Anyone Eaten at the Italian Kitchen

[curiousgeo]

Just wondering how the Italian Kitchen on Alberni Street is. Has anyone eaten here? How was the food and service, any particularly good dishes? As an aside, how does it compare to the Trattoria Kitchen in Kitsilano? Any major differences? Thanks.

[food_persuasion]

I personally like Nook. It's not at all pretentious, it reminds me of main street dining. Where everyone including the patrons are laid back and friendly. I've tried their pastas and find the quality of the ingredients far surpasses any dish you would get at Global restaurants. You can check out the pics I took to see their portion sizes. http://www.foodpersuasion.com/the-nex...

Although their menu is not as large as Italian kitchen or Trattoria. If you do go to La Buca you must try their risotto, it's so good and decently priced

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La Buca Restaurant
4025 MacDonald St, Vancouver, BC V6L2N8, CA

[betterthanbourdain]

if you are looking for a trendy spot to dine you may like IK. i wasn't impressed with the food including the kobe meatballs.

i'll a +1 for la buca.

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la buca
vancouver, Vancouver, BC , CA

[sgtoca]

I'd have to say both IK and TK serve good Italian fare but nothing to write home about. I am with another post here where the best place for Italian food is La Quercia. Go for their family style dining and have the kitchen surprise you and your guests. Oh, try their parmesan souffle, its wickedly good!

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La Quercia
3689 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6R1P2, CA

[Pollo]

I have to agree with the comments about food at the Trattoria Kitchen in Kits (have not been to the Alberni location). One word to describe food: MEH...step above Olive Garden with prices to match....plus it's v. loud....too loud....

[LotusRapper]

There's also Poor Italian Ristorante on E.1st Ave, I've heard good things about them.

[grayelf]

Do share, LR, I haven't read too much positive though I think they had a management change recently?

[curiousgeo]

Thanks for your responses. I just saw these places while searching for Italian places and wondered how good the Italian and Trattoria Kitchens were. Both La Buca and Lupo are places I was already considering so it looks like I've got a nice range of Italian restaurants to choose from.

[travelling princess]

If you go to IK, a popular dish is their Kobe meatballs.

[waylman]

Meatballs are pretty good. There are much better options in the city though.
Eatrustic's suggestions are great. I'll add Adesso, Cioppino's and Lupo.

[eatrustic]

Both places are part of the Glowbal group who are slowly taking over that whole block of Alberni.
The difference between IK and TK is that IK is more upscale with higher price points and TK in Kits is more affordable with some of the less expensive menu items from the downtown branch.

They both go for the trendy, showy look but despite that the food is not bad. The combo pasta platters are usually a good item to share and most of the apps I've had are pretty good. They are fun places for a group.

I'd still rather go to La Quercia or La Buca for my Italian fix though.

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La Buca Restaurant
4025 MacDonald St, Vancouver, BC V6L2N8, CA

La Quercia
3689 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6R1P2, CA