After years of circulating rumours, Wentworth Hospitality Group (known for Tableau Bar Bistro, Homer St. Cafe & Bar, and Maxine’s Cafe & Bar) has officially confirmed the expansion of its restaurant family with ‘Folietta’ — a 130-seat ristorante and bar set to showcase regional Italian flavours with a modern twist.

Opening in early 2025 at 1480 Nanaimo Street (facing onto Grant), Folietta takes inspiration from the lush greenery of its East Vancouver location, setting it apart from the group’s other city-centre venues. The name, derived from “Foglietta” (meaning “foliage” in Italian), reflects the restaurant’s embracing of Wentworth’s Italian heritage. “We always knew we would do Italian at some point,” explains Beverage Director J-S Dupuis. “Our ownership group is Italian, so it wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when.’ This project coming up in such a strong Italian neighbourhood made perfect sense.”

Though still under construction during my visit a few weeks ago, the 4,900-square-foot space was already showing signs of its future form. The half-moon-shaped kitchen was taking shape, and the bar area’s layout was mapped. Designed by Ste. Marie Studio, the restaurant’s interior will blend contemporary touches with nods to the neighbourhood’s history.

Situated on the ground floor of The Grant (an Amacon development with both residential and commercial spaces), Folietta will accommodate 130 guests with booth, banquette and table seating, as well as 10 seats alongside their open-concept kitchen, a 22-seat aperitivo bar (14 at the bar proper plus four high-tops), and a semi-enclosed patio, for when the sun returns. In the meantime, the large, west-facing windows will catch the afternoon daylight, filtered gently through the trees lining the boulevard – but not in an overwhelming way that makes you want to shed layers. A private dining room will also be available for bookings but, like at Homer Street Cafe, can be used for regular service during busy times. The aim is to become a neighbourhood gathering space and a Vancouver dining destination – complete with merch (pictured above), which is already locked in.

Executive Chef Bobby Milheron and Chef de Cuisine Imtiaaz Patel (who comes to Folietta via time at Boulevard, Autostrada and most recently Livia on Commercial Drive) will lead the kitchen, presenting Italian-inspired dishes that highlight seasonal, local ingredients. The menu will range from snacks to accompany aperitivo cocktails to brunch and family-style meals. “What will make this menu exciting are the large format proteins for sharing: big veal chops, Bistecca Fiorentina, whole Branzino—it’ll be a fun place for group dining,” says Milheron. Solo diners will find plenty of options too, including house-made pasta prepared daily at a pasta station facing Nanaimo Street; but, as a bread enthusiast myself, I’m particularly looking forward to checking out the dedicated freshly baked sourdough focaccia menu, made with Milheron’s own sourdough starter, and finished with a range of options: from Wild Oregano and Sea Salt, to Prosciutto and Taleggio. True to its communal ethos (but a first for this restaurant group) there will also be a children’s menu.

The bar program, led by longtime Beverage Director JS Dupuis, will showcase classic Italian cocktails with playful twists. I’m told that highlights include Negronis on tap, as well as Bellinis; but the standout feature that had everyone excited during my tour was the Amaro Shave Ice, made with a vintage Japanese SWAN ice-maker from the 1950s. There will also be a range of Italian gins, Amari, and a curated wine selection managed by Sommelier / General Manager Miguel Arrais (previously of Anh and Chi). As I stand looking at the drywall and concrete bar area, I point out some exposed wiring in the bar area to the team and, in response, Dupuis leans in to playfully remind me that “Italians like soccer.” That’s right, folks – there will even be a few screens.

Folietta

Neighbourhood: East Vancouver

1480 Nanaimo St.

604-253-4021

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