The Poor Italian Ristorante is an expression; an evolution of cuisines, menus, service and ambiance that characterizes the history of the Italian fine dining experience. Enjoy a relaxed evening of fine food in a tranquil environment and let our Chefs work wonders with local, fresh and sustainable ingredients in simple and flavourful combinations.
We bake all of our breads in house, and make all of our pastas, sauces and desserts by hand.
The P.I. dining room is the perfect spot for a romantic date or for groups who are celebrating a special occasion. Try all of your favorite Italian dishes or maybe find a new one!
"The Poor Italian is not inexpensive italian food, but it is very flavourful and bountiful. The ingredients appear to be of good quality, and you do not leave hungry. The best part is by far the service - our waiter has been serving us there for several years and knows us and the menu well. We don't go that often because of the price point, so I dont know if they offer a variety on their menu throughout the year but would hope they do in order to keep the menu fresh and interesting. We go there for special occassions, and never leave disappointed."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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"I was most disappointed with my luncheon, the last time I was there for dinner, I really enjoyed the food and experience. Most of my meal i didn't eat although the vegetables were done well."
Dined on 4/30/2013
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"I wouldn't call it a family restaurant but lots of families with young kids show up here and the staff is very accommodating to kids. Of course, like any restaurant you shouldn't let them run around.
We come here a often enough, it's turned into my goto place for celebrating something last minute or if I just want homemade pasta rather than my usual Cantelli and Classico sauce :D. Consistent quality, seasonal menus to keep things fresh, it's awesome. Priced very fairly and quantity is good."
Dined on 12/04/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Food came out very fast and unfortunately...good food takes time. My Eggplant Parmigiana was still cold in the middle and I had to send it back for a re-heat. The eggplant (each layer)in the Parmigiana was cut to thick making it impossible to cut into. The eggplant should be pre salted before being breaded and fried to take away any bitterness and to make it more tender. I believe this step may have been missed. I ate only 1/3 of it not because I wasn't hungry, but because it was impossible to eat. This was my 3rd time to the restaurant. First time no good, second time exceptional, 3rd time no good. Very inconsistent. I'm afraid all chances have been used up and I will not return. Service was commendable."
Dined on 27/03/2013
2013
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"The food was great. The service was excellent. We will definitely come back. We always order two different entres and share them. Our server had it done for us which was great."
Dined on 19/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch
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"This was our second time there and the restaurant was not busy so the service was good though a little on the slow side. The food is the reason to be there and it was excellent. The menu is not "just" Italian pasta and tons of cheese. It does well on what I presume are some Old World classics!"
Dined on 17/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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"Very nice resturant, great food and service. The one thing that was a downfall, it was very cool where we were seated by the wine cooler firidges along the wall by the bar. Did ask for some heat and it did seem to warm up after a bit but was very cool at first. Great place, will go back again!"
Dined on 16/03/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"First time in and I live in the neighbourhood! I was thrilled - it was what I would consider a fairly quiet night, allowing service to be friendly, attentive and well done - a high standard has been set. Lobster Festival special was delightful, classic ceasar exellent. I was very impressed with the style, ambience - it felt homey and elegant, nicely appointed decor, lighting was fabulous (this will make or break a restaurant for me). Can't wait to go back!"
Dined on 08/03/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, hot spot
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"We had an excellent dinner at this restaurant. The food was terrific as was the service.We had service as soon as we were seated the same quality of service was present all evening. The meal was very relaxed and we did not feel we were under any pressure to leave. The food was very well presented with lots of colorful vegetables. We would most certainly go to this restaurant again."
Dined on 23/02/2013
2008
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Had not been here before. St. Valentine Prix Fixe menu was very nice. Wine pairings were acceptable, very nice tuna carpaccio and funghi soup with Pinot Grigio, but main reds were more appropriate to main course steak choice - the PG was a good choice to continue with sablefish. Importantly, fish was lush - not overcooked. Both meals delicious. A slip-up in wine service was made up for with an appie cocktail, and great discussion with Maître d'/Sommellier. The restaurant is set up as an upscale Italian, the impression is elegance, but is run at high efficiency - lots of service in motion, and not slow. Not too noisy despite the action. Easy access from Freeway. On site parking but limited. Celebrity Owner. Will Return!"
Dined on 14/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"I was in Vancouver for a short trip, and was lucky to find the Poor Italian bistro while searching for restaurants near to my hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The decor was charming, the staff wonderful, attentive but not pushy, the food fantastic, and the price certainly fair for a truly excellent meal. The salami/Gorgonzola plate appetizer was outstanding, both my braised beef shoulder and my guest's seasonal fish entree were perfectly cooked and quite tender and tasty. I do not often comment on the side vegetables, but was pleasantly surprised by the carrots and greens that came with my main course. While the tiramisu was very good, my guest's white/chocolate torta would unquestionably be the recommendation for dessert."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We went to the Poor Italian Restaurant on Dine Out Vancouver. The service was very good and they were very attentive to our needs. The dinner was very tasty and was presented in a professional way. I would recommend this restaurant to my family and friends."
Dined on 30/01/2013
2013
Special Features: great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"We've been meaning to check the restaurant out and this was a good opportunity to go.. The meal was excellent with good portions. We will definitely be returning"
Dined on 31/01/2013
2009
Special Features: good for groups
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"It was our first time at the Poor Italian and we were delighted with our Dine Out Vancouver experience. My husband, son and I loved everything about this restaurant, but especially our waiter and the food. Exceptional. I can't stop talking about the Poor Italian and have told everyone at work."
Dined on 29/01/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Dine-out Vancouver $38 set menu. Food was good, except for the scallop and shrimp pasta. The seafood was overcooked and not juicy, a bit disappointed, ruin the flavour. But sable fish was good, angus beef starter was excellent and dessert was good. The veal was good too. Overall a nice restaurant, good ambiance. Portion of food was generous."
Dined on 27/01/2013
2010
Special Features: special occasion
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"The *Dineout Vancouver* menu was not priced as a terrific deal - more their standard menu prices. That said, we are glad we tried this restaurant. True family Italian cooking. The raviolini in brodo was excellent and the sablefish was also perfectly prepared. The location is easy to get to from the north shore and there is abundant parking. The inside is a warm surprise too and the restauranteur, Christian has real pride of ownership."
Dined on 27/01/2013
2006
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"There were 6 in our party and each and everyone of us were very impressed with the food: presentation, quality, quantity and the great serving staff."
Dined on 27/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Service was prompt but never intrusive which is what we like. They were immediately there when we needed anything but not once was our dinner conversation interrupted by anyone on staff. What a refreshing thing that was, and always with a smile! Food was wonderful and delicious. Fresh fresh ingredients and really well cooked. Al dente pasta with just the right amount of seasoning and flavours. Desserts that were not too heavy but still satisfying for a sweet tooth. A very good selection of wines by the glass (we had 3 different choices at our table) and a bellini that was refreshing and tasty. We were happy with our evening and we look forward to many more. Great staff. Great food. Great evening."
Dined on 27/01/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion
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"We went to Poor Italian for Dine Out Vancouver. The restaurant was packed but we were seated at a corner table and the noise level was very good. The menu was limited due to the Dine Out options but the choices were varied. Everyone at the table was more than happy with all three of their courses. The service was timely and the waiter was very well-organized and helpful. I would highly recommend this gem of a restaurant."
Dined on 26/01/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"Restaurant is on the corner of a neighbourhood block, so the views were mostly of more buildings and a gas station. Nice clean interior, charming décor. Service was a bit on the slow side, but we never felt isolated or abandoned. Appys: "Raviolini in Brodo" and "Insalata Caprese di Buffala". Both were tasty (we'd never had buffalo mozzarella before, was rather mild). Mains: "Pappardelle Al Brasato Di Agnello" and "Tagliorini Alla Salerno". The lamb was soft and delicious. The prawns and scallops were good. Nothing fantastic though. Desserts: Torta Bianco e Nero and Tiramisu. Both were beautifully presented and tasted great. Enjoyed the experience, but for the price, it was neither fancy nor compelling."
Dined on 25/01/2013
2011
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"We thoroughly enjoyed this delightful restaurant! The service was exceptional and the food was delicious. Portion sizes were generous and looked as good as they tasted. Definitely check out the Poor Italian!"
Dined on 25/01/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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"I had no idea what "Open table" was all about. I prefer a greater choice and less expensive menu. When we arrived we virtually hade no choice but to accept the menu.The food and it's presentation was very good, however. I still have no idea how the point count works!"
Dined on 23/01/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly
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