Gold: Elem
By the time you read this story, Elem will have been operating for a year and a half—longer than the full lifespan of some restaurants in this precarious industry. But when chef Vish Mayekar launched his highly anticipated, highly ambitious, highly high-end Main Street room (teaming up with Zarak owner-operator Hassib Sarwari) in November 2024, it was just after the deadline for our 2025 awards judging. And so, here it is: the oldest of our newest restaurants, finally getting its flowers as our Best New Restaurant winner. Judges praised the globally inspired menu, influenced by Mayekar’s own penchant for South Asian flavours as well as the team’s cultures and travels. “Cooking is inspired and skillful,” read one judge comment that complimented the whole grilled fish with adobo and green coconuts. “Everything is technical and lush,” said another. Pastas are always “unique and delicious”—no surprise given Mayekar’s past experience in the Pepino’s kitchen. The design of the restaurant is as meticulous as the food, segmented into areas aesthetically influenced by wood, water and wind. Though bar manager Winnie Sun has recently departed, her impact will no doubt continue to be felt in the innovative cocktail program she spearheaded: the compelling mango rasmalai, for instance, features saffron clarified milk.
2110 Main St.
elemvancouver.com
Silver: Kavita
Modern Indian restaurant Kavita, led by chef Tushar Tondvalkar, is our silver winner for 2026, and had our judges buzzing from the moment it opened in October. “Incredible ambiance and room, friendly staff, great cocktails,” said one. “The food was sublime and the creative use of ingredients nose to tail was truly next level.” The use of foraged and hyper-local ingredients gives a profound sense of place to the food. From mushrooms to pine needles to local fish and proteins, the net effect is not fusion, but instead a way to experience our best ingredients in a new light.
250 W 3rd Ave.
restaurantkavita.com
Bronze: Chez Céline
Over on Fraser Street, in the space formerly occupied by Say Mercy (RIP), you’ll find bronze medallist Chez Céline, the latest project from the team behind winning Québécois room St. Lawrence. The buzzy, warm Céline also focuses on French cuisine, with what our judges called a “confident, modern touch” in a polished-yet-relaxed atmosphere that’s equally suited for date nights or lingering dinners with friends. Standout dishes include a killer beef tartare and a gorgeous pork chop.
4298 Fraser St.
chezcelinerestaurant.com
Honourable Mentions
June
3305 Cambie St.
juneoncambie.com
Sumibiyaki Arashi
363 E Broadway
sumibiyakiarashi.com
