Founded in 2012, Pizzeria Barbarella is part New York, part Naples and all Vancouver. The popular Mount Pleasant restaurant brings Italy to your taste buds via locally sourced ingredients, fusing the best pie-making traditions with an artisanal ethic. Neapolitan/New York fusion pizza is the restaurant's specialty; that means a thin crust made from wild yeast sourdough, cut in four to combine both Italian and Italian-American traditions. The concept is specific, and the ethics are pretty strict: this is a place with a culinary vision, and it sticks to it right down to the type of oven and brand of flour.
“We make everything in house except for the few meats and cheeses that are imported,” says general manager Nathan Del Rizzo. What’s more: “As much as possible, we try to keep everything in East Van or the Greater Vancouver area.” This is craft pizza, and Nathan sounds like a proud artisan when speaking about it.
As for food, so for drinks: the bar features 15 taps, 13 of which pour craft beer from the Vancouver area. There is also a selection of local wines, one local cider, and — no kidding — Vancouver-made gin and vodka as well. The locally sourced libations are diverse in range but not in source; that’s the spirit of craft establishments in Vancouver, and Nathan is happy to be on board with it.
When this pared-down pizzeria opened, the owners were definitely taking a risk. Housed on East Broadway near Fraser, this strip wasn’t exactly known for its welcoming vibe. But the sketchy neighbourhood was just the thing to attract the Mount Pleasant hipsters looking for an off-the-beaten-path joint that happens to turn out perfectly blistered pizzas and offers value-priced wine. That’s the clientele you’ll find here, along with anyone who appreciates a good pie.
Romantically lit, yet sparse, Pizzeria Barbarella on a somewhat sketchy block of East Broadway appeals to the local Mount Pleasant crowd thanks to its hip vibe and extensive pizza offerings. Prices also appeal. From classic margherita and funghi to pizzas topped with Brussels sprouts and house-made pancetta, there’s something for every taste. Their small wine list by both the glass and bottle is beyond affordable and their basic but tasty salads are a great accompaniment.