6488 University Boulevard, Vancouver

Tel: (604) 827-2210

Web: http://www.food.ubc.ca/place/mercante/

Twitter: @ubcfood

Advice: No reservations, takeaway available. Their green boxes for takeout, can be folded to make plates and a smaller box for leftovers.

To my excitement finding an authentic Italian Cucina on the UBC campus was a welcome surprise, located at Ponderosa Commons which is close to the Sauder School of Business. This 60 seat restaurant with a large open dining area features made-to-order traditional Italian pizzas cooked in a 700 degree hot stone hearth oven at prices under $10 for full size Neapolitan style pizzas. You will also find a selection of house-made pastas, salads, and desserts. They also serve some Italian specialties for breakfast as well as specialty coffees and other cold beverages.

I indulged in a couple of salads to start, the Insalata di Bietole ($6.50) Roasted beets, blue cheese, mixed greens, walnuts, balsamic glaze; and the refreshing Arugula Goat Cheese Salad ($6.50) with sliced apples.

I also had the delicious and hearty Lasagna Bolognese ($8.50) with béchamel, beef and tomato sauce; along with a couple of pizzas including the Al Pesto ($9.95) Pesto, pancetta, zucchini, basil, mozzarella, roasted artichokes; followed by the Prosciutto e Rucola ($9.95) Tomato, prosciutto, arugula, bocconcini, basil.

For dessert, I had the outstanding Tiramisu ($5.65) made with ladyfingers, espresso, coffee liqueur, port, rum, cacao, and mascarpone cream a heavenly and delicious dessert.

Heading to the UBC campus, this is a must visit spot for some Italian eats whether eating in or taking a pizza pie to go!

Review by: Richard Wolak

6488 University Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada