Carlino’s aperitivo happy hour runs daily in the afternoon from 2:30 pm to 5 pm, offering a relaxed window to settle in with Italian-inspired small plates and a concise drink list. The format feels familiar to anyone who enjoys aperitivo culture, lighter dishes, lower-proof cocktails, and a pace that encourages lingering rather than rushing.
The menu is more towards sharing, with a mix of smaller bites and more filling plates. The drinks followed a classic aperitivo direction, with options like a Sbagliato and Aperol-based cocktails alongside a few stronger pours.
Here’s what I tried at a media event.
Sicilian Fried Olives, crisp and savoury. The ricotta and herb filling added a soft contrast to the exterior, while the lemon aioli brought a bit of brightness.
Veal Meatballs, comforting and familiar. Served in a tomato sugo with pecorino, they had a soft texture and a straightforward flavour that made them approachable. This was one of the dishes that disappeared quickly at the table.
Grilled Lamb Sausage, slightly smoky with a gentle richness. The peperonata added a mild sweetness, while oregano oil brought a herbal note that kept the dish from feeling too dense.
Parmigiano Chicken Lollipops, crisp and flavourful. The Calabrian chili added a bit of heat, balanced by a preserved lemon ranch dip. I found myself reaching for these more than once, especially for the contrast between the coating and the sauce.
Chicken Liver Pâté, smooth and slightly sweet. It was served with bruschetta, balsamic, and chestnuts, which added texture and a subtle sweetness. This was a quieter dish compared to the others, but one I appreciated more as I kept going back to it.
Chicken Milanese, crisp and straightforward. The arugula and pecorino added some freshness, and the lemon aioli brought everything together.
Overall, Carlino’s aperitivo hour felt well suited for a casual meet-up or an early evening stop. The menu offered enough variety to keep things interesting without feeling overwhelming, and the pacing made it easy to relax into the experience.
Carlino is located at 1550 Alberni Street, Vancouver, BC.