In times of travel restrictions, the best way to connect with other cultures and expand our world view is through food! Restaurants played an important role in providing us safe, fun, and delicious moments during this challenging time, and despite all obstacles, many amazing places have safely opened doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As if this wasn’t good enough, many more are yet to come, so here’s our selection of 10 recently-opened restaurants in Vancouver and 10 opening soon to watch out for!
10 new restaurants opened during the pandemic
Here is a selection of 10 new restaurants that despite the pandemic, worked hard and safely to bring us joy and delight during these weird times.
Barbara
Where: 305, East Pender Street
Patrick Hennessy was one of the sous chefs at New York’s Eleven Madison Park, which topped off the World’s Best Restaurant Award in 2017 and was the same at Chambar and Kissa Tanto in Vancouver. Small space, small plates, big talent - that’s what you can expect from Barbara.
From @eatdochay on Instagram
Do Chay Yaletown
Where: 1269, Hamilton Street
Do Chay serves mostly vegan and vegetarian Vietnamese dishes with bright and fresh flavors! Each plate is filling but not too heavy, so you can keep trying many of the creations each visit. Space has a relaxed and cool vibe, with a nice patio and natural light.
Mila
Where: 185, Keefer Street
Calling all plant-based lovers (and everyone who loves a tasteful meal): MILA was created to prove that doing good for the planet doesn't have to come with compromise. Innovative and internationally-inspired, the dishes are sophisticated, yet very approachable.
Oca Pastificio
Where: 1260, Commercial Drive
Italian roots are all over the plate - Oca Pastificio serves that traditional pasta to please all the tough nonnas! A cozy spot, serving honest, fresh, handcrafted pasta, based on local and seasonal ingredients, with a good wine selection.
From @published.on.main on Instagram
Published
Where: 3593, Main Street
One of those places that every dish looks like a painting. Innovative and contemporary culinary at its finest - the idea is to tell stories through food, mixing rare and common ingredients in a unique flavor.
Capo and The Spritz
Where: 350, Davie Street
A great neighborhood restaurant is at the hub of a community: Capo and The Spritz is everything you want from your favorite local spot: a pizzeria to chill and eat delicious Italian food, with a high level of attention to detail and quality!
Straight and Marrow
Where: 1869 Powell St
Fine dining experience alert! Straight and Marrow has a multicultural approach to dining with its foundation in French technique. The imaginative environment set the perfect mood to dive into the creative and unique dishes of the menu. The cocktail selection is definitely a highlight!
Street Auntie Aperitivo House
Where: 1039 Granville St.
“Fusion is confusion” - that’s the motto at Street Auntie Aperitivo House. The restaurant is an innovative new culinary concept inspired by the comfort, soul, and flavors of authentic Chinese street food. Weekly menus are posted on Instagram, @streetauntie.
Zubu Ramen
Where: 2129 W 41st Ave (Kerrisdale), 788 Main St (West Vancouver), 4575 Central Blvd M01, (Burnaby)
Always forward-looking while respecting the past and traditions, ZUBU offers up the perfect balance of new and old. Besides a variety of ramen options, diners may enjoy an electric menu that features temaki, hand-made gyoza, and more. ZUBU has expanded to four locations in the Lower Mainland; Olympic Village, Kerrisdale, Metrotown, and Park Royal in West Vancouver.
From @potluckyvr on Instagram
Potluck Hawker Eatery
Where: 3424 Cambie St
Potluck Hawker Eatery is a counter-service style restaurant inspired by the food and sense of community of South-East Asian hawker street food markets. The small eatery serves Malaysian inspired cuisine and the essence of the restaurant is centered around the ritual of a potluck, with moms or dads spending the day in the kitchen preparing their family’s signature dish and contributing to the table.
10 Vancouver restaurants opening soon to watch for
Stay tuned - these are the must-go places so far in 2021!
Juanita
Where: 1516, Yew Street
Juanita aspires to be an all-day full-service restaurant bringing guests of the Kitsilano Beach community an approachable yet elevated breakfast and lunch. Located in the ex-Blue Martini space, the place is a project from the same team behind North Vancouver's Lift bakery and brunch spot. Looking forward to this opening!
Paul
Where: 1164, Robson Street
It’s finally happening! The French bakery Paul is opening its first Canadian location here in town! The bakery is known for its pastries and sweet treats, bread, and sandwiches, as well as its menu of casual French fare. We can´t wait to taste it.
From @laloteria.vancouver on Instagram
La Loteria
Where: 1011, Granville St
Taking Mexican street food to a whole new level - La Loteria promises to bring us authentic, homemade, and delicious recipes in a cool and casual atmosphere. More tortas, tostadas, and tamales in the city? Yes, please!
Cream Pony
Where: 111, 1st St E Unit B2
Baked and fried goodness: that’s what we all asked for! Cream Pony specialties include the most perfect fried chicken and fluffy soft donuts - how can it be better than that? I’ll have one of each, please.
Menya Itto
Where: 1479, Robson St
Known as “the king of Tsukemen”, Menya Itto is considered the one and only when it comes to tsukemen-style ramen - that's when you get a bowl of cold noodles served with a bowl of broth for dunking those noodles into. We are crazy to live this experience.
The Very Good Butchers
Where: West 5th at Alberta
Calling all the vegetarian and vegan folks! Finally, the Victoria-based business is opening a location in Vancouver: The Very Good Butchers are known for their fresh-made plant-based meat alternatives like sausages and burgers.
Saola
Where: 2415 Main St
The new concept coming to Mount Pleasant’s dining scene is designed to be a spot with diverse Asian cuisine inspired by travels and culinary backgrounds of its owners. Menu details are still to-be-released but you definitely can expect something unique.
From @honeybrewbar on Instagram
HoneyBrew Strudel
Where: 785, Davie Street
Bringing together tasty strudels, fresh pastries, small plates, beverages, and cozy vibes under the same roof right in Downtown Vancouver, HoneyBrew Strudel is the perfect candidate to be your new favorite spot for small groups social meet-ups!
Nox
Where: 1575, West Georgia St
A modern Italian restaurant “with West Coast flavor” - that’s the motto of Nox, the new spot opening soon in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour. The idea is to combine the best of Italian cooking with amazing local ingredients from B.C. to create something that is unlike any other Italian restaurant in the city. One thing we know for sure is that this menu will be deliciously surprising!
