La Terrazza

La Terrazza Restaurant Review:

La Terrazza boasts one of Vancouver's most beautiful dining rooms, along with enchanting frescoed walls, hand-painted floors, an opulent lounge, and a monumental double-sided fireplace. In summer, a row of French doors opens onto a large terrace, which adds an alfresco setting even for the inside tables. Chef Gennaro Iorio’s cuisine is classic Northern Italian incorporating many local ingredients. Start with thin bison tenderloin, grainy Dijon aïoli, wild arugula and crispy root vegetable chips, or the smoked salmon, caviar and quail eggs. Pasta dishes are simple yet inspired, such as Iorio’s taglierini with Dungeness crab, black tiger prawns, and garlic chili capers in heirloom tomato sauce. The kitchen’s creativity shines brightest when it comes to main courses: order the grilled Angus reserve beef rib-eye with tempura onion rings and Gorgonzola gratinée to enjoy one of the best steaks in the city. Dolci (sweets) feature torta d'amore, a warm chocolate soufflé with a lava-like center and vanilla bean gelato. The wine list is wide-ranging without being overbearing, and includes upstart regions as well as innovative vintners. Equally pleasing is the discreet yet attentive service.