An under-the-radar Vancouver favourite is now permanently closed.
Opened in 2018, Mangia Cucina & Bar served authentic pasta, pizza, and other Italian fare in a heritage house that had been converted into a cozy restaurant, located at 2211 Manitoba Street.
Now, as of June 17, the owner and Executive Chef, Alessandro Riccobono, is closing the Italian venture and starting a new chapter.
It's sibling pasta boutique La Bottega di Mangia closed a month prior after nearly two years in business.
"These last few years have been years full of growth, joy, success, satisfaction but also full of hard work, dedication and a lot of sacrifice," Riccobono shares in a letter. "I am very proud of it and what it has become."
The chef cites professional growth as the reason for closing the restaurant.
Riccobono thanks staff, customers, friends, and his wife who "[allowed] me to express myself professionally, culinary and personally. There will not be Mangia Cucina without her," he says.
His next project, Viaggia, will fulfill his long-term dream of hosting culinary tours of Sicily -- his home island. The tours include sightseeing, wine tasting, museums, historical sights, and cooking classes with Chef Alessandro.
