Focacciaza — Restaurant in Vancouver

If you follow my reviews, you know I save them for only the best experiences to be had--and Focacciaza is no exception.

To me, focaccia always seemed really bland and boring. Maybe it's meant as a dipping bread in soup? Honestly, I don't know. But fresh from the oven focaccia is something to behold.

I can easily recommend any of the focaccia flavors. Whether it's the meat, cheese or garden (topped with greens from Joe's local garden), everything is fantastic.

However, it's the focaccia sandwiches that really stand out. Whether it's the meatball (think square meatball that fits the bun perfectly), the pork (like the meatball, with cheese and arugula), the pork roast (slow cooked and melts in your mouth), or deli meats, you can't really go wrong.

The soups, all house made and often with wild foraged, or in house garden goodies, are all fantastic. While I love the tomato (made from scratch), what really stands out are the Ribliota and Reishi mushroom purée.

And finally, the seasonal focaccia is quite splendid. Early spring brought us the Sakura Cherry Blossom focaccia, topped with goat cheese, preserved cherries and cherry blossoms.

And whilst that in itself was quite the treat, the new bombshell just dropped. I don't, yet, have a name for it, but I had it just last night. Plain focaccia topped with goat cheese, fresh BC strawberries, locally grown and house made rhubarb compote, topped lilac flowers and seasoned with lime zest. Not only is it beautiful, but the smell of the lilacs will draw you in. And the contrast between the strawberries and compote with the goat cheese is really quite splendid. And then the lime zest kicks it into gear. All in all, any seasonal focaccia is a phenomenal experience.

I can't recommend...

My building is adjacent to Johannes' kitchen, and I always see his food-cart parked outside his business (with focaccia on display), and decided one rainy day to go down and give it a try. Both myself and my roommate got a bowl of mushroom soup with a side of garden focaccia. First of all, the mushroom soup was so rich with flavor; both (velvety) smooth and creamy. The portion size was perfect, as the soup itself was very filling! Secondly, the focaccia was the first I've had that didn't crumble everywhere the moment I bit into it — It was soft, fluffy, and so tasty. Was not too heavy - perfect for dipping into my soup! The pricing was also very reasonable - 2 bowls of soup and 2 pieces of focaccia for $16 (w/o tip). Perfect guilt-free way to treat yourself and support a...

I'm so glad I saw a social media post advertising this little focacia (sp) cafe. It's tucked away in the little industrial area of North Strathcona neighborhood. Maybe I'm just making up names for areas I don't often venture to, but you get the gist - the area between Clarke Dr and DTES. It's a short distance away from Strathcona Brewing and Container Brewing which is perfect if you're feeling peckish. I ordered the daily meat special which was Prosciutto, fresh arugala, tomatoes and a cheese base. Anyways, I remembered to take some photos before I scarfed it down. Such a cute and affordable meal at $11.55 (taxes included). Food and service from Joe so good that I went back the day after and ordered the soup and...