39 of the most exciting and notable Vancouver restaurants that opened this year
This year has been pretty big when it comes to new restaurants opening in and around Vancouver.
Whether they’re new local hot spots or international chains making their debut in Canada right here in our city, Vancouver has seen some pretty exciting additions to its dining scene.
So, without further ado, these are 39 of the most exciting and notable Vancouver restaurant openings we saw this year.
Vancouver
Sumibiyaki Arashi
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One of Vancouver’s latest Michelin-starred restaurants just opened this year.
Sumibiyaki Arashi, an intimate 14-seat yakitori restaurant led by Peter Ho, is best known for its charcoal-grilled dishes.
“With this understated 14-seat Mount Pleasant counter, Chef Pete Ho has ushered in a
new gold standard of yakitori to Vancouver,” wrote Michelin.
“The multicourse omakase spans dishes like red crab chawanmushi with yuzu, or crispy, delicately fried tofu accented with sweet soy, but the centrepiece of the menu is meticulously prepared skewers of chicken grilled over binchotan coals. Combining specially sourced heritage breed birds, skillful butchery, masterful seasoning and brilliant use of the grill, the results are uncomplicated yet profound. From impeccably cooked crisp-skinned breast and thigh to less conventional cuts like chicken ‘oysters’ and heart, each piece is revelatory—no wonder it’s the most hotly in-demand reservation in town.”
Address: 363 E. Broadway, Vancouver
Din Tai Fung Vancouver
Marco Ovies/Dished
Din Tai Fung opened its first-ever Canadian location right here in Vancouver this year, and it had everyone buzzing.
The eatery is famously known for its Xiao Long Bao, Spicy Wontons, Cucumber Salad, and its signature spicy sauce.
On top of those tasty eats, the restaurant boasts many Michelin nods around the globe, too.
Address: 1132 Alberni St., Vancouver
Nero Tondo
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When chefs Devon Latte and Lucas Johnston decided to open a restaurant together, they knew they wanted to showcase the best of what B.C. had to offer. At least, that’s what they told Dished when we had the chance to chat with the chef duo.
Latte and Johnston are gearing up to open Nero Tondo, a hyper-local restaurant opening in the former Elephant space.
After cooking together for nearly five years at Vancouver restaurant The Acorn, the duo decided to venture forth and open their own restaurant, taking a lot of the things they learned with them.
Since opening, the duo have won multiple awards, including being named one of the best new restaurants in Canada by Air Canada and being Michelin-recommended.
Address: 1879 Powell St., Vancouver
Kavita
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Kavita, brought to us by Mumbai-born chef Tushar Tondvalkar, is an ode to both regional Indian cuisine and local ingredients. Here, he draws inspiration from his roots in Mumbai and the coastal town of Malvan, where he first discovered his love of cooking with family matriarchs over a charcoal fire.
While this restaurant will celebrate local B.C. ingredients, it’s also meant as a way to honour mothers. Kavita is named after Tondvalkar’s mother, and also means “poetry” in the Marathi language. This appreciation for mothers is also evident in Kavita’s tasting menu, which Tondvalkar refers to as “amma-kase.”
On this amma-kase menu, expect dishes inspired by India’s festival calendar that also reflect the unique cultural traditions and celebratory foods found across the country.
Examples include a Beef Tartare with podi masala, crispy curry leaf, egg yolk, and tapioca crisps, and a Malvani Black Chickpea Stew with Malvani spice, caramelized coconut and onion sauce, wade (fried bread), and seasonal vegetables.
Address: 250 W. 3rd Ave., Vancouver
Osetra Coastal Cuisine
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Officially opened on Nov. 28, Osetra is a new seafood restaurant in the heart of downtown Vancouver, serving a standout seafood-forward menu featuring items like waffles with caviar, among many others.
The new restaurant is the latest concept from The Key Collection team, opening in the former home of Bar Haifa. This is just steps from Rogers Arena, BC Place, and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Address: 410 West Georgia St., Vancouver
Jeju Vancouver
Hanna McLean
If you’re in Tofino and looking for a standout dining experience, many will recommend you check out Jeju: the Korean restaurant, which opened back in 2021. Now, Vancouverites won’t have to make the trek to Tofino as the team has just opened its first Vancouver location, bringing with it its refined dishes and deeply rooted family ties.
“Vancouver has been home for most of my life since immigrating from Korea,” Chef Dylan told us during a sneak peek of the new restaurant.
On the menu, you’ll find plenty to enjoy, including Spot Prawn served with dill oil, orange vinaigrette, and garlic aioli, a seasonal fish dish featuring flavours of doenjang jjigae, and Jeju’s signature 35-day aged Galbi served with ssam and banchan.
Address: 540 East Broadway, Vancouver
Hero’s Welcome Café Takeout Window
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Hitting the pub at 10 a.m. might not be your first thought for weekend to-dos in Vancouver, but the folks over at Hero’s Welcome are looking to change that with a new café in the form of a takeout window.
The takeout window is a collaboration between Hero’s Welcome and Myra Maston, who is best known for her work at the now-closed Ubunto Canteen, where she supplied the restaurant with all of its bread and baked goods needs.
Expect hefty sandwiches, decked-out focaccia, and some standout pastries.
Address: 3917 Main St., Vancouver
Chez Nous Bakery & Coffee
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Chez Nous calls itself a French-inspired bakery serving up warm pastries and coffee in a cozy space.
On its menu, customers will find typical café offerings like lattes and teas alongside sweet and savoury baked goods. Think pain au chocolat, brioche feuilletée, and babka alongside an array of cookie flavours and slices of cake.
However, the star of the menu is its seasonal drink offerings, including recent sips like a Raspberry Matcha and a Carrot Cake Latte.
Address: 1262 Homer St., Vancouver
Cantina di Luigi
Cantina di Luigi
There’s no denying that one of the more popular Italian restaurants in Vancouver is Ask for Luigi (just ask Ryan Reynolds). So, when the team behind the much-loved Italian restaurant has opened a new, intimate, and more wine-fused dining experience this year — Cantina di Luigi — we were naturally excited.
At Cantina, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated list of Italian wines, from crisp whites and bold reds to refreshing rosés and sparkling Lambrusco. These are paired with handmade pasta and bread, Italian cheese, and small plates that Cantina said “reflect the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients.”
Address: Inside Mercato di Luigi — 213 E. Georgia, Vancouver
Peya
Peya’s Cornish Hen (Marco Ovies/Dished)
Peya serves a unique fusion of Indian and French cuisine, and is brought to us by co-owners Ashwani Dabas and Kevin Day, the same team behind The Ellis.
Highlights from the menu include its Cornish Hen (Peya’s take on butter chicken) and Fig and Goat Cheese Samosas.
Address: 2101 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Folietta
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Folietta is the latest concept from the Wentworth Hospitality Group, which is behind fan-favourite restaurants Homer St. Café and Bar, Tableau Bar Bistro, and Maxine’s Café and Bar.
Inspired by the Italian word foglietta (meaning foliage), Folietta’s name pays homage to the area’s leafy character and vibrant community roots. Meant to be a neighbourhood gathering place, this 130-seat space designed by Ste Marie will combine family-style dining with late-night cocktails and weekend brunch.
You won’t find any Italian clichés like pizza on the menu. Instead, customers can expect menu items such as a 32-ounce Bistecca Fiorentina, plenty of handmade pasta, and other standout dishes like a bone-in veal chop Parmigiana.
Address: 1480 Nanaimo St., Vancouver
Chez Céline
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Located at 4298 Fraser St., Vancouver, Chez Céline has opened in the former space of Say Mercy!, which was a Michelin-recognized spot that closed on Nov. 2, 2024.
Here, the team is serving up a menu of upscale casual eats, including many Montreal-inspired favourites like poutine, Croque Monsieur Croquettes, and one heck of a Maple Hot Cake.
“Expect the edgy charm of Montréal, the effortless elegance of Paris, and the communal warmth of Québec’s casse-croûtes come alive inside a beaming, beautiful room on the corner of Fraser and 27th,” said Chez Céline on Instagram.
Address: 4298 Fraser St., Vancouver
Niwa
Marco Ovies/Dished
There’s no better time for a cozy meal than during a rainy Vancouver night, and there are few spaces cozier than Niwa.
Niwa is a new restaurant brought to us by the same team behind Ugly Dumpling, which closed its doors in 2021.
When you visit, we’d highly recommend putting your trust in the restaurant and opting for the Chef’s Menu, where you’ll enjoy five courses.
“Leave it up to us. Entrust Chef Darren Gee and the service team to guide you through meticulously crafted dishes, showcasing local, seasonal ingredients, fine butchery with his signature style,” said Niwa.
Address: 1875 Powell St., Vancouver
Cowdog Kitsilano
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For those not in the know, Cowdog is heralded for its standout coffee and tea offerings, serving unique matcha and hojicha options. This is the brand’s second location in Vancouver.
It also operates under a no-tip, living wage model and is one of the growing number of cafés in Vancouver that don’t charge for non-dairy options.
Address: 1927 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver
June
Hanna McLean/Dished
June, one of the hottest bars in the city, opened its doors this year.
The new bi-level concept comes to us from the award-winning team behind The Keefer Bar. The Chinatown destination is one of the city’s best watering holes, and according to the World’s 50 Best organization, it’s one of the best in all of North America, too.
Here, head chef Connor Sperling designed a selection of sophisticated yet casual West Coast-French fare, described as embodying the perfect balance between tradition and modern cooking.
Plus, the drink program designed by bar director Amber Bruce, bar manager Staoshi Yonemori, and head bartender Riley Maggs is nothing to sneeze at either, with highlights including the Classic June Martini and Blue Fizz.
Lala
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Located on the lower level of June, Lala is a cozy 40-seat vinyl listening bar named after co-proprietor Keenan Hood’s daughter (Lala is her nickname), which is well worth the visit.
While it may be hard to book a reservation at June’s, Lala offers a walk-in-only concept, meaning no planning months ahead to get a seat here.
Address: Lower level of June — 3305 Cambie St., Vancouver
Sainam
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Introducing Sainam, aka a Vancouver foodie paradise.
The 40-seat, 1,200 sq. ft. restaurant is bright and airy, creating a welcoming and casual environment that introduces restaurant-goers to a part of Thailand they may have never even heard of: the Isaan region. This deceptively simple interior, adorned with pops of colour throughout, is a direct correlation to the types of food you’ll experience here.
The Isaan region of Thailand is best known for dishes like its sticky rice, Som Tum (papaya salad), grilled meats, and spicy and sour flavours, all of which can be found on the menu. Additionally, An told us that food from the Isaan region doesn’t typically cook with coconut, as opposed to other parts of Thailand.
Address: 1235 Davie St., Vancouver
Cofu Chinatown
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Cofu Chinatown opened the doors to its second location in the city after five years of success at its original outpost near Granville Island. But don’t think of this as just a simple extension of its previous plant-based pressed sushi concept. Instead, it’s offering a one-of-a-kind experience: the first vegan omakase in Canada.
“Vegan food is most accessible food,” owner Akiko Gulkison told Dished when we stopped by for a visit. “Meat and fish are tasty, but certain people can’t eat them, so this is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy [omakase].”
Address: 488 Gore Ave., Vancouver
Handson Steak and Frites
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Handson Steak and Frites is a new steakhouse concept that opened on Aug. 8.
“At the heart of Handson is our dedication to the perfect cut of steak and to the rituals that make each meal memorable,” Chef Kyle told Dished.
Handson only sources prime, sustainably raised beef. The restaurant says it oversees everything from “the butchery and seasoning at your table to the final torch finish.”
Steaks here are cooked with “a spin on classic techniques.” That starts with pan-searing, butter-basting, and rapid-fire torching. There is also a live finishing station for diners to witness the final touches before their eyes.
Address: 847 Denman St., Vancouver
Analog Fraserhood
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Analog first shared the news of its new Fraserhood location at the start of 2025. Now, after months of waiting, the doors to this spot have finally opened.
The new café is located inside the uniquely shaped 1940s building at Kingsway and E. 17th Avenue, which was originally designed by architect Swinburne A. Kayll and recently revitalized by Kirsten Reite Architecture.
“The architecture of the building is probably what stands out the most, the shape of it, and how they were creative in making it work for that block. A lot of more traditional people wouldn’t have gone for that route,” said Ronnie Olstad, president of Ninety Eight Food Co. (Analog’s parent company), when speaking about the space previously.
Expect all your favourite Analog offerings, from its standout coffee selection to its baked goods and breakfast sandwiches.
Address: 776 Kingsway, Vancouver
Daan Go Cake Lab — Vancouver
Daan Go Cake Lab (Marco Ovies/Dished)
Daan Go, which first got its start in Ontario, has become wildly popular for its selection of uniquely decorated cakes (think cakes shaped like a bowl of ramen or bubble tea), alongside plenty of other baked deliciousness.
Over the years, the brand has grown to operate five locations across Canada (six if you include its new Vancouver location), bringing its whimsical cakes and baked goods with it.
Brought to us by MasterChef Canada winner Christopher Siu, you can find signature Daan Go creations like its ramen and bubble tea cakes, alongside some exclusive items to this location, like rotating focaccia flavours and specialty croissant flavours.
Address: 1450 W. 7th Ave., Vancouver
Murmur
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During the day, Murmur operates as a café, offering tea and coffee made with Honest to Pete beans, alongside a selection of bites and lunch items. Specifically, it serves a cinnamon bun that it claims could be the best in the city.
But, on weekend evenings, the menu changes to a prix fixe model, offering customers a three- or five-course dining experience.
Additionally, Murmur is not only a no-tip restaurant, but it also includes the tax in its listed prices.
Address: 235 E. Broadway, Vancouver
Onda
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Onda, brought to us by the same team behind Casereccio, specializes in what the team will be calling pizza, but explained to Dished that it’s technically something different.
“Our main focus will be pizza: still Roman style (crunchy, airy, 90% hydration), but closer to what’s currently booming in Italy — pinsa romana,” said Simone Tarallo, co-owner of Casereccio and Onda. “It’s a lighter dough, served in a rectangular shape. For the North American market, we’ll continue to call it pizza, but with this unique twist.”
Address: 1610 Salt St., Vancouver
Rumble Fish
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Rumble Fish originally started in Squamish as a food truck before expanding to Vancouver.
The restaurant features fresh seafood and offers classic fried fish options on its menu. Think fish and chips alongside fish tacos (fried cod on a flour tortilla with shredded cabbage, pickled onions, pico de gallo and crema fresca) and fish sandwiches (crispy fried cod on a fresh roll with house-made tartar, shredded lettuce and pickles).
Address: 2296 E. Hastings St., Vancouver
Nomo Nomo
Iberico Tomahawk (Hanna McLean/Dished)
Nomo Nomo is a new Japanese snack bar that specializes in yōshoku cuisine, which Executive Chef Benedict Lim describes as a section of Japanese cuisine that draws significant influence from the Western world.
“It’s almost like the world through a Japanese lens,” he said, adding that he is taking fan-favourite dishes like katsu and tempura and branching out from there.
“Now, hopefully, we branch out in the right way so that we tell a story. We kind of tell the Vancouver version of the evolution of the izakaya,” he added.
Address: 1268 Commercial Dr., Vancouver
Ellipsis
Marco Ovies/Dished
This new café/bar is situated in the Waterfall Building, a space designed in 1996 by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson in collaboration with Nick Milkovich, originally intended to serve as an art gallery.
The café drink menu is broken up into three simple categories: classic, special, and brew. Under Classics, you’ll find your traditional Americano, flat white, latte, and matcha latte. Meanwhile, under Brew, you’ll find both cold brew and hand-brewed specialty coffees.
As for food, expect offerings like duck and potato and panzanella salad.
Address: 1540 W. 2nd Ave. #205, Vancouver
Jeon
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Jeon, owned by Chef Tom Jeon and located at the Sandman Hotel on Davie, opened its doors on Sept. 4.
If that location sounds familiar, it’s the previous home of Moxies, which operated there for over 20 years before closing last year. It’s also just steps away from Tom Sushi, as well as the recently opened Barra Gitano.
“Jeon brings together taste, atmosphere, and people — creating more than just a dining experience,” wrote the restaurant. “Every dish served reflects our pride.”
Address: 1160 Davie St., Vancouver
Giusti
Marco Ovies/Dished
Giusti is a new Italian concept led by chef Mark Perrier, coming to Mount Pleasant in the previous home of Bar Susu (and before that, The Whip). While Vancouver has no shortage of Italian restaurants, this latest venture promises to be “anything but ordinary.”
Here you’ll find a menu that honours Italy’s regional traditions, as well as one that reflects Perrier’s dedication to simplicity and flavour. For example, every pasta will be made fresh in-house each day, including a few rarely seen shapes.
Additionally, you’ll find vegetable-forward “verdure di stagione” antipasta to complement the pastas.
“In Italian cooking, it’s all about flavour and letting the ingredients speak for themselves,” said Perrier. “You don’t need a lot of stuff on the plate, just the best ingredients, minimally altered.”
Address: 209 East 6th Ave., Vancouver
Nīzu Café
Introducing Nīzu Café: your latest spot for coffee, matcha, and baked goods.
You’ll find your standard selection of café offerings here, including espresso, lattes, and of course, matcha and hojicha. But the café also offers a selection of specialty drinks on rotation, with current offerings being a miso caramel latte, banana matcha, and craft cola.
On the food side of things, you’ll find small bites like kaarrage, handhelds including tonkatsu and ebi katsu sandos, and Yoshuko-style pastas.
Address: 800 W. Pender, Vancouver
Aureliana
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This new restaurant is meant to channel a classic American diner, with its own refined edge.
Expect classic American fare in an open-kitchen setting. Think pancakes with salted butter and drenched in maple syrup, burgers served with grilled hot dogs, Reuben sandwiches, fresh-cut fries, and more.
Address: 156 W. Hastings, Vancouver
Taco Bell Vancouver
While fast food might not be the top of everyone’s 2025 dining experiences, this market is a major milestone for the city since it is the first Taco Bell location in Vancouver. You can now eat all the Crunchwrap Supremes and Doritos Locos Tacos you can dream of.
Address: 964 Granville St., Vancouver
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Metro Vancouver
Dope Bakehouse
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Nemesis’s in-house baked good program, Dope Bakehouse, just got its very own standalone location in North Vancouver this summer.
A first for Dope Bakehouse, known best for its picture-perfect treats and signature cobalt blue boxes, the concept is located at 650 Mountain Hwy. in a 3,000 sq. ft. space. It features a kitchen facility, 15 seats, and a 24-foot ceiling.
As for food, think drool-worthy bites made on-site, such as a Mango Coconut Rice Pudding Danish, a Hochija Strawberry Danish, a Bacon Smoked Cheese, and a Fermented Honey Croissant.
Address: 650 Mountain Hwy., North Vancouver
Fiorino Lonsdale Quay
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Fiorino has long been a classic spot for folks in the Vancouver area wanting to grab some solid Italian food and drinks, and its second spot (complete with a waterfront patio) is no exception.
Located on the second floor of the Lonsdale Quay Market, Fiorino has taken over the previous location of Cheshire Cheese Restaurant, which closed in 2022 after operating for 36 years, and has expanded into the adjacent dance studio space. The result? A gorgeous sun-filled spot that will make you feel like you’re transported to Italy. Expect delicious pasta, sandwiches, and plenty of Negronis.
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct. #218, North Vancouver
Sweet Talk Bar
Marco Ovies/Dished
Introducing Sweet Talk Bar, the latest spot for late-night sips and share plates.
During the day, the spot operates as the much-loved Sweet Talk Donuts, where you can find a selection of expertly crafted donuts, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches. But once it hits 6 p.m., the donut cases are cleared, and the daytime café transforms into the new bar concept.
Sweet Talk Bar is all about offering an elevated bar experience while keeping things simple and easy to understand, something that co-owner Juan Perello told us was very important to him from the start. He wanted to make sure everything at Sweet Talk was approachable for the Port Moody community, especially for those who don’t frequently hit up bars.
Address: 87 Moody St., Port Moody
Gordon Ramsay Steak
Shawn Talbot / Gordon Ramsay Steak
After first reporting on it back in 2023, Gordon Ramsay Steak’s highly anticipated Metro Vancouver location finally opened this year.
The restaurant has 266 seats and features a main dining room, a vibrant bar and lounge, an outdoor marina terrace overlooking the Fraser River, and a private dining space.
Gordon Ramsay Steak shared that diners will be able to enjoy a menu that combines Chef Ramsay’s iconic signature dishes when they visit, like his world-famous Beef Wellington and steak selections, including A5 Wagyu, Certified Angus, and numerous dry-aged specialties.
Address: 8811 River Rd., Richmond, inside River Rock Casino Resort
Il Cappello Enoteca
Juno Kim/Il Cappello Enoteca
It’s been a multi-step process, but the final part of Metro Vancouver’s new, three-in-one Italian eatery has officially opened.
Called Il Capello Enoteca, the flagship and first full-service restaurant from husband-and-wife duo Giancarlo and Daniela Cusano, opened on Oct. 21, 2025.
The 2,000 sq. ft. restaurant features seating for 100 guests across an intimate dining room and an enclosed year-round patio. The space is designed to feel refined yet relaxed, where guests are invited to metti giù il cappello, sei a casa (lay down your hat, you’re home), which Il Cappello Enoteca calls “true Italian fashion.”
The restaurant is led by the legendary culinary director, Chef Pino Posteraro (previously Cippino’s Mediterranean Grill), and Sicilian-born head chef Daniele Navarria, who has previously worked at some of the U.K.’s most prestigious restaurants, including The Clove Club and Le Gavroche.
Address: 6011 Hastings St., Burnaby
The Barn Country Bar
The Barn
It’s time to grab your cowboy boots and best cowboy hat because, as of this year, Metro Vancouver is home to a brand new two-storey country bar that’s nearly 10,000 square feet.
Located at 15330 102a Ave. in Surrey at the former location of The Taphouse (and before that, Mirage), The Barn Country Bar aims to be the go-to spot for country fans of all sorts.
From live music to classic rodeo food favourites like deep-fried Oreos, The Barn has it all.
Address: 15330 102a Ave., Surrey
A-OK Café
Aritzia opened its first A-OK Café in 2018 and has since opened over ten locations throughout North America. This latest location will be in the newly expanded Guildford Town Centre Boutique located in Surrey, which is now the brand’s largest Canadian boutique to date.
So what’s on the menu? A-OK is best known for its espresso drinks, as well as micro-ground tea, hot and iced beverages, and pastries. Think iced coffees, matcha lattes, pain au chocolate, and more.
Address: Inside Aritzia Guildford Town Centre Boutique — 10355 152nd St., Surrey
Milestones Coquitlam
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Following rumours about its future, Milestones has officially reopened the doors to its Coquitlam location.
This location will act as the brand’s first test kitchen, where guests can try exclusive dishes the team is experimenting with. This includes special bites like a selection of new pizzas, oysters, and soufflé pancakes.
That’s not the only new thing you’ll be able to find at this location, because a new speakeasy-style bar has opened on the second floor.
Address: 2745 Barnet Hwy., Coquitlam
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