Folietta – Wentworth Hospitality Group Brings La Dolce Vita to East Vancouver
Wentworth Hospitality Group, the culinary team behind widely acclaimed Vancouver restaurants Tableau Bar Bistro, Homer St. Cafe & Bar, and Maxine’s Cafe & Bar, is set to enhance the dining scene in East Vancouver in early 2025 with the upcoming opening of the Italian restaurant, Folietta. Located at 1480 Nanaimo Street, within Amacon’s latest development, The Grant — near Commercial Drive’s food lover’s paradise — the ristorante and bar will feature regional Italian flavours with a contemporary twist.
Inspired by the Italian word foglietta (meaning foliage), Folietta is a playful nod to the greenery and heritage that define the Grandview-Woodland area. The restaurant will be a local gathering place where food lovers and families gather for honest, delicious meals made with seasonal local ingredients. Folietta will be a community hub for culinary enthusiasts, from late-afternoon cocktails to family-style feasts, late-night sips and weekend brunch.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this community and look forward to welcoming everyone to Wentworth Hospitality Group’s fourth and largest restaurant and our first outside downtown Vancouver,” said Roy Comesotti, Vice President of Operations. “We’ve envisioned it as a neighbourhood locale for the Grandview-Woodland community, with a menu crafted by Vancouver industry veterans, complemented by a convivial atmosphere and a commitment to locally sourced ingredients.
Irresistible Regional Italian Fare
Helmed by Wentworth Hospitality Group’s Executive Chef Bobby Milheron (West Restaurant, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar) alongside Chef de Cuisine Imtiaaz Patel (notable stints at Boulevard, Autostrada and most recently Livia on Commercial Drive), Folietta’s menu skips pizza and red sauce classics for an elevated take on Italian cuisine. Picture shareable plates like a 32oz Bistecca Fiorentina, a showstopping bone-in veal chop Parmigiana, and various hand-stuffed pasta extruded in-house daily. Even children’s dining options reflect the vision, with a Bambini menu featuring dishes like Rigatoni Alfredo and Linguine and Meatballs.
“In true Italian style, our approach at Folietta is all about gathering and sharing, rooted in regional Italian-inspired dishes with local ingredients,” said Chef de Cuisine Imtiaaz Patel. “Whether it’s small plates to start or family-style dishes designed for sharing, Folietta is about celebrating the joy of communal dining.”
Salute! Sipping Italian-Style
Folietta’s bar program, crafted by Beverage Director J-S Dupuis—who brings longstanding experience from Wentworth Hospitality Group—features classic Italian cocktails with a modern twist. Highlights include negronis on tap, bellinis that would impress even Giuseppe Cipriani, and a signature Amaro Shave Ice made using an in-house Japanese Swan Ice Shaver. Guests will enjoy a wide variety of Italian spirits and an extensive collection of Amari, complemented by a wine list with familiar and lesser-known Italian varietals. Overseeing the restaurant and contributing to the breadth of experience in the beverage industry is General Manager Miguel Arrais, a sommelier and industry veteran previously with Anh and Chi.
A Feast for the Eyes and the Palate
The interiors for Folietta are designed by interior design firm Ste Marie, blending modern elegance with old-world charm. Drawing inspiration from the exterior architecture of The Grant and the surrounding neighbourhood, the space feels fresh yet rooted in the area’s heritage. With four distinct dining areas, including an open-concept kitchen where guests can get up and close and personal with the culinary team, and a semi-enclosed patio, the 130-seat restaurant caters to intimate meals and more prominent group gatherings.
A Grand Entrance in Grandview-Woodland
Folietta’s debut marks an exciting new chapter for the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood, a historic and cultural enclave where old-world traditions meet East Vancouver cool. As the culinary centrepiece of The Grant—a boutique development with lofts, condominiums, and townhomes—Folietta is poised to become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike.
Beginning in early 2025, Folietta will be open daily with weekend brunch from 3:30 pm to late.
For reservations and more information, visit Folietta’s website.
Follow Folietta on Instagram
About Wentworth Hospitality Group
Wentworth Hospitality Group, the hospitality division of Amacon, is a leading force in Canada’s hospitality industry, renowned for its exceptional quality, attention to detail, and innovation. With a portfolio that includes Loden Hotel, Tableau Bar Bistro, Homer Street Café & Bar, Maxine’s Café & Bar, and the upcoming Folietta Ristorante and Bar, Wentworth is committed to creating unforgettable experiences where comfort and elegance seamlessly intertwine.
