OSITA has officially opened on Vancouver’s east side in the heart of Little Italy on Commercial Drive. Located in the former location of Federico’s Supper Club, new owner Jesse Sugarman wants to keep that old school supper club vibe alive, offering shareable snacks, creative cocktails, and an eclectic range of live entertainment.

The concept behind OSITA evolved from the creation of OSITO, which was created in 2019 by Sugarman along with project designer Jennifer Lynch, to showcase the talent of local artists. Sugarman is also one of the owners of The Charlatan Restaurant on Commercial Drive.

OSITA has been completely revamped and modernized, creating an airy, open room concept with a central horseshoe shaped bar with ample seating, along with tables and booths for more intimate dining. There’s a small stage at the far end, and the front windows open completely giving it that alfresco dining experience, that works nicely with their blended menu offering of west coast comfort food and Spanish inspired tapas.

The space is going to be for multi-purpose use according to Sugarman, stating that a new French bistro concept will be set up during the daytime hours, before switching over to evening dinner service and later night entertainment. Daytime will have a more relaxed, chill, hang out over French press coffee and fresh baked goods sort of vibe, while their evening Michelin trained kitchen team is dedicated to serving local, fresh Mediterranean flavours meant to be shared with friends. There’s also a late night menu for night owls on the prowl.

In terms of cocktails, there’s no shortage of mixology creations, with each libation being prepared with fresh ingredients, and a 2 oz pouring of your favourite liquor/elixir. Click here for a sampling of creative cocktails available, along with a selection of other spirits, wines, ciders, and craft beer.

The OSITA stage will create a platform for many different styles of local artists. From Jazz bands like the East Van Django Jazz All-Stars, Surf and Latin, to Burlesque from Pin Up Posse , Cabaret and Flamenco. The great part about this venue is that dancing is allowed despite a current moratorium, due to the existing grandfather clause that has been handed down from Frederico’s to OSITA. There will even be karaoke with cash prizes, and other fun events planned throughout the year.

Here’s a look at the former Federico’s Supper Club that closed in spring 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic, after a 20-plus year run. Here’s hoping OSITA enjoys the same success over the next 20 years.

Check out their full Calendar of Events, make a reservation, then get ready to snack, sip, and swing dance the evening away.

OSITA – 1728 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A3

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.