La Pentola della QuerciaThe menu is very focused,The menu is very focused, as is the excellent wine list. We opted for one of the fixed menus, which gives you a selection of items off the regular menu. This was not only a more interesting way to eat (you don't know what you;'re getting), but also much more cost effective. Each dish was excellent, and the pacing of the evening could not have been better. I have not had a meal this good in a long time. The renovated room is not quite as interesting as in the old days when it was a French restaurant, but it has a much more modern appeal. The staff are excellent, there when you need them, gone when you don't. Some may complain of the lack of BC wines on the list, but what they have are excellent (Oulus for $110 is a bargain). Highly recommend12/3/2013 12:00:00 AMLa Pentola della Quercia isLa Pentola della Quercia is one of the best Italian restaurants in Vancouver. I like it even more than the original restaurant, La Quercia.
The Confit Duck Leg and the Stuffed Squid were fantastic antipastis. The Mafalda all'Amatriciana tasted great. I really liked the lamb chop in the Lamb duo, but the lamb shoulder wasn't that tendor and didn't have much taste. The Rapini and roasted cauliflower are excellent side-dishes.
The staff were very nice. We didn't like the table in the centre where we were originally placed and they graciously moved us once a table on the side became available. We really appreciated this act.
It was busy here on the Saturday night that we came. There was a good energy level in the restaurant.12/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat chef's menuWe tried La Pentola for the first time on Mother's Day and it couldn't have been better. Our server was incredible from start to finish, making great recommendations throughout. We did the 7 course family style menu which allowed us 3 appetizers, 2 pastas, a meat and a dessert. Each course was different and equally delicious. The room was warm, friendly and comfortable. I would go back here in a heart beat and not hesitate to recommend it to anyone else.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMImpressive ItalianVery impressive northern italian food. Recommended dishes are the albacore tuna crudo and beef bone marrow appetizers, and the rolled rabbit loin and lamb shoulder main courses. Interesting, mostly italian wine list. Fairly easy (metered) parking at night.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMas great as their flagship!We've eaten at La Quercia's Kitsilano location many times and have just now gotten around to trying La Pentola. The co-owners have split duties with one at the helm in each location. The atmosphere was lively, but quiet enough to allow for civilized conversation. The staff were professional, attentive, and friendly. The menu is very similar to La Quercia, with the same "la famiglia" options for family-style, multi-course sharing. Everything was delicious. The wine list had a nice selection of BC and Italian wines (~$45 and up). They've done a great job of revitalizing Italian dining in Vancouver!5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMGroup Birthday Dinner - outstandingI read the reviews from a number of sources before booking a group table for my wife's birthday. To those who say it is too loud, you are way off base. We had a table for 6 in the middle of the restaurant and had no problem at all having conversations. We had the family style tasting menu and we were very impressed. We informed the sommelier which wines we planned to order and the chefs did us a 7 course meal to go with the wines. We had no idea what to expect and each course was creative, perfectly cooked and falvorful. At $55 per person for the food, it was a great deal. The service and food were both excellent, and all 6 people in our party said that for sure they would go back again.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AM