The beautiful, unassuming little Pronto eatery in Cambie Village has just launched a wine and cocktail-forward looker right next door. It’s called, rather fittingly, Prontino.

I’ve had a day to digest what I saw on my walk-through yesterday with owner Angela Maida, and I can’t think of anything that I don’t completely adore about the place. Scott Cohen did the design, and I think it’s one of his best to date (see also Exhile Bistro, The Acorn, Pronto, etc.). It’s a sort of stylish, high-wire balancing act between super casual and especially cool. It’s woody but not clubby; old school nautical but wholly unpretentious; more Arthur Ransome than Ralph Lauren, more Florence than Rome. For certain, it’s very pretty, the sort of place you’d happily surrender hours and dollars to just to stay in its embrace with glass in hand. You will likely wish to hell and back that it was around the corner from your house. And damn your good luck if it is.

For drinks, they’re serving plenty of Italian classic cocktails (eg. Americano, Negroni, Aperol Spritz), twists on originals (eg. a Sicilian-styled mule), wines by the glass, and a few beers. For food, it’s bang on the milieu. Think walnut pesto and gorgonzola crostinis, prosciutto-wrapped prawns, 12″ Margherita pizzas, insalata caprese, stuffed dates, and tasting plates of charcuterie and cheese. Drinking food. Cheers.

After a week of opening softly, they’re ready for their grand reveal after 8pm this evening. Hours will be Tuesday through Sunday, 5pm-12pm.

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