A new home for French-Vietnamese comfort-inspired eats, a spot that's all about waffles, and a new Richmond destination that breaks barriers: these are just a few of the new restaurants ready to welcome diners from all around Vancouver.
We've compiled this list of recently-opened restaurants to help you out if you're on the hunt to give your tastebuds something new, or to check out a new location of an existing favourite.
Let's eat!
Land & Sea
This striking newcomer has moved into the former Senova space in Kerrisdale, and is the project of local chef Kevin Lin and well-known food influencer Steph Wan. Lin, who had previously been tied to Vancouver's forthcoming Saola and Richmond's Uncle's Snack Shop, has now shifted course to launch his own venture, featuring his take on modern "West Coast Japanese" fare.
Alouette
Say bonjour to the new French bistro that has taken the place of Copper Chimney inside the Executive Hotel Le Soleil in the heart of downtown. The emphasis here is on traditional and familiar classic French dishes served up in an elegant space, but with an aim of keeping things fun. Look for lots of items finished tableside, a thoughtful wine and cocktail menu, and great desserts to round out your meal.
Forecast
Whistler's Forecast coffee company has opened up its third outpost, and they are doing great all-day eats and drinks with a real community-centric feel in the space that had previously been the massive posh Starbucks "Reserve" at Main and 14th in Mount Pleasant. They've got tons of pastries and breakfast bites, lunchtime fare like salads, sandwiches, and bowls, and of course their own coffee. Extended hours and evening menu - with cocktails - coming soon.
Linh Cafe - Vancouver House
Kitsilano's well-loved Linh Cafe, longtime staple for French-Vietnamese comfort eats, has opened its highly-anticipated downtown location with a stunning contemporary space in the high-profile Vancouver House development. With the new spot open, Linh Cafe has temporarily shuttered its original location for renovations.
Kozak Ukrainian - Gastown
The doors are officially open now at Kozak's ambitious Gastown venture. What began as a baking business set up at local farmers' markets grew into a New West cafe bakeshop, then they added a restaurant on Victoria Drive in south Vancouver. Now the Ukrainian eatery has launched a full-serve restaurant inside the storied space in Gastown that was formerly home to Bauhaus at 1 West Cordova.
Canffle
Kingsway's Canffle is all about waffles. Here, the classic fluffy, grid-ded treat is presented in various styles. Canffle's "signature" item is a Norwegian Brown Cheese Waffle, which is a take on a beloved treat in Norway, featuring "brown cheese" on a crispy flat plan waffle with maple syrup and whipped cream.
Bruno
Bruno is definitely not the kind of restaurant Richmond is used to; showcasing hyper-local ingredients, Bruno (at the new Versante Hotel) isn't even merely a Pacific Northwest restaurant, it's aiming to redefine what it means to be a Richmond restaurant. The menu here certainly takes hotel dining to another level. You have some impressive high-quality ingredients, including many with a luxury bent - think foie gras and tomahawk steaks - presented with a bit of theatrics.
Downlow Chicken - UBC
"Restaurant Row" at University Boulevard Central (6065 University Blvd) is now home to DL Chicken number two. This is the spot for some of the city's most mouth-wateringly good fried chicken, done up as hot (or mild) as you can take it, Nashville style on sandwiches and in combos.
Urban Thai Bistro - Dunbar
The veteran group of Thai restaurants, Thai House, has re-opened its popular Urban Thai Bistro (last in Yaletown) in a new location. Now they're up and running in Dunbar, featuring a selection of traditional authentic Thai dishes and a wine bar.
