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The 17 most exciting new Vancouver restaurants of 2023

Featuring tangy regional Thai, a couple of "hidden" speakeasy-style spots, a fast-food fever dream, and much (much) more.
Lindsay William-Ross
Lindsay William-Ross
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Bar Bravo's menu showcases sustainable seafood in cold and hot preparations, including this beautiful - and delicious - scallop crudo. It's one of over a dozen incredible new restaurants to open in 2023 in Vancouver.Photo by Josh Neufeld/courtesy Bar Bravo

Another banner year for Vancouver restaurants has left me spoiled for choice when it comes to narrowing down my favourite debuts of 2023. 

From an "unfussy" South Granville bistro to the flashy fast-food fever dream of a high-concept downtown burger spot, the range of culinary experiences Vancouver's best new restaurants of 2023 offer diners covers an impressive spectrum of cuisines, styles, and budgets. 

Pop into the homey, no-frills Takenaka cafe for humble Japanese combos showcasing onigiri (rice balls) or look for an alluring neon "Pet Psychic" sign in Gastown to uncover one of the city's most fun new bar-restaurants. This year also brought us a Toronto venture from a team of pals who are Palestinian and Israeli, working together in delicious harmony. 

Here are my picks for the most exciting new restaurants that opened in Vancouver in 2023. I narrowed it down to 17, including one in North Vancouver and three "bonus" selections I hope to visit very soon (but still want to note). 

Bar Bravo

With its emphasis on seafood and a cozy dining room that manages to be both come-as-you-are kick-back and elegant, Bar Bravo has handily emerged as one of Vancouver's best new restaurants of 2023.

The oysters are freshly-shucked and come with housemade condiments, the seafood is treated with reverence and is paired with seasonal ingredients from the region, and they're turning out fantastic pasta specials to round things out. There are great cocktails and a wine program that features pours from wineries all located close to water. 

Address: 4194 Fraser St

Gary's 

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Gary's is an intimate new modern European-inspired bistro restaurant located in South Granville. Dishes during its soft-opening include this daily special featuring foie gras and chicken liver on house-baked brioche toast. The new restaurant debuted at the end of September. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

One visit and I was smitten with this intimate modern European bistro in South Granville. They have an ever-changing menu showcasing local products (I particularly loved a wedge-style salad as well as chicken liver and foie gras on thick, buttery toast) and a tight menu of cocktails and wine. This is one to watch in 2024 as Gary's hits its stride, for sure.

Address: 1485 W 12th Ave

The Watson

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The Watson offers cocktails and elevated but approachable food in a stunning space on Main Street in Mount Pleasant. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

Can I say lamb ribs? Trust me, I eat a lot of incredible dishes, but it takes a lot for one to imprint so fully on my memory it's the first that comes to mind when I think of the best Vancouver restaurant foods I tried in 2023. The Watson is sexy, polished, and just what Mount Pleasant needed. It's the work of the same folks behind Yaletown's Bartholomew, only here they get to really lean into being a two-level cocktail bar with lots of natural light pouring in and some terrific food coming out of the kitchen. 

Address: 3080 Main St

  • Watch: New Vancouver restaurant & cocktail bar: The Watson

Bar Haifa

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Bar Haifa is a new Middle Eastern restaurant now open in Downtown Vancouver, featuring dishes on their lunch menu like the Malawach, a Yemeni flatbread with chopped salad, egg, and sauces. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

When I mentioned Bar Haifa to a friend in Toronto, she immediately said "best falafel ever." While so far I've only tried lunch dishes at the new Vancouver restaurant from the folks behind Toronto's Haifa Room, I did enjoy the falafel, loaded onto a pita with tangy pickled veg, creamy sauces, and just the right amount of zing. Paired with za'atar dusted fries, and lunch downtown is perfectly sorted. Looking forward to trying their dinner dishes very soon. Also noteworthy: Bar Haifa's ownership team represents a harmonious collaboration between people who are Israeli and Palestinian. 

Address: 410 W Georgia St

Ama

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Ama is a new Japanese-inspired cocktail and raw bar hidden above a Michelin Guide-recommended Greek restaurant in Vancouver. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

Shhh. This new Japanese-inspired raw bar with cocktails slid in quietly atop Michelin Guide-recommended Greek restaurant Nammos. Look for the clever sign and the orange gate and head upstairs to a sexy, intimate room with seafood-centric share plates and libations. 

Address: 3980 Fraser St (second floor)

Wildlight Kitchen + Bar 

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The Pescatarian Charcuterie Board is a signature dish on the menu at Wildlight Kitchen + Bar, which opened in 2023 the west side of Vancouver. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

What a banner year for Chef Warren Chow, whom I first met when he headed up the kitchen at Juniper. That's when I first noted Chow's skills with seafood and he's only gotten better in the ensuing years. Now, at Wildllight, he is harnessing the bounty of the West Coast with globally-influenced dishes in a lovely space with easygoing vibes. Chow also caught the Michelin Guide's attention, earning its first-ever Young Chef award for Vancouver in 2023. Don't miss the seafood charcuterie board, which is so fun to share. 

Address: 5380 University Blvd

Zab Bite

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Tum Corn is a vibrant and tangy salad that showcases what E Sarn Thai food is most well known for: heat and sourness. Zab Bite specializes in authentic Thai food from the SE Asian nation's north-east region. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

This new addition to Fraser Street showcases the tangy, spicy, lively flavours of Northeastern Thailand. One of the region's most well-known dishes is nam tok, sliced grilled meat that's essentially presented as a salad. Zab Bite's extensive menu features Nam Tok Crispy Grilled Pork, which is grilled slices of pork served in a spicy sauce with fresh herbs, rice powder, and dried chilis.  Zab Bite's Tum Corn salad was another highlight, with chunks of cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, dried shrimp, shredded carrot, peanuts, and the addition of hard-boiled egg wedges. 

Though Zab Bite makes its menu available at lunch and dinner, its "Lunch O'Clock" menu narrows down a few items offered at lowered prices to make a midday meal a bit more affordable. 

Address: 4197 Fraser St

Monzo Burger

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The Wrangler at Monzo Burger is a double beef smash burger with bacon, jalapenos, Swiss cheese, BBQ sauce, aioli, and charred onions. Sides like fries and onion rings come fried in beef tallow - like McDonald's used to do. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

A fast-food restaurant that's also kind of fancy? Yeah, it's a little weird, but it works for the space it's in and the clientele it wants. This is not your childhood burger and fries spot, but it is definitely fodder for your grown-up tastebuds (and bank account). The ingredients are high-quality here, and you can get booze in your gelato-based shake. Monzo is styled after an Italian trend in the 80s of romanticizing U.S. fast food, paired up with fast cars and fashion (because why not?). It's a little insane, but it's worth a visit  - it's a flashy fast-food fever dream.

Address: 1401 Granville St

Arcana Spirit Lounge

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Arcana Spirit Lounge - disguised as a pet psychic business - is an occult-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant from the people behind Vancouver's beloved Storm Crow bars. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

I am not sure I'm a believer in the occult, but I am a believer in the fact that Arcana is FUN. Yes, all caps fun. From the creative and nerdy minds behind the departed Strom Crow bars in Vancouver comes this restaurant/bar in Gastown that is all about...well, the departed. From the many real candles to the light-up Ouija board that spells out secret messages to the tarot cards that come with your drinks, the attention to detail is marvelous here, and it never strays into the kitschy zone. The food is not to be missed - elevated share plates that are interactive (lots of dips!) go with excellent cocktails that do things like light up or "smoke." See? It's FUN. And Vancouver needs fun. 

Address: 238 Abbott St

Black Walnut

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Black Walnut is a new restaurant located on Cambie Street in Vancouver. Dishes include a vegetarian play on beef tartare, made with charred radish. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

This section of Cambie Street is one to watch as 2024 gets underway, but the buzz began in earnest this year as Black Walnut opened its doors. From first-time restaurateurs (hailing from the construction industry)  Black Walnut is a great fit for the area, giving locals something a little upscale for cocktails and Pacific Northwest-style seafood and steak, with smart touches like excellent house-made sauces and happy hour deals. 

Address: 3456 Cambie St

Street Hawker

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You'll find Southeast Asian-inspired smashburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, "Dirty" fries, and creamy shakes at Street Hawker in Mount Pleasant. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

This casual spot on Main Street takes burgers and infuses them with bold Southeast Asian flavours, resulting in some innovative eats with fun sides like seasoned fries and ube shakes. Street Hawker is a sibling to Potluck Hawker, so you know the food is going to bend the notion of comfort eats in a big, vibrant way. 

Address: 3088 Main St

Takenaka - Onigiri Cafe

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Vancouver's Japanese food truck and restaurant Takenaka  opened their onigiri cafe this spring at Coho Commissary. Lindsay William-Ross/V.I.A.

Takenaka has turned its food truck and commissary ops into a charming cafe featuring breakfast and lunch combo plates and onigiri, traditional Japanese rice balls. The food is humble and the atmosphere very casual, but this is a great spot for authentic Japanese fare made with quality ingredients. 

Address: 1370 E Georgia St

Jungle Room

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Jungle Room is Vancouver's "first jungle-themed cocktail lounge" where adventurers will find an exciting drinks menu, creative and bold food showcasing the flavours of Indonesia and Japan, and sexy, immersive jungle decor. Photo courtesy Jungle Room

Filled with lush greenery, a myriad of seating options, excellent cocktails and inventive dishes that blend the cuisines of Indonesia and Japan, the West End's Jungle Room is a fun addition to Vancouver's food and drink scene. The decor details here on on point (of course I took a photo of the bathroom wallpaper) and some of the dishes, like my favourite, the Laksa Bombs, offer a fresh and modern culinary perspective.

Address: 961 Denman St

Sushi Mahana

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Sushi Mahana, which opened in January 2023, offers kyushu-style sushi, served omakase (chef's choice) style in a modern setting with traditional touches. Photo courtesy Sushi Mahana

While I typically keep my parameters tight to Vancouver proper, I would be remiss to not include North Vancouver's Sushi Mahana, which opened at the start of 2023. The restaurant is a high-end omakase sushi bar in a modern space with traditional touches, and the experience an absolute delight. Definitely worth a visit to the North Shore and a splurge if you can swing it and if you love sushi.

Address: 175 3rd St W, North Vancouver

The following three spots are worth noting, though they are going to have to be on my visit list for January 2024 as I didn't make it in before the year ended. Soon!

Dovetail

Dovetail is the California-inspired concept that slipped into the space that Nightshade unexpectedly exited this fall. Given I'm 50/50 Californian/Canadian, I'm intrigued by how this restaurant posits itself, and am looking forward to popping in soon. They just opened up at the start of December, with dishes like mushroom toast, pasta, steaks, a burger and chicken parm, and lemon tiramisu for dessert.

Address: 1079 Mainland St

Dear Gus Snack Bar

If you haven't seen a TikTok video from someone raving about this charming wine bar with share plates on the edge of Mount Pleasant yet, well, you aren't on Vancouver food Tok, that's for sure. Named for the owner's own pet rabbit, this venture is a first for the restaurateur and offers an aesthetic atmosphere that seems impossibly cozy, given it's on the ground floor of a modern high-rise. 

Address: 2040 Quebec St

Cockney Kings Fish & Chips - Vancouver

What can I say, I have a soft spot for the Burnaby fish & chips shop of my childhood. This year, a longtime Cockney Kings employee franchised the brand and set up the seafood spot's first-ever Vancouver location, opening its doors this fall in Kitsilano. 

Address: 1935 Cornwall Ave

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