Industry Award - Front of the House

Francessco Alongi

A passionate opera singer and a legendary host, Vancouver's restaurateur Francesco Alongi created another chapter in fine dining. Opened in late August of 2002, at the age of 61, Francesco Alongi redecorated Burrard Street premises into a spectacular dining atmosphere, Don Francesco Ristorante. In 1975, Alongi started his own restaurant on Richards Street self-named 'Francesco Alongi Ristorante Italiano. The 15 years of running one of Vancouver's finest Italian restaurants, Alongi created signature dishes that attracted the attentions of even celebrities and even former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.

Legendary host Francesco Alongi has continued the family legacy of restaurateurs, begun by his grandfather in his native Italy, bringing to the heart of Vancouver an Italian oasis, just steps from fashionable Robson Street. Serving celebrities and residents alike, Don Francesco Ristorante treats all patrons like royalty.