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A taste of modern Italian at Piva in New Westminster

One of the newest restaurants to open up in New Westminster is Piva, a modern Italian restaurant located on the ground floor of the impressive cultural hub, the Anvil Centre.

One of the newest restaurants to open up in New Westminster is Piva, a modern Italian restaurant located on the ground floor of the impressive cultural hub, the Anvil Centre.

New West has been slowly and steadily growing a vibrant contemporary dining scene. Places like El Santo, the modern Mexican restaurant down the street from Piva, has been drawing raves from locals and discerning Vancouver foodies, and more and more independent eateries and local chains are taking a chance on business in New West.

 Gnocchi at Piva (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)Gnocchi at Piva (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

Piva is a beautiful, bright showpiece space with street-facing picture windows, an open kitchen, and a stunner of a bar area. The restaurant takes its name from the last name of one of the owner's ancestors, Giuseppe (Joe) Piva, who came from Italy to Vancouver a century ago.

Open for lunch and dinner, Piva's menus feature modern takes on traditional Italian fare, including pastas, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, meat-based entrees, and appetizers. Gluten-free pasta is available as a sub-in for any of the pasta dishes, and Piva offers plentiful vegan and vegetarian options.

Veggies and the bright pow of lemon star in Piva's beautiful gnocchi dish, while hearty salads like the Beet & Kale can either kick a meal off with a veg-forward start or stand in for a main. Polenta fries are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and come with a zingy pomodoro sauce for dipping. Wild boar meatballs are blanketed in a rich and creamy mushroom sauce, while those who prefer to nibble and graze will want to zero in on the antipasti platter.

Piva also offers an extensive cocktail list, desserts, beer and wine, and a nice non-alcoholic beverage list. A great spot for an upscale lunch meeting, pre- or post theatre or gallery visit snack, drink, or meal, Piva is an overall terrific addition to New West.

 A few of the smaller bites combined on one platter (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)A few of the smaller bites combined on one platter (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

 Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is AwesomeLindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome

 Kale salad at Piva (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)Kale salad at Piva (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

 Inside Piva (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)Inside Piva (Lindsay William-Ross/Vancouver Is Awesome)

Piva is located at 787 Columbia Street in New Westminster.