Restaurants often function as unintended landmarks in our community landscapes; we dine there (or hope to), pass by them, or think about what was there before or what might be on its way.
When restaurants close, it often affects more than just their owners, staff, and patrons; even if it's simply the café you see while waiting for the bus but have never stopped into or the new spot that just opened up a few months ago you've been meaning to check out. Not surprisingly, restaurant closure stories are some of the most-read stories on V.I.A.
In 2024, we said goodbye to an array of restaurants, from veteran neighbourhood staples, like Joe's Café on The Drive to spots that didn't make a full year, like Kalamish, Seraphina, and Lucille's (although Lucille's was actually an extension of predecessor Heirloom). A few Michelin Guide-recognized Vancouver restaurants closed their doors this year, including Say Mercy! and Elephant.
Chupito, which lost its space due to redevelopment, is among the award winners to shutter - but the plan is to relocate in 2025.
Vancouver lost its only Carl's Jr, two of its three Autostrada restaurants in 2024, as well as the original Romer's burger joint in Kits. A few franchises exited Vancouver this year, like Pi Co., Menya Itto, and Hazukido, though the latter still has a location in Richmond.
In May, Chef Pino Posteraro stunned the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards audience when he accepted an honour by announcing he'd be closing Cioppino's by the end of the year, many of the restaurants that put up the "closed" sign for a final time did so without advance notice or any fanfare.
Here's a look at noteworthy Vancouver restaurant closures we reported in 2024, spanning December 2023 to a peek ahead at January 2025. When possible, we've shared what's there in place of what restaurant exited.
December 2023
Rodney's Oyster House - Gastown
Closed: Dec. 31, 2023
As 2023 came to a close, so did the decade-long run of Rodney's at 52 Powell St. An employee at the remaining Yaletown location indicated by phone on Jan. 2 that the Gastown location was closed; its last day of business was Dec. 31, 2023. Building on an established legacy in Toronto, Rodney's launched its first Vancouver restaurant in Yaletown in 1998. The Gastown location joined the fold in 2012 and a Calgary outpost followed.
What's there now: Takenaka - Uni Bar
Terra Breads - Mount Pleasant
Closed: December 2, 2023
Just a little under one year after the original Terra Breads location closed, a second location of the bakery business was shuttered. The Mount Pleasant cafe at 35 W 5th Ave. closed on Dec. 2. However, the company's production facility has remained at the location.
What's there now: Terra Breads production facility (no retail)
Castaway Bar & Grill - 3293 W 4th Ave
Closed: December
After four years, Castaway shuttered permanently in December 2023. The pub, known for its beer, tacos, and trivia nights, closed up shop with no announcement on social media.
What's there now: Suren Kits
Rosette
Closed: End of 2023
Rosette, a Gastown pub that advertised itself as the "only gay bar in town," quietly closed down at the end of 2023. The pub at 120 W Hastings St opened at the end of 2021 in the space in which the acclaimed Wildebeest once operated. Rosette's tenancy in the space was short and no announcement of its closure was made.
What's there now: Hoxton (bar/comedy club)
Regal Mansion Chinese
Closed: End of 2023
After just two months of having Michelin Guide Recommended status, this high-end Vancouver Chinese restaurant quietly shut down at the end of last year. Regal Mansion occupied a sprawling upper-level space near City Hall at the City Square shopping mall. Opened in 2020, the restaurant was known for its high-end Chinese banquet-style fare.
What's there now: ChiuChow Seafood Restaurant
January 2024
Sitar Indian Restaurant
Closed: End of January 2024
News surfaced as February got underway that after a whopping 41 years of dishing up traditional Indian fare in Gastown, Sitar restaurant was no more. A hand-written sign indicating the closure posted to the restaurant's exterior offers a simple thank you from the management. Located at 8 Powell St, Sitar had been a neighbourhood fixture since 1983.
What's there now: N/A
Izkaya Gon's
Closed: Early January 2024
Izakaya Gon's opened in 2018, offering Japanese share plates and sushi dishes in a spot that has previously been home to other Asian restaurants like Yuzu and Touhenboku Ramen. After five years, Izakaya Gon's ceased operations without any closing announcement. Its license was marked "gone out of business" on Jan. 11.
What's there now: Jinmi
Lotus Seed Vegan
Closed: January 16, 2024
After years of selling vegan and vegetarian dishes in Vancouver, along with a few food products, Lotus Seed Vegan closed permanently in mid-January. While the restaurant at 736 W Broadway had only been open since 2018, Lotus Seed Vegan had previously been open for years at 3665 Kingsway.
What's there now: Corner Kitchen
Autostrada: Downtown
Closed: January 27, 2024
A decade-long chapter came to an end for a much-loved Vancouver restaurant family, as the owners of Autostrada closed down the Pender Street location with a final dinner service on Jan. 27, 2024. The location at 350 W Pender St spent the first half of its life as Cinara.
Cinara - named among Vancouver's best Italian restaurants for the 2018 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards - was the venture of Chef Lucais Syme and business partner Dustin Dockendorf, who as 2018 morphed into 2019, turned the restaurant into an Autostrada outpost, after finding success with the original on Main Street.
A couple of years later, the Autostrada family grew again, adding a location in the Vancouver House development downtown, which opened in early 2021.
What's there now: Locanda dell'Orso
Smithe Salad
Closed: Early 2024
The shop at 191 Smithe St, which specialized in smoothies and snacks as well, was a family-run business that opened in 2016.
What's there now: Corner Pantry
February 2024
Community Taps + Pizza
Closed: Early February 2024
Community Taps + Pizza opened in late November 2021 at 1191 Commercial Dr. The restaurant was a revamp of sorts of Biercraft, which at one point had four locations in Metro Vancouver, spanning from UBC to SFU. In February, would-be diners reported having reservations and showing up to a locked restaurant.
The last post to Community Taps + Pizza's YVR socials was on February 8, promoting Super Bowl pizza specials. The restaurant ultimately became the second Vancouver outpost of Sing Sing.
What's there now: Sing Sing (second location)
Robba da Matti - Kitsilano
Closed: Mid-February 2024
Robba da Matti ceased operations at its Kitsilano outpost, located at 1898 W 1st Ave. The restaurant was also home to its upstairs "Passaparola Burrata Bar." The concept-within-a-concept - the city's only "burrata bar" - debuted in June 2022. In February 2023, Robba da Matti's West 1st Avenue restaurant suffered extensive damage in a fire but was able to reopen three months later following repairs. Robba da Matti continues to operate in Yaletown, Gastown, and the West End.
What's there now: Toyokan Bowl
Lemon Fusion
Closed: February 14, 2024
Lemon Fusion had a tough go in its first year, and the restaurant at 575 W Georgia St quietly shuttered this winter. Lemon Fusion's concept was initially focused on the "fusion" component, but in recent months the menu appears to have shifted to offer predominantly more traditional Indian dishes.
What's there now: Pho Georgia Express
Moon Cafe
Closed: February 2024
Moon Cafe, which was located at 1097 Kingsway for a couple of years, quietly closed its doors in February. The restaurant had previously been located on Fraser Street, where it started in 2010. In posts on its Google page, the owner stated they closed to spend more time with their children.
What's there now: The Madras Diaries
Say Hello Sweets
Closed: February 25, 2024
After over four years of serving up their signature plant-based "ice dream" sandwiches and other frozen non-dairy treats, Say Hello Sweets closed down its Chinatown cafe space in February. Located at 620 Quebec St, Say Hello Sweets opened the space in 2019, giving the business a brick-and-mortar home after a few years of being on four wheels. When she announced the closure, the Say Hello Sweets owner also hinted that the future could soon involve a new location for the business: "We are looking for a new home," shared Naomi Arnaut on social media.
What's there now: Annabelle's
March 2024
Pizzeria Grano
Closed: March 3, 2024
In 2023, Main Street's plant-forward pizza spot, Pizzeria Grano, shook things up by going from a fully vegan model to offering some dairy on its menu. Things changed again for Grano this year, as the pizzeria at 3420 Main St stopped offering a dine-in restaurant experience as of March 3. However, a few weeks later, owners transitioned the space into a second location of their Via Tevere pizzeria restaurant.
What's there now: Via Tevere's second location
Carl's Jr.
Closed: March 2024
The American burger chain's Vancouver outpost at 625 Howe St. closed in March; it was the only location in the City of Vancouver. The fast food chain moved into Canada in 2011, opening its first location in Kelowna (which has since closed), and opened several locations across Metro Vancouver and B.C., including the Howe Street location in January 2013. By 2016 it had spread across Canada, but that year it closed its Toronto stores.
What's there now: Pho Quynh Express
Pizza Maru
Closed: March 2024
It was a short run on Robson for Pizza Maru, a Korean pizza franchise that debuted back in early 2023. The venture marked the first Vancouver location for the brand, which began in South Korea in 2006. The 1471 Robson St storefront was transformed into a Pizza Maru after owners of the previous restaurant at the address, Katsuya, took on the franchise. The franchisees then opened Vancouver's first outpost of South Korean fried chicken chain Kyochon.
What's there now: Kyochon
Chef Hung's Taiwanese Beef Noodles
Closed: March 2024
Chef Hung Taiwanese Beef Noodles in Kerrisdale at 2028 W 41st Ave closed this spring, marking the end of any Chef Hung concept in Vancouver proper. The Kerrisdale location was previously home to The Red Onion, which closed in 2016.
What's there now: Myst Asian Fusion
Mary's on Davie
Closed: March 13, 2024
Mary's on Davie - the extension of a legacy that began in 1979 as Hamburger Mary's - closed in mid-March. The diner was known for being brash, playful, fun, and irreverent - but also inclusive. Though Hamburger Mary's was in operational limbo just a few years ago, in 2018 a group of new owners took over the storied space and made significant renovations and a name change to Mary's on Davie. The new restaurant was known for its diner fare, boozy shakes, and welcoming atmosphere.
What's there now: Barra Gitano
Kafka's Coffee - Gastown
Closed: Mid-March 2024
The Gastown branch of the local coffee roaster and café at 151 W Hastings St closed quietly in March. The café business continues to operate locations on Great Northern Way and in downtown Vancouver at the park at Smithe and Richards. Kafka's Coffee also quietly changed hands around this time.
What's there now: N/A
Celeshmet
Closed: March 13, 2024
After nearly five years in South Vancouver, the owners of Celeshmet closed their restaurant business. The Persian restaurant at 6956 Victoria Dr was run by Behavar Khansari and her mother, Kian; the concept was based on Kian's experiences as a little girl in Tehran, according to the restaurant's now-expired website.
What's there now: Indian Curry Corner
Finch's Tea House - Downtown
Closed: March 2024
Despite rallying financial and emotional support online and in person, a longstanding Vancouver cafe beloved for its sandwiches closed its doors in March. Finch's Tea House at 365 W Pender St in Downtown Vancouver shuttered near the end of March, confirmed an employee V.I.A. spoke with in person at the sandwich shop's Strathcona café location. The remaining Finch's is the market-café at 501 E Georgia St. The menu is largely the same, featuring Finch's iconic sandwiches and salads, though the room is more spacious and the neighbourhood significantly less commercial.
What's there now: N/A
Good Dogs
Closed: March 30, 2024
After nearly three years of slinging meat-free hot dogs, Vancouver's plant-based Good Dogs packed up the shop at the end of March. Good Dogs launched in the summer of 2021, replacing not one but two prior (non-vegan) hot dog ventures at 1331 Robson St. The premise of Good Dogs was to give Vancouver a plant-based hot dog spot with lots of lively community engagement and an emphasis on farm-fresh ingredients. The last day of business for Good Dogs on Robson was March 30.
What's there now: Macu Tea
Rinconcito Salvadoreño
Closed: March 30, 2024
The long-time Commercial Drive restaurant specialized in Latin American foods, specifically Salvadoran fare (and especially its pupusas). Chef Omar Herrera announced Rinconcito Salvadoreño would close up at 2062 Commercial Dr. on March 30 after 26 years in business.
What's there now: N/A
7-inch Waffle House
Closed: March 31, 2024
The 7-inch Waffle House opened in August 2022 at 107-223 W Broadway, after running a successful pop-up in Richmond in the months prior, as well as having a stand at the Richmond Night Market. The playful food biz was all about "providing delicious waffles with a naughty twist," specifically thanks to their phallic and yonic waffles with fillings and toppings (aka "drizzle") galore, served up in a bright and colourful shop. However, in March, owners shared with V.I.A. the business was struggling financially, and they closed up shop at the end of the month.
What's there now: N/A
April 2024
Grand View Chinese Restaurant
Closed: April 1, 2024
After more than 30 years of offering Szechuan food in East Vancouver, the Grand View Restaurant at 4181 Fraser St closed this spring. After initially planning to close up March 31, Grand View stayed open one more day, serving meals on April 1 to "accommodate our wonderful customers who can not make it during the long weekend," according to the restaurant owners.
What's there now: Tasty Planet Indian Restaurant
Heirloom
Closed: April 1, 2024
Just a couple of weeks into 2024, South Granville's stalwart Heirloom announced it would soon be closed permanently. The restaurant began in 2012, focusing on healthy, fresh plates with an emphasis on vegetarian and vegan options. Most people knew Heirloom by a longer version of its name: Heirloom Vegetarian. However, the use of the term for non-meat eaters dropped off in 2023 when Heirloom made waves for adding meat to its menu in an attempt to acknowledge both the omnivore diet and the challenges of being a meat-free restaurant.
What's there now: N/A (had briefly been Lucille's; see September 2024 section)
Black Rice Izakaya
Closed: April 7, 2024
The casual Japanese eatery with cocktails, aburi sushi, fusion dishes, fresh seafood and more operated in Hotel Blu since 2015 and closed in early April. The restaurant was the first in that location after Hotel Blu was built 10 years ago at 782 Cambie St.
What's there now: Ju Restaurant
The Arbor
Closed: April 7, 2024
The Arbor opened in late 2016 at 3941 Main St and was a sibling project to nearby award-winning vegetarian spot The Acorn. It quickly became a reliable go-to for vegetarian and vegan comfort eats, and it boasted a charming hidden back patio perfect for soaking up some sunshine. With "no hard feelings," the ownership team announced The Arbor was closing on April 7, 2024. The space stayed in the family and re-opened as the veg-forward modern Indian spot Lila.
What's there now: Lila
Novella
Closed: April 7, 2024
Novella opened at 2650 Main St in late 2022, serving up an all-day menu of terrific coffee and drinks (powered by House of Funk coffee) and incredible food (like a crave-worthy fully stacked breakfast sandwich called The Turbo) in a chic modern space that instantly had a laid-back and lived-in cozy feel. Operators had been using the space by night to support its sibling, Bar Susu, while its restaurant space was undergoing repairs due to a fire. After closing in early April, the same owners turned the space into modern Mexican bar/restaurant El Gato Gab Gab.
What's there now: El Gato Gab Gab
SalaThai
Closed: April 28, 2024
After 38 years, one of downtown Vancouver's older Asian restaurants closed permanently this spring. During its almost four decades of serving traditional Thai cuisine, SalaThai was run by Joy and Sam Kongsilp and their family. Sala Thai first opened its doors in 1986 on Cambie Street, before moving to 888 Burrard St, where it wrapped up its run at the end of April. The Kongslip family is now passing the torch to the next generation with the early 2025 launch of Joy Nok Modern Thai in Olympic Village.
What's there now: N/A
Alphabet City/Bingo Taco
Closed: April 2024
The duo of Alphabet City and Bingo Taco (4242 Main St) quietly closed up this April. Alphabet City opened in the fall of 2019, with Bingo Taco opening as a sibling in the same space in 2021. Along with Bingo Taco's tacos, the menu included other casual classic shareables like nachos, poutine, and, of course, lots of drink options. The menu was also served at Alphabet City.
What's there now: Heritage on Main
Hazukido - Yaletown
Closed: Late April/early May 2024
The well-appointed bakery-cafe at 280 Nelson St in Yaletown opened its doors in October 2022, marking the Taiwanese franchise chain's first foray into Metro Vancouver. The brand is known for its Japanese-inspired baked goods, in particular sweet and savoury croissants. By early May, Google indicated Hazukido was permanently closed, and the phone number was disconnected
What's there now: Wren Café
Daybreakers
Closed: April 2024
Daybreakers closed its doors in the spring after just 10 months at 2095 Commercial Dr., marking the end of its brief run. The space, which previously housed the long-standing Tangent Cafe, was taken over in May by Apollo’s, a new Greek restaurant.
What's there now: Apollo's
Qube
Closed: April 2024
Qube, which brought Lebanese cuisine to 1850 W 4th Ave., was the venture of first-time restaurateur Daniel Berro. A newcomer to Canada originally from Lebanon, Berro opened Qube in September 2023. The menu showcased traditional Lebanese cuisine in modern interpretations, including dishes not found as often in Vancouver alongside Western-style fare using B.C. ingredients. Qube had an eight-month run in Kits, closing sometime in April. The restaurant occupied the space that was previously home to Glowbal's Trattoria for 15 years.
What's there now: Ocean Goose
May 2024
Sunny Side Up
Closed: May 1, 2024
With its promise of breakfast plates under $8 a pop and daily lunch specials, Sunny Side Up cropped up at the start of the year to replace a former DeDutch outpost on the edge of Olympic Village. Just five months later, Sunny Side Up's owners revealed on May 1 that the restaurant was closed, with plans to relocate to an unspecified address sometime in the future.
What's there now: Yume
Simit Bakery - W Broadway & West End
Closed: Spring 2024
Less than a year after expanding to three locations, Simit Bakery went back down to one Vancouver shop this spring. The original West Broadway location, open since 2018, permanently closed this spring, with ownership citing the impact of ongoing construction for the delayed Broadway subway project. The West End shop, which opened in late 2023 in the Robson Market, also shut its doors earlier this year, leaving the Kitsilano location at 2268 W 4th Ave. as Simit’s sole Vancouver outpost.
What's there now: W Broadway (TBD); West End: Vegas Donuts
Koko Monk - West 1st Avenue shop
Closed: May 2024
In May, Koko Monk owner Paul Dincer shared the news that the chocolate shop at 1849 W 1st Ave - one of two in Kits he runs - was closed. The younger Koko Monk location remains open. "Though this chapter ends, our journey continues at 2883 W Broadway, fulled by your unwavering support," continued Dincer's farewell message.
What's there now: Superbolt Tea
Small Victory - Yaletown
Closed: May 25, 2024
After a decade in Yaletown, Small Victory closed down its original shop this year. The popular bakery has three other locations (in South Granville, Mount Pleasant, and Burnaby's Amazing Brentwood mall). However, with the lease ending at 1088 Homer St. the bakery opted to shutter that spot as of May 25. The business plans to relocate to 1089 Marinaside, not too far away, but the new shop is not open yet.
What's there now: N/A
Shizenya
Closed: May 26, 2024
After more than 10 years on West Broadway, "healthy sushi" spot Shizenya is gone. The Japanese restaurant, which focuses on organic ingredients and vegetarian-friendly options, closed its location at 1333 W Broadway on May 26. Shizenya is now down to one outpost, at 965 Hornby St (relocated in 2017 from the original Hornby space).
What's there now: N/A
The Cordova
Closed: May 30, 2024
After almost exactly one year in Vancouver's Gastown neighbourhood, The Cordova restaurant and bar closed permanently at the end of May. The space in the flatiron-style building at 136 W Cordova St has been home to a couple of notable eateries with a similar sports bar/gastropub concept in recent times; The Charles Bar was a popular spot for a decade, and GPO Bar and Kitchen moved over from Granville Street for a couple of years before closing.
What's there now: Tequila Lounge
June 2024
Impostori
Closed: June 8, 2024
Impostori (3121 Granville St) was known for its vibrant decor, hangout atmosphere, and menu of approachable Italian-inspired fare and wine. It was the venture of well-respected Vancouver chef Andrey Durback, who launched the South Granville restaurant back in 2022. Impostori served its last dinner on Saturday, June 8.
What's there now: Sushi Umi
Koko Japanese Restaurant
Closed: June 14, 2024
Koko Japanese Restaurant, a pillar in the city's early sushi scene, closed permanently in June; owner and chef Kuni Shimamura has retired. Koko opened in September 1982 and was the follow-up to Chef Koji Shimamura's (Kuni's father) earlier restaurants. Described by the Vancouver Sun at the time as "the city's premier sushi man" it was noted that Koko was Shimamura's first shot at running a restaurant solo.
What's there now: Volcano Sushi & Grill (relocating)
Paramount Fine Foods
Closed: June 3, 2024
Paramount Fine Foods closed its only location in B.C., in Downtown Vancouver, this spring. Based in Toronto with locations in Canada, England, and the Middle East, Paramount specializes in Lebanese fare. The Vancouver location, at 560 Robson St., was the 54th location of the chain when it opened back in the spring of 2017.
What's there now: Jerusalem Shawarma
Pi Co. (both locations)
Closed: June 2024
Pi Co's West Coast outposts are no more as of June this year. The chain, which has more than 20 locations in Ontario and a pair in Saskatchewan, quietly exited Vancouver. Its locations, one at 514 W Broadway and one at 574 Granville St., were Pi Co's only two pizza bars in B.C. Both closed without fanfare; Pi Co made no announcement online and simply removed Vancouver from the business's social media bios while listing the two spots as closed on its website
What's there now: N/A
On Yogurt
Closed: June 23, 2024
After nine years of serving up rolled froyo and other treats, Vancouver's On Yogurt said so long this year. Owners of the family-run shop locked up for the last time on Sunday, June 23 at 95 Smithe St. On Yogurt was known for its array of frozen treats. The owners introduced Vancouver to rolled frozen yogurt and ice cream and had a variety of interesting desserts on the menu, like flash-frozen ice cream and bubble waffles.
What's there now: N/A
July 2024
Basil Box
Closed: July 2024
The Toronto-based Thai-Vietnamese-inspired fast-casual restaurant chain shuttered its location at 810 Burrard St this summer. Offering a variety of bowls and boxes with rice or noodles, customers could customize the ingredients of their dishes like many build-your-own sandwich or burrito shops.
What's there now: Pho Quynh Express
Mr Red Cafe - E Hastings
Closed: July 11, 2024
Known for its Northern Vietnamese dishes and casual atmosphere, the family-run Mr Red Café closed one of its two Vancouver restaurant locations this summer. Mr Red Café shut its doors at 2131 E Hastings St on July 11. Owners still not only continue to run Mr Red Café on West Broadway, but also this year relocated their other concept, Hanoi Old Quarter, to the same neighbourhood. A new Vietnamese spot, The Saigonville, is now open on East Hastings in the ex-Mr Red space.
What's there now: The Saigonville
Vivace
Closed: Summer 2024
For about a year, 1728 Commercial Dr was home to Vivace, which meshed a casual bar atmosphere with live music and some upscale Italian-meets-West Coast food. Vivace ended its run quietly this summer; it was the next iteration of the previous concept, Osita, under different ownership. Before that, however, the address was the longtime home of Federico's Supper Club, a popular Little Italy hangout that packed it in back in April 2020 after a 22-year run. This fall, Nonna's Cucina opened up a second location in the ex-Vivace space.
What's there now: Nonna's Cucina
Won More Szechuan
Closed: July 2024
After 40 years at 1184 Denman St, Won More Szechuan closed permanently in July. Opened in 1984, the Chinese restaurant was a beloved neighbourhood place for dishes like shrimp fried rice, beef fried noodles and BBQ Pork Foo Yung. Won More's owners said farewell to the business via a letter posted on the restaurant's exterior. They added they were hoping to relocate in the near future.
What's there now: Taqueria Jalisco
Black Walnut
Closed: July 28, 2024
Black Walnut was a first-time venture for a crew of people who hail from the construction business, with Josh Gonneau as its chef and partner. Gonneau previously was a culinary instructor at VCC and PICA and served as Executive Chef at downtown Vancouver's Cibo Trattoria. Located at 3456 Cambie St (in what was formerly Kino Cafe), Black Walnut was elegantly renovated to showcase the savvy of its owners, who created a modern dining room with all sorts of eye-catching details. As Black Walnut neared its first anniversary, owners revealed it would be closing down. Soon after, Chinatown's Miso Taco relocated its Mexican-Japanese fusion concept into the ex-Black Walnut space.
What's there now: Miso Taco
August 2024
Tacofino - Gastown
Closed: August 18, 2024
The Gastown Tacofino opened in January 2015, marking a notable expansion for the business, which started in Tofino as a food truck. However, earlier this year, the business shared that with a lease on its Blood Alley restaurant up and redevelopment plans for the building uncertain, it was time to say goodbye. Tacofino Gastown enjoyed several final months of farewells and celebrations before closing its doors in mid-August.
What's there now: N/A
Elephant
Closed: Summer 2024
Without much fanfare, the tiny but mighty Michelin Guide-recommended Elephant restaurant closed its doors this summer. Elephant, which launched at 1879 Powell St at the end of 2021, was known for making more than the most of its small square footage and a mere 18 seats, with an inventive contemporary menu created by Chef Justin Lee (known professionally as Justin Song-Ell). Owners kept the space and have since launched Subject to Change, which offers a home to pop-up concepts and visiting chefs.
What's there now: Subject to Change
Gyo Para
Closed: August 11, 2024
Gyo Para first appeared on the Vancouver restaurant scene in the early 1990s as Gyoza Paradise with a location on Thurlow and Robson. Ultimately, Gyoza Paradise closed down, but owner Tak Aramaki revived the concept in the spring of 2017 as Gyo Para and opened at 2120 W Broadway. After seven years, the owners opted to bring their story to an end this summer. Gyo Para had initially planned on closing on July 28 but wound up extending its run until August 11 before closing the doors.
What's there now: Ryu Katsu + Ramen Bar
Boiling Point
Closed: August 2024
After more than six years on Main Street, Boiling Point closed this August. Boiling Point started in California in 2004 and grew over the years, opening its first location in Canada in 2010 and its only City of Vancouver location at 4148 Main St. in November of 2017.
What's there now: N/A
September 2024
Marquis Grill
Closed: September 2024
After nearly 15 years, the Marquis Grill shut down in the fall. Located at 2666 Granville St near the intersection with Broadway in Fairview, the bar and grill opened up in 2010. The restaurant offered a variety of pub-style food, like poutine, nachos, and wings, along with a more varied menu of broadly European dishes like Spaghetti Bolognese, Tuscan salmon, and chicken schnitzel.
What's there now: Curry N' Grill
Flying Pig - Olympic Village
Closed: September 1, 2024
The Flying Pig opened its Olympic Village location in late 2014, just months after its older sibling in Gastown debuted that April, and about three-and-a-half years after the brand launched its original Yaletown location in July 2011. "We regret to inform you that we are closing our doors for good at 127 W 2nd Ave after ten wonderful years," read a sign posted on the restaurant's window in September. The last day of business was September 1.
What's there now: Jay Nok Modern Thai - opening in early 2025
Lucille's
Closed: September 4, 2024
With the end of summer came the end of Lucille's West Side. The short-lived restaurant offered brunch, dinner, and cocktails from just June to September. Lucille's had opened up at 1509 W 12th Ave., replacing Heirloom, the long-time vegetarian restaurant with polarizing ownership (which briefly moved away from vegetarian meals at the end). The venture was from the same ownership team as Heirloom and emerged as Lucille's after a brief closure for some cosmetic changes.
What's there now: N/A
Carthage Cafe
Closed: September 6, 2024
The Tunisian-French restaurant was originally opened in 2007 at 1851 Commercial Dr., offering a variety of Mediterranean dishes, including lamb shanks and seafood with French and North African flavours (Carthage was a city in what is now Tunisia). It remained there until 2020 when it flipped to BC Donair. However, that only lasted a couple of years, and Carthage returned to Commercial in 2022. The City of Vancouver business licence database shows Sept. 6 as Carthage's "gone out of business" date.
What's there now: Indo Chinese Street Wok
Ebisu on Robson
Closed: September 15, 2024
Ebisu, which launched at 827 Bute St in 2006, was initially part of the Kamei Royale group of Vancouver restaurants. However, just weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic had Vancouver in its grasp, the ink dried on a sale deal for Ebisu on Robson, and the restaurant splintered from the Kamei Group, leaving an Ebisu in Richmond and one on Broadway. While Ebisu on Broadway relaunched as Kamei a couple of years ago, Ebisu in Richmond shuttered earlier this year.
The end of the 20-year run for Ebisu on Robson, known for its lively atmosphere, fun drinks, and Japanese food, closed in mid-September.
What's there now: N/A
The Pie Shoppe
Closed: September 20, 2024
After a dozen years of making pies, the French sisters closed the doors to their popular restaurant The Pie Shoppe at the end of September. The Pie Shopped started as a tiny space at 721 Gore St selling only pies and coffee. After a few years, they added pizzas to the menu and moved to a new space at 1875 Powell St., where they had been for the past eight years.
What's there now: Niwa
Shameless Buns - restaurant
Closed: September 20, 2024
The short-lived Shameless Buns opened up at 5772 Fraser St. in July 2021. Since it opened, the business has struggled, the owners said. The duo had been trialling out a few "ghost-kitchen"-style concepts out of their Fraser Street kitchen since opening Shameless Buns. One of them was a New England-inspired casual seafood concept called Jack's Chowder. On Sept. 21, the restaurant flipped to welcome the one-time pop-up as the new brick-and-mortar. The Shameless Buns truck is still in business.
What's there now: Jack's Chowder
Food Hall by Zubu
Closed: September 2024
Opened by the Vancouver-based chain in 2020 along with two other locations, the Food Hall was a sort of "test kitchen" for Zubu, specializing in ramen. Located in the Mount Pleasant industrial area at 159 W 4th Ave, it offered up a slightly different menu from the other Zubu locations. Food Hall by Zubu closed quietly at the end of the summer. As September progressed, signs for Nana's Green Tea - relocating from Kerrisdale - cropped up.
What's there now: Nana's Green Tea
Finest at Sea
Closed: September 15, 2024
After nearly 20 years in Arbutus Ridge, family-owned fish and chips restaurant and seafood store Finest At Sea closed permanently at 4675 Arbutus St. on Sept. 15. The site is set for redevelopment. The company, which sells fresh seafood caught by its own fisherman off the coast of B.C., traces its beginnings to 1977. The company's Victoria location, near Fisherman's Wharf, remains.
What's there now: N/A
Avo House
Closed: September 15, 2024
Just a couple of months short of two years, Avo House closed its doors permanently in September. Located in the West End at 1509 Robson St., the restaurant specialized in a variety of Japanese dishes including a variety of sushi, ranging from aburi to inari pockets (sushi in deep-fried tofu pockets) to sushi pizzas. It's the third Japanese restaurant to open and close in the space within a decade. A business licence for "Redlips Hotpot" is pending for the address.
What's there now: Redlips Hotpot (not open)
October 2024
Omnitsky's Kosher
Closed: October 2, 2024
Omnitsky's has been serving kosher fare and delicatessen eats in Vancouver since 1997, but as 2025 gets underway, the Oakridge-area shop will have a new location and a slightly different name. Reuben's Deli by Omnitsky is under construction at 3435 Fraser St and will be the new home of Omnitsky's, which has now closed its 5775 Oak St home due to the site's redevelopment.
The Oak Street deli had been Omnitsky's since 2014, when the 1979-established business took over what had previously been Vancouver's beloved Kaplan's Deli after a 47-year run in the area. Omnitsky's closed its doors on Oak on October 2.
What's there now: N/A (pending redevelopment)
Bells and Whistles - Dunbar
Closed: October 6, 2024
Bells and Whistles on Dunbar had its last day of business on Sunday, October 6, according to James Iranzad, president of operators Gooseneck Hospitality. The restaurant was the second Bells and Whistles outpost and opened its doors in August 2020 at 4497 Dunbar St. The IRL Group took over the space and have opened a Shamrock Irish pub there.
What's there now: Shamrock Storehouse
Moxies - Davie
Closed: October 7, 2024
The Davie Street Moxies was located inside the Sandman Suites hotel at 1160 Davie St and had been there for 20 years. Launched in Calgary in 1986, Moxies soon expanded to become a familiar player in the Canadian "family restaurant" scene. In the early 2000s, the chain revamped and took on a more "premium casual" vibe.
When Moxies on Davie closed in early October, the brand was left with three Metro Vancouver locations: Langley, Richmond (its test kitchen), and its downtown Vancouver flagship. Northland Properties has not shared any plans for what will become of the former Moxies space at the Sandman on Davie.
What's there now: N/A
Seraphina
Closed: October 2024
The modern European restaurant on the ground floor at 905 Dunsmuir St had a rocky start this summer and by early October, several of its team departed, including the opening chef and pastry chef. At some point around then, it appears the owners closed up the restaurant. Run by the same operators who have Vesper Lounge upstairs, it appears they may be converting the downstairs space (formerly Royal Dinette) into a new concept.
What's there now: TBD
Kalamish
Closed: October 2024
One of False Creek's newest restaurants shuttered within a year of its debut. Located at 617 Stamp's Landing, Kalamish opened at the beginning of 2024, but it didn't make it through October. The Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant took over the spot from Branas, a Mediterranean grill. In fact, the signs for Branas are once again visible as the Kalamish signs have come down and the windows have been papered up. Ownership - the same as Simit Bakery - made no announcement that the restaurant was closing.
What's there now: The Riviera
Menya Juemon
Closed: October 2024
After just a year at 545 W Broadway, Menya Juémon is no longer in business. In October, it transitioned into a new concept from the same owners offering grab-and-go onigiri, called Onigiri Ya. You may still find some Menya Juémon dishes at their sibling ramen chain, Maruhachi, which has several locations in Metro Vancouver.
What's there now: Onigiri-Ya
Johnnie Fox's Irish Pub
Closed: October 2024
A tough year for the 20-year-old Irish pub: The Johnnie Fox story began in 2004 when it opened on the Granville strip. Around mid-2021, the hangout shared it was closing down its original spot in downtown Vancouver and moving to Main Street. This June, Johnnie Fox's was ordered by the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch to close for three days for allowing people to play pool when it did not have an endorsement on its licence to allow such an activity. The business last posted to its social media in early October and "for lease" signs have been posted on the windows of 1601 Main St.
What's there now: N/A
Joe's Cafe
Closed: October 26, 2024
Jose 'Joe' Antunes started working at 1150 Commercial Dr in 1976, and that's how Joe's Cafe, one of the oldest coffee shops in Vancouver, began. This fall, decades after he opened it with his brother Tony, the business came to an end. A coffee shop and billiards hall run by Joe (a former bullfighter) and Tony (both from Portugal), the cafe (originally known as Continent Billiards) served East Vancouver characters for decades. Earlier this year, Joe and Tony retired and Joe's closed up for good near the end of October.
What's there now: N/A
Glitch Retro Arcade Bar
Closed: October 26, 2024
Filled with games and art from the 1990s and 2000s, Glitch opened in January 2020 at 2287 W Broadway and grew a fan base given its video games, smash burgers and Seth Rogen-themed washroom. "Our lease is up, and unfortunately, the new rent rates in our beloved Kitsilano neighbourhood are simply unsustainable," its operators shared in August. While Super Smashburgers, which operated within the arcade bar, has since found a new home, Glitch has not yet shared where it will re-open. The last day of business on W Broadway was near the end of October.
What's there now: N/A
Chupito
Closed: October 27, 2024
It hasn't been an easy journey for Chupito, a rebellious cocktail bar venture that made a home - and a name - for itself operating out of an unlikely Vancouver space. Accessed through a Gastown alley, the Mexican drinks and share plates spot called the tiny zone behind the original La Taqueria restaurant home since 2021, using a shipping container as a bar and working diligently year after year to get all their City of Vancouver paperwork to operate. Though Chupito landed on the Michelin Guide's list of Bib Gourmand picks for Vancouver for its third consecutive year this October, the month also marked the end of its chapter on West Hastings. However, operators are hopeful they can find a new location for Chupito to revive the bar/restaurant in 2025.
What's there now: N/A
Romer's - Kisilano
Closed: October 27, 2024
This Vancouver restaurant chain known for its epic burgers closed its original location after 14 years. Romer's Burger Bar closed permanently at 1873 W 4th Ave in Kitsilano on October 27. The Kitsilano Romer's opened in 2010 and the brand enjoyed quick expansion. The restaurant is known for its approachable menu of dishes like salads, bowls, pizza, and appetizers, but is most often thought of as a burger spot, thanks to its extensive range of fully-stacked options.
What's there now: N/A
Smitty's Oyster House
Closed: October 27, 2024
Smitty's Oyster House debuted in early 2022 at 3124 Main St, offering Mount Pleasant a taste of the Gibsons Landing restaurant's signature ambiance and eats. The venture, which was a fresh partnership between Vancouver restaurateur Matt Thompson and the original Smitty's, found a home in Thompson's former Five Point pub space. Thompson closed Smitty's at the end of October but held onto the space, relaunching his bar/lounge concept Anthem in its place soon after.
What's there now: Anthem Sound Lounge
Grub
Closed: October 28, 2024
Located at 4328 Main St. near the intersection with East 28 Avenue, Grub restaurant survived a devastating fire in 2013 and the pandemic in more recent years. On Oct. 28, 2024, the business closed permanently. The restaurant was the venture of local chef/owner Ling Zheng. The menu was largely influenced by a partnership with a family friend who owns farming land in Langley.
What's there now: N/A
Davie Dosa Company
Closed: Late October 2024
The last couple of weeks of October proved bittersweet for the owner of the West End's Davie Dosa Company as the family-run restaurant ceased operations at 1235 Davie St. The business was established in Davie Village in 2017, and specialized in South Indian Masala dosas. In July, owner Sharv Ramachandran told V.I.A. the lease was up in October and that the landlord was not seeking a renewal. The restaurant closed down near the end of October. The plan remains to seek a new location to revive the Davie Dosa Company.
What's there now: N/A
Perverted
Closed: October 31, 2024
Undoubtedly one of the most wink-wink raunchiest (themed) dessert shops in Vancouver, downtown's Perverted, closed down its shop at 797 Thurlow St. October 31 was the last day of business, declared the treat shop's operators on social media, adding the closure was "beyond [their] control." The ice cream parlour was known for its naughtily-named and mostly plant-based soft serve ice cream treats. The operator says it hops to rise again elsewhere.
What's there now: N/A
November 2024
JJ Bean - 'The Shack'
Closed: November 1, 2024
The JJ Bean coffee stand located on the plaza outside CBC in downtown Vancouver at 740 Hamilton St opened ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympics as a pop-up operation but kept going for 15 years. In October, JJ Bean owner John Neate shared in an online announcement that in recent months, "the location has not been busy enough to justify the renewal of the [lease] agreement," citing a shift in "downtown culture" as a result of the pandemic and "more remote work." The last day for The Shack, as it was known, was November 1.
What's there now: N/A
Say Mercy!
Closed: November 2, 2024
One of Vancouver's best restaurant tales of grit, compassion, creativity, and good eats reached its conclusion following its final service on November 2. The restaurant was a bold concept from the crew behind the acclaimed Mackenzie Room, with Chef Sean Reeve behind a menu based on the romantic and playful notion of a love affair between Italy and the American South. Say Mercy! is one of several Vancouver restaurants recognized by the Michelin Guide that closed its doors this year.
What's there now: This could be where Chez Celine is going (spring 2025 opening)
Menya Itto
Closed: November 15, 2024
Menya Itto, which opened on March 16, 2022, at 1479 Robson St, came to Vancouver by way of its native Tokyo. The brand, known for its Tsukemen ramen, aka "dipping noodles," had intended to open in Vancouver in 2020, however, the pandemic caused a two-year delay in the restaurant getting its doors open.
That timing proved fatal for the business, according to Menya Itto's closure announcement. In exiting Vancouver, the brand also exited the Canadian market entirely. Menya Itto's final day was November 15.
What's there now: Big Way Hot Pot
Forage
Closed: November 17, 2024
Nearly 12 years to the day it opened, the restaurant at the base of the Listel Hotel, Forage, served its last guests. The much-loved dining destination known for its brunch and dinner - and its founding mission of sustainability - closed as part of the redevelopment of the West End property on which it sits.
Bosa Properties and Henriquez Partners Architects are partnering with Listel Hospitality Group to redevelop the brand's downtown Vancouver hotel at 1300 Robson St.
What's there now: N/A
City Square Pizza
Closed: Nov. 29, 2024
City Square Pizza opened its doors in the spring of 2022. The West End BIA called the Roman-style pizza shop at 1112 Davie St a "local gem." Roman pizza, often referred to as "pizza al taglio" (pizza by the slice or "cut,") is prepared in sheets and is often cut into strips or squares. City Square's menu included options like classic pepperoni and Mexican chicken and veggie pizzas like mushroom or four cheese, with a handful of vegan options, too.
What's there now: N/A
December 2024
Bisou Bakehouse - Telus Garden
Closed: December
Open for just a year, the bakery-café occupied a space in the lobby of downtown's Telus Garden building. The locally-owned business closed down in December, citing a lack of foot traffic. They continue to operate their other locations.
What's there now: N/A
Jervis Joint
Closed: December 7, 2024
The pub-style hangout at the Listel Hotel celebrated its final days of business in December, as the entire property is slated for redevelopment. The Jervis Joint was able to stay open a little longer than its sibling, Forage. The restaurant space at 1300 Robson St had a few identities in the last handful of years but re-emerged from the pandemic with what would be its last new name and menu.
What's there now: N/A
Autostrada: Main Street
Closed: Dec. 14, 2024
After an eight-year run, the first Autostrada, at 4811 Main St, ceased operations in December. Autostrada is known for its Italian osteria-style fare with laid-back "come as you are" vibes and top-notch hospitality. The menu includes Italian classics like bucatini with cacio e pepe, vitello tonnato, and burrata with prosciutto. The Main Street location was the first for the one-time small local chain; Autostrada on Pender downtown closed in January, however, the Vancouver House location remains open.
What's there now: N/A
D.I.C.E.D
Closed: Dec. 15, 2024
Operators of D.I.C.E.D. Discovery Cafe announced in November that the business was unable to reach a lease renewal agreement with its landlord, the HI Vancouver Jericho Beach hostel. D.I.C.E.D. (which stands for Diverse Innovation in Culinary Educational Development) is the multi-prong venture of longtime hospitality veteran Don Guthro. In addition to being a casual café, they also do catering and teaching. Specifically, D.I.C.E.D. is a social enterprise that assists culinary students with training and placement. The café was known for its burgers and breakfasts. Operators are looking for a new home after 15 years at 1515 Discovery St.
What's there now: N/A
Straight & Marrow
Closed: Dec. 21, 2024
Chef Chris Lam's restaurant at 1869 Powell St. which opened its doors at the height of the pandemic in July 2020, closed permanently on Dec. 21, 2024. Straight & Marrow took over the East Vancouver space that was previously the beloved Bistro Wagon Rouge. Lam brought his considerable experience to the table, along with a nose-to-tail minimum waste cooking philosophy, realized through dishes like Chicken Skin Waffles with fried chicken gizzards, Crispy Lamb Neck with onion jam, and, as its name implies, bone marrow.
What's there now: N/A
Cioppino's
Closed: Dec. 21, 2024
One of Vancouver's most acclaimed high-end Italian restaurants said goodbye this year after an incredible 25-year run. Michelin Guide-recommended and award-winning Cioppino's Mediterranean Grill & Enoteca closed its doors in December 2024.
The news was delivered to a stunned room at the 35th annual Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, as chef/owner Pino Posteraro spoke onstage to accept the award for Best Italian - Upscale.
What's there now: N/A
Cottage Deli
Closed: December 2024
After 25 years of serving up casual sandwiches and deli fare, the family-run Gastown business closed up ahead of planned redevelopment of its Water Street space. The Gastown B.I.A. shared news of the departure on its social media in early October, prompting lots of fans to speak up about their fondness for the Cottage Deli and its proprietors, Carlos Charalambos and his cousin Peter.
What's there now: N/A
January 2025
Chau Veggie Express (both locations)
Closed: Mid-January 2025
Chau Veggie Express will be shutting down both locations soon; they have a sit-down restaurant at 5052 Victoria Dr. and a space inside the Granville Island Public Market. Founded in 2011, the family-run restaurant focuses on vegetarian Vietnamese dishes. In November, Chau's owners announced on social media that they were closing down. Currently, they are still offering takeout at both locations, but that's going to wrap up in mid-January.
What's there now: N/A
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