Added Nov 6, 2009 by supafamous of Vancouver (5 Reviews) Should be packed every night
Just moved to Victoria and went there based on the reviews here and found everything to be terrific. La Piola is as good as La Buca in Vancouver. The service from Michael and the rest of the team was terrific and the food is even better. I had the pork rib chop which was wonderfully presented and was done just right - the fat melted in my mouth. My girlfriends pasta was great as well, the pasta is homemade and was cooked just right - firm but not hard, soft but not mushy. The tiramisu was rich in flavour and unique in style. All the food is sourced from terrific suppliers and you can see a lot of thought and effort has gone into preparing all the dishes.
The ambiance is nice although not as good as the best italian places I've been too but all in all I can't believe this place isn't packed every night - in Vancouver it would be a top ticket for Italian. |
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Added Oct 25, 2009 by begreen of Vancouver (4 Reviews) A great little spot
La Piola is a great little restaurant with amazing food. They don't have the largest menu, mostly pasta, pizza and other dishes. However they focus largely on using local foods and ingredients that are currently in season, which I think is amazing. They food was all very fresh and tasty. The portions are almost exactly right in my opinion. They aren't super massive so that you're dying after you eat and they're not tiny portions either. The best thing I had there was the desserts. Had the best teramisu and creme brulee I've ever tasted there. I'd definitely go back just for the desserts themselves.
The restaurant is fairly small with about 10 tables but it had a great atmosphere. Art hangs on the walls giving the restaurant a warm feel. The servers were all kind and prompt. If you ever get a chance go and try this place, its better than a lot of the other italian places in victoria. |
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Added May 24, 2009 by nikemom of East Vancouver (5 Reviews) A quaint place with great food
We visited here because of the reviews and to be honest when we drove up I was wondering what my husband was thinking, a small little place situated in a residential area.
It was our 15th anniversary and we had already tried Matisse and was disappointed, so I did not know what to expect.
But the service was very good and the food was delicious. We would definately go back again. |
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Added Apr 7, 2009 by mic of Vancouver (1 Reviews) This place is wonderful!
I recently took my parents and young daughter to Victoria. I wanted to find a nice restaurant so that I could treat my parents but I didn't want it to be too stuffy or touristy. This place was the perfect discovery. Not only was the food incredible but the atmosphere and the service was a delight. They focus on fresh and local. The evening we were there it was a fundraising event for a local farm where they source some of their fresh ingredients. We enjoyed a "first of the season" baby spinach salad paired with scallops and crab. The bread accompanient was freshly made that day. My parents had the Osso Buco and it was delicious. I had farm raised chicken with wild mushroom sauce. The vegetable accompaniment was incredibly tasty and I could have had that as a main course it was so lovely. They welcomed my young daughter and catered to her meal request. The waiter knew the menu, knew his wines and recommended a wine that ended up being perfect for our meal. He was a pleasure to speak with and was passionate about what the chef/owner was up to. I can't wait to go back to Victoria just to dine there again! |
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Added Nov 17, 2008 by gourmetgirl of Vancouver (2 Reviews) I'll be back
What a nice surprise. I didn’t know anything about this restaurant before I went but was in Victoria visiting for the weekend and we happened to find it when we picked up some bread from the Italian bakery. We went in for lunch and both had their cream of garlic soup and shared a margarita pizza. Looking over the menu I want to make a point to return for dinner next time we're in town. |
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Added Nov 2, 2008 by angelique of Victoria (3 Reviews) A truely memorable meal
We were greeted by our very personable and professional host /server. The Chef was actually making the pasta by hand when we arrived and upon ordering we were invited into the kitchen to sneak a peak at the process - an experience I have never had anywhere else. Nearly all of the ingredients used in our meal were local and during dinner service we actually witness a local supplier stop by with a huge barrel of freshly picked chanterelle mushrooms. We later heard that those would be put to immediate use and incorporated into our pasta dish. The Chef came out to check on us and spent time to explain the dishes and the region in Italian that the recipes came from.
I started with the Bresola that melted in my mouth with the complimentary bread - from The Italian Bakery with beautiful olive oil and Modena balsamic vinegar, my partner had the Insalata di cesare which was equally impressive. We both had the special pasta - how could we not?! A rich and savory rabbit ravioli, with grilled chanterelles and local seasonal veggies, paired of course with an amazing wine.
We finished with a latte and tiramisu - which I never thought I would be able to finish but it was so light and airy that there wasn't a bite left on the plate.
It was an incredible meal and I plan on returning many times.
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