Robba da Matti recently opened a second location on the West End. It’s attached to the Buchan Hotel, located one block from Denman Street. The new location is much larger, with an elegant decor and an amazing patio.
I’m a fan of Robba da Matti Yaletown, so I was very excited to visit this location and came with high expectations.
The new spot elevates the experience even further. The street is lined with trees and as you get closer you can hear the din from patrons dining on the patio. Once through the door, you’re welcomed with glamorous warm decor and friendly staff.
Interior
The space is warm and welcoming. It feels as if all design and decor details were meticulously chosen. Rich warm colours and plush cushions adorn the interior.
Date Night Menu
We came for their Date Night Menu which lets you choose 2 antipasti, 2 fresh pastas and 2 desserts, plus a bottle of wine. It’s an amazing deal and is perfect for a date, a special occasion or a catch-up session with your favourite friend.
The dinner begins with your choice of ice or sparkling water. Kalamata olives in herbs and olive oil is served as you get your first sip of wine.
Antipasti: Burrata caprese and Mozzarella di bufala fritta
Robba da Matti take pride in their authentic Italian food. They offer fresh cheese and tomatoes, so we ordered it two ways.
Mozzarella di bufala fritta is bocconcini breaded and deep fried. If you’ve only ever had “mozza sticks” please try this to instantly feel as if you’ve been missing out on the real thing…until the very moment you savoured this dish.
Burrata caprese has fresh roma tomatoes and burrata mozzarella drizzled with basil infused olive oil from Puglia, Italy. The burrata had the perfect texture––it was solid enough to nibble, but was readily spreadable onto the bread.
Pasta: Spaghetti allo scoglio and Risotto alla pescatora
Spaghetti allo scoglio (spaghetti from the coastline) is a Venetian dish featuring fresh spaghetti tossed in chili and cherry tomatoes, then served with seafood including scallops, mussels, clams, tiger prawns and calamari. The pasta was perfectly cooked. Each bite was full of flavour and seafood.
Risotto alla pescatora (seafood risotto) is arborio rice with tiny scallops, calamari, tiger prawns, local mussels and clams. The risotto is creamy, the broth is full of flavour and they did not skimp on the seafood. It paired well with the Tolloy Pinot Grigio.
Dolci: Tiramisu and Chocolate mousse
I truly loved the chocolate mousse and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to have it again.
The tiramisu is delightful and perfectly layered.
(Side note: I wondered if there’s a “proper” way to eat a tiramisu. Am I supposed to eat it from the top down? Surely not. Or should each bite maintain the layers? Maybe the layers are for show and I’m expected to mix the ingredients? Honestly, someone please let me know!)
The Bar
The main difference between this and their original Yaletown location is the dedicated bar area and bartender.
After the meal, we visited the bar and chatted with Yaver. He’s been a bartender for over 22 years, and spent most of it in jazz clubs in Istanbul. He believes good drinks and good music can elevate any dining experience.
Ending a meal with digestifs feels like a treat. I was intrigued to learn that Robba da Matti offers in-house infused digestifs in their West End location. The limoncello was tasty!
Perhaps having witnessed me devour the chocolate mousse, he suggested that I try the Nutella martini. I insisted on just having a sip…and it was so enjoyable that I have to come back again and get a full serving.
Final Thoughts
Robba da Matti West End maintains the same great taste and service as their Yaletown location. Their date night menu continues to be a great deal for authentic Italian food. Their beautiful patio, surrounded by greenery and nestled in the residential area of the West End, is this summer’s new best kept secret.
Address:
1906 Haro St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1H7
Website:
https://robbadamatti.com/
