These are Vancouver's best new restaurants and cafes of 2019
Well, it 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 2019 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 seriously noteworthy — like Japanese matcha cafe Tsujiri and the first North American location of Lebanese chain Zaatar w Zeit — while others were just simply delicious.
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It’s always a hard choice to narrow down the best from the list, but someone’s got to do it.
We chose some of our favourites located in and around Vancouver, here are the best new restaurants and cafes that opened in 2019.
Do Chay Saigon Vegetarian
Black Truffle Tofu (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
This Kingsway gem is delightful as heck. If you haven’t been yet we suggest you get there stat. The entire menu here is vegetarian, and almost all of it is vegan too. The Vietnamese fare is traditional, but much of it has a charming modern flare.
Address: 1392 Kingsway, Vancouver
Phone: 604-225-8349
BETA5 Chocolates
Beta5 Cafe
Cream puff lovers rejoice! We’ve never had an issue heading to BETA5’s production space to grab one of its amazing cream puffs and award-winning chocolates, but this year we finally got a place to sit down and eat up in style. BETA5 opened its cafe at 409 Industrial Avenue in November. Folks can now head here to enjoy caffeinated beverages and treats.
Address: 409 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver
BeetBox Veg
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It’s not often you hear of a crispy-fried and truly solidified Southern chicken spot venturing into the world of plant-based vegan eats, but Vancouver’s Juke Fried Chicken did exactly that, and we love it. BeetBox offers plant-based burgers, wraps, sandwiches, along with sides like chili cheeze fries, roasted broccoli with mushroom XO sauce, and more.
Address: 1074 Davie Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-233-8269
Flourist Bakery, Mill & Cafe
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Flourist (formerly known as GRAIN) finally has a brick-and-mortar spot to sell its fully traceable grains, beans, and flours. But that’s not all that’s happening here: Flourist’s new 2800-sq-ft space offers sourdough bread baked daily using fresh flour stone-milled on-site, along with an all-day menu of eats.
Address: 3433 Commercial Street, Vancouver
Downlow Burgers at The American
Merch Burger with Bacon (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)
Downlow Burgers started as a pop-up moonlighting at the uber popular Downlow Chicken Shack on Commercial Drive. This year the burger joint got a brick-and-mortar home at The American where it serves up an extended menu of eats alongside its drool-worthy sky-high burgers.
Address: 926 Main Street, Vancouver
Livia
Rich Won/Daily Hive
Livia opened right at the beginning of 2019, and almost one year later, it’s still one of our favourites. Patrons who head here can expect a delightful selection of bread-based breakfast and lunch items from Livia along with pastries and a pasta program.
Address: 1339 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
Phone: 604-423-3869
The Magnet
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The 309 West Pender Street spot for “food, beer, and the occasional stiff drink” took over the former space of EXP Restaurant + Bar, which closed in June 2018, and we think it’s top-notch. Whether you’re heading in for a simple brew of one of The Magnet’s hearty, quality dishes, you won’t leave unsatisfied.
Address: 309 West Pender Street, Vancouver
Shameless Buns
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We love what these guys are up to, and we can’t wait to see what they do next. The menu here also offers two vegetarian options, including the “Jacked Up Coconut” fries or sandwich, made from amazing jackfruit coconut adobo which is seriously worth trying even if you’re not sticking to a plant-based diet.
Address: Check the Street Food App
Phone: 604-961-0755
OEB – Yaletown
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OEB might be a Canadian mini-chain based out of Calgary, but the first BC location left a good impression on us and — judging by the constant waitlist — on much of Vancouver’s brunch crowd as well. The 1137 Marinaside Avenue space (formerly the Hurrican Grill) has been completely transformed into a vibrant, fresh room complete with living moss walls, and broken eggshell-inspired lighting.
Address: 1137 Marinaside Avenue, Vancouver
Nemesis Polygon
Hanna McLean/Daily Hive
Nemesis Polygon is pretty different from the OG Nemesis in Gastown, and it truly deserves a shoutout. From house-made breads to pastries and small plates, Nemesis’ new North Shore location offers ample seating, amazing vibes, and a fantastic selection when it comes to sweet and savoury eats.
Address: 101 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
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