The Vancouver outpost of an Italian restaurant known for its heaping portions of all kinds of pasta and sauces has ended its nearly three-year run in the West End. The Italian Tomato, the veteran Richmond restaurant, announced Oct. 12 its location at 1047 Davie St was closed for good.
"It was a very tough decision that went back and forth many times, but we ultimately decided it needed to be done," reads the closure notice on the Italian Tomato Instagram account.
The restaurant had been listed for sale for some time. Information about the new ownership of the business is scant, however the Italian Tomato says there is going to be some carry-over into the new venture there. "We are, however, very excited for the new owners of our space to continue serving our authentic Italian flavours to this wonderful community, and its guests," explains the restaurant, adding: "We ask that you continue to support the new establishment as our staff, the majority of our menu, and our hearts, remain here."
The Italian Tomato is beloved for how much of their noodles they dole out as a portion, pairing up their 14 pasta types with any of 39 sauces.
On the menu: Classic soups and salads (Minestrone, Caesar, for example), and a sort of who’s-who of antipasti, such as calamari, prosciutto-wrapped melon, arancini (rice balls), and even chicken wings (a cult hit). They have standard and specialty pasta (think whole wheat, gluten-free, gnocchi) and their sauces run the gamut from arrabiata (pureed anchovies, capers, crushed chilli pepper in tomato sauce) to vongole (baby clams, garlic in cream or tomato sauce) and so many of pasta’s greatest hits in between - and with nearly 40 sauces, that’s a lot of in-between.
The restaurant also offers dishes like lasagna and calzone, as well as pizza.
The Richmond location is situated near the Vancouver International Airport, making it an almost accidental taste of Vancouver eats for many visitors. It’s an old-school family-friendly spot, too, and they’ve been around for almost 17 years.
