Well, that was one heck of a year when it came to eating and drinking. Just looking back at the list of eateries and bars that opened in 2018 makes us feel full.
The year brought some serious game changers to the playing field for grub – both well-known chains and local creations like nothing else we’ve seen before. Some were groundbreaking and precedent-setting – like BC’s first-ever strictly-vegan cheese shop and the largest Indian buffet in North America – while others were just simply delicious.
See also
- Here are the best new Vancouver coffee shops of 2018
- These were the biggest food trends in Canada in 2018
- 4 highly-anticipated international chains opening in Vancouver
It’s always a hard choice to narrow down the best from the list, but someone’s got to do it in the name of food.
These are Vancouver’s best new restaurants of 2018.
Their There
Hanna McLean / Daily Hive
Who knew that a casual cafe and coffee spot would steal the hearts of some many locals. Their There is brought to us by the same folks behind ultra-cool eatery AnnaLena. Aside from having a killer atmosphere in the heart of Kits, the new spot offers a delicious selection of breakfast sandwiches, lunchtime eats, and baked goods along with coffee. Keep an eye out for Their There’s new after-hours sister concept, Hundy, set to open in the next few weeks.
Address: 2042 West 4 Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 778-379-4052
Aleph Eatery
Aleph interior (Photo: Matthew Murtagh-Wu)
Nestled into the forefront of East Van’s backdrop of train tracks, mountains, brick streets, and water is a re-creation of Palestine (aka home) through the eyes of the husband-wife team: Palestinian born Lebanese chef-owner Haitham El Khatib and his native Vancouverite wife, Fiona. Epic eats, and a stellar brunch menu too (available seven days a week). This awesome Lebanese spot was refreshing and welcomed in East Vancouver this year.
Address: 1889 Powell Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-428-7975
Tocador
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Tocador has continued to impress patrons since it opened its doors in February. A punch of colour and Cuban flare in an often rainy Vancouver, this spot serves up some awesome cocktails and one delicious Cubano sandwich. This hideaway lands high on our list of unique new spots to eat and drink in the city.
Address: 2610 Main Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-620-2433
Elisa Steak
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In an era where Beyond Meat Burgers have never been in higher demand, it’s impressive that a new steakhouse in the heart of Yaletown created such a buzz (but with such an acclaimed team behind it, we’re not too surprised). Elisa’s flame-grilled premium cuts, seafood, and outstanding (and massive) wine collection had everyone asking, is the higher price point worth a visit? Our answer is a hard yes.
Address: 1109 Hamilton Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-362-5443
Moltaqa
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Get away without stepping out of Vancouver, Moltaqa was a nice surprise for adventurous foodies. Located in Gastown, the authentic Morrocan eatery serves up traditional tagine cooking using no oils, along with offerings like fresh bread, harissa, and prawn cocktails – with a side of belly dancing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Address: 51 W Hastings Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-696-4055
Downlow Chicken Shack
While it’s easy to generate buzz as a brand new Vancouver restaurant and concept, it’s tricky to maintain an air of excitement around the business for a longer period of time. Downlow Chicken has been able to do this will a stellar menu that revolves around Nashville Hot Chicken (Vancouver’s first foray into this specific style for a brick and mortar eatery). The delight we get from the staff, room, and food at this Commercial Drive concept is neverending, and the team keeps bringing us back for more with a weekly burger pop-up and revolving daily specials.
Address: 905 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Phone: 604-283-1385
Honourable mentions
We couldn’t leave out some epic eateries we love that haven’t been open that long. These spots are also must-tries and we look forward to seeing what comes out of the kitchens at these highly-anticipated new restaurants.
Como Taperia
Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
Boasting a menu of eats that taste like they’re straight from Spain, Como offers a selection of conservas and delicious tapas dishes and plates like Patatas Bravos, Goat Cheese-stuffed Peppers, Croquetas de Jamón, and Chicken Livers to name a few.
Address: 201 East 7 Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-879-3100
Verre
Rich Won/Daily Hive
Verre’s space can seat 75 people, and those lucky folks will be able to enjoy an inaugural fall/winter menu starting next week. The menu is easy to split around the table, meaning families and groups will love it here. The bar, however, is also a great spot to settle down solo to enjoy a drink and a bite.
Address: 550 Denman Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-428-4843
Ubuntu Canteen
Rich Won/Daily Hive
Ubuntu Canteen has officially opened in the former location of much-loved Bows and Arrows on Fraser Street. The new Vancouver eatery will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner while offering patrons service Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 3 pm and 5 pm to close.
Address: 4194 Fraser Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-336-9097
Dachi
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Dachi, Vancouver’s newest culinary and cocktail destination, just officially opened its doors. The new spot is open daily at 5 pm for dinner service, where patrons can expect a stunning interior space, a charming bar serving up wine, beer, and cocktails, and an inspired menu of seasonal eats.
Address: 2297 E Hastings Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-569-0456
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