Vancouver’s meat-free restaurant scene continues to expand, and now comes word the popular Meet on Main is adding a second location, Meet in Gastown.

Meet in Gastown will occupy the space vacated by Shirakawa. The latter, a high-concept Japanese fine dining import, was a gorgeous space and offering traditional fare with a modern twist, including beautiful plates of both raw and cooked fish. Shirakawa closed just last week, lasting barely over a year.

Shirakawa 2014-2015 (Ed Lau/Vancity Buzz)

More MeeT! Our 2nd location will open soon! #vancouver #yvr #gastown pic.twitter.com/KTFAWbZBR8

— meetonmain (@meetonmain) November 2, 2015

The Meet team elaborated Monday on Facebook that they are thrilled with their acquisition of the space, and that things could move quite swiftly for them with the transition. “We just got the keys on Friday to our sweet new spot in Gastown. We are really excited to get out new space open as soon as possible,” Meet On Main posted. “We’re looking to open in early January but may be able to take on some holiday parties in December.” [am2_see_also] Great news indeed for those who prefer to meet without meat! 

Best news since the first @meetonmain More opportunities to fill our bellies w/ awesome #plantpowered food. #nomnom https://t.co/1Di0XZlmTL — Vegan Vancouver (@Vegan_Vancouver) November 2, 2015

At the new Meet, expect to find a very similar menu to that of the Main street original. Meet partner Jason Antony told Vancity Buzz that they are excited to be moving into the space and giving Gastown some great plant-based options in an area that of late seems to boast a lot of charcuterie and other meat dishes.

Most of the Meet menu is vegan, or can be easily made vegan, and Antony is delighted to be able to use terrific plant-based dairy substitutes that have come on the market only in recent years. Still, Antony says Meet on Main, and now its sibling spot, aren’t about throwing the “vegan” or “vegetarian” label in anyone’s face. “We want to provide people some great food that just happens to be plant-based,” he explains.

The Shirakawa (and previously Boneta) space is quite open, with a lot of glass and other finishes that are a different vibe than the more raw, cozy, neighbourhood feel the first Meet reflects. Antony says they are exploring options for how Meet can really personalize and put their stamp on the space. Perhaps the most exciting feature is the beautiful courtyard patio, which will get put to great use come sunnier days.

Meet In Gastown

Address: 115-12 Water Street