One bright spot of this past year? That’s easy, all the amazing new restaurants that came to Vancouver in 2021. From fine dining to casual cuisine, fusion spots to authentic options, Vancouver continued to prove itself as one of Canada’s best cities for a night out. And, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks!
Here are 13 of the best new restaurants to open in Vancouver in 2021.
Thank You Pizza
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Vancouver has got so many tremendous pizza places that it’s entered a positive feedback loop. That’s right, you’ll be thankful you try the wood-fired deliciousness at this new spot in East Van, not overwhelmed by its appearance on the scene. Swing by for pizza and a glass of wine, or grab takeout for a night in.
Where: 789 Gore Avenue
Burdy
We have to admit, the fried chicken sandwich spot that opened this spring picked an extremely good niche. That’s because they’re focusing on an underrated version- the chicken parm sandwich. If you need something quick to warm you up one day, it’s a great option.
Where: 1216 Franklin Street
Chupito
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After over a decade of waiting for the opportunity, the folks at the original La Taqueria on Hastings Street opened a brand new patio this year. Sadly, this option won’t reopen until March at the earliest, but believe us when we say you need to check it out.
Where: 322 E Hastings Street (Back Alley entrance)
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Alimentaria Mexicana
This ambitious new concept from the folks behind Chancho Tortilleria serves multiple functions. Sure, you can swing by for a quick bite to eat in the cantina. But, there’s also a takeout window, a taco shop and a retail store as well. If that’s not enough, the more devoted will also get to explore an educational space about Mexican cuisines.
Where: 1596 Johnston Street
Nemesis Great Northern Way
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Speaking of new concepts from mainstay names, we waited over 2 years for Nemesis’ GNW location to open, and boy was it worth it. Offering everything from baked goods to brunch, and now even a dinner service, this is the crown jewel in an already amazing Vancouver option.
Where: 555 Great Northern Way
Delara
Even Kitsilano got some love this year! Having opened this summer, Delara focuses on bright and fresh dishes reflecting head chef Bardia Ilbeiggi’s love of Persian cuisine. You might think this spot is only worth a visit in the summer, but trust us, it’s great any time of year.
Where: 2272 West 4th Avenue
Loula’s Taverna & Bar
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Meanwhile, this collaborative Greek eatery that came to Commercial Drive has already become a hotspot. Here, you can expect traditional Greek cuisine in a family-dining setting. Which, we must admit, is one of the best ways to enjoy a dinner out.
Where: 1608 Commercial Drive
Collective Goods
This bistro and grocer concept in Mount Pleasant caused quite a stir when news first broke, and it ended up being for good reason. Swing by to pick up high-quality snacks and groceries for your home, get distracted by the smells coming out of the kitchen, then sit down for a full meal. It’s that easy!
Where: 3532 Commercial Street
Nancy Go Yaya
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Nancy Go Yaya seems to be just hours away from announcing an official opening date. The newest venture from the folks behind Bao Bei and Kissa Tanto is focused on contemporary and classic Singaporean cuisine. Think grab-and-go options, classics like laksa, and of course, an amazing interior.
Where: 265 East Pender Street
Ca Marche Creperie
For us, this is tied for ‘coolest space’ with Nemesis GNW. First off, it comes from one of the folks who opened the beloved Au Comptoir in Kitsilano. And second, the focus here is on authentic crepes, both sweet and savoury, with a nice list of local ciders to wash it down.
Where: 1471 Continental Street
Zarak
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The new openings train continued even into December! The new venture from the people behind Surrey’s beloved Afghan Kitchen, Zarak focuses on shared plates and starters that reflect traditional, home cooking elevated to new heights.
Where: 2102 Main Street
Community Taps & Pizza
Another great spot opened on Commercial Drive this year! Over 40 different beer taps and a comfort-food menu that specializes in pizza? Yeah, this is an easy sell for those evenings where we just want to relax with a couple of friends and live the simple (but beautiful) life.
Where: 1191 Commercial Drive
Elephant
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Elephant literally burst onto the scene this month, with like a week between the opening announcement and actually opening. Coming from the folks behind a Vancouver favourite, Dachi, we feel like this is a fitting successor to the former occupants of the space- Trans Am.
Where: 1879 Powell Street
Those are our top picks for the best new restaurants to open in Vancouver in 2021! Our advice? Save this page, make a list, and visit all of them over the next year.
