Opening Soon: 5 New Restaurants On Our Radar This Winter

We’re not big on resolutions per se, but we do want to try new things in 2024 —particularly if those new things involve exploring delicious new spots around the city. So we’ve gathered up all the tastiest info you need to stay up to date on the best restaurants, cafes and foodie hubs set to open this year. Whether you want to grab a quick bite or linger all night over a parade of shared plates, you’re sure to find a delicious new option on this list.

Osteria Elio Volpe

540 West 17th Avenue (Anticipated opening: Early 2024)

Good things are coming to Cambie Village. Tucked onto 17th Ave on the site of a former mechanic’s shop, the BandaVolpe team is launching their first West Side location this January. With soaring ceilings and 4,200 square feet of space, the 115-seat dining room (designed by Ste Marie Studio) is set to welcome diners with a sun-kissed breeziness to match the Southern Italian-inspired menu. Culinary Director Phil Scarfone has focused on marrying seafood-forward Southern Italian cuisine with fresh ingredients straight from the Pacific Northwest, like squid ink linguine al granchio e vongole, crisp Roman-style pizza, and lemony risotto with sea urchin. While the group’s focus on elevated ingredients and impeccable service is sure to remain, we hear we should expect a much brighter, Coastal Mediterranean vibe than the rustic grotto feel of its sister restaurants.

 

 

 

 

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The Fish Counter on Commercial

1818 Commercial Drive (January 2024)

After coping with a fire closure in November, we were relieved to hear that The Fish Counter on Main was reopening in 2024 and even more excited to learn that they have a larger second space opening this January on Commercial Drive. We don’t know yet exactly when we can set sail for their new location, but we do know that it will be fully licensed with ample seating, so you won’t have to jostle other customers for the coveted (read: only) window bench seat. We’re counting down the days until we can enjoy a crisp beverage alongside sustainable halibut, cod or salmon (all of which can be made gluten-free in a dedicated fryer!), perfectly balanced by the tang of their house-made slaw.

Casa Molina

2211 Manitoba Street. (Anticipated Winter 2024)

We have been following Chef Javier Blanc since he launched The Paella Guys in 2017, bringing his internationally award-winning paella to festivals and events across the city, but soon it will require less planning ahead to indulge in his flavourful creations. After Mangia Cucina made the decision to close its doors this past summer, we’re happy to see the charming red heritage home in Mount Pleasant getting a new turn with Casa Molina. We can think of no better permanent home for his deeply comforting traditional rice concoctions. In addition to Blanc’s award-winning paella, he says diners can expect an array of inventive cocktails and “a menu deeply rooted in Spanish tradition, capturing aromas and flavours that will transport diners to familial gatherings in Spain.” Sign us up.

 

 

 

 

 

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Merci Boulangerie

2879 Commercial Drive (Anticipated January 2024)

After years of sharing her incredible French pastries and sourdough at farmer’s markets and select retailers around the city, Vancouver-born and internationally trained Red Seal baker Natalie Cumberbirch is finally opening her very own brick and mortar bakery on Commercial Drive and we cannot wait to pull up a chair and tuck into a pain au chocolat or a roulé jambon fromage. Visitors can look forward to a fun, modern Parisian vibe in 1,000-square-foot space, as well as a cooler of Cumberbirch’s signature take-and-bake goodies. Can’t wait for the grand opening? Pre-orders for pickup or delivery are available now. Bon appetit! 

Marugame Udon

589 Beatty St (Anticipated January 2024)

Globally renowned Japanese noodle purveyor Marugame Udon is getting ready to make their Canadian debut right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. So far we’ve learned that the restaurant is known for its “theatre-like atmosphere where noodles are hand-cut and boiled on the spot” for their guests. Menu details are still to come, but we hear there will be plenty of options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike to indulge in their perfectly chewy noodles and crispy tempura.