T'was the perfect venue for date night - they nailed it with the space, decor, service and offerings. The bonus? Amazingly reasonably-priced bottles of wine that will ensure that we will be coming back with more people. And we're talking carefully selected top notch wines, not just house wine calibre. Hope these aren't just opening month prices!

On to the food - started with the meatballs which were decent if you like a cream-based sauce, but they didn't wow me. The eggplant starter, however, was excellent. If you always thought you didn't like eggplant, this dish may prove you wrong.

The pasta dish we selected, El Nonno, was a risk as it didn't boast the traditional Italian flavours, but something about it worked. Very tasty and went well with the wine that was recommended. For the main, I would order the lamb again and again. And good sized portion too - sorry I didn't take photos, it would have been rude during date night!

The service was extremely attentive, even if a bit inexperienced, but eager to learn. The owner and manager were making their rounds to ensure guests were enjoying themselves, and obviously passionate about getting the restaurant off to a good start. The drawback to being busy is that the washrooms weren't attended to and were out of paper towels and a bit more squalid than expected.

All in all, this venue definitely classes up downtown New West; it is part of a new trend and really fits in with the emerging demographic moving to the city. Location-wise could not be better; we Evo'ed in and took the Skytrain home, and hypothetically if we had any wine leftover, we would have been able to take it home. Instead, we left empty handed, happy with our first Piva experience. Will not be the last.

***3.5 stars*** (I really want to give it 4 stars and hopefully the service issues are just growing pains.)

The new local in Sapperton does not disappoint, with over 30 BC craft beer taps and decent food, although I have only had a small taste of the large menu. The 16oz pours are such a good price that the word is already getting out judging from the decent turnout on a weekday night.

The revamp and modern industrial decor certainly help with the ambience and there is a good sized private room in the back. All that is missing is a foot rail/rest for the bench seats - it would be so much more comfortable than dangling my legs like a 3 year old.

We were warned that the schnitzel was a massive portion, and although my dining partner would have had no problem polishing it off, it was indeed a good sized dish, tasty and great value. The Philly cheese steak was not bad but I wasn't expecting an open faced sandwich so it was a bit challenging to eat considering I had to cut it up with bits falling off and then attempt to dip it in the au jus. The fries are a highlight - extra crispy.

The service was friendly but lacked in attentiveness. Water wasn't refilled until asked, untouched plates left sitting, empty glasses left on table, opportunities for upselling were missed, no dessert was offered, and we had to flag our server down after what seemed like a long period of inattention to ask for the food to be wrapped up.

That being said, this craft beer pub is exactly what this neighbourhood needs and so far it is off to a good start!

A solid 4.5 stars. Since they first opened, they have done everything right. They have brought in the wine on tap, other beverages including excellent craft beer and cocktails, as well as high quality food including carefully sourced cheese and charcuterie boards. The flatbreads are also all quite tasty - it is hard to recommend one over the other.

Above all, it is the great service that blew me away. They are well staffed and very attentive without being overbearing. The ambience was pretty good before but now it is perfect - cozy, warm with the right ratio of sofas, small private tables and larger communal tables. It is also one of the few places where you can have a conversation without losing your voice, so it turned out to be perfect venue to have a book club gathering. A bottle of wine or two later and it turned into wine club!

For the extra half star, perhaps bringing in beer on tap? They had a selection of Dieu de Ciel and Category 12 beers in bottles, which was obviously carefully selected for the beer snob (moi!). So all to have to say is keep up the good work!

My first thought on walking by was "awesome! this neighbourhood needs a pizza by the slice joint". My second thought on seeing the menu and seeing the size of the slices was "man for this price, it better be good and I better be satisfied after spending over $10". My gut feeling was that I should have turned around and walked out then but my brain said that I should give it a try before judging.

Should have listened to my gut speaking. Sure, the margherita slice was fresh and tasty but that lasted all of 5 seconds. The diavola slice was bland and stale probably from sitting out all day. Paying $5 for a slice that is 4.5" x 4.5" (if even that), you will feel cheated. Pity the fool who would pay $20 for 3 slices for one of their "gourmet pizzas".

If they want to attract clientele, they need to reconsider their prices relative to their product or offer whole pizzas fresh at more competitive prices, like they do at their other locations. Until then, I suggest you walk down to Pizzeria Farina which is a short distance away. Listen to your gut and protect your wallet!