Beloved Yaletown restaurant closes after 25 years in business

It’s the end of an era for Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill and Enoteca — a popular restaurant in the heart of Yaletown — as the owner has sadly decided to close its doors after 25 years of operation.

Chef and owner Pino Posteraro had a lot of preparation to do before hanging up his apron on Saturday, with tables still booked.

“We have 138 for lunch and for dinner, 162,” Posteraro said.

Even with the restaurant’s popularity — and plethora of awards won over the years — the chef says running a fine-dining restaurant in one of the most expensive cities in the country is just not feasible.

“How would you explain an increase of 100 per cent of the cost of a beef tenderloin?” he asked.

“Somehow restaurants hold the short end of the stick. You set up a menu with standards and quality, suppliers increase the prices, but you can’t.”

The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association says 2024 has seen the most restaurant closures in the group’s history, citing the rising cost of doing business in the city.

“You go to the grocery store and you see how the prices have increased, but the restaurant can’t do the same,” Posteraro said.

As guests arrived for lunch service on Friday, many shared their experiences.

This included Vancouver’s famed sushi chef Hidekazu Tojo, the owner of Tojo’s Restaurant and creator of the California roll.

“I’ve known Pino a long, long time, he is a great man,” Tojo said. “We lost in Vancouver, and that’s a shame honestly.”

Several guests shared their admiration of Chef Posteraro.

“We love you, Pino,” one said. “Thank you for the amazing cooking and for always making us feel special.”

Posteraro also expressed his gratitude.

“Heartfelt thank you to the present and past staff and to the patrons, local and international,” he said.

Cioppino’s will say its final goodbye on Saturday.