For over a decade, locals and visitors to Vancouver alike have come to know the corner of Cordova and Burrard streets in Coal Harbour as a go-to spot for gelato. While that's thanks to the 11-year tenure of Bella Gelateria, it's time for something fresh and new to take over the now-vacated space at the foot of the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
This spring, Motoretta, a new gelato and granita shop, is set to open in the space at 1001 West Cordova St. The treat shop is another venture by Kitchen Table Group, the Vancouver restaurant operation that also runs Giovane Bacaro and Giovane Caffe at the Pacific Rim, along with well-loved local restaurants like Ask For Luigi and Pourhouse.
The plan for Motoretta - which underwent a slight name change from Motorino in the spring - is to meld B.C.'s ingredient bounty with the tradition of Italian gelato, as well as get Vancouver into granita, the refreshing icy treat that hails from Sicily.
Hopefully, Motoretta will be able to open its doors to welcome treat-seekers in time for warmer weather - although, as we all know, it's hard to find a bad time to enjoy a cold treat like gelato.
In the meantime, those seeking Bella Gelateria will be pleased to know the brand has a new flagship location in English Bay (1752 Davie St) with a location running in Burnaby at Metrotown, and two more outposts in the works (Robson Street and Brentwood).
To get the latest scoop on Motoretta, you can follow the forthcoming gelato shop on Instagram: @motorettagelato.
