Downtown Vancouver's Acquafarina is a prime example of the adage "if at first you don't succeed..." Since its inception in 2020, the upscale sibling of Yaletown's Per Se Social Corner has undergone several changes to become a high-end restaurant suitable for various occasions. Notably, it earned a spot on the Michelin Guide's inaugural roster in 2022 and retained that honour in 2023.
Originally planned as a pizzeria and wine bar called Water & Flour, the restaurant shifted direction as opening approached, evolving into a more elevated concept. The name, Acquafarina, reflects this change, meaning "water" and "flour" in Italian.
Acquafarina initially imposed a strict "no cellphone" policy and dress code and served only a tasting menu of Sicilian-inspired dishes. However, a year later, these were replaced by a more flexible à la carte menu, happy hour, and lunch offerings. Today, Acquafarina is a versatile venue perfect for date nights, business meals, or pre-theatre dining.
All of this preamble to say: When Acquafarina first opened...I didn't go. Not because I'm some kind of cellphone apologist, but all of the rules (and intrigue) signalled this wasn't a restaurant for me. The adjustments to the concept and "rules" were welcome, and, given its Michelin Guide status, the restaurant jumped up on my extensive "must-try" list.
Pizza, pasta, and more: What's on the menu at Acquafarina
Having finally made it to Acquafarina, I'm pleased to say the food is noteworthy, especially the pizzas emerging from the duo of big red ovens at the back of the room. The pies have nicely charred thin crusts and are available with a variety of toppings, like the Fabri Fabri with roasted pears, gorgonzola, and walnuts. I enjoyed that flavour combination but would love to see how Acquafarina and Chef de Cuisine Paolo Cattaneo do with a tomato-based pizza sauce next time.
The polpette (meatballs) are served in a tangy arrabbiata sauce - a garlicky tangle of tomato and chilli pepper that gave a nice kick to the supremely tender meatballs. Be sure to set aside some or all of the tender, buttery, salty house rolls to soak up that zippy sauce.
Acquafarina offers a seasonally-driven burrata dish, pairing fresh produce with the coveted ultra-gooey cheese sourced from Puglia. Two of my favourite summer farm stand items, peaches and heirloom tomatoes, did the honours, for a lovely, vibrant salad-like starter. Honourable mention to the grilled octopus, which came with nori crisps and a smoky tomato marmalade.
Another menu highlight is the Mandorle e Tartufo, a spaghetti dish with almonds and shaved truffle in a brown butter sauce. The long spaghetto strands carry the nutty, buttery coating with bits of crunchy almond and earthy truffle beautifully. It's simple, elegant, and distinct.
New decadent burger showcases a playful side
You can really see Acquafarina's playful side emerge with another new menu addition, "The Smash Burger." They take a pair of hand-pressed wagyu patties and deck them out with truffle aioli, caramelized onions, crispy shallots, and melty fontina cheese and load them onto a buttery bun, all of which comes to the table in a paper take-out carton. It happens to be one of the most rich and decadent burgers I've had; certainly not one I could take down in one sitting on my own. To be fair, the price point for all that decadence is $33, with a side of fries, which may also steer some diners to opt to get this burger to share.
While the patties are admirably thin, they don't quite meet the definition of a "smash" patty (no lacy edges) but, frankly, I don't think it's the burger that needs changing, just the name, because the burger is tasty.
Happy Hour at Acquafarina, available from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, offers a chance to sample the menu at reduced prices, making this upscale spot more accessible. The menu has a nice assortment of snacks and a sampling of regular menu items - predominantly pizzas, as well as burger. Select wine pours clock in at $10 to $12, alongside a few beers for $5 each, with about a half-dozen of their cocktails priced at $10 to $14.
Cocktails, mocktails, wine, and dessert
Outside of Happy Hour, cocktails are upwards of $20 but Bar Director Barry Jackson's menu is extensive, featuring classics and house creations. I was intrigued by the Speziata Fizz, made with jalapeño-infused Teremana blanco, ancho verde, chili-peach cordial, cream, lemon, egg white, and soda; it was a complex and refreshing drink with layers of heat, sweetness, and creaminess.
Acquafarina's wine selection is staggering (be sure to peek at the temperature-controlled wine room behind the bar, with bottles stored floor to ceiling) and reflects a customer-forward curation of regional and global varietals. With my main dishes, I enjoyed a glass of Barolo from the commune of Serralunga d'Alba.
Non-imbibers, rejoice, as Acquafarina has an impressive array of mocktails, fresh juices, and other soft drinks.
For dessert, a small but clever list of treats, including a hazelnut semifreddo with dark chocolate and a little surprise inside (spoiler alert: it's popping candy) and a play on a Twix candy bar with spiced caramel cream, nuts, and a hint of orange.
I don't regret missing out on Acquafarina 1.0, because I appreciate what the restaurant evolved to be. Ultimately, Acquafarina is a refined, versatile dining destination that works as easily for a happy hour rendezvous for pizza and a drink or a splurgy special occasion. Choose your own adventure!
Video: What's on the menu at Acquafarina in Downtown Vancouver
@forkingawesomevia This downtown Vancouver spot is a bit spendy but works for date night or before a show. You can go as simple as pizza and a glass of wine or get one of the most decadent burgers in Vancouver. It took me ages to finally try Michelin Guide recommended Acquafarina. Check out what I tried. #forkingawesome #vancouverbc ♬ Chill Vibes - Febri Handika
Acquafarina is located at 425 W Georgia St in Vancouver and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays; 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 3 to 10 p.m. Saturdays. Happy Hour is offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. Reservations are available online.
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