Exciting news for fans of authentic Mexican food and patio dining in one of Vancouver's most iconic locations. Alimentaria Mexicana, the bold new restaurant concept from an esteemed local chef and culinary creative, has opened for business on Granville Island.
Announced in April, Alimentaria Mexicana has set up inside a clutch location at the popular destination for food lovers and out-of-towners alike, in the space that had been the acclaimed Edible Canada for several years.
Offering dine-in service indoors and on its spacious patio, Alimentaria Mexicana is the project of Mexican-Canadian Chef and Entrepreneur Ernesto Gomez and his team of creative collaborators who are also behind Vancouver's popular Chancho Tortilleria and Nuba restaurants.
With the doors now open for what the restaurant is calling its soft launch phase, diners can expect to enjoy a "Cantina" menu that features dishes like Albacore Tuna Cevice, Halloumi and Grilled Cactus, and traditional corn sopes (small, thick tortillas) with bone marrow. Alimentaria Mexicana says the dishes are ideal for sharing family-style - a great way to experience several flavours from the line-up of enticing options, including traditional flavours and techniques that will surely up the game when it comes to enjoying Mexican food in Vancouver.
More to come as restaurant expands: Bigger menu, marketplace
Ultimately, Alimentaria Mexicana intends to expand its offerings, which means a bigger menu, a take-out window, and two key spaces: Fabrica will be a space for education and a tortilleria, while the Mercado will be a marketplace selling local and international artisanal products, including food, textiles, pottery, and more.
For now, though, guests can get a seat inside the renovated restaurant that features a vibrant colour palette and thoughtful touches that will transport you from the heart of Vancouver to Mexico. The patio is definitely poised to infuse the popular area near the Granville Island Market with tropical vibes and lively energy.
“We’re excited to give our guests a sneak peek into a project that will celebrate the traditions, depth and knowledge of cooking techniques used by communities across Mexico,” says Gomez in a media release. “We’re not cutting any corners and we’re making everything in a traditional way. We can’t wait to take our guests on an immersive journey through my mother country and its rich culinary history, but in a way that’s approachable and fun.”
During its soft opening period, Alimentaria will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. Limited lunch and dinner reservations for the Alimentaria Mexicana cantina are now available online with walk-ins welcomed on a first-come, first-served basis; the patio is available for walk-ins only.
Alimentaria Mexicana is at 1596 Johnston Street in Vancouver (Granville Island)
