- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Coffee & Tea |
- All
Notturno Paninoteca
Categories: Restaurants Italian Restaurants Sandwiches Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Italian, Sandwiches, Wine Bars [Edit]
280 Carrall StreetGastown
Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2
Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown
(604) 720-3145
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
8 reviews for Notturno Paninoteca
8 reviews in English
-
Review from Sean N.
Vancouver, BC
Notturno Paninoteca has opened its doors in Gastown and there putting out simple, great quality ingredients hand-made with love in and delivered in the form of some delicious panini.
Right now they are just open till 4pm but that will change in the new year because they have obtained their liquor license so longer hours and also small plates of yummy food Togo with those bevies are in the works so stay tuned for more info.
The room is long and narrow and everything is prepared right in front of you behind the bar. The chef has come up with some interesting flavor combinations and I dove in head first you could say on this 1st visit!
I went with the Fumo for $9.50, it has Speck (smoked prosciutto), grappa poached pear and taleggio cheese. Each panini is prepared fresh to order and comes with a side salad, the ingredients in my sandwich alone all have some pretty bold flavors but when all combined here it was magic I must say.
Each panini comes with a nice simple insalata and is a nice touch to see something so simple dressed~the ingredients really stand out. If you are in the mood for a salad a little bigger they have one on the menu for $8.
The panini was totally delicious, the bread was super crunchy~it's had a nice had outer crust from the panini grill and was nice and chewy on the inside. The cheese on this was oooey gooey and would put a smile on any cheese lovers face~I was smiling from ear to ear! -
Review from Sheryl D.
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
"I could have eaten at 7 different Vietnamese joints by now." "I know, I'm so hungry!" "Omygod, omygod, omygod, it's going to another table!" Hysterical laughter followed.
Boy, this place took "handcrafted" to a whole new level. We watched in a mixture of agony and ecstasy as the fella behind the counter painstakingly hand arranged every cold cut and salad leaf on the charcuterie board we ordered. We timed him and concluded unscientifically that it took on average, a minute and a half to slice and layout 2 thin pieces of prosciutto. After half an hour of meat artistry, we watched in horror as the charcuterie plate was delivered to another table. We finally had to note to the server that we were running to meet up with friends at another spot. Truth be told, we only allotted an hour thinking cold cuts and paninis will not take long, especially since they weren't particularly busy on a Saturday night. There were six people in total, including us.
Well, we had a good laugh and had one of our better date nights at Notturno. Everything is a labour of love at this place, perhaps a bit much for people on their way somewhere else. Everything was excellently cured on that charcuterie board. We appreciated the fresh green salad drizzled with (what tasted like) extra virgin olive oil. The Grappa panini was a nice balance of meat, cheese and fruit, though I would have liked more meat on it. Overall, I would say Notturno is a fresh, leisurely delicacy better enjoyed as a place to wind down the night rather than a jumping off point. It's also a great spot for catching up with friends, if you can wile the afternoon away with a bottle of Prosecco. Just don't go hungry. -
Review from Christopher N. W.
Vancouver, BC
3/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Post work one afternoon and I was feeling the slight gnaw of hunger in my belly. Jessica and I had plans to eat lunch in Gastown but hadn't fully decided on where that would be. We meandered down Hastings, stopping at Cartem's to see that "yes" they were sold out of doughnuts - no surprise there. We turned onto Carral as Jess recalled a panini place that had recently opened. I couldn't recall anything in the hood but as we strolled up on Noturno Paninoteca I realized I had passed by consistently as I transition from Save On to Cobre numerous times. It's tiny narrow frontage is easy to miss, with a sandwich board out front it is easily overwhelmed by Salty Tongue and the Blarney Stone either side of it.
Inside the space if definitively modern European. I felt like I was back in Northern Italy. A small cafe space with tables for about 15 and a bar. Adrian the proprietor and only one working a when we visited was warm and friendly. The intimate space would be a lovely pre-evening starting point. The menu is small with 6 paninis a selection of bruschettas and charcuterie. Small dishes but all sounded delicious. We decided on the Tartufo - Prosciutto, artichokes, capers, black truffle aoli, pecorino on a toasted rustic Italian baguette and the Fume - Speck (juniper flavoured prosciutto), grappa poached pear and taleggio cheese. After tax and tip each was about 12$. A little expensive for a sandwich but comparable to everywhere else in the neighbourhood. We took the panini to go and headed for Sun Yat Sen Gardens to eat in the peaceful environs therein.
A pagoda sheltered us from the light rain that had begun and we dug in as the droplets created a beautiful array of ripples on the surface of the koi pond. I bit into the toasted rustic baguette, so much tastier and of a better consistency than the doughy focaccia often used for panini. This was light and crisp and was a nice counterpoint to the soft cheese, pear and speck that filled my sandwich.
Welcome to flavour country! Population: Me.
The grappa poached pears had slight booziness about then and he cheese offered up more texture than anything. The Speck was salty and flavourful but lacked the usual juniper punch that it has. It was a sweet and savoury sandwich and the two danced well together.
Jessica's Tartufo was tasty, I had a bite, very creamy and salty, the capers were very apparent and there was a noticeable taste of truffle which was quite nice. It wouldn't have been my first choice though - a bit too salty.
Jess and I both agreed that while quite good the 12$ price tag was a bit hefty for a take out lunch that wasn't too filling. However, we concluded that a sit down inside with a drink or two and a salad while pricier in total would be fully justified.
Next time I'd like to try: The Blu Fico - caramelized fig, blue cheese aoli, black olives, walnuts, wilted greens. Adrian had informed us that the space was available for private parties and I think one might have to be planned in my near future as I would really like to see this little gem succeed while surrounded by the culinary behemoths that dot the Gastown landscape. It's nice to see a little independent with passion and quality try to make a go of it and I will be back. -
Review from Lindsey U.
Vancouver, BC
3/5/2012
Notturno is like no other place in Vancouver. Starting with it being longer then it is wide. It reminds me of this tiny Italian restaurant I used to go to in England. The decor is so elegant, simple and clean - you can see how much effort was put into decorating this place at first glance. With an amazing, authentic Italian menu and a quiet but modern ambiance this place is a great lunch, dinner, or pre-drink spot. The gourmet panini's and bruchetta's are delicious. My favorite so far was the duck prosciutto, goat cheese, and argula bruchetta. The staff is attentive and the owner is always in and makes sure to pay special attention to every guest. Whether it's for a romantic candle lit date or pre-drinks/appies with friends before a night out in gastown. It stays open late and you never feel like they want you to leave. Notturno is a fantastic place to go. Highly recommend.
-
Review from Jill R.
Vancouver, BC
2/23/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Delicious food, yummy wine, and good atmosphere makes this a new favorite neighborhood hangout.
-
Review from Vincci L.
An Italian panini cafe, with modern and elegant decor. With a fancy logo and a menu on their door, the words 'black truffle aioli' lured me in.
A simple narrow room, with champagne colored wallpaper and chandeliers. Black table tops and a larger bar dominates the back of the room.
The menu: paninis only, with all sorts of gourmet ingredients. I ordered the Tartufo: prosciutto, black truffle aioli, artichoke, capers and pecorino. Minutes later, I was presented a very delicious panini. No skimming on the ingredients, with fresh bread, and of course, a black truffle aioli to tie everything together.
Currently they are open for lunch only, and eventually extend their hours into the night. A great relaxing spot to grab a panini, and I can't wait until they open up at night! -
Review from Brian H.
Richmond, BC
1/5/2012
Stopped in this charming little place one sunny afternoon for a sandwich. I had the Calabrese Panini and OH MAN! was it delicious! The Capicolla and Spicy eggplant were a wonderful combination, and It was the best panini I've eaten all year! Next time I will stop in for some drinks and food before heading out in gastown for an evening of partying! Thanks Notturno!
-
Review from Janet M.
Kamloops, BC
3/7/2012
Fabulous presentation and the taste surpassed the presentation! Inovative restaurant everyone should check itout
