Acquafarina lifts phone ban & launches new lunch and aperitivo menu

After taking its controversial cellphone ban off the hook for a phenomenally popular two-week trial, Acquafarina has lifted the policy permanently. Effective immediately, the modern fine-dining Italian restaurant is permitting the use of cellphones and cameras for photographs and videos. Guests are still kindly asked to respect the comfort of their fellow diners by turning ringers off and making calls in the foyer.

Acquafarina now also welcomes walk-ins for its new lunch and aperitivo hours, as well as dinner service, which offers an extensive à la carte menu alongside a monthly changing tasting menu. All menus feature captivating dishes by new culinary director, Jefferson Alvarez, created in collaboration with the restaurant’s talented kitchen team.

A business casual dress code (no hats, torn denim, running shoes or flip flops) remains in place.

“The response to our two-week phone trial was amazing,” says owner Fabrizio Foz. “Everyone loved it. The energy was electric. The room felt right. It’s time to let the ban go.”

Acquafarina’s no-cellphone policy was implemented, in part, he explains, because the restaurant opened in the middle of the pandemic and he wasn’t sure how its character would evolve.

“I was playing my cards close to my chest. It was originally supposed to be an upscale pizza restaurant, then we went to fine dining and the public health restrictions kept changing.

“But now the world has opened up. We have a new culinary director who is taking our food to the next level, our team is the best in the business and we are confidently moving forward. We’re ready for the spotlight and excited to welcome everyone — and their phones.”

Aperitivo

Enjoy happy hour on our beautiful Mediterranean terrace with sophisticated small plates that include lobster bombolone, pizzelle di foie gras, burrata marshmallow, charcuterie and crudo. Starts May 10, Daily (Tues. to Sat.), 3 – 5 pm

Lunch

Celebrate going back to the office by heading out with the team for delectable antipasti, pasta and personal-sized pizza, blistered to perfection in our rotating-stone Malagutti ovens. Starts May 26, Thurs. and Fri., 11:30 am – 3 pm

New Culinary Director

One of the most innovative chefs in Canada, Jefferson Alvarez was born in Venezuela, trained at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute and has worked in some of the world’s best kitchens, including: El Poblet Quique Dacosta and Arzak (Spain); Morimoto (Philadelphia); and Canoe (Toronto). He is the former co-owner of Vancouver’s Cacao.

Using modernist techniques, rare ingredients and artistic plating, Mr. Alvarez breathes new life into traditional Italian cuisine. Working in collaboration with our talented kitchen team, his new dishes include oxtail bison lasagna with fior di latte crisp and espuma di Parmigiano, grilled octopus with smoked tomato marmalade and deconstructed tartufo on a popsicle stick.

Mr. Alvarez will be overseeing menu development and training at Acquafarina, Per Se Social Corner and future restaurants.

Acquafarina – 425 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC