Vancouver will soon have another Italian restaurant, as the just-announced Locanda dell'Orso prepares to launch in a Downtown space that had also previously been home to an Italian concept.
Locanda dell'Orso (which translates to English as the "inn of the bear") is expected to open in mid-May at 350 W Pender St.
The West Pender address had served as the longtime home of one of the city's Autostrada restaurant locations. The restaurant closed at the end of January this year, after five years as Autostrada and five years before that as its predecessor, Cinara.
For its part, Locanda dell'Orso promises "an indulgent Italian culinary experience," according to a press release, and draws its inspiration from the "he Italian legend of the Innkeeper and the Bear," which found an escaped bear finding a welcoming home at an inn's hospitable courtyard.
The menu at Locanda dell'Orso will feature "dishes traditionally found in Northern and Coastal Italy." In the Head Chef post will be Marquella Uhrig (Kevin & Kevin Juice).
The former homey Autostrada space will see an infusion of modern touches, "with bold artwork, creating a classic Italian aesthetic, inspired by advertising seen during the modernist avant-garde movement, known as ‘Futurism.'"
The new restaurant joins a bustling Italian dining scene in Vancouver, with peers such as Ask For Luigi, Bacaro, Carlino, and Magari by Oca among the many capturing the attention of the Michelin Guide.
Once Locanda dell'Orso is up and running, the new Italian restaurant will be open for dinner service Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.
Follow @locandadellorso on Instagram for updates.
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