Complete your authentic Italian culinary experience in classic Italian sartorial style...

What do we think of when we think of Italy? Delicious food, excellent wine, loud and loving Italian families, Vespas and Fiats, the Coliseum and fashion, of course! We can serve up the authentic Italian meal but we'll leaving the styling up to you!

But for inspiration, here are some of our favourite, classic Italian looks for this week featured on The Sartorialist!

 Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, Florence & Via Piave, Milan

Via Manzoni, Milan & Eleonora, Florence 

  White & Blue, Florence & Brera, Milano

Vintage Dressing Italian Style, Florence & Nil, Florence

Via Senato, Milan & Via Santa Marta, Milan

(Image via Pexels)

Check out our Instagram page for some delectable, truly authentic La Piazza Dario Ristorante Italiano photos!

We know that a picture is worth a thousand words. Imagine what all of our Instagram shots would tell you! We've got beautiful photos of delicately plated desserts, a shining espresso machine, the patio filled with sunlight, inviting cocktails...

You're going to want to visit ;)

Whether you are planning a trip or just curious, here are some fun travel facts about Italy!

Every city has its quirks and customs and Italy's popular tourist destinations are no exception! Whether you are in Rome, Milan, Florence or Venice, you'll discover that each city has unique customs and ways of life that can be useful to know before you arrive! Let's explore...

Florence:

• Address numbers are defined by colours: red and 'r' are used for shops and black is residential. That's why you may not find 28r and 30 next to each other!
• What's an automatic sign of being a tourist? Ordering a cappuccino after midday apparently!
• If you are tempted to buy a knock off designer purse from street hawkers, don't! That purse can end up costing you a 1000 euro fine!

Rome:

• When dining out, service is always included, but it might be good to ad %10 anyways.
• On the flip side, check your change. Romans hardly tip their drivers.
• Never mind the metro system. Try walking or taking taxis instead.

Milan:

• It's the Italian city of fashion! Although there's no dress code in restaurants, your outfit matters.
• If you are looking to grab a cab in Milan, hailing one just anywhere won't do. Catch them at a stand or give them a call, but remember that you are charged from the time your call is made.
• Aperitivi (or a the Italian happy hour around 6-10pm) is an essential Milanese custom.

Venice:

• Gondolas are for sightseeing and they aren't cheap, costing you around 80 euros. Taxis are not cheap either and can cost you the same as a gondola!
• There are public toilets but they'll cost you around €1,50. Still they can be convenient while exploring the city of canals.
• If you are there in November or December, it's Acqua Alta ('high water') season. Bring those gumboots!

(Information via Luxe City Guides; Image via Pexels)

It's Friday and what perfect time to watch a beautiful program about Italian life than today?!

What does it really mean to be a gondolier in Venice? How do Sicilians define themselves and separate from the island's mafia labels? How does a young Roman teenager find joy in high speeds races amidst the grand history of her home? Did you know that world's most dangerous horse race occurs in Sienna?

There is so much to learn about Italy and its people. If you find yourself even remotely intrigued and in the mood for some Italian culture, we've got a perfect plan for a relaxing night off:

1. Come visit La Piazza Dario for an authentic Italian meal. Chef Claudio guarantees your enjoyment of his delectable dishes (you'll probably end up wishing you ordered more to take home!).
2. Get into your comfy clothes (pajamas maybe?) and put on the Discovery Atlas, Italy Revealed (click to watch) and immerse yourself into the stories of Italian people from all over the country!

Now how's that for a plan?!

(Image via Pexels)

Add a taste of Italy to your reading list!

 

So you want to add a little bit of Italian culture to your day? Well of course, our first suggestion is to come visit La Piazza Dario since we'll really be able to help you add some authentic Italian flavours to your day. However, we've also got a book suggestion!

"How to Order an Italian Coffee in Italy" by Sara Rosso is a fun book that is meant to enlighten all her readers on the ins and outs of ordering coffee like a true Italian in the motherland! It's a wonderful guide to all the unique variations of caffé espresso you can find in Italy, along with detailed pictures, Italian pronunciation guides and several bonus chapters that will open up the world of Italian breakfasts, Italian bar culture and creating your own caffé Italiano at home!

Doesn't that sound delicious?! If you're not sure what to think of Italian coffee, visit us for a cup and begin your exploration into the world of espresso the Italian way...

(Image via When I Have Time)

Discover Italy, one destination at a time!

There are so many places to see in Italy, from the small lesser known beautiful places like Ateleta to the tourist popular Venice! Today, we're looking at Venice and the incredible inner workings of the floating city of romance and literature! 


Venice Backstage. How does Venice work? from Insula spa on Vimeo.

 Got a taste for Italy now? Come visit us and we can share the authentic flavours of Italy with you!

Prosciutto: The Italian ham that changed my view on meat in combination with fruit.

When I visited Italy for the first time nearly ten years ago, one of my favourite dishes from the trip was prosciutto and melon.

However, as much as I now love this antipasti, it was not love at first sight. I am known to be quite resistant to savory foods, especially meat of any kind, in combination with fruit. For some reason, it doesn't always make sense to me. However, after being gently forced into trying this Italian appy, I just couldn't get enough. There's something about the salty Italian cured ham and the refreshing burst of melon that satisfies my taste buds in a way I never thought possible. Like I said, meat and fruit had never previously been a favourite of mine.

Since returning from my trip all those years ago, there's only one place in Vancouver I trust to prepare this antipasti dish to perfection and that is, of course, La Piazza Dario.

Check out the entire La Piazza Dario menu for other delicious and authentic Italian dishes, prepared from scratch by Chef Claudio Ranallo.

(Image via La Piazza Dario)

Milano and the Italian Style...

Italy is the land of romance, delectable dishes and impeccable style! It seems the Italians have discovered the art of incredibly fashionable and seemingly effortless style that inspire the magazines and socialites out on the town, around the world!

Even a man riding a bicycle in Milan, Italy's fashion capital, looks chic...

You never need an excuse to get dressed up; but if you really, really do, then come to La Piazza Dario's for a fashionable night of Italian decadence...

(Images via Pixabay)

Immerse yourself in the beautiful images of Chef Claudio's roots and the Italian region of Abruzzo!

What makes up a country, a region? We would say it's the land, the people, the buildings, the art, and of course, the food! As much as we'd all love to pack our bags and fly to Abruzzo, it's not always the most feasible option. So how can you experience the essence of Abruzzo, Italy? Chef Claudio Ranallo brings the authentic flavours of his homeland to Vancouver everyday at La Piazza Dario! Come and explore the wines and the delicious Italian creations without paying for an airfare!

For now, enjoy these beautiful photographs of Abruzzo...

(Slideshow via Flickr & Life In Abruzzo)