I can’t praise this place enough.
After a huge day moving we decided we were craving Italian. While West End, Vancouver has so many restaurants we hadn’t noticed Italian so headed to Urbanspoon to find one.
Adesso was down Haro, off Denman. We thought we were heading the wrong way until we found a gorgeous little outdoor patio area which was part of the restaurant. It’s unusual for a licensed venue to be in a residential area and they are lucky to have a clause to get them around it.
There is a great ambience, both outside and inside. Inside is decadent, a great place for a date or special dinner. Outside is more casual but still fine dining. We chose outside to enjoy the long daylight hours. Plus it was super cute with the hanging flower baskets and fairy lights.
Our server was very informative and passionate about the food. When we quizzed her as to whether we should get the bruschetta she immediately said no as we get complimentary focaccia and oils to start. She suggested the mushroom pizza, however we went for the margherita and the mussels in white wine and garlic.
The pizza was delicious, fresh and cheesy. The mussels – wow. The broth was amazing and they were cooked to perfection. We couldn’t get enough. Even though I said I’d have no more bread I couldn’t help but have some more with the broth.
I couldn’t decide on a main and asked for suggestions. Our server again was great, full of suggestions and knowledge. I went for the Taglietele Nera – black squid pasta with local ingredients. It was amazing. I ate it all even though I was full.
Susan really enjoyed her pasta as well. She had the clam with fettuccine, she also wanted to unbutton her pants – full to the brim! Or pants hem in this case.
We washed it all down with a carafe of red wine. We started with a glass each, I had prosecco and Susan, the red. We liked hers so much we ordered more.
When I quizzed about whether they had a twitter handle they bought out a card with all their social media links on it. Being from the digital industry I was very impressed and quick to tweet (and now blog) my praise.
A fantastic evening at an amazing restaurant. I will be back soon.
What a great recommendation. I’ve added it to my foursquare list of places to try.
Make sure you do – its a great place 🙂
Let me know what you think if you remember.
Thanks for introducing this bistro! It’s definitely on my list of places to try out 🙂
My pleasure, it’s amazing. I’m sure you’ll love it!
Thanks Rachael It was our pleasure indeed!
Thanks Rachael It was our pleasure indeed! Hope to see you at Adesso again soon..
Mmm, Adesso … so good. I think you might also enjoy “Campagnolo Roma” on East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC for Italian. If you get a chance, try “Red Wagon” (across the street) for weekend brunch – pretty unique menu. Arrive early, as 1 hr+ waits are common. Happy eating 🙂
Thanks, Guys! Will definitely put those on the list 🙂
I’m a Vancouver Technical high school, and Burnaby North High School guy so I know the city from growing up there. I even worked during high school at various White Spots, one on Georgia Street and one on Kingsway. I love to read a blogger in Vancouver, and your blog was very nice to read, and wonderful pictures. I just started looking at it so I don’t know what feedback I can offer, but keep blogging, and consider categories for when you have hundreds of posts, like hidden treasures, restaurants you won’t give a second chance, restaurants you could visit every week, best coffees, whatever. I recommend Thierry downtown – if you take someone there, they will love you for it.
Thanks for your comments and feedback 🙂
I will have to check out Thierry’s – thank you for the recommendation!
Mmmm…l love Italian food. Tjose miscles look delicious. Give me Northern Italian any day!
Just drove into Vancouver. Will consider dropping in.
Hi Giovanni, did you end up heading to Adesso Bistro? Would love to know your thoughts.
I’m totally bookmarking this place!! Sounds like the perfect dining experience. I’ve really appreciated the service over that side of the world compared to here, probably because the staff here don’t work for tips. No reason to be slack at your job when there are so many other people out there out of work. Anyway… YUM!! Complimentary bread and oil??!! Love.
It’s an awesome place. I’m a regular now – go about every second week. Let me know when you’re going!
I agree – it is def coz they are working for tips.
every second week – high roller 😉 I will let yo know for sure! should be about early 2014 haha
It is a fabulous little place. I’ve been there a few times.
Oh and thanks for checking out my blog.