The group behind some of Vancouver's most popular restaurants is adding another concept to its impressive portfolio. Work is underway to open Folietta, an Italian "ristorante and bar" in an East Van new build, set to debut early next year.
Folietta is under the Wentworth Hospitality Group banner; Wentworth operates the cozy French bistro Tableau in the Loden Hotel, the worth-the-hype Maxine's, and the Michelin Guide-recommended Homer St. Cafe.
For this venture, Wentworth is veering from its French roots to showcase modern Italian cuisine. Its name comes from the Italian word for "foliage," and was inspired by the tree-lined streets of the Grandview-Woodlands neighbourhood the new restaurant will call home.
Located at 1480 Nanaimo St, Folietta is part of The Grant, a four-storey mixed-use development featuring 33 units. The restaurant occupies a prime corner ground-level space on Nanaimo at Grant (across from one of the area's most popular food spots, To Live For Bakery).
Folietta menu to feature regional Italian dishes
The concept for Folietta is "regional Italian flavours with a contemporary twist." The goal is to offer a neighbourhood spot for guests to enjoy "honest, delicious meals made with seasonal local ingredients," that can also serve as a place to have an afternoon aperitivo, late-night food and drinks, and weekend brunch, according to a media release.
The menu, overseen by Wentworth's Executive Chef Bobby Milheron (West, Boulevard) alongside Chef de Cuisine Imtiaaz Patel (Autostrada, Livia, Boulevard), will be about dishes that inspire gathering and sharing, reflecting regional Italian flavours and traditions. Look for items like a 32oz Bistecca Fiorentina (Florentine steak), veal chop Parmigiana, and hand-filled house-made pasta.
Given that Grandview-Woodlands is a densely populated residential area with many families, Folietta will also have a "Bambini" menu for the kids.
For beverages, diners at Folietta will find a bar program, crafted by Beverage Director J-S Dupuis, that features classic Italian cocktails with a twist, including negronis on tap, bellinis, and Amaro Shave Ice (they'll have their own Japanese Swan ice shaver for this one).
Additionally, the bar will be stocked with various Italian spirits, including several amari, alongside a wine list with Italian selections. Miguel Arrais, a sommelier and industry veteran previously with Anh and Chi, will oversee the beverage program on-site and serve as Folietta's General Manager.
A few design notes: Folietta's interiors were done by Ste Marie and will feature an open kitchen and four dining areas. The 130-seat restaurant will also have a semi-inclosed patio.
Once Folietta opens its doors, the restaurant will be open daily from 3:30 p.m. and offer weekend brunch. Follow Folietta on Instagram: @foliettayvr.
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