Restaurants

Sliding Doors: Vancouver Restaurants Opening and Closing this Spring

As we wave goodbye to some long-loved Italian and Mexican gems in the city, we welcome a new wave of casual eats, donut shops and new European concepts.

By Kristi Alexandra /

Gastown is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in the city. Proximity to public transit, great places to shop, hang out, take a sneaky back alley photo and snag a killer meal (you’ll find six of our readers’ favourite places to eat here in our Readers’ Choice finalist list) are all reasons that the historic ‘hood remains one of my most-visited weekend spots, so when I heard that Gringo, one of the best spots to get a cheap taco and boozy margarita, would be closing its doors, I was bummed to say the least.

And, sadly, that’s not the only Vancouver restaurant closing of late.

Gringo

With three locations, the taco and marg restaurant shuttered its shop on Davie and another one on the North Shore on March 7, doing its final service at its beloved Gastown spot in Blood Alley this past Saturday (March 14).

 

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Bacaro

We were overjoyed to see Venetian-inspired Bacaro keep its Michelin Recommend status during October’s Michelin ceremony, so it’s a loss to the city that the spot is closing after just five years of service. The restaurant officially said goodbye on March 14.

 

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Goldilocks

After 18 years of serving Filipino pastries, cakes and breads on Main Street, Filipino chain bakery closed its doors on Sunday (but they’re keeping the goods going on North Fraser Way in Burnaby).

On the topic of pastries, however, we’re delighted to try out the goods at a new chain in the River District.

Here’s what’s new or opening soon

Angus T

Fresh out of the oven, Angus T bakery in the River District is now serving up fresh cinnamon buns and multiple flavours of croissants at the River District from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. And yes, it smells heavenly over there. angust.com, 8590 River District Crossing

Courtesy Angus T Bakery.

Cream Pony

Donuts and fried chicken? Count us in. The North Vancouver brand expanded, taking over Cartem’s old space on Main Street. This Mount Pleasant spot has been abuzz since it opened on March 6. creampony.ca, 2190 Main St.

Photo credit: Manveer Kahlon

Skewers Souvlaki and Pita Bar

Souvlaki, pitas, gyros… need we say more? With a mainstay spot in Gastown, this Mediterrenean hot spot to grab a casual bite now has a second location on Commercial Drive as of March 8. skewerscommercial.ca, 1851 Commercial Dr.

Bam Bam

The folks behind much-lauded funky coffee house, Nemesis, launch Bam Bam on April 1, a nostalgia-heavy joint that serves up “the classics,” such as fried chicken, donuts, rolls, sandwiches, coffee and cocktails. “Bam Bam has this future nostalgic feeling,” said Jess Reno, founder and CEO, Nemesis, Dope Bakehouse and now Bam Bam, in a release. bambam.cafe, 160 West Georgia St. 

Courtesy of Bam Bam.

Violeté

You know and love Havana, The Flamingo Room and Vancouver Urban Winery, but now the Van Urban Hospitality Group is putting yet another star on its roster: Violeté on Commercial Drive. While menu items are still under wraps, the European-inspired bistro drawing on Spanish and Italian influences will officially open on April 8. violetekitchen.com, 1380 Commercial Dr.

Courtesy of Violeté
Kristi Alexandra

Kristi Alexandra

Kristi Alexandra is the managing editor, food and culture, at Canada Wide Media. She loves food, travel, film and wine (but most of all, writing about them for Vancouver Magazine, Western Living and BCBusiness). Send any food and culture-related pitches to her at [email protected].