L'ufficio - Vancouver

A local adventure into the authentic flavors of Italian wine and cuisine.

Outstanding service, a laid-back atmosphere, and incredible food! What else could you possibly desire?

First of all, I knew that L’Ufficio is part of La Quercia, sharing the kitchen for many of the dishes served, since the two are internally connected. While L’ufficio focuses on the Italian tradition of small plates, featuring mainly cheeses, salamis, and pâtés, La Quercia has a broader menu. Both establishments are the brainchildren of the dynamic chef duo, Lucais Syme and Adam Pegg, who opened La Quercia in 2008 and L’Ufficio in 2013, although they have since gone their separate ways in Vancouver's Italian dining scene. Secondly, the type of dining arrangement was exactly what I enjoy—something I had experienced multiple times during my three trips to Italy. My pro bono client, whom I had provided ideas to at no cost, agreed to cover our meal and drinks for our working session at this establishment. I had always wanted to visit since it opened, but circumstances had previously prevented me from doing so. Now, the time had finally arrived. We arrived just after it opened at 5 p.m., and the bar area was already too crowded for us to find a spot, so we were seated at a table near the window. The food was delicious, as expected. We ordered several small plates, along with two larger dishes that I learned came from La Quercia’s kitchen. The atmosphere was pleasant, and we even struck up a conversation with diners at the next table—quite enjoyable. However, there was one strange aspect of our experience. The woman who greeted us and seated us was rather unfriendly, maintaining a distant demeanor throughout our visit. This was surprising given the warm atmosphere of L’Ufficio and what I know about the excellent team at La Quercia. The menu is displayed on boards behind the bar, but from our table's vantage point, they were hard to read. Oddly, the woman serving us seemed annoyed when we asked for help reading the menu. In contrast, a younger staff member who assisted her was somewhat tentative—likely due to inexperience—but was very helpful throughout our meal. We were certainly polite guests, and despite the odd service interaction, I highly recommend L’Ufficio. As you can see, I've given it the highest five-star rating, attributing the woman’s behavior to possible stress from being in the business too long or simply having a bad day. The duo also offers takeout from Tuesday to Saturday starting at 5 p.m., and the precautions they have implemented to avoid contact are top-notch, as noted by another reviewer. Bravo again! Posted by S. Fuller

Both restaurants have a great atmosphere, excellent service, fantastic and delicious food, and the wines are amazing.

Somehow we have been dining at L'ufficio since 2013 and I have never posted a review. I mean Chef Adam's food speaks for itself so he doesn't need me to encourage you to dine there but I'll go ahead and try it anyway. This is the best Italian food in town. The menu changes constantly depending on what is fresh and in season. Take a look at my photos on this page to see the range. Last night an heirloom tomato and onion salad tasted like the last of summer exploding in our mouths. There are usually 4 6 different fresh pastas to choose from. We shared a halibut with tomato one and bolognese last night. These pastas are the definition of al dente. No place in Vancouver does it this well. There is an extensive wine list sure not to disappoint and make sure to start or finish with a cheese or two. The parmesan is mind blowing perfection. They don't take reservations and this outstanding restaurant is quite small and busy so be prepared for a wait. If you are going with a group larger than 2, the La Querica side does take reservations and I've found that to be an equally exceptional option. Just a little more casual on the L'ufficio side.