiance that makes every meal a special occasion. Meanwhile, customers like Denny Hui lauded their family's experience, highlighting the seafood linguine and tortellini with pancetta and peas as must-tries, skillfully prepared to tantalize the palate.
The dessert menu continues the theme of excellence, with the tiramisu and Sicilian cannoli crowned as favorites among guests. Each sweet creation is crafted with precision, balancing rich flavors without being overly heavy—a perfect conclusion to any meal.
In addition to the stellar food, the wine selection at Poor Italian Ristorante features a variety of esteemed Italian wines and grappas that enhance the dining experience, allowing diners to indulge in the full essence of Italian culture.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking an escape into the heart of Italy, Poor Italian Ristorante delivers with style and flavor. Make a reservation today at +1 604-251-1122, and discover why this little gem is captivating the hearts and palates of all who visit.