The final piece of La Famiglia Dolce Amore’s new culinary trio has opened.
Il Cappello Enoteca (6011 Hastings Street) is the flagship (and first) full-service restaurant from husband-and-wife duo Giancarlo and Daniela Cusano.
The 2,000-square-foot restaurant offers seating for 100 people across an intimate dining room and an enclosed, year-round patio. The space is designed to feel refined yet relaxed, where guests are invited to, in true Italian fashion, metti giù il cappello, sei a casa — lay down your hat, you’re home, said the company.
“Il Cappello is truly the ‘hat’ of Dolce Amore, the finishing touch, and we couldn’t be more excited to finally to host guests in our restaurant space,” explained Giancarlo and Daniela. “Just like our gelato shop and caffetteria, this restaurant is a reflection of our family’s love for authentic and warm Italian hospitality. We want the community to bring their friends, loved ones, and families to dine with us.”
Led by acclaimed culinary director Chef Pino Posteraro (previously Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill), and Sicilian-born head chef Daniele Navarria, who has previously worked at some of the UK’s most prestigious restaurants, such as The Clove Club and Le Gavroche, the menu is guided by a classic progression of Italian dining – antipasti, primi piatti (first course / pasta and risotto), pizza, piatti principali (main course), and dolce (dessert), said the company.
The front-of-house is led by general manager and sommelier Vincent Massiot (previously Cioppino’s). The wine program features largely Italian wines, with some from B.C. and other select regions. Highlights include Poggio Torselli, a historic vineyard in Tuscany, and wines from Indigenous grape varieties that have been brought back to life in recent years.
Originally founded in 2002 by the Grippo family on Vancouver’s beloved Commercial Drive, Dolce Amore began as a neighbourhood gelateria known for its handcrafted, small-batch gelato. In 2017, daughter Daniela and her husband Giancarlo Cusano reimagined the business as The Gelato Mafia, bringing new energy and personality to the brand with their signature slogan, “Naturally Made, Criminally Good.”
Under La Famiglia Dolce Amore, the family has opened LoLo Lounge in North Vancouver, home to Canada’s first affogato bar, and a new culinary HQ in North Burnaby, featuring TGM Terrazza, Dolce Amore Bar & Caffetteria, and Il Cappello Enoteca.
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