Bufala River District (2026): Wood-Fired Pizza, Infused Olive Oils and a Bright, Easy Room

Bufala sits on Sawmill Crescent in the River District, down by the Fraser in southeast Vancouver. It’s a neighbourhood pizza place, but the space is bigger than you expect. The room goes way back from the front door, so when we walked in, a server came up and walked us all the way to our table. Small thing, but nice.

Pink globe lights over the bar at Bufala River District.

The room

It’s bright. Big windows, high ceilings, light wood tables and a cluster of pink globe lights hanging over the bar. Booths run along the side and there are high-top tables near the front. It works for a family dinner or a date night, and it doesn’t feel cramped even when it’s busy.

Booths and window seats deeper in the room.

The olive oils

Each table gets three bottles of infused olive oil. Our server came over and explained what each one was. You drizzle them on the crust. I liked having the choice, and it’s a good reason to finish your crusts.

Three infused olive oils on every table.

Pepperoni & Honey pizza ($25)

This is the one to order. Crispy pepperoni, mozzarella, Calabrian chili honey, radicchio and parmigiano on a wood-fired Neapolitan crust. The edge is puffy and charred in spots, with a good chew, and the middle is thin. Sweet, salty and a little spicy all in one bite.

Pepperoni & Honey ($25): crispy pepperoni, chili honey and radicchio.

Rigatoni Bolognese ($24)

Big rigatoni tubes in a beef and pork bolognese, covered in a snowfall of parmigiano. The pasta had a nice bite and the sauce clung to every piece. Simple and comforting.

Chicken Parmigiana ($28 at the time)

Two pieces of breaded chicken under melted cheese and tomato sauce, with spaghetti and basil. A generous plate. The chicken stayed crispy under the sauce.

Kids Cheesy Bowties ($8)

Bowtie pasta in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a real portion, not an afterthought, and at $8 it’s an easy win if you’re bringing kids.

Dessert: Budino ($12) and an apricot scoop ($4)

The budino came with apricots, blackberries, mint and a crumble of cake on top. Creamy, fruity and not too sweet. We also got a single scoop of apricot gelato for $4, and it tasted like real fruit.

Budino ($12) with apricot, blackberries and cake crumble.

Service

Service was good. Being walked to our seat, and having someone come over to explain the olive oils, made it feel looked after. And they didn’t do the thing I hate, where the server comes by to ask “how is everything?” right when your mouth is full.

Price and value

Pepperoni & Honey, Chicken Parmigiana, the kids’ pasta, the budino and a scoop came to $77 before tax, $80.85 with GST, for three of us at the time. For wood-fired pizza and full pasta plates in Vancouver, that’s fair. They also run half-price brunch before 11 am on weekends. Note that a 20% gratuity is added for parties of 7 or more, and gluten-free penne is available for +$2.

The dinner menu: starters, salads, pastas, pizzas and mains.

How to get in touch

Address: 3489 E Sawmill Crescent, Vancouver, BC (River District)
Website: bufala.ca
Phone: (604) 423-9594
Hours: Mon–Thu 4–10 pm; Fri 11:30 am–11 pm; Sat 10 am–11 pm; Sun 10 am–10 pm (weekend brunch until 2 pm)
Reservations: OpenTable
Price: pizzas about $22–$27, pastas $24–$28, kids’ pasta $8

More Italian and pizza on the site: our Osteria Otto review on East 8th, and Uncle Fatih’s Pizza for a quick slice.

604 Food Critics Assessment

Bufala River District does what a neighbourhood Italian spot should. The wood-fired pizza is the reason to come, especially the Pepperoni & Honey, and the pastas and chicken parm hold their own. The room is bright and roomy, the infused olive oils are a nice touch, and the staff look after you without hovering. Good for families, groups or an easy date night.

Food: 5/5
Service: 5/5
Atmosphere: 5/5

Have you been? Tell me which olive oil you ended up drizzling on your crust.