Mercato di Luigi has quietly opened its second Vancouver location in Chinatown, offering a warm and welcoming space filled with authentic Italian eats.
Taking over the former Matchstick coffee shop at 213 E Georgia St earlier this year, Vancouver’s Kitchen Table Group has transformed the space into a cozy hybrid café and grocery store. The new spot serves up casual snacks, light bites, and coffee in a relaxed atmosphere.
The beverage menu features a selection of espresso drinks and tea (or tè, as it’s known in Italian). The counter case is stocked with a variety of tasty treats, perfect for enjoying in the café or grabbing to-go. Some highlights include cookies, biscotti, olive oil cake, and cornetti (Italian croissants), although the latter is available only while supplies last each day.
In addition to sweet treats, the Mercato offers panini (sandwiches) at the Chinatown location. While the original Mercato di Luigi on East 12th and Carolina serves hot plates of pasta, this new spot doesn’t yet offer pasta dishes. However, fresh, uncooked pasta and refrigerated house-made sauces are available for purchase, allowing customers to recreate a delicious Italian meal at home.
The deli case is stocked with Italian cheeses and meats, while the grocery section features an assortment of dry goods for home cooks looking to craft their own Italian-inspired meals.
It appears that the Chinatown location may expand its offerings in the future to match the full range available at the original Mercato di Luigi, as the new café-grocer hybrid seems to be in an extended soft opening phase.
Current hours for Mercato di Luigi in Chinatown are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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