About Us
This is Jessica and Danilo, and Casa Riva is the realization of a dream years in the making.
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Chef Danilo Luca brings his Southern Italian roots and extensive restaurant experience to the kitchen. Raised around long family lunches and the magic of simple ingredients transformed with love, he has spent his career opening and leading restaurants with one guiding principle: hospitality is an act of generosity, and every guest should feel like they’ve been welcomed into someone’s home.
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Jessica handles the heart and soul of the front of house and guest experience. Together, they are passionate about creating a community hub where people feel seen, celebrated, and truly at home.
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For both, the greatest luxury has never been fine dining. It has always been a full table - with good food, great wine, and even better company.
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They're so grateful to be part of the Ladysmith community and can’t wait to welcome you as family at Casa Riva.
OUR RESTAURANT
Nestled in the historic 1905 building at
18 Roberts Street in the heart of Ladysmith, Casa Riva is more than a restaurant - it’s a true gathering place where Coastal Italian warmth meets Vancouver Island charm.
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We created Casa Riva to be a non-stuffy, welcoming home for locals and visitors alike. A place where fresh handmade pasta, local seafood, and slow-cooked Southern Italian flavours come together around big tables filled with laughter, stories, and connection. Our charming indoor dining room and sunny back patio are perfect for family dinners, date nights, celebrations, or simply a relaxed meal with friends.
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At Casa Riva, every guest is family. Whether you’re joining us for a quick lunch or a long evening of wine and conversation, you’ll leave feeling nourished in both body and spirit.
We can’t wait to welcome you through our doors.
OUR KITCHEN
Led by Chef Danilo Luca, our kitchen is rooted in the bold, generous spirit of Southern Italy and infused with the freshest flavours of Vancouver Island.
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Born in Southern Italy, Chef Danilo grew up surrounded by crowded Sunday tables and the aroma of simmering sauces. Those early experiences taught him that food is love, connection, and celebration. Today, he brings that same philosophy to every plate at Casa Riva: honest ingredients, time-honoured techniques, and dishes made for sharing.
Expect handmade pastas, rich ragùs, fresh local seafood, wood-fired pizzas, comforting antipasti, and desserts that feel like a warm hug from Nonna. We work closely with island farmers, fishers, and producers to celebrate what’s fresh and seasonal.
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In our kitchen, nothing is rushed. Everything is prepared with care, generosity, and the belief that a great meal brings people together.
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