🍝 Vancouver’s Hidden Italian Gem – La Forchetta Review!

📍 La Forchetta Hastings St, North Burnaby Discovered this under-the-radar Italian trattoria in North Burnaby – where simple decor meets honest, hearty flavors. Perfect for a low-key weekend dinner without the downtown fuss. 🏆 Why It’s Worth a Visit ✔ No-reservation-needed – walk-ins welcome, even on weekends ✔ European authenticity – charged water, unpretentious vibes ✔ Surprisingly good apps – skip mains, share small plates 🥢 What We Ordered 🦑 Grilled Calamari ($16) ★★★★★ Charred tentacles, garlic-lemon aioli – simple but flawless. 🥪 Open-Faced Sandwiches ($14) ★★★☆☆ Three spreads: • Eggplant caponata (★ ★ ★ ★ ★) • Olive tapenade (★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆) – too briny • Mystery meat paste (★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆) – pass 🍗 Mushroom Chicken ($24) ★★★★☆ Creamy porcini sauce over juicy thighs – like "fancy" comfort food. 🍲 Seafood Risotto ($26) ★★☆☆☆ Prawns + clams, but salt bomb – ask for less seasoning. 🍕 Margherita Pizza ($20) ★★★☆☆ Thin crust, decent mozzarella – not life-changing. ☕ Tiramisu ($10) ★★★★☆ Classic, boozy, no frills – solid ender. 💡 Pro Tips ✔ Best for: Date nights, small-plate sharers, Hastings St explorers ✔ Skip: Risotto (overpriced + salty) ✔ Order hack: Double apps > mains (their bread basket is 🔥) 💰 Damage: ~$50-70 per person #VancouverEats #ItalianFood #BurnabyBC