Little Italy Vancouver – Made in Italy…
You dream of one day visiting Italy – a trip you hope will include shopping for great fashion, immaculate workmanship, and an evening filled with food, music, and dancing with the locals. Dreams do come true when you spend a day in Vancouver’s Little Italy right here on Commercial Drive.
A good day starts with a good breakfast, and in Italy that includes an espresso and a pastry. Vancouver’s best Italian-made espresso machines can be found at La Grotta del Formaggio. Under the same ownership for forty years, their concern is your satisfaction. They carry exclusive Italian counter appliances for your kitchen. And you thought they only carried cheese? Time to drop by 1791 Commercial Drive and pick up your coffee maker!
Next, swing by next door to Fratelli Bakery for a pastry or croissant to go with that espresso. Feeling like something lighter? Choose a biscotti – perfect for dunking.
Now that you have breakfast covered, it’s time for some fashion. Imagine you are on the Amalfi Coast, shopping for handmade sandals crafted in the same way as they were in Roman Days two thousand years ago. Or perhaps you are in Capri where Jackie O (yes, THAT Kennedy) once had a shoe store open at midnight just for her shopping pleasure. You can live that dream shoe shopping experience at Kalena Shoes on The Drive. Kalena’s brings in the best of Italian leather shoes perfect for every taste. Each pair is carefully selected for style, quality, and workmanship. You are only as well dressed as the shoes on your feet – so take a walk in Italian fashion with a new pair from Kalena’s at 1526 Commercial Drive.
Time for a drink? How about a bottle of Italian peach nectar from Santa Barbara? Or something a little more adult-flavoured? Find a great selection of Italian wines at Liberty Wine Merchants at 1622 Commercial Drive. You can opt for a panini over great conversation with a friend at Calabria Café. Or perhaps pizza from Marcello’s, baked in a brick oven just like in Italy.
Stroll into the sunset with a gelato from Dolce Amore at 1588 Commercial Drive. Try your Italian language skills by ordering flavours such as stracciatelli or bacio.
And before the night slips away, enjoy a dance with the whole famiglia at Federico’s Supper Club. Not only does Federico operate Vancouver’s only Supper Club, but he continuously brings in great talent on his stage – you can sing along, dance to the music, or just sit back and enjoy a drink while watching total strangers become friends through the magic of music. When Federico puts on his dancing shoes, and picks up the microphone, magic happens!
Wake up the next morning feeling ready for your Italian adventure? Visit Da Vinci International Travel at 1428 Commercial Drive where they will take care of all the details – from your flight to your tours to that villa on the shore.
