Mangia e Bevi — Restaurant in West Vancouver

I live on Vancouver Island and was looking for a venue in West Vancouver for my mother’s 90th birthday dinner for 14 or 15 people at the end of June. I had heard good things about Mangia E Bevi and they had good reviews so I called them in late April to ask about the restaurant, stressing that we needed a quiet and warm venue for my mother and wondering if they could accommodate that. I was told their ‘Wine Cellar” is a smaller semi-private area that is quiet and the temperature is easily controlled (relative to the open restaurant area) and that our group could be in that room. They added that there might be a few small tables in addition to ours, but it would still be quiet. The person I was speaking with said that Sundays (our night) are relatively quiet and the patio is open in late June so we would likely have the room to ourselves. It sounded perfect and I made a reservation for 15 based on that room. (One couple on our guest list had been to the restaurant before and commented that it was quite loud, but I said I had dealt with that by booking the Wine Cellar.)

My partner and I were in Vancouver in early May and went to Mangia E Bevi for dinner, to ensure it would be suitable for the birthday dinner. The food and service were very good but the area we were seated in (not the Wine Cellar) was quite loud. We checked out the Wine Cellar and it seemed great.

I confirmed our reservation three days before our dinner, reduced our number to 12 due to illness and all was fine. I was told that if we wanted to ensure we had the Wine Cellar completely to ourselves we could buy it out for $1,500 but as we had been told there might only be a few small additional tables in that room we did not do the buy-out, but were still assured our table would be in that room.

We arrived at the restaurant, just prior to it opening, to drop off table decorations and cakes (allergy issues) and were told then that they were putting a larger party in the Wine Cellar (but not a ‘buy-out’) and that we had been relocated to the main restaurant area, specifically near the front doors. I was advised by the hostess that it was a quiet area, but it was also evident that there was no option available to us at that point and it was too late to go elsewhere.

The table itself was small and very cramped for 12 people. As the restaurant filled up it got very loud and my mother, who was seated in the middle of the table, complained that she could not hear any of the conversation at our table. The main entry door was adjacent and open, plus the air conditioning was on so it was cold. Our server tried hard, but she had numerous tables, she was rushed, some of our guests were not offered coffee while some were, and it felt by all of us that we were being rushed through our evening.

On the positive, everyone enjoyed their meals.

Overall, because our seating area – the basis of our reservation - was changed and thus the noise and temperature were a significant factor, our evening that was supposed to be a celebration of 90 good years turned out to be sub-par. I phoned the restaurant four days later to discuss my concerns and was advised that they had been extremely busy that night and had many walk-ins, but it was evident that our table arrangements had been changed before they opened and certainly before any ‘walk-ins’ materialized. I was told that the owner would call me back to discuss it further but as of now, 11 days, later there has been no call.

Our specific requests regarding the seating area and temperature had been agreed upon but without any notice to us they were changed and that had a direct impact on our celebration. I will not return and from the comments of our guests they...

We had the absolute pleasure of visiting Mangia E Bevi for my Dad’s birthday Nov 5 2023, and I cannot express enough how truly exceptional our experience was. This was not our first visit to the restaurant, and I wanted it to be something incredibly special for my Dad. Well, let me tell you, Mangia E Bevi went above and beyond to ensure it was a memorable and extraordinary occasion. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were enveloped in an atmosphere that exuded warmth and sophistication. The staff's dedication to making this day special was evident from the very start. Despite there being two other parties in the same room, it felt like we were in our own private haven, making the celebration feel even more intimate. The service at Mangia E Bevi is nothing short of exceptional; it is truly second to none. Our hostess and waitress, Brianna, deserves a special mention. She is an absolute gem and went out of her way to ensure our dining experience was unforgettable. Brianna's friendliness and pleasant demeanor radiated throughout the room, and she served us with a constant, genuine smile. Her attention to detail and dedication to making our night memorable were evident in every aspect of our dining experience. What sets Mangia E Bevi apart is not only the delectable cuisine but also the way they prioritize creating a special atmosphere for their guests. The food was divine, with a wide array of options to choose from, each dish meticulously prepared and presented. From appetizers to dessert, the flavors were exquisite, and we savored every bite. Our visit to Mangia E Bevi was truly a magical experience, and it was made even more special by the incredible atmosphere and inclusivity that we encountered. It was a celebration of my Dad's birthday, and as we enjoyed our evening, something remarkable happened that touched our hearts deeply. In a room filled with warmth and laughter, the guests, including us, found themselves spontaneously singing birthday songs to each other. The sense of inclusivity was nothing short of spectacular. As we celebrated my Dad's birthday, other guests in the room were also marking their special occasions, and the joy was infectious. We found ourselves sharing in the joy and singing birthday songs not only for my Dad but also for those celebrating around us. The sense of togetherness and camaraderie in that moment was truly remarkable. I must mention that this wasn't my first visit to Mangia E Bevi; I have had the pleasure of dining here multiple times before. Each visit has been exceptional, and this time, I wanted to introduce my parents to this wonderful place. I knew they would be in for a treat, but what we experienced went beyond our expectations. The staff's dedication to making every guest feel welcome, the outstanding service, and the exquisite cuisine have made Mangia E Bevi a place close to my heart. Our visit to Mangia E Bevi was a heartwarming celebration of my Dad's birthday, filled with inclusivity and a sense of togetherness that made the evening truly special. For anyone seeking not just a meal but an unforgettable experience, I wholeheartedly recommend Mangia E Bevi. It's a place where both newcomers and regulars like me can come together, celebrate life's moments, and bask in the outstanding service and delectable food. Thank you, Mangia E Bevi, for creating cherished memories that will stay with us...

Had a wonderful dinner here last week and would highly recommend this restaurant for those looking for a romantic and delicious dine out experience in West Vancouver. I called early in the day and left my call back number. They returned my call less than an your later and were able to book at table for two the same day, a quite Wednesday in January. We found free street parking nearby and were seated promptly at a nice table separated by shoji screens from other diners . During Covid times, this is much nicer than a plastic wall between the tables. They offered tap or sparkling water and brought sliced homemade focaccia with oil/balsamic to start while we perused the extensive and creative menu. Our menu selections included Crostata Di Pere E Fromaggio Blu. Warm, flavourful pear and blue cheese gently melted on puff pastry. I could have eaten the whole thing myself. Next was the Caprese Di Burrata. Soft and delicious homemade mozzarella with heirloom tomato and a fresh sprig of basil with olive oil. It tasted like summer on a plate! Our pasta choice was Spaghetti Deliziosi with pesto, asparagus, oven dried tomato (which I like so much more than sun-dried tomato), walnuts and pine nuts. Just the right amount to share. Our Secondi Piatti was Anatra Farcita Al Frangelico: boar bacon wrapped duck breast stuffed with roasted chestnut, apple and celeriac, topped with Frangelico sauce. I've never liked duck breast until now. It's usually too heavy for me but this was beautifully prepared and just the right amount to be satisfying with a side of grilled seasonal veggies. Boar bacon should be the new bacon! Dessert? Yes, of course! Torte A Limone E Pinole; lemon zabaione tart with pine nut crust. Just sweet enough to cleanse the palate and a generous dollop of crema fresca on top. Big enough to share had he had any room left. I always have room for lemon... My companion enjoyed a house wine Chianti and they even had a Moscato that wasn't on the list for me which made my day! We lingered over 2 hours and enjoyed every morsel on our plates. I didn't see the bill because he was treating but he said it was worth it for the quality of the meal and variety of tastes on our plates. Call ahead for reservations or enjoy your meal at home with their take...