Monbella Restaurant
1809 1st Avenue West, Vancouver, BC, V6J 5B8
604-569-2741 Fax: 604-569-2742 | Website
Laying claim as the world’s first “bistoria,” this cute joint boats delicious Italian and French fare served up in an enjoyable atmosphere.
Category:
Restaurants
What:
| Cuisine Type | | French, Fusion, Italian |
| Ambiance | | Bistro, Meet For Drink, Casual |
| Meals Served | | Brunch, Dinner |
| Amenities | | Full Bar, Great Wine List, Notable Chef, Wheelchair Accessible |
| Pricing | | $21 - $30 |
| Payment | | Interac, MasterCard, American Express, Visa |
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Kitsilano |
| Getting There | | Bus 022, 044, 050 |
| Cross Street | | Burrard Street |
When:
| Mon-Fri: 5PM-late; Sat-Sun: 11AM-2:30PM, 5PM-late |
Profile Last Updated: December 12, 2008
International Inspirations
The menu at Monbella has been inspired by bistros and trattorias around the world, but the dishes are primarily a marriage of French and Italian recipes served mainly in small-plate form. The dishes are artistic in both presentation and taste, and include indulgences such as Ahi tuna nicoise, chicken fricassee and polpetini meatballs. There’s a strong contingent of seafood choices, including the signature mussels, as well as options from the land. The grilled lamb chops are a favourite and are so rich, they are ordered by the chop. Inventive salads and nibble-friendly fare like mix-your-own charcuterie and antipasto plates are ideal for sharing. If you have the luxury of enjoying a leisurely weekend the French and Italian way, why not stop by for brunch? The simple morning-ish menu features a variety of paninis and scrambles.
Cool, Casual Comfort
Monbella Bistoria takes cues from its trattoria and bistro parents and has created a fun, lively place to enjoy a meal. The welcoming spot entices diners with plush banquettes lining the wall and stylish blonde wood tables. The bright, airy room - with space for about 50 - is dressed up with fresh flowers, but the décor is minimal, save an impressive display of framed black and white photos of a local photographer’s travels to France and Italy, as well as 300 of her images rotating on a large screen above the bar. Chalkboards with the daily fresh sheet add to the casual, current vibe.
Community Vibe
Monbella Bistoria makes its home in Kitsilano’s quaint Yorkville neighbourhood, in a location that has seen numerous restaurants fail. Dedicated to sticking around for awhile, Mon Bella has infiltrated the community by hosting events such as a bocce ball fundraising tournament and Cowbell Sundays, when the chefs adds special family-style fare to the menu to encourage locals to come down and linger. Mon Bella is also focused on freshness and the chefs use local organic ingredients whenever possible and regularly visit local markets.
The menu at Monbella has been inspired by bistros and trattorias around the world, but the dishes are primarily a marriage of French and Italian recipes served mainly in small-plate form. The dishes are artistic in both presentation and taste, and include indulgences such as Ahi tuna nicoise, chicken fricassee and polpetini meatballs. There’s a strong contingent of seafood choices, including the signature mussels, as well as options from the land. The grilled lamb chops are a favourite and are so rich, they are ordered by the chop. Inventive salads and nibble-friendly fare like mix-your-own charcuterie and antipasto plates are ideal for sharing. If you have the luxury of enjoying a leisurely weekend the French and Italian way, why not stop by for brunch? The simple morning-ish menu features a variety of paninis and scrambles.
Cool, Casual Comfort
Monbella Bistoria takes cues from its trattoria and bistro parents and has created a fun, lively place to enjoy a meal. The welcoming spot entices diners with plush banquettes lining the wall and stylish blonde wood tables. The bright, airy room - with space for about 50 - is dressed up with fresh flowers, but the décor is minimal, save an impressive display of framed black and white photos of a local photographer’s travels to France and Italy, as well as 300 of her images rotating on a large screen above the bar. Chalkboards with the daily fresh sheet add to the casual, current vibe.
Community Vibe
Monbella Bistoria makes its home in Kitsilano’s quaint Yorkville neighbourhood, in a location that has seen numerous restaurants fail. Dedicated to sticking around for awhile, Mon Bella has infiltrated the community by hosting events such as a bocce ball fundraising tournament and Cowbell Sundays, when the chefs adds special family-style fare to the menu to encourage locals to come down and linger. Mon Bella is also focused on freshness and the chefs use local organic ingredients whenever possible and regularly visit local markets.
