Bufala River District

Fantastic Italian Dining Experience at Bufala!nnI recently visited Bufala in the River District with a friend, and we had an absolutely fantastic experience!nnFrom the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the classy ambience of the restaurant. The decor is elegant, and the atmosphere is perfect for a relaxed yet refined dining experience.nnThe service was excellent. The staff was attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about the menu, which made our dining experience even more enjoyable.nnWe started with the garlic prawns, which were perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. Next, we shared the pesto and ricotta pizza. The combination of fresh pesto and creamy ricotta on a chewy, thin crust was heavenly. Finally, we tried the rigatoni bolognese, which was rich, hearty, and delicious.nnOverall, Bufala exceeded our expectations in every way. Whether you're looking for a special night out or a casual meal with friends, this is the place to go. Highly recommend!

Had a wonderful evening here. We shared the Travelzoo deal on a 'Dinner for 4', and we all enjoyed each of the 8 dishes, which they brought in three courses. Our absolute fav was the amazing Nduja & Potato pizza which only seems to be on the regular menu at the Kerrisdale location?. Other standouts were the Mushroom Risotto and the delish apple cake with gelato/caramel sauce. Stylish interior, excellent service. Will definitely be back!

Bufala River DistrictnLocation:n3489 E Sawmill Cres, Vancouver, BC V5S 0E3nnIn search of an Italian restaurant to satisfy my cravings, I decided to visit Bufala River District.nnAmbiance:nThe restaurant features a thoughtfully designed ambiance with a spacious, airy interior that immediately feels welcoming. The cleanliness of the space was commendable, and the comfortable seating added to the overall dining experience. The decor was stylish and modern yet warm, creating a relaxed atmosphere that strikes the perfect balance between casual and refined dining. The lighting and arrangement of tables further contribute to the inviting feel of the space.nnRating: 9/10nnFood:nnCrispy PotatoesnThis dish, featuring Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and Parmigiano aioli, was well-presented but ultimately underwhelming. While the seasoning was appropriate, the dish didn’t have the depth or distinctiveness I was expecting. Though competently prepared, it lacked the complexity that would make it truly memorable. It felt like a standard side dish rather than something to rave about.nnRating: 6/10nnPrawnsnThe prawns, served with Calabrian chili, pickled fennel, and focaccia, were much more impressive. The prawns were generously portioned, succulent, and cooked to perfection. The spiciness from the Calabrian chili was balanced by the acidity of the pickled fennel, creating a vibrant and well-rounded flavor. The focaccia provided a nice textural contrast, making this dish a definite highlight.nnRating: 9/10nnCorn and Bacon RisottonnThis dish was the clear standout of the meal. Made with Carnaroli rice, Fraser Valley pork, green onion, Pecorino Tartufo, and Frico, the risotto was rich, creamy, and indulgent. The flavors melded beautifully, with the smoky bacon providing a savory contrast to the creamy rice. The dish was well-seasoned and perfectly balanced, offering a comforting yet sophisticated taste.nnRating: 9/10nnSpaghetti & Garlic PrawnsnnThis dish, featuring garlic prawns with arugula and a white wine garlic butter sauce, was enjoyable but didn’t quite reach the level of excellence found in other dishes. The prawns were well-prepared, and the sauce was flavorful, but overall, the dish lacked the complexity I’ve experienced in similar offerings at other restaurants. It was good, but not exceptional.nnRating: 7/10nnSalmon Substitute for LingcodnUnfortunately, the lingcod was unavailable, so I opted for the salmon instead. The dish came with blistered cherry tomatoes and chickpeas, which added a nice textural contrast. While the salmon was thick and seasoned well, it was slightly overcooked, resulting in a tougher texture than I would have preferred. The accompanying vegetables were well-prepared and complemented the salmon nicely, but the dish as a whole didn’t quite meet expectations.nnRating: 7/10nnService:nnThe service was commendable. Our server was friendly, attentive, and provided excellent recommendations throughout the meal. Their warm demeanor added to the overall positive experience, making us feel well taken care of without being intrusive.nnRating: 9/10nnVerdict:nnBufala River District offers a well-balanced dining experience with a stylish ambiance, friendly service, and several standout dishes, particularly the risotto. While a few menu items could benefit from more adventurous flavor profiles, the overall quality of the food is commendable. The service, atmosphere, and attention to detail make it a restaurant worth visiting, especially for those seeking a modern Italian dining experience in a relaxed, sophisticated setting.

Came to get pizza with a friend during happy hour. Service was excellent. Loved the interior decor. The honey and pepperoni pizza was delicious highly recommend. The sweetness and saltiness were well balanced and highlighted nicely by the subtle kick from the chili. The Margherita pizza on the other hand was much milder in comparison to the honey and pepperoni pizza. It wasn't our favorite but would likely suit those looking for a lighter snack. Only complaint was that the cornicione on the honey and pepperoni pizza was quite wide in some places, so a couple of the slices were a bit dry.

Cozy dinner dining experience. I ordered the risotto and it was very unique and tasty. We also ordered the garlic bread which was pretty much just cheesy bread. Portion sizes are pretty decent, and they have a nice selection of dessert options. Good service and intimate atmosphere. 5/5 stars!

Directions to Bufala River District with public transportation

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