Hospitality

Sponsored Content

Power Lunch: La Pentola della Quercia

La Pentola della Quercia | BCBusiness
From the wine to the menu staples, La Pentola offers a taste of Italian North.

This upscale eatery inside the Opus Hotel offers classic fare inspired by Italy’s rustic north

As the Yaletown offshoot of Kitsilano’s La Quercia, La Pentola continues the original location’s northern Italian theme in more upscale surroundings. It was recently given gold ranking in the Vancouver International Wine Festival’s Wine List Awards.

Turning two years old in September, the restaurant has brought much-needed culinary stability to the Opus Hotel after years of a more drinks-forward space. With its light, airy atmosphere, well-spaced tables and discreet service, business can be discussed both in comfort and confidence.

Chef Lucais Syme’s simple yet sophisticated plates offer the flexibility of an efficient, light bite or a more languorous lunch in true Italian style. Imported Italian necessities such as Parmigiano and prosciutto form the backbone of a menu featuring house-made pastas and fresh, local produce.

Order à la carte or à la famiglia (lapentola.ca). 

Best Table

On a nice summer day, the corner section where the windows open wide is a prime spot for lunch. If you’re a group of five to seven, be sure to ask for the round table tucked away at the back of the room.

Drink Up

From a 90 per cent Italian wine list, start with Italy’s answer to Champagne: Bellavista Franciacorta, one of the best European sparkling wines you can buy. A house-made Limoncello will round things off nicely.

Must-Try Order

In a hurry? Order the 45-minute signature lunch: soup or salad, pasta, then trout or hanger steak for $30. Time to linger? Take the five-course, family-style lunch: two antipasti, two pastas and a main course ($40).

Insider Tip

For a larger working lunch, La Pentola offers a semi-private boardroom-style space that can seat between 10 and 20, with a menu created in consultation with the client’s needs.