Reviewing Tutto: Bringing traditional Italian flavors to life for the modern palate in Vancouver.

Tutto, meaning “a little bit of everything” in Italian, truly does live up to its name.  

Tutto’s charm as a fine-dining Italian establishment starts with the fact that it is housed in a historic red brick building constructed in the early 1900s. This notable location gives it a lovely and romantic appeal. Nestled on the corner of Homer and Smithe, Tutto belongs to the elite club of heavy-hitter restaurants in Yaletown. In a neighborhood that is home to many of Vancouver’s best restaurants, Tutto establishes itself as a contender. 

As you walk through the front doors, you are greeted by floor-to-ceiling towers of wine bottles and a magnificent chandelier glittering overhead. Immediately upon entry, you know you’re in for a good dining experience. The dining area is romantically lit and furnished with cushy red seats, and the walls are adorned with photographs of Italian icons such as Frank Sinatra and Sofia Loren. The vibes are immaculate and add to the overall experience of the restaurant. On the Saturday night that I went, the place was fantastically lively; the room was buzzing with conversations of friends catching up and wine flowing the only way it can on a weekend.

I started off with the burrata and prosciutto appetizer. This was a delicious starter served with rosemary roasted red grapes and arugula with balsamic dressing. For drinks, there is a large selection including an extensive wine list. I admit to having a weakness for amusingly named drinks, so I naturally gravitated to Nonna’s Cupboard, a herbal drink with brandy, Fernet-Branca, Grand Marnier, amaretto, and lemon. My friend had the DJ Jazz FM, which was bubbly and floral with jasmine green tea infused vodka, limoncello, and maraschino. Both drinks were top-notch and were finished up quickly!  

For dinner, I ordered the Casarecce Con Salsiccia, which consisted of pork and fennel sausage ragout, veal jus, and grana padano. Wow, talk about pasta done right! The dish was rich with flavor and exceeded my expectations. The memorable meal packed a punch and made it easy to see why Tutto’s pasta dishes have become so popular. The serving size was pretty generous and was quite filling as well.

Sad to say that I couldn’t manage to finish the meal, but it wasn’t for lack of trying. It was reminiscent of similar dishes I’ve had during my travels in Italy, but definitely a larger portion. My friend ordered the Crispy Arctic Char, which I sampled and found to be excellent. The dish consisted of sautéed fennel and spinach, broccolini, orange, and salsa verde. The fish was fantastic and went well with the tangy flavor of the salsa verde. 

Although we were both stuffed after our meal, we certainly couldn’t pass up dessert! There were a few good options, but we ultimately decided on the tiramisu. The Italian dessert contained espresso, Kahlua, and mascarpone. It’s no surprise that it was delicious! The dish was decadent and rich in flavor. 

If you’re looking for a charming restaurant where the food and vision are well executed, Tutto needs to be next on your list. With excellent dishes and drinks, exuberant vibes, and a charming location, it really is a little bit of everything.