Our Story
We started off as a group of locals who’ve spent much of their time on Commercial Drive.
While growing up, The Drive was a gathering point for local Italians to socialize over coffee; eating was either done at home or at Nonna’s house. As our city has grown towards a culture where we don’t always have time to cook a homemade meal, we find ourselves looking outward for tastes of authenticity that bring us back to the Italian dinner table that we know and love.
As luck would have it, while on The Drive we were introduced to our incredible head chef, Enrico Fratoni, who brings that perfect balance of tradition and contempo that only a true Italian can. Thus, we began Sopra Sotto. The restaurant is our tribute to both the neighbourhood that helped raise us and the simple, yet natural food that nourished us at home.
Our Executive Chef
Enrico Fratoni
Turin, Piedmont, Italy is well known as the home of the Shroud of Turin, the Juventus F.C. and Torino F.C. soccer teams, the headquarters of automobile manufacturers FIAT and Alfa Romeo. It is also the hometown of Sopra Sotto’s Executive Chef, Enrico Fratoni. He refers to Torino as his “land of truffle, gianduia [chocolate hazelnut], grissini [bread sticks] and excellent wine.” Although Enrico began his post-secondary education studying sciences, his passion for good food and his natural talent soon led him to the restaurant business.
Enrico has always had an obsession with cooking. At the young age of 21, he opened a restaurant in Turin with his best friend. They cooked, they served and they slept. There were many long days, but so much enthusiasm. Since then, he has worked in France, Australia and of course, Canada.
Enrico likes to cook simple foods using the best ingredients. “Food is [his] life,” he says. “I love to eat and I want the best. We are what we eat [and] life is too short to eat bad food.” Outside of the kitchen, Enrico enjoys playing sports, as well as going camping to take in what nature has to offer. It is appropriate that Vancouver is his new home – a city where he can challenge his passion for cooking, while being surrounded by true natural beauty of the ocean on one side and mountains on the other.
Our Food
So, you can’t cook like Nonna? We’ve got you covered.
Like his ancestors, Chef Enrico feels that food should be simple and made, “farmer style”, with fresh, seasonal ingredients. As strong believers of the Slow Food Movement, all of our menu items are prepared with care in the traditional Italian fashion. Sauces are simmered for hours allowing for a true emersion of flavours. Similarly, our pizza dough is prepared in advance and allowed two days to rise—this grants that the yeast will complete its full growth cycle, creating a lighter meal. As Italian cuisine is so diverse, seasonal changes will be made to our menu; be sure to keep an eye out for new items, as well as old favourites.
Chef Enrico once told us, “you shouldn’t trust people who don’t share their food.” The idea stems from the typical Italian dinner table, where the food is shared as frequently as the stories and affectionate nicknames. As is at home, our food is best enjoyed when shared family style (although we’d be lying if we told you that we’ve never eaten a whole pizza to ourselves).
If you have a special occasion coming up, fill out the inquiry form on our ‘Events’ page, and we will be happy to put together a customized menu for you and your guests.
Our Drinks
An assortment of Wines, Italian-inspired cocktails, imported bottled beer, as well as local beer on tap.
Of course, we offer a variety of Italian wines that pair beautifully with our handmade pastas and pizzas. Although no one enjoys a glass of wine more than we do, we’d be lying if we said that we don’t look forward to Vancouver’s Patio Season. As a result, we offer an assortment of Italian-inspired cocktails, imported bottled beer, as well as local beer on tap.
Our Space
The combination of simple wood grain, playful details, and traditional metals create an inviting environment and perfect gathering place.
Our space is a reflection of our food and service: simple ingredients, a playful attitude, and quality that lasts the test of time. The combination of simple wood grain, playful details, and traditional metals create an inviting environment and perfect gathering place.
Like our name, the whimsicality of luck is reflected within the space through vibrant birds that lend a light-heartedness to an otherwise dramatic colour pallet. As with the highs and lows of luck, contrast is key: During the day, an abundance of natural light lends an up-beat feel that’s perfect for a casual lunch; whereas, in the evening warm lighting and rich tones allow for a dynamic space suitable for anything from a quick family dinner, date night, or drinks with friends. Our up-beat energy extends to our patio where the diversity of Commercial Drive takes center stage. This eclectic combination creates the perfect atmosphere for getting to know someone new, connecting with family and friends, or simply treating yourself – after all, there’s no wrong way to enjoy your meal.
