Artigiano has long been part of Vancouver’s café landscape, known for bringing a European approach to coffee and hospitality. The opening of Artigiano Grand Cafe at Park Royal extends that history into a more expansive dining setting, one that bridges classic café culture with the feel of a neighbourhood restaurant.
Under the direction of Executive Chef Jasmin Porcic, the menu draws on European classics while incorporating West Coast ingredients, with an emphasis on organic and seasonal sourcing. It is a place where the setting invites you to slow down, and where the menu rewards attention through clarity of flavour and thoughtful cooking.
The menu centres on Italian-inspired share plates, wood-fired pizzas, organic pastas, and larger grilled and seafood dishes, built around organic produce and grass-fed meats. Small Share Plates include House-Made Organic Focaccia and Puglian Burrata. Hand-Stretched Sourdough Pizzas feature options such as Margherita and Sweet Sicilian. Large Share Plates highlight Grilled Organic Strip Loin Steak and Seared West Coast Albacore Tuna. Specialty Share Plates include Pan-Fried Branzino Fillet and the Seasonal Chef’s Special. Organic Pastas range from Spicy Amatriciana to Cacio e Pepe. Organic Vegetable Sides include Sauteed Green Beans and Grass Fed Beef Tallow Fries.
During my visit, we tried a mix of pasta, salad, pizza, and a main, which offered a good cross-section of their offerings.
The Margherita was a straightforward expression of the classic, with Fior di Latte, mozzarella, organic tomato sauce, and basil. The crust was tender with light blistering, and the balance between the milky cheese and bright tomato kept the flavours clear and familiar, the way a Margherita should be.
Cacio e Pepe arrived as a comforting bowl of Organic Spaghetti coated in Pecorino Romano and black pepper. The sauce clung evenly to the pasta, and the pepper provided gentle warmth without overpowering the cheese. It was a simple dish, but one that relied on careful execution and good ingredients rather than embellishment.
For something lighter, the Organic Chicken Escalope Arugula Salad combined Rossdown Farms’ chicken breast with focaccia breadcrumbs, organic arugula, heirloom tomatoes, and a caper-herb lemon dressing. The chicken was tender with a crisp exterior, and the acidity from the dressing cut through the richness, keeping the salad refreshing and balanced.
The Grilled Organic Bavette Steak from Bradner Farms was served with porcini marsala sauce and tallow rosemary fries. The steak had a pleasant chew and a natural beef flavour, while the sauce added an earthy note without masking the meat. The fries were crisp on the outside and soft within, carrying a subtle rosemary aroma that complemented the dish.
The space is designed to echo an earlier era, with muraled walls, brass details, an elegant bar, and greenery softening the room. It is polished without feeling formal, and comfortable enough for both a casual lunch and a slower, sit-down dinner.
Artigiano Grand Cafe is located at 757 Main Street, Park Royal S, West Vancouver, BC.