Hot new restaurants, bars and cafes to try in the Vancouver area | Daily Hive

Juno Kim/Lala

Food-loving folks in Vancouver have a lot to be excited about these days. The weather is turning for the better, signalling patio season is coming in hot, and on top of that, it’s been an incredible run for restaurant openings lately.

We’ve seen some fantastic new additions to the dining scene, both in and around Vancouver. Some are flashy, internationally famous names, while others are fresh local spots that feel like instant classics.

Here’s a breakdown of who’s who in the zoo and where to eat the next time you’re craving a taste of something new.

The top of our hot list this week goes to Chez Céline. We’re excited to visit this new spot on Fraser Street. Reservations officially opened this week, and it opens May 23.

Chez Céline is the sister spot to Michelin-starred restaurant St. Lawrence, and so far, the reviews have been top-notch. The menu promises a “French affair”; think sourdough flatbread with escargots and green garlic butter.

In case you missed it, Taiwan’s famed XLB chain Din Tai Fung officially launched its first Canadian location in Vancouver in early May. In addition to the expertly crafted soup dumplings, there’s a lot more to explore here, food-wise, namely the famous cucumber salad and the string beans with garlic.

Kurobuta Pork Xiao Long Bao (Hanna McLean/Dished)

Aritzia might be known as a Canadian clothing retail company, but its in-store cafe concept, A-OK Cafe, gets some serious buzz too.

BC’s first in-store cafe of this concept launched in Aritzia’s newly expanded Guildford Town Centre Boutique in mid-May. The coffee spot is known for its espresso sips, teas, and pastries.

King Taps‘ two-storey waterfront spot opens very soon at Lonsdale Quay Market. You’ll find this flagship restaurant open starting May 27. It will serve the brand’s signature menu of grub like hand-stretched pizzas, pasta, handhelds, and beer, along with some amazing views.

Whether you are into the idea or not, Vancouver’s first self-serve 24/7 grocery store is surely an opening of note. Aisle 24 boasts a selection of pantry staples and Asian snacks like Japanese KitKats and dried and frozen ramen kits.

If you’re having a truly introverted moment and need a bite…this might be the spot for you.

Matcha fans were thrilled to see the opening of locally-loved, no-tipping, and living wage concept Cowdog’s second cafe location in Kitsilano.

The brand, which has amassed what some might call a cult following locally, unsurprisingly drew long lines where people patiently waited for its standout coffee and tea offerings during its soft opening a few weeks back.

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We loved June, and it’s no secret that the fresh Vancouver hot spot had some stellar plans for its lower level. Lala quietly opened a few weeks ago, and patrons have been loving the 40-seat vinyl listening bar ever since.

Marco Ovies/Dished

A famous 50-year-old dessert shop made its Vancouver debut, and the reviews have been sweet. Chocolats Favoris has been serving up its signature dipped soft serve and plethora of chocolate products in Gastown since it opened on May 3.

These are just the buzzy spots from the last few weeks. Head here for a more extensive list of where to eat that’s new and notable.

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