Piva Modern Italian — Restaurant in Downtown

I’ve never been to a restaurant before where the service staff are so kurt and frank. I came in tonight for dinner; I had a reservation that I thought I would be late 15 minutes for. I called ahead to let the host know and asked if it was possible if she could hold the table. She bluntly said no, and sharply told us that we would only have 1 hour and 45 minutes to dine-in should we arrive 15 minutes late. Okay… that’s fine. Upon arrival, my date and I were promptly sat. I went to take a seat at my table, and the host was pretty gruff in insisting that I do not sit at my chosen seat so that our server could access the table. Okay. There were other access points at our circular table our server could’ve used. Our server was interesting. I’m very easy-going with food options, I love trying new things and I’ve gone to other fine-dining restaurants where I completely trust my server to choose an appetizer or beverage for me. I asked our server to grab me his favourite appetizer to start, and he said “I can’t tell you that,” with no follow-up. I waited a moment to see if he was going to say anything, realized he wasn’t going to provide a follow-up statement, so I then asked him why he couldn’t, and he told me it really depends on what I was feeling like, which is a totally reasonable thing to say to a guest for such an open-ended request, however, it was my job as the guest to probe the server and ask him why. Also, what a strange way to respond to my question. That interaction was also just so weird from my perspective and my date’s perspective, but seemed so normal for the server. Anyway, the food and drinks were great. I quite like the Voila - very tasty cocktail. The crab cakes were good, my date liked his Dinner Burger, and the Vongole was fine. We asked our server for a few additional things throughout service and he seemed bewildered as to why one would ask for salt and pepper for fries and a burger. The icing on the cake was our server never responding to our numerous “thank you”’s every time he cleared our plates or refilled our glasses of water. It was all just so strange. My date and I wanted to get dessert, but we felt the service we received was icy, so we finished our food as fast as we could and we left. I’ve worked in restaurants for almost a decade. People go out to eat for good food, for great service, and great ambiance. Piva’s vibe satisfies the middle-class opulence taste, but the service was extremely awkward at best, and downright icy at worst. The tone the host used was simply unfriendly, and our server’s demeanour was off-putting to the point where we just preferred to leave. It simply isn’t worth my precious time nor money to go out to eat at a place where the establishment is lacking in one of the aforementioned areas,...

Patrons with disabilities beware!

In honor of Autism Awareness month in October, I feel compelled to explain this 1 star review. While PIVA may have excellent food and service, and may boast on their front doors about being inclusive, they do not foster a welcoming environment for all of their guests. My family was refused to be seated in the restaurant, unless we showed proof of our Service Dog's valid certification. We informed the staff that this requirement was against the BC Human Rights Code. We were told that, regardless of this, management would not allow us to be served. Sometimes there are laws which are put into place to protect those with disabilities, which don't make sense to some, yet a breach in a Failure to Accommodate can be very triggering and violating for those with a disability.

Because we DO have valid certification, and showed it, we were "allowed" to be seated. Shortly after being seated, Paris, (the manager on duty) came over to our table, and our discussion became more public and embarrassing, (because of other patrons listening) when we discussed how our rights had been violated. He argued that, "his restaurant had the right to their own policies and that everyone would bring their pets in if they didnt confirm certification, and that each business has the right to choose their own view".

We wrote a letter to the General Manager, Davide, explaining the situation, sending him the BC Legislation, and trying to explain that his resturant guidelines were not above the Law. After a lengthy delay and refusing to take numerous calls all week, he finally replied to our email.

While Davide wrote of his commitment to learn and improve from situations like this he reiterated his manager's sentiments, and was very clear that he would continue to "require his staff to follow PIVA's guidelines", regardless if it was against the laws and legislations in BC. It is impossible to reason with someone who is unwilling to see beyond their own beliefs; no matter how much truth logic, or pain is presented, this company seems determined to deflect, and dismiss our words.

Autism is a disability which may not be obvious to a service provider, however the business should never ask about the disability, or for proof of their service dogs certification, but, per the BC Human Rights Code, may instead ask, "is this a service dog?"

If a business fails in their Duty to Accommodate, I feel there should always be a measure of grace offered in cases of just not knowing the laws. However when there have been numerous attempts to share the legislation, and refusal to listen or uphold those Codes, then it becomes a clear case of Human Right violations, with written intentions to continue the...

Piva Modern Italian Restaurant Review

Location: 787 Columbia St. New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6

Starter:

Cauliflower soup

Soup: 8 out of 10

The soup was a delightful blend of creaminess and robust flavor. The seasoning was well-executed, enhancing the overall taste experience. This starter set a high standard for the rest of the meal.

Mussels: 6 out of 10

The mussels were on the smaller side and lacked the depth of flavor one might expect. While not unpleasant, they did not stand out and were rather pedestrian compared to offerings I’ve sampled at other establishments.

Main:

Sablefish: 8 out of 10

The garlic white wine soy-marinated sablefish was a highlight of the meal. The fish was exquisitely tender and imbued with a rich, complex flavor. The accompanying red nugget potatoes, broccolini, white beans, and orange beurre blanc were well-paired, each component complementing the fish beautifully and contributing to a harmonious dish.

Lamb: 8 out of 10

The double cut rack of lamb was expertly prepared, featuring a grainy mustard crust that added a pleasant texture and piquancy. The Brussels sprouts and gnocchi in cream sauce were excellent accompaniments. The lamb, served rare as requested, was perfectly cooked, juicy, and flavorful, while the gnocchi was soft, tender, and seasoned to perfection.

Ambiance: The restaurant boasts a warm and inviting ambiance, with a comfortable and stylish decor that enhances the dining experience.

Price: The pricing is fair and reasonable, reflecting the quality of ingredients and the skill in preparation.

Service: The service was exemplary, characterized by attentive, knowledgeable, and friendly staff who contributed positively to the overall dining experience.

Verdict: Piva Modern Italian Restaurant offers a compelling array of dishes that showcase both creativity and skill. The diversity and quality of the menu, combined with the inviting ambiance and excellent service, make it a dining destination worth revisiting.

Revisited On my return visit, Pava Modern Italian continued to deliver on quality. The lamb, in particular, remains a highlight—exceptionally tender with rich, well-balanced flavour that stands out among the protein selections. What’s especially worth noting this time is the improvement in service. Staff appeared more engaged and attentive, creating a more seamless and welcoming dining experience. It’s encouraging to see both consistency in food quality and a noticeable effort toward enhancing...