G’day,
Those in the know, know where to go.
We’re excited to have just launched our latest episode of Mates on Crates, featuring Paul Grunberg, Co-owner of Banda Volpi Group in Vancouver BC. Founded by Paul Grunberg and Craig Stanghetta, Banda Volpi is a hospitality group behind four distinctive Italian-inspired restaurants: Savio Volpe, Pepino’s Spaghetti House, Caffè La Tana, and Elio Volpe. Each establishment has its own personality and culinary identity, but all share a commitment to generous hospitality, thoughtful food programming, and creating a genuine sense of community. As a seasoned restaurateur, Paul has built his career around creating memorable dining experiences and developing strong hospitality teams. Alongside his wife Emily, who plays an instrumental role in the group's culture, systems, and operations, and his business partner Craig, Paul has helped grow Banda Volpe into a multi-restaurant operation while maintaining a consistent approach to hospitality. His particular strength is understanding that a great restaurant experience extends well beyond the food, encompassing everything from the first greeting to the relationships built with guests and staff.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Paul to chat about the evolution of Banda Volpe, preserving the legacy of Nick's Spaghetti House when it became Pepino's, the challenges and opportunities facing Vancouver's hospitality industry, and all of Paul's favourite spots.
Each time we do a Mates on Crates interview, our guests share up to twenty of their favourites with us. For each episode, only a handful of those favourites make it into the final two minute cut. In order to highlight all of our guest’s favourites, we are happy to share the full list of favourites right here.
Paul’s favourites at Pepino’s:
Main: Lobster Spaghetti
Pairing: Pepino's Mouse House Red
Dessert: Tiramisu
The FULL LIST of Paul’s Local Favourites:
Burger: The Gull (North Van), Between 2 Buns
Coffee: Café Calabria
Cuisine: French and Italian
Dying to Try: Bistrot à Franky (Montreal), Bevel
Food Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant and Cambie
French: Le Crocodile by Rob Feenie
Hidden Gem: The Garden Strathcona
Italian: Ask for Luigi
Last Meal That Blew Them Away: Linny's (Toronto)
Neighbourhood Favourites: Timbertrain Coffee Roasters, Earnest Icecream, Livia
Pizza: Belli
Thanks for joining us, Paul!
Watch Paul’s full Mates on Crates Episode below.
