From Downtown Vancouver to Whistler, Kelowna to West Vancouver — BC’s culinary scene is in full bloom. In 2025, a wave of fresh restaurant openings has brought bold ideas, deep flavors, and serious local buzz.
Here are 10 new spots worth checking out this year — whether you're a local or ready to road-trip for something great.
1. June (Cambie Street, Vancouver)
A French–West Coast brasserie from the Keefer Bar team. With halibut in beurre blanc, perfectly executed steak frites, and warm service, it’s already a Cambie favorite.
It’s the kind of place that feels elevated but still easygoing — where a weeknight dinner turns into something special.
2. Din Tai Fung (Downtown Vancouver)
The flagship Canadian outpost of the legendary Taiwanese dumpling house opened in May — and yes, the xiaolongbao live up to the hype.
Expect efficient service, precision plating, and a menu that’s deep enough to explore across multiple visits.
3. Folietta (Grandview–Woodlands, Vancouver)
Modern Italian done right: house-made pasta, Bistecca Fiorentina, and Negronis on tap. Created by the team behind Tableau, it’s cozy, polished, and keeps the line out the door.
This one’s built for sharing: the energy is warm, the food is comforting, and the vibe is unmistakably local.
4. Chez Céline (Fraserhood, Vancouver)
A French bistro quietly opened by St. Lawrence alumni—serving comforting provincial dishes (think steak au poivre, pâté en croûte) with understated elegance.
It's a perfect little escape when you want old-world charm without the fuss or fanfare.
5. Peya (Hastings-Sunrise, Vancouver)
A vibrant Indian–French brasserie from Chef Ashwani Dabas, offering dishes like duck kulcha, Goan fish curry with lemon rice, and phyllo turnovers with mango chutney.
The room feels like a 60s safari lounge—emerald greens, burnt orange tones—and the energy is elevated yet approachable, with inventive cocktails and global flair.
6. Sainam (Davie Street, Vancouver)
Chef Angus An’s Isaan-focused comeback delivers vibrant Thai street food: som tum in seven styles, boat noodles, grilled chicken, and serious heat—walk-ins only since June.
It’s loud, spicy, unfiltered — just the way good Thai food should be.
7. Sumibiyaki Arashi (Mount Pleasant, Vancouver)
A 14-seat omakase-style charcoal yakitori experience on East Broadway. Each skewer is grilled over binchotan with refined precision in a quiet, intimate setting.
Book ahead — the vibe is minimalist, the execution is flawless, and the menu changes with the mood of the grill.
8. Hello Nori Signature (Park Royal, West Vancouver)
This flagship Hello Nori location adds yakitori, rare Japanese whisky, and moody small plates to their signature hand-roll concept, all served in a stylish, diner-friendly format.
It’s fast, fun, and impressively elevated — the kind of counter you’ll want to pull up to again and again.
9. Lorette Brasserie (Whistler Village)
A new French-Canadian brasserie from the Paré Restaurant Group in Whistler Village—offering wood-fired comfort food, alpine vibes, and après-ski energy.
Whether you’re coming off the slopes or just in it for the steak frites, this place delivers the cozy-meets-classy formula.
10. Ask Pablo (Kelowna)
A cocktail-forward kitchen serving mezcal-based drinks and global small plates. Open since April, this buzzy downtown spot is already Kelowna's go-to for fun, flavor, and creativity.
With rotating specials and an open-concept bar, it’s equal parts casual date spot and late-night hang.
Why These Matter
These restaurants reflect the momentum building across BC’s food culture — more chef-driven concepts, global influence, and dining that actually feels personal. From dumpling dynasties and Thai street heat to yakitori and après-ski bistros, 2025 is one of the most exciting years for dining we’ve seen in a long time.
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