Umberto Menghi for the past 32 years has been the institution of traditional Italian cuisine in Vancouver. His restaurant, Il Giardino, is an authentic expression of the flavors of Tuscany, stylistically clean and always in line with the seasons. Remarkable watermelon, burrata and balsamic spheres on a bed of pesto and Parma ham. There is a perfect contrast between the sweet burrata and the salted ham; all made fresh by a perfectly ripe and balsamic watermelon spheres that are not just decorative. The extra virgin olive oil is is an applaud-worthy taste experience. The wine list is extraordinarily varied and profound.