Design Crush: Virtuous Pie is Old World Meets Modern Italian

Take a peek inside Chinatown’s new plant-based pizzeria.

Vancouver’s Virtuous Pie has a simple philosophy behind their menu: food should taste great, be good for you and support a healthy planet. With just eight handmade pizza options, a choice few seasonally inspired salads and a selection of vegan ice creams, executive chef Jim Vesal has crafted a mouthwatering array of plant-based items that we suspect will satisfy even the most devout pizza purists.Despite the green menu, the design goal for the 18-seat restaurant was to create a space that did not immediately suggest a stereotypical green feel. In keeping with this, designer Karin Bohn of House of Bohn created a space inspired by classic old world Italy, combining it with a modern aesthetic that embraces the owner’s healthy ideals.Pulling design inspiration from architectural details noted on a recent trip to Rome, Bohn incorporated a mix of old world building materials, such as marble, travertine and black wooden studded cladding, while modern details like brass light fixtures and custom designed seating tie everything together for a current look. The bar front, cladded with black wooden studs, was inspired by unique architecture found in Rome. The wood burning stove is the centrepiece of the kitchen, turning out pizzas in just six minutes from the time you order. One of Bohn’s favourite elements are the vintage red tiled bathrooms, designed to pay homage to the restaurant’s location in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown.  Classic brick arches, combined with clean lined custom furniture, create a seamless blend of old and new. Bohn introduced modern details throughout the space, like these custom brass pendant lights. Behind the counter sits a collection of carefully curated pieces, including ceramics from Group Partner, which add an eclectic element of humour to the decor.

Virtuous Pie583 Main St., VancouverSunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.Friday to Saturday: 11 a.m. 11 p.m.

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