Best-known for its postcard-perfect Vancouver cityscapes, Coal Harbour will soon have another draw: NOX, the contemporary Italian restaurant the neighbourhood has been eagerly waiting for.
Named after the ancient Roman goddess of the night, Nox is the latest restaurant project from Alejandro Diaz and Chef Sam Fabbro, the team behind New Westminster’s award-winning el Santo. This time they’re using their love of West Coast ingredients and influences to inspire the contemporary Italian cuisine they’ll be plating for NOX guests.
It’s a reflection of the two worlds he grew up in, says Chef Fabbro: “Being of Italian descent — having that heritage and culinary background — but honing my craft in the West Coast culinary scene, I’ve always enjoyed bringing those two sides together when I cook for myself and for those I love. That’s why I’m so excited to draw from the full breadth of my background and cook this way for our guests at NOX.”
The food and service will be the stars of the show, served in an elegant space that’s minimal by design, says Managing Director Alejandro Diaz. “NOX is contemporary but not trendy,” he says. “There will always be new trends in restaurant decor, service or food options, and although it’s important to recognize this, we know that no matter what we do, if the food at the restaurant is not great and doesn’t make guests feel special, people won’t come back. At NOX, we expect to see many regulars.”
The West Coast’s “micro-seasons” and the Italian philosophy of using what is fresh and local will influence changing menus; only when traditional ingredients can’t be made in house or sourced locally will they be imported from Italy. Similarly, the wine list, created by General Manager and Wine Director Lucia Nahacka, will focus on boutique wineries practicing sustainable approaches in both Italy and B.C.
Like so many new ventures in Vancouver, the opening of NOX — first announced in 2020 — was delayed by the pandemic. The wait has given the team even more time to refine their vision, and only increased their excitement to bring it to life. “They say good things come to those who wait, and we certainly believe that’s the case with NOX,” says Diaz.
Further details about NOX, including food and drink menus, will be announced in the weeks ahead. For more information, or to stay up to date on all the latest developments, follow @noxrestaurant on Instagram.
