The team behind Vancouver's popular Sciué bakery-caffe has headed across the water to West Vancouver to launch a new concept inspired by the Italian town square.
Casa Mia Neighbourhood Cucina & Mercato has officially opened its doors at 2215 Marine Dr, which, as locals will know, has housed a couple of previous Italian marketplace cafes in the past.
Taking its cue from vibrant town squares in Italy, where the community goes to shop, drink, and dine, Casa Mia is a new destination for espresso drinks, freshly-baked breads and pastries and breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes featuring house-made pasta and pizza, all showcasing flavours and ingredients from different regions of Italy.
The menu was created in consultation with Vancouver chef Alessandro Vianello, and features breakfast items like pizza or panini with egg, and a number of lunch and dinner dishes ideal for sharing, family-style. Look for hearty meatballs, creamy burrata with house-made bread, and a half-dozen each tantalizing pasta and pizza options. At dinnertime, the menu expands to include mains such as a brick oven chicken or tender beef short ribs. There's even a special menu for the bambinos (aka kids).
Casa Mia will also offer happy hour snacks and drinks, scoops of gelato, and a marketplace of goods and ingredients - made in-house or imported from Italy - to be enjoyed at home.
Aperitivo Hour is on from 3 to 5 p.m. at Casa Mia with well-priced small plates and beverage specials. The regular drinks menu is full of cocktails like negronis and wines from B.C. and Italy, along with beer, cider, and zero-proof selections.
Casa Mia is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lunch is served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Aperitivo Hour is offered from 3 to 5 p.m. and dinner service begins nightly at 5 p.m. You can follow @casamiacucina on Instagram for updates.
