Uva has held the corner of Seymour and Smithe since around 2008, a small candle lit room attached to the Moda Hotel lobby. Viaggio Hospitality runs it as an Italian caffe by day and a wine and cocktail bar by night.
The bar pedigree is the story. Lauren Mote ran this program before winning Diageo World Class Canada; Sabrine Dhaliwal ran it when Vancouver Magazine named her Bartender of the Year in 2017.
The Georgia Straight handed Uva its Golden Plates gold for best wine bar year after year through the 2010s. Small room, long shadow.
One compact room of marble, mirrors, and candlelight, with the Orpheum two blocks away.
No reservations; seats turn over with the theater schedule. Couples fit. Groups of six do not.
Nothing on the list needs avoiding. Budget $20 to $30 a person before food, per Restaurant Guru.
Walk in, take the marble bar over the window seats, and let the bartender steer.
No reservations at any size. Cards accepted; the caffe side opens earlier than bar service, so confirm timing at 604 632 9560 before a special trip.
What to order
- 01
The Luciana
- 02
A BC wine flight
- 03
Arancini and a cocktail