Vancouver's most buzz-worthy new restaurants to try in 2016
Vancouver’s ever-changing dining scene can be as unpredictable as its weather, which is why we’re keeping our ears to the ground to keep you updated on the city’s most buzz-worthy restaurant openings. From upscale salad bars and down-South barbecue joints to pretty patisseries and modern Vietnamese eateries, check out the latest spots to eat and drink in 2016. [Image courtesy of Fanny Bay Oysters. Photo credit: John Sherlock]
Heritage Asian Eatery
1108 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6E 4J6It’s all about the bao at chef Felix Zhou’s adventurous new eatery in Vancouver’s downtown core. Open for breakfast and lunch throughout the week, the 40-seat counter-service spot serves an array of tasty Asian eats; steamed bao buns, savoury breakfast crepes and flavourful bowls are sure to spice up your usual daytime routine. Not-so-typical breakfast options range from a pork jowl crepe to the meaty cotechino breakfast bowl with poached eggs, roasted red peppers and crispy rice cakes. At lunchtime, the Peking duck bao and five-spiced dry-rub chicken wings are fan favourites.
Virtuous Pie
583 Main St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2V1The phrases “virtuous” and “pizza” rarely go hand in hand, but that’s all about to change thanks to this alternative pizzeria in Chinatown. Vancouver vegans are rejoicing over the newly opened Main Street eatery, where plant-based pizzas are topped with hearty, healthy ingredients ranging from Buffalo-style cauliflower to braised jackfruit to crispy tempeh bacon. Nut-based cheeses like truffle almond ricotta and cashew mozzarella keep these authentic vegan pies dairy free; gluten-free crust is also an option. Finish your meal with a scoop (or pint) of vegan ice cream; these frozen treats are handcrafted with seasonal fruits and other guilt-free ingredients.
The Poke Guy
420 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z3Say “Aloha” to Hawaiian poke bowls – arguably one of the buzziest food trends of 2016. The husband-and-wife team behind this new downtown takeout spot serve up the real deal, specializing in customizable poke bowls that’ll have you dreaming of the islands. Each fresh bowl features a mix of Ocean Wise certified fish (think ahi tuna, fresh salmon), veggies like avocado cubes, green onion and nori, and a range of savoury toppings and sauces. This super healthful to-go option is going to revolutionize your lunch-hour routine.
Juke Fried Chicken
182 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4Fried chicken goes gourmet at Chinatown’s newly opened Juke. The 38-seat restaurant serves up a cool vibe and Southern-style comfort food that’s ideal for sharing. The finger-licking good five-piece fried chicken platters and home-style sides like charred corn, mac-and-cheese and crispy pork slaw are a cheat-day dream (hey, at least the crunchy coating on the chicken is gluten free). For those who prefer barbecue, a full slab of falling-off-the-bone sticky pork ribs or the skirt steak will satisfy those red meat cravings. In keeping with the down-South theme, drinks range from bourbon-based cocktails to a booze-free not-so-sweet tea.
Fluffy Kittens Ice Cream Parlour
611 Gore Ave, Vancouver, BC V6A 2Z8Googling Vancouver’s newly opened Fluffy Kittens might lead to some unintentionally adorable search results, so we suggest heading down to Chinatown to see what all the fuss is about. Rather than churning ice cream on site, the city’s newest frozen treat purveyor sells a real grab bag of gelato, ice cream and popsicles from local faves like Johnny’s Pops, Earnest Ice Cream and Artisto Gelato. Dairy-free dessert fans will be happy to know there are plenty of vegan options on deck.
Fanny Bay Oysters
762 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2P2Oyster lovers will recognize the Fanny Bay name as one of B.C.’s most renowned sustainable seafood farmers. Naturally, tide-to-table oysters are the specialty on deck at this new 50-seat Stadium District seafood spot, which is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. The menu offers plenty of fresh-shucked raw bar selections, soups and salads, and seafood-forward small plates and mains (calamari, fish and chips, mussels), as well as local wines and beers to sip on – oyster stout, anyone? The space also has an onsite retail market selling fresh and frozen oysters and other under-the-sea goodies like clams, scallops and prawns.
Kissa Tanto
263 Pender St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8The latest culinary venture from Tannis Ling and Joel Watanabe (the restaurateurs behind Chinatown crown jewel Bao Bei), Kissa Tanta is definitely one of the hottest restaurant openings in 2016. The low-lit, 80-seat room is tucked away in the second story space on Pender and is bedecked with dark, mid-century modern furnishings. And while Bao Bei (a self-described Chinese brasserie) marries modern Chinese cooking with Parisian elegance, Kissa Tanto has mastered Italian-Japanese fusion. Sourdough with nori butter, grilled steak with ponzu dressing, and tortellini with dashi broth and wakame are just a few of the highlights.
Nightingale
1017 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C4Vancouver is abuzz with excitement over celebrity chef David Hawksworth’s latest venture, and for good reason. Unlike his eponymous fine dining restaurant at Hotel Georgia, this spin-off eatery takes a more casual approach, while still delivering outstanding quality and service. The menu features house-made pastas, rustic wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads, and seasonal vegetables that can be mixed and matched to share among friends. Taking its name from Aesop’s Fable of The Hawk & The Nightingale, this stunning 7,400-foot restaurant is divided over two floors in the MNP Tower heritage building in Coal Harbour.
Caliburger Restaurant
830 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1W2L.A. might be known for its kale-loving celebrity crowd, but even the beautiful people have been known to enjoy (and Instagram) the occasional cheeseburger. This American fast food chain launched its first Vancouver location in the spring of 2016 much to the delight of local foodies. The signature Cali Double burger is stacked with two patties, melted American cheese, tomato slices and crisp iceberg lettuce – and a secret sauce, of course. Equally delicious are the creamy milkshakes and Cali-style fries loaded with cheese, grilled onions and house-sauce – think of them as a Golden State version of poutine.
Anh + Chi Restaurant
3388 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M7Founded by brother-sister duo Vincent and Amelie Nguyen, this stylish yet unfussy Vietnamese restaurant – or “hub for drinking, eating and connecting,” as the owners fondly call it – offers traditional dishes in the heart of Mount Pleasant. Following in the footsteps of their formidable parents, who founded Main Street’s original noodle shop, the Nguyens take inspiration from Vietnamese food carts, restaurants and family kitchens to offer extraordinarily authentic dishes and an impressive selection of imported beers, among other things.
Jingle Bao
774 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L5A self-proclaimed “comfort food eatery” yet so much more than just that, foodies will want to visit Ritual not only for creative Southern-style menus, which change daily, but also handmade cocktails that make use of local ingredients such as B.C. gala apples and celery bitters, beautiful plating techniques and, of course, celebrated chef Nevada Cope. In an atmosphere that’s upscale while still making one feel as if you’re in granny’s kitchen, dining here is just might become your next ritual.
Field & Social
415 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1X4“Eat well, feel good” is Field & Social’s motto – and this hip downtown salad bar clearly walks the walk. These fresh, ethically produced salads are anything but boring. Take, for example, the rustic orzo bowl, which is jam-packed with grilled chicken, Tuscan kale and crisped pancetta. With eight exciting salads to choose from, and add-ons that include chicken breast, tofu and ramen egg, Field & Social will delight your taste buds while energizing your afternoon at the office. Plus the 30-seat restaurant is an Instagrammers dream with copper pendant lights, smooth white marble surfaces and plenty of natural light.
City Side Winery
328 2nd Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1C8Arriving ahead of Vancouver’s growing urban winery trend, City Side Winery offers a unique tasting experience that’s so far unmatched in the city. Located in the ever-evolving Olympic Village, City Side offers flights of local wines in a lovely, wood-accented tasting room, where guests learn from sommeliers while enjoying charcuterie, cheese, olives and bread. Whether you’re stopping in after work with a coworker, or need to unwind after a busy Saturday, City Side Winery is the ideal meeting place for any occasion.
Jam Cafe
556 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3Hit the snooze button one more time this spring, because Jam Café will finally make its way to Vancouver to serve the same mouth-watering, all-day breakfast that’s made it so popular in nearby Victoria. Open now on Beatty Street (in the former Café Medina location no less), the quaint, brick-walled restaurant is sure to attract hungry hordes with seven different eggs Benedict dishes, banana pancakes, thick and fluffy waffles, and its famous Gravy Coupe: chicken and sausage gravy on a buttermilk biscuit with fried eggs and hashbrowns. Yum! Expect long lineups at this buzz-worthy brunch destination.
Ladurée
1141 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B5Best known for its pretty pastel macarons, this Paris-based luxury bakery attracted lineups all way down Thurlow Street on its opening day in March 2016. In addition to serving French pastries, the teas salon offers beautiful, handmade chocolates, treasures and trinkets and a daily afternoon tea service fit for a queen. Once you’ve sipped your fill, grab one last treat on your way out; the whimsical, intricately designed takeaway boxes are almost as delightful as what is inside.
Osteria Savio Volpe Italian Restaurant
615 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3K5You’ll need to be quick as a fox if you want to secure prime-time reservations at this much-hyped dining room on Fraser Street. Inspired by the traditional osterias of Italy, Savio Valope (which roughly translates to “wise fox”) is the brainchild of three acclaimed restaurant industry vets – including Paul Grunberg of L’Abattoir fame – and has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite for high-minded foodies and local families alike. The space is cool without feeling intimidating while the rustic menu delights with made-in-house pastas, meaty mains prepared on the wood-fired grill, and fresh and flavourful vegetable dishes.
The Yale Saloon
1300 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M7Bourbon, brisket and a mechanical bull have taken over the former home of the historic Yale Hotel at Granville and Drake. The new downtown saloon is part barbecue joint, part country bar and is already a lively addition to the strip. Chef Mark Croften prepares ribs, pulled pork, brisket and other slow-smoked meats on one of the city’s largest smokers and serves it by the platter alongside Southern faves like baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad and jalapeño corn bread. If you want live entertainment with your meal, nightly events include singer songwriters, Blues bands, DJs and even line dancing lessons.
Tuck Shoppe
237 Union St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2B2There’s something exciting going on this stretch of Union Street between Main and Gore: indie boutiques, a bartending school, an aesthetically cool athletic studio, and now a new-kid-on-the-block specializing in sandwiches and craft beer. Tuck Shoppe might be small, but the pint-sized eatery definitely makes a statement. The summer camp-inspired space has all the trappings of classic Canadiana, including a decorative canoe suspended from the ceiling and iconic HBC striped pillows. Casual diners will appreciate the relaxed counter service and the small-but-mighty roster of artisanal sammies that are washed down with local brews from Postmark and 33 Acres on tap.
Timber
1300 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5Toques and plaid shirts should almost be mandatory at this new Robson Street eatery where the True North vibes are strong (note the taxidermied goose and beaver) and the casual Canadian fare will leave you feeling stuffed. “Give ‘n er Since 2015” (their words, not mine), the restaurant serves a patriotic menu of hearty comfort food dishes such as mushroom poutine, elk tourtiere, mac and cheese, and fresh-baked bannock paired with local craft beers. Lighter (ish) bites include maple baked beans, ketchup chips, and deep-fried cheese curds. For dessert, the deep-fried Nanaimo bar sounds pretty freaking good, eh?
1203881 Bc Ltd
185 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3Don’t let the herbaceous name fool you, Juniper is a lot more than a neighbourhood gin joint, although fans of a G&T will definitely find a happy home here. The cocktail program shines at this Chinatown newcomer where the spirit-forward creations from acclaimed mixologist Shaun Layton are prepared with small-batch liquors, syrups and bitters. Not to be outdone by the liquid libations, the food menu is equally on-point thanks to talented chef Sarah Stewart, whose Cascadian cuisine showcases seasonal West Coast flavours. The multileveled dining room is also wow-worthy with modern distillery-inspired finishes and artistic murals from Ola Volo.
Per Se Social Corner
891 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W2While some Yaletown residents mourned the loss of Subeez – an old standby at the corner of Homer and Smithe – many locals have been excitedly anticipating the arrival of something new in the ’hood. The wait is finally over. Per Se Social Corner is a multi-purpose dining concept that’s equal parts café, Spanish tapas bar and Italian pizzeria. The renovated space boasts soaring ceilings, bold lighting and an industrial-chic seating area that accommodates 250 diners. Simple-yet-flavourful pizzas are served atop rustic wooden boards and the handcrafted cocktail list features four categories (sweet, strong, savoury and sour) of tempting tipples.
Bao Down Gastropub
115 2nd Ave W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1B8Gastown’s favourite pan-Asian sandwich shop expanded in early 2016 with a new gastropub in Olympic Village. The street food menu features the namesake steamed buns – stuffed with everything from tamari-braised shitake mushrooms to lemongrass chicken to coconut-crusted catfish – plus an additional roster of larger entrees and oysters from an in-house raw bar. Head here with a hungry group and order up a variety of bao-based sandwiches to share alongside kimchi fries, Singapore slaw and pineapple fried rice. With bold neon murals, hip-hop on the stereo and crowd-pleasing flavours, Bao Down is sure to become a neighbourhood go-to.
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