Venice’s Carnevale is known for elaborate masks, lively gatherings and seasonal indulgence before the arrival of spring. At MICHELIN-recommended Bacaro in Downtown Vancouver, Chef Ian Ulep has introduced a Carnevale-inspired menu drawing from Venetian flavours and festive dining traditions.
The menu includes choices across several courses, allowing diners to build their own experience from antipasti, pasta, seafood and dessert options. During our visit, we tried a selection of dishes ranging from crisp arancini and beef tartare to cheese-filled pasta, smoked sablefish and two desserts.
The Arancini With Black Garlic Aioli featured golden fried rice balls with a crisp exterior and comforting centre. The black garlic aioli brought savoury flavour and a gentle sweetness to each bite.
The Tartare Di Manzo was served on crostino with black garlic miso aioli and bottarga. The finely chopped beef had a tender texture, complemented by the creamy aioli and a mild salty finish from the bottarga.
For a lighter course, the Insalata Invernale combined beets, citrus, shallots and gorgonzola dolce. The sweetness of the beets and citrus acidity balanced the creamy richness of the cheese.
The Quattro Formaggi Cappelletti featured cheese-filled pasta with aged balsamic, leek cream and a Parmigiano crisp. The dish was rich and savoury, with a light sweetness from the balsamic.
The Pesce course featured smoked sablefish served with fennel and vermouth cream. The sablefish had a buttery texture, with gentle herbal and aromatic notes from the accompanying sauce.
The Hibiscus Semifreddo was served with raspberry compote and honey cookies. The frozen dessert had a light floral character, with refreshing fruit acidity and a delicate sweetness.
The Mascarpone Cheesecake was topped with tonka bean ganache and huckleberries. The cheesecake had a smooth, creamy texture, with the tart berries offering contrast to the richer flavours.
Bacaro’s Carnevale menu offers a thoughtful selection of dishes inspired by Venetian celebrations. The multi-course format encourages diners to take their time, try a range of flavours and enjoy a festive meal in the heart of Downtown Vancouver.
Bacaro
1029 W Cordova Street
Vancouver, BC
