Introducing Osteria Savio Volpe

Lively Italian taverna opens its doors to Vancouver’s Fraserhood

Residents of Vancouver’s flourishing Fraserhood will soon have a bustling new tavern to satisfy their hunger for classic country Italian fare. Osteria Savio Volpe, the latest venture from three of the city’s renowned restaurant pros, will throw open its doors to the neighbourhood in early October 2015.

Loosely translated from Italian as “Tavern of the Clever Fox,” the 75-seat eatery is situated near the corner of Kingsway and Fraser. Envisioned as a laid-back neighbourhood joint, an osteria – the culinary predecessor of the public house – Osteria Savio Volpe is the perfect place to break bread with those near and dear.

“Osteria Savio Volpe will be a place that is comfortable for families, friends and strangers alike, any day of the week,” says Craig Stanghetta, one of the partners heading up the new venture. “Guests can enjoy a good square meal and a glass of Lambrusco, and be on their way without reaching too deep into their pockets.”

Taking its cue from the Italian tradition of ingredient-driven fare, the Savio Volpe menu will feature plenty of fresh, handmade pastas; heavy use of the wood fire grill and spit; and the tastiest cookies, pastries and ice cream, to accompany that top notch cup of old world coffee. Meanwhile, guests can quench their thirst with the unique bar program. Choose a glass or bottle from a carefully curated but playful Italian wine list, kick back with a brew from the smattering of craft beer options or sip on a selection of house-made bottled cocktails.

The trio of owners is deeply passionate about the history and nuance of regional Italian cuisine, drawing inspiration from both hole-in-the-wall gems and passed-down home kitchen traditions alike. They are eager to bring the same fiery enthusiasm to Savio Volpe.

The resumes of partners Paul Grunberg, Craig Stanghetta and Mark Perrier speak for themselves. Grunberg is a partner and co-owner at the award-winning L’Abattoir, and his CV includes managing some of Vancouver’s most well respected eateries, including Chambar, Market by Jean-Georges and Bao Bei. Stanghetta is a principal at design studio Ste Marie and one of the city’s most sought-after restaurant designers, responsible for the look and feel of a number of acclaimed rooms, including Homer Street Café, Ask for Luigi, Meat and Bread and Bao Bei. Chef Mark Perrier worked as head chef at CinCin Ristorante + Bar, sous chef at Cibo Trattoria and chef de partie poissonnier at Le Gavroche in London after apprenticing under distinguished local chef David Hawksworth at West.

Osteria Savio Volpe is located at 615 Kingsway, and will be open for dinner daily with plans to offer up weekend brunch soon after opening. For more information, follow on social media Facebook Twitter and Instagram or visit saviovolpe.com.

Featured pic: Facebook Osteria Savio Volpe