Ask for Luigi

Ask for Luigi Restaurant Review:

Boasting just 32 seats, this popular Railtown restaurant doesn't accept reservations. If there is a wait, pop over to nearby Vancouver Urban Winery for a craft beer or glass of wine. Ask for Luigi, however, is definitely worth the wait. The fuss? Classically trained chef/owner Jean-Christophe Poirier is an alumnus of Montreal’s Toqué! and Daniel Boulud's former Vancouver restaurant Lumière, as well as C Restaurant. The room is simply designed with teak-paneled walls and a black-and-white tiled floor, complete with a teensy open kitchen where everything is made, including fresh pasta. Start by ordering the anchovies and eggs, comprised of boiled egg halves topped with anchovies and salmon roe and plated with dabs of basil pesto and spicy mayo. Pasta, according to chef Poirier, is the real star here; while selections change regularly, there are usually six or so each day. Offerings can range from tagliatelle verde to rabbit ragù with porcini and olives, and saffron penne matched with mussels, clams and leeks. (All dishes are served family-style and meant for sharing.) Desserts --- olive oil cake and chocolate budino --- are first-rate. Staff is well informed and can easily guide you through the menu and the compact wine list.