A much-loved local Italian restaurant is now welcoming guests to its newest outpost after nearly two years of anticipation.
Bufala officially opened the doors to its third location, in Vancouver's River District, on March 1.
The Gooseneck Hospitality project's debut follows its sibling, Lucky Taco, in the same development, by about a week.
Bufala is their Italian concept with roots in its modest Kerrisdale location and another somewhat flashier location that opened a couple of years back on the North Shore.
Located at 3489 Sawmill Cres., Bufala's River District restaurant is an 80-seat, 3,300-square-foot space designed by Ste. Marie Studio with "marble and green accents throughout, punctuated by beautiful custom lighting, including a stunning chandelier installation by Anony above the central bar," according to a media release announcing the opening.
The result is a bright, airy space that embodies a modern trattoria. "The space has a certain crispness during daytime service but settles into a dappled glow as evening sets in," notes Ste. Marie Studio of the dining room.
Come spring, guests will also be able to grab a spot on Bufala's 45-seat patio.
“As with Lucky Taco, we’re thrilled to finally introduce Bufala to the River District community,” said James Iranzad, Partner, Gooseneck Hospitality, in the opening announcement. “Each of our Bufala locations was created to become that gathering place - where friends and families can gather for delicious food and drink every day of the week."
What's on the menu at Bufala's River District restaurant?
When it comes to food and drink, the menu at Bufala River District will closely echo that of its Edgemont Village location in North Vancouver, which opened in 2019 and allowed the restaurant to expand its menu of Neapolitan-style pizzas to include rustic Italian-style pasta, mains, appetizers, salads, and side dishes.
Exclusive additions to the River District menu are a Roast Chicken with chestnut and truffle sausage, sage and red huckleberry bread pudding with a Marsala chicken jus and Quattro Fromaggi Arancini with Parmigiano, mozzarella, Pecorino Romano and smoked provolone, served with a basil dandelion pesto.
Look for classic pizza options, ranging from an excellent Margherita to a lively Pepperoni with Hot Honey (tempered with the gentle twang of radicchio). To add an extra boost to your slice, Bufala has a trio of oils in the Italian flag green-white-red (basil, parmesan, and spicy chili).
Standout pasta options include spaghetti with prawns in a tomato sauce with green olives and a Farfalle Boscaiola - bow tie pasta with a creamy mushroom sauce.
Bufala's cheese-filled garlic bread with marina sauce is a great addition to a meal.
The beverage menu offers a broad selection of wines, cocktails, craft beer, and espresso. Those able to save room for dessert should take note Bufala makes fresh gelato in-house as well as a wicked good tiramisu with a hearty espresso kick.
Bufala River District's restaurant is open Monday to Thursday from 4 p.m. for happy hour and dinner service, and Friday to Sunday from 11:30 a.m. for lunch, happy hour, and dinner service. Brunch is in the works and will launch at a later date. Follow Bufala on Instagram @bufalayvr.
Video: Here's what we tried at Bufala's new River District location
@forkingawesomevia Bufala’s third restaurant location just opened in Vancouver in the River District. It’s easy going Italian eats like pizza, pasta, and a wicked good tiramisu for dessert! #forkingawesome #vancouverbc ♬ Lo-Fi Hip-Hop Chic Calmness(1415020) - Kimochi Timbre
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This article was originally published on Feb. 22, 2024, and has been updated with new information.
