7 Vancouver restaurants land on Air Canada's Best New Restaurant finalist list
Air Canada has just revealed its finalist list for Best New Restaurants in Canada, and a number of Vancouver spots have made the cut.
The airlines’ highly anticipated Top 10 list will be revealed on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, but the list of 31 finalists spanning Canada was revealed on Sept. 16.
“Food connects us to our roots, our communities, and to one another. Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants celebrates the stories and flavours that define Canada’s diverse culinary scene,” said Andrew Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. “Year after year, we are proud to showcase the people and places shaping Canada’s culinary identity – inspiring Canadians to discover new destinations and create unforgettable trips around the country’s most exciting dining experiences.”
Finalists for Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants are recognized for the quality of their food, the level of service they provide, and their commitment to culture and culinary creativity.
To qualify, restaurants must have opened between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, and be nominated by a national panel of trusted culinary voices. From there, an anonymous culinary expert visits the shortlisted restaurant to select both the finalist and the top 10.
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Going in alphabetical order, the first Vancouver finalist is none other than Elem, which is no stranger to the limelight, having also been named one of the best new spots in Canada by Canada’s 100 Best.
Here, chef Vish Mayekar (formerly of La Tana, Pepino’s, and Elio Volpe), alongside Hassib Sarwari and Winnie Sun of the celebrated modern Afghan restaurant Zarak is serving a menu largely inspired by Mayekar’s travels, featuring seafood, local produce, and bold flavours (think slow-cooked dishes inspired by Indian culinary practices). It also boasts a killer cocktail menu courtesy of Sun.
Next on the list is June, the restaurant and bar brought to us by the team behind Keefer Bar (and which is also home to the vinyl listening lounge Lala). This relaxed yet upscale restaurant is serving a menu featuring French-inspired West Coast fare from head chef Connor Sperling (previously Published on Main, Boulevard).
June has also received its fair share of accolades, including a mention as one of the most exciting new bars to visit in the world by World’s 50 Best.
Powell Street has received some special attention on this year’s finalist list, with two neighbouring restaurants being included: Niwa and Nero Tondo, both of which are farm-to-table eateries serving standout dishes located on Powell and Victoria Drive. Niwa serves up standout sake offerings, while Nero Tondo’s menu is so hyperlocal that it could actually change in the middle of service.
Selene, the Greek restaurant named after the goddess of the moon, located in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood, has also been named a finalist. Visitors here can expect a space inspired by the Aegean coast alongside standout eats, whether you’re visiting for brunch or dinner.
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Fans of yakitori will be pleased to hear that Sumibiyaki Arashi, chef Peter Ho’s intimate 14-seat restaurant, has also been selected. Ho displays his mastery over fire by flame-grilling each course on a charcoal grill in front of guests.
Finally, Sushi Hyun Omakase concludes the Vancouver inclusions on Air Canada’s list. At this omakase, owner and chef Juhyun Lee is serving a selection of seafood imported from Japan’s Toyosu Market served on a counter made of 200-year-old unblemished Hinoki.
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Air Canada’s Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada drops on Nov. 17, so be sure to check back here to see if your favourite restaurant made the final list.
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