Italian Restaurant in Vancouver: Claudio's Ristorante

For my boyfriend’s birthday, he specifically requested Italian food. Luckily for us, Claudio’s Ristorante—an Italian restaurant in Vancouver that had been sitting on my Google Maps list for ages—finally got its moment to shine! Given the high ratings online, I worried about showing up without a reservation and being disappointed, so I booked a table 2 days in advance. Even then, the earliest available slot was at 5:30 PM. Most of the prime dinner hours were already fully booked, with only a few outdoor or bar seats left.

Located in Brentwood, Claudio’s Ristorante is super convenient to get to, whether you’re taking the bus or SkyTrain. If you’re driving, street parking might be limited, so you may need to use the paid indoor lot across the street. Stepping into the restaurant, we were immediately immersed in its cozy Italian ambiance. Since we arrived before the dinner rush, it was still quiet and tranquil, creating a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. We had already checked out the menu online, so we were ready to order right away.

Calamari Fritti: Freshly fried calamari paired with a squeeze of lemon for a refreshing, non-greasy bite. The dish also included shrimp, zucchini, red pepper, and jalapeno, all perfectly complemented by a flavorful tartar sauce.
Boscaiola Pizza: A handmade, wood-fired Italian pizza topped with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and Fior di Latte cheese. The sausage had a bold, unique flavor, while the mushrooms were mild. My boyfriend loved it, but I found it just okay.
Tagliatelle Bolognese: This classic tagliatelle pasta was cooked to perfection, with a chewy texture that paired beautifully with the generous portion of rich meat sauce. Every strand of pasta was coated in the sauce. If it came with a side of bread to soak up the extra sauce, it would’ve been flawless!
Tiramisù: The tiramisù struck the perfect balance between sweet and light, with a subtle hint of alcohol to enhance the flavor. The restaurant even offers a custom birthday version of the dessert, which was a thoughtful and delightful touch.

For four dishes, the total came to CAD $82. Considering Vancouver’s dining prices, the ambiance, quality of food, and overall experience at Claudio’s Ristorante are unbeatable. It’s a fantastic spot for date nights or celebrating special occasions. The restaurant is incredibly popular, so make sure to reserve your table in advance to secure your spot!

📍Claudio’s Ristorante
4402 Skyline Dr #103, Burnaby, BC V5C 0M7 Canada