7 hottest new restaurants and cafes in Vancouver right now
New Vancouver restaurants are our three favourite words, so here’s the latest in local food and beverage.
There are tons of establishments in and around the city that have recently opened for the first time, but how do you pick which ones are worth hitting up?
We’ve done the tough work for you and created this shortlist of reopenings and openings you should be paying attention to — you’re welcome, foodies.
Here are the best new restaurants in and around Vancouver that you need to try.
Novella
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The newest addition to Mount Pleasant’s delicious dining scene, Novella, is finally open. We popped in to check it out ahead of the official launch.
Part coffee bar, part breakfast spot, and part neighbourhood grocer, Novella is all about community and supporting local purveyors and producers.
You’ll find many notable names associated with the “all-in-one project,” including Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson and Ash Kurtz, the chefs who curated a delicious, elevated daytime menu for the launch.
Address: 2650 Main Street, Vancouver
To Live For Bakery
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Erin Ireland, a celebrated Vancouver-based vegan food blogger and business owner, has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get this space ready for patrons, and now they can check it out for themselves!
Just like To Live For’s treats, the bakery cafe is nothing short of delightful.
The East Vancouver space offers tons of natural light, lush greenery, and ample seating for adults and kiddos alike. There’s also a glass wall where customers can view bakery staff putting the finishing touches on drool-worthy baked goods.
Address: 1508 Nanaimo Street, Vancouver
Milk Bar at Nordstrom Pacific Centre
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Milk Bar was founded by James Beard award-winning pastry chef Christina Tosi. This celebrated figure in the sweet treat scene was featured on Netflix’s smash hit Chef’s Table: Pastry a few years back.
Now, the cult-favourite bakery has made its way to Vancouver.
Patrons can now enjoy an epic lineup of treats for launch, including the Compost Cookie, Cereal Milk Soft Serve, Birthday Cake, Cake Truffles, and Pie.
Address: Nordstrom Pacific Centre — 799 Robson Street, Vancouver
The Darkside
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Vancouver’s new Asian gastropub, The Darkside, soft-launched a few weeks ago, and you know we had to step in and see what was cooking at the fresh Chinatown destination.
Partners are calling this concept “TOTT” for the initial opening period.
It’s the restaurant’s short-term pop-up that allows diners to wet their whistles when it comes to what the fully-finished eatery will offer once it grand opens in January 2023.
Address: 219 Union Street, Vancouver
Chop Steakhouse & Bar Coal Harbour
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The company, which coins itself as offering “Canada’s ultimate steak experience,” has had branded boarding up around 1055 Canada Place #26 since March, and it’s finally time to share what’s been going on behind the scenes.
Formerly the location of a Bellaggio Cafe, the new, upscale space boasts seating for 120 people inside and another 100 people on its waterfront patio.
Forty of those outdoor spots will be in the soon-to-come enclosed and heated patio, the remainder will be cozy under heaters too, though.
Chop Coal Harbour also boasts a mezzanine level that offers plenty of comfortable seating and views of the water. There truly isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Address: Vancouver Convention Centre West Building — 1055 Canada Place #26, Vancouver
Phone: 604-306-2222
Bagheera
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Nothing piques our interest quite like a secret. And here’s one we can (kind of) share with you. Bagheera, a new opulent hidden lounge, is about to launch in Vancouver.
Named after the fictional black panther in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, this concept aims to remain largely hush-hush for the time being.
Seeing as the entrance to Bagheera is concealed behind a Chinatown betting shop, we certainly don’t think it will be in danger of overexposure off the bat.
The Farmhouse
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Vancouver’s new Italian joint, The Farmhouse, just officially opened its doors, and we stepped in to check it out.
The long-awaited, farm-to-table spot is a cozy addition to our city’s already stellar Italian culinary scene. From what we can see, this eatery has instantly become a hit with folks in the neighbourhood.
The Farmhouse serves up countryside-inspired, Northern Italian fare in a rustic dining room.
Brought to us by the Viaggio Hospitality Group, the new 352 E 10th Avenue restaurant has been in the works since Spring 2021.
Address: 352 East 10th Avenue, Vancouver
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