Where to find Vancouver’s tastiest lasagne
Who could say “no” to luscious layers of gooey cheese, hearty Bolognese, savoury tomato sauce and fresh pasta noodles? Lasagne, in all its meaty and veggie-friendly forms, is the ultimate cold-weather comfort food. Next time you’re craving this classic Italian casserole, pay a visit to one of these Vancouver restaurants. We know Garfield would approve.
Lombardos Restaurant
175-1641 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3Y3There’s no shortage of Italian restaurants on Commercial Drive, but Lombardos has to be one of our faves. First opened in 1986, the family-owned trattoria has a long history in the neighbourhood and is regularly filled with locals enjoying wood-fired pizzas and house-made pasta dishes. The signature lasagne features layers of green spinach noodles and beef ragu topped with béchamel sauce, all served with a side of focaccia bread. Bonus: smartphone-toting foodies who post about their meal online will receive a social media appreciation card and get 15 per cent off the bill.
Anton's Pasta Bar
4260 East Hastings St, Burnaby, BC V5C 2J6It’s impossible to leave this Burnaby pasta bar without a full belly and a doggie bag. Known for its legendary portion sizes (you’ll have to see ’em to believe ’em) and budget-friendly menu, head here if you’re looking for heaping piles of pasta at a great price. Anton’s enormous lasagne is available in meat or vegetarian versions; priced at $17.95, this monstrous meal could easily feed you for three days. The dining room is relatively no-frills (the focus is on the food after all) and while there’s plenty of seating, you’ll likely encounter a line during the dinner rush.
Davie Dosa Company
1235 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N4There are no fewer than four different types of lasagne on the menu at this charming West End eatery on Davie. There’s the traditional lasagne of course, prepared with meat sauce, mushrooms and three cheeses, but we recommend trying something a little more adventurous. Lasagne pollo is a white-sauce variation featuring creamy pesto sauce folded with broccoli, chicken and mushrooms. Alternatively, try the seafood rendition with scallops and prawns swimming in a hearty mushroom sauce and a four-cheese blend. Don’t worry vegetarians, we haven’t forgotten about you. The meat-free option is a veggie-packed stack that’s sure to fill you up.
Caffé Rustico
3136 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G7Pizza, pasta and paninis, oh my! You’ll find all the Italian classics on the menu at this homey café in Mount Pleasant. Servers here have plenty of personality and love to banter with the regulars, making for a friendly and familiar old school European feel. Italian-born owner Mario Renzitti creates his signature baked lasagne with ground beef, tomato sauce and four different types of cheese, all served with garlic bread on the side. The enticing aroma of espresso wafting through the café means you’ll inevitably finish up your meal with an espresso con panna. Delicioso!
Frankie's Italian Kitchen & Bar
765 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2M4The menu at this Beatty Street restaurant is bursting with rustic southern Italian specialties. A house favourite, Nonna Maria’s lasagne is a hearty slab that’s satisfying without being overly indulgent. The family recipe sees fresh pasta noodles cradling layers of creamy ricotta, Bolognese sauce, San Marzano tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Frankie’s well-appointed dining room achieves a polished-yet-unpretentious environment while the outdoor patio has more of a relaxed vibe. Better yet, guests can opt to dine in the Jazz Cellar Thursday through Sunday and enjoy the musical stylings of live local and international musicians.
Al Porto Ristorante
321 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8With an entrance that’s tucked away on a cobblestoned path just off Water Street, this Old World trattoria is a cozy refuge from Gastown’s bustling crowds. While the decor might feel a little dated, the service is incredibly friendly and the menu won’t disappoint with its selection of honest, Italian dishes. The veal lasagne, made with mushroom, Parmesan and tomato sauce, is a decadent delight that’s best enjoyed alongside a creamy Caesar salad and a generous glass of Chianti. Early birds get the deals here; lasagne comes with a soup or salad for $20 between 4:30 and 6:30 pm.
Olympia Pizza
3205 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6K 2H5Enjoy the best of both worlds at this casual local favourite in Kitsilano. Whether you’re craving classic Italian cooking or fresh Greek fare – you’ll find salads, pizzas, pastas, souvlaki and a number of meaty mains to suit your Mediterranean cravings. The traditional Italian lasagne is a cheesy baked tower available in small and large portion sizes. Alternatively, opt for a Greek-style casserole dish; Moussaka has the same stacked look of lasagne but features layers of beef, sliced potatoes, eggplant and a creamy béchamel sauce. Best of all, these layered wonders are also available via delivery.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
53 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A1It might not be the most elegant joint in town, but you can’t go wrong with this Gastown spot if you’re looking for a kid-pleasing menu and a casual atmosphere. Known for their simple-yet-tasty pasta dishes and nostalgic decor, The Old Spaghetti Family is a favourite among visiting tourists and families. Order a classic meat lasagne or go for a four-cheese vegetarian variation made with garlic marinara sauce, spinach noodles and plenty of veggies. The all-inclusive menu means each meal comes with your choice of soup or salad to start, plus Spumoni ice cream and coffee or tea for dessert.
Trattoria Italian Kitchen
1850 4th Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M3Traditional Italian dishes are delivered with contemporary flair at this crowd-pleasing spot in Kitsilano. The stylish dining room is modern and sophisticated but still feels casual enough to appeal to neighbourhood families. Trattoria’s beef lasagne, available for both lunch and dinner, is a meaty mountain of seasoned beef, ricotta, mozzarella, spinach and tomato sauce. Weekly specials will keep you coming back: kids under eight eat for free on Mondays and all of the signature pastas are priced at just $11 on Tratt Tuesdays. You’ll also find Trattoria outposts in Burnaby and at Park Royal shopping centre in West Van.
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