Best new Vancouver restaurants of 2015 (so far)

It’s the halfway mark in 2015, so it’s time to look back on the new restaurants that have debuted so far, and determine the leaders in the pack.

Here are our picks for the 5 best new Vancouver restaurants of 2015 (so far):

Sai Woo

Few new developments in Vancouver’s Chinatown exemplify a trending meld of new-meets-old more than Sai Woo, which is housed in and named for the chop suey spot that was previously there. Sai Woo is the work of restaurateur Salli Pateman (Section 3) and chef Douglas Chang (West, Bambudda), and together they’ve infused this fully renovated gem into a palace of light with a menu of Canadian-Chinese flavour-packed dishes.

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Address: 158 E Pender Street, Chinatown
Phone: 604-568-1117
Website: saiwoo.ca

Bauhaus

All eyes have been on Gastown’s Bauhaus since word first crept out that it was poised to become director Uwe Boll’s foray into fine dining. Already rising to the leaderboard on some major nationwide lists of major players, Bauhaus has challenged Vancouver’s diners with its German-inspired high-quality fare, and the notion of value. Go for the tasting menu (if you want to go all out), a power lunch, or a drink and bar snack.

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Address: 1 West Cordova Street, Gastown
Phone: 604-974-1147
Website: bauhaus-restaurant.com

AnnaLena

There is much happening in Kitsilano in the food world, including the exciting new AnnaLena, courtesy former Top Chef Canada competitor Mike Robbins. In Robbins’ hands, food is an artistic expression, and this love of beauty and whimsy of food is evident in the art and video game-intense decor. There has been much worthy praise so far of AnnaLena, and with the restaurant expanding into brunch territory, that fan base is sure to widen.

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Address: 1809 West 1st Avenue, Kitsilano
Phone:778-379-4052
Website: www.annalena.ca

WildTale Coastal Grill

Fresh seafood and a chill California vibe is what Yaletown’s WildTale is all about. The team behind the Flying Pig have turned the former Glowbal Grill (where they also worked) into their casually chic ocean-centric eatery, complete with a fresh sheet of just-caught specials and service aimed at making guests feel at home.

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Address: 1079 Mainland Street, Yaletown
Phone: 604-428-9211
Website: wildtale.ca

Beach Bay Café + Patio

A major renovation has brought vibrant new life to the onetime Raincity Grill spot. Now the Beach Bay Café + Patio, this seaside escape steps from English Bay offers a menu of west coast-inspired fare with an emphasis on locally-sourced produce and sustainability. In the kitchen is Executive Chef Scott Korzack (previously at L’Abattoir and Bambudda), and running the bar program is Adrian Lindner, stirring up fresh new cocktails. The patio offers a not-to-be-missed view, too.

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Address: 1193 Denman Street, West End
Phone: 604-685-7337
Website: www.beachbaycafe.com
A few other notable spots that have opened so far in 2015:

• Banh Mi Saigon
• The Heatley
• Bao Down
• The Greek by Anatoli
• Giardino (opened June 30)

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We’re still waiting for these places to open their doors:

• Supermarine
• Torafuku
• Bodega
• Mian Bawarchi
• Fat Mao
• Royal Dinette