It almost feels like going full circle when I recently arrived at Tutto’s in Yaletown to review the restaurant. A distinctly upscale venue with glass walls of wine, romantic lighting and cozy banquettes.
Let me explain, as a past patron of Parkside, Pied a Terre, La Buca, the Sardine Can and Impostori Trattoria it was exciting to be back in the culinary hands of Executive Chef Andrey Durbach.
The front of house team are friendly and welcoming. It’s always nice to receive a warm welcome when it’s your first time there. We were whisked to a great table that was away from the other patrons and gave me enough room to take photos without intruding on the other restaurant guests.
One of the first things I focused on was the lengthy, high back banquette seating that divides the dining room from the lounge area. Had I not been working that is exactly where I would have wanted to sit. The banquettes, about six tables, extend about half the length of the restaurant. If you’re looking for slightly more private, secluded and romantic seating this is where you want to be. Highly recommended for date night.
After a short chat with General Manager Olaf Dambrowski we were ready for the culinary adventure to begin. In order, here is what we dined on at Tutto.
Even if the Lobster Bisque hadn’t been one of the recommended dishes I would have definitely included it in my order. I love a good Lobster Bisque and am pretty particular.
Lobster Bisque
“cappuccino” + lobster tortellini
If I could, I would start every dinner with this dish. Not only is the presentation over the top but the taste… perfection in a bowl. Scooping through the parsley speckled foam into the rich, delectable broth was pure heaven. Under it’s snowy cover the bisque was warm and soothing. The spice was right on for this dish with a distinctive but underlining flavour of anise. Taking this over the top with the lobster tortellini. Somehow the pasta remained al dente and the bites of lobster so good.
Gorgonzola Pannacotta
endive salad, pears, pistachio praline, grapes, honey mustard dressing
This was an interesting combination of textures and flavours anchored by the flavourful Gorgonzola pannacotta. Creamy and pungent it matched the slight bitterness of the endive, frieze and radicchio. Crunchy and creamy with every bite, accented by the flavourful pear slices and the extra yummy pistachio praline. I’m hooked and will be looking for ways to incorporate the strident Gorgonzola and the sweetness of the pistachios in my home made salads. A winning combination.
Tuna Crudo
shrimp salsa, tomato, avocado
There was a lot going on here. Fresh tuna slices enhanced with the shrimp salsa, fresh greens and avocado slices. A traditional dish which was all the more original with the enhancement of the salsa. A sprinkle of fresh lemon juice brought out the complexity of the flavour combinations.
Risotto Frutti Di Mare
lemon, saffron, wild shrimp, scallops, green peas, grilled giant tiger prawns
Who can resist a well made creamy risotto? No one, and certainly not this diner, I love it when the risotto is rich and creamy but also maintains that ever so slight crunch of the grain. This risotto was flavourful, full of fresh green peas and just downright delicious. With such a generous portion I was in risotto heaven.
That’s before I even tuck into the bites of accompanying seafood throughout the risotto adding it’s own special flavours. But of course the pièce de résistance had to have been the two grilled, giant sized, Tiger Prawns. Wow, what a sensation the prawns were with their slight hint of charred flavour. Every bite was savour-worthy.
Angus Beef Short Rib
cooked overnight in tomato, wine + herbs
This dish was accompanied with yet another risotto. Equally creamy, crunchy with warm lush flavours all topped with freshly grated cheese. Served with vegetable du jour, this night carrots and brocollini were the perfect companions to the succulent short rib with red wine gravy. The texture and flavours of the short rib were made to enjoy.
Salted Caramel Panna Cotta
brandy, butterscotch sauce, crunchy bits
Indeed what would an Italian dinner be without the dolci? I can’t imagine any nonna allowing such a sacrilege. This was the ideal sharing dessert, although I have to admit it may not have been the most balanced sharing. While hubby enjoyed an after dinner aperitif I couldn’t stop my spoon from constantly dipping into the over the top deliciousness of the Salted Caramel Panna Cotta. The crunchy bits were to die for with with the juxtaposition of rich cream and crunchiness of the candy topping. Who needs chocolate when you can have this heavenly delight!
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the wine pairings that were selected for us by Bar Manager Alan. I had recently discovered a couple of wines from Sicily that I thought went so well with Italian dishes so I asked if they were available. Although not on their wine list Alan was able to suggest two Italian whites and an Italian red.
The first wine San Marzano EDDA from Puglia. The wine elegant with just the right amount of minerality and complexity. It paired perfectly with the Lobster Bisque.
TYPE: White
DENOMINATION: Salento PGI
PRODUCTION AREA: San Marzano (TA), Salento, Puglia
CULTIVATION SYSTEM: Guyot
HARVEST TIME: August
SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS: Straw yellow in colour with golden highlights; a bouquet with mellow floral notes, peach, and delicate vanilla pervade the nose. On the palate, it is opulent in its elegance, fresh, delicate, and mineral.
PAIRINGS: Appetizers, fish-based first courses, and cheeses
SERVING TEMPERATURE: 12-14°C
ALGEVIITY: 3 years
Made in Italy
The second wine was Vulcanico Falanghina IGT Basilicata was an interesting selection that stood up well to the two appetizer selections of the Gorgonzola and the Tuna Crudo.
COLOUR White
APPELLATION IGT Basilicata
FARMING Organic
ALCOHOL 13%
Volcanic wines are currently one of the hot topics in the wine world, and the Vulcanico Falanghina is having its moment in the sun. The name “Vulcanico” highlights the fact that the grapes are harvested from vineyards near the base of Mount Vulture, an extinct volcano. The Vulcanico combines the freshness, balminess and delicacy of the Falanghina grape with the brightness and generosity that one would expect from a white wine from southern Italy. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks for 10 days and remain in contact with the lees for approximately 5 months.
A straw yellow colour that contains brilliant green reflections. Intense and persistent aromas with sensations of delicate white flowers and fruit. Fresh and balanced, with a clean finish.
GRAPE VARIETIES
- Merlot, Sangiovese
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
- Other red grapes grown in Maremma
Mongrana
Like the untamed nature of Maremma, Mongrana is vibrant and intense— a vintage-driven expression of the land’s rugged charm, pairing effortlessly with any occasion.
The Essence of Everything Italian
Tutto, meaning “everything” in Italian, embodies our restaurant’s philosophy of delivering a complete, authentic Italian experience. More than just a name, Tutto represents our commitment to bringing you everything that makes Italian cuisine extraordinary – from traditional recipes passed down through generations to the warmest hospitality that defines Italian culture.
At Tutto, we believe dining should encompass everything: exceptional flavours, genuine ingredients, passionate preparation, and memorable moments shared with loved ones. When you choose Tutto, you’re choosing everything Italian – the complete culinary journey that celebrates Italy’s rich heritage in every dish we serve.
Discover Tutto
Enjoy fresh pastas, premium seafood, signature Italian cocktails, and decadent house-made desserts in the heart of Vancouver’s Yaletown district. Tutto offers the perfect setting for lunch, dinner, and happy hour, whether you’re celebrating special moments, gathering with friends, or enjoying a romantic night out.
Our lively Happy Hour in Vancouver features expertly crafted cocktails, a curated wine list, and select Italian-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with our vibrant atmosphere. With a menu that blends classic Italian flavours and modern culinary creativity, Tutto invites you to sip, savour, and indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.
Plan your next occasion with us – from private dining events to corporate celebrations, Tutto Restaurant is your go-to destination for authentic Italian food in Vancouver.