Breaking: Pepino’s Alum Vish Mayekar Set to Open New Restaurant

Chef Vish Mayekar has worked in the kitchens of some of Vancouver’s best restaurants. From fan-fave Pepinos to our 2022 Restaurant Awards’ Best Italian winner Caffè La Tana, to the newer buzzy and delicious Elio Volpe, let’s just say Top Chef Canada alum Mayekar is known for his top-notch skills.

So when we heard rumours of his leaving Elio Volpe earlier this year, we couldn’t help but wonder: “What does he have up his sleeve?”

Finally, the weeks-long mystery is over. Mayekar is teaming up with Hassib Sarwari (Afghan Kitchen) and Winnie Sun (Zarak) to bring a unique new restaurant called Elem to Main Street. The restaurant is currently under construction (with design firm Glasfurd and Walker developing brand element and architect Marko Simcich designing the space), so we don’t have pictures or a menu for you yet—but what we can tell you is the the new eatery’s concept is all about the four elements.

Earth, water, air and fire are the inspiration behind the restaurants menu building, cocktail creation and the architectural design of the space.

‘Earth’ will be represented with seasonality and a dedication to local produce; ‘water’ will showcase a passion for seafood; ‘fire’ highlights bold flavours, smoke elements and slow-cooked dishes inspired by Indian culinary practices; and ‘air’ is the guiding force for the restaurant’s overall vibe, bringing fluidity and evolution to the atmosphere. What this means is that the restaurant is set to be dynamic: ever-changing so that guests can discover something new with each visit.

Upon opening, Elem will offer an à la carte menu featuring 12 to 14 dishes plus additional features. Beyond the elements, we’ve been told that the new restaurant will blend global influences while still maintaining a commitment to local and sustainable ingredients, with creative twists on classic tastes inspired by Mayekar’s travels.

Sun, who’s at the helm of the cocktail program, is crafting a robust cocktail menu and pulling influence from the elements, her Chinese heritage and global influence; the menu will also feature zero-proof drinks. “The recent proliferation of zero-proof spirits has excited me,” she says. “I hope to craft thoughtfully designed zero-proof cocktails for non-drinkers.”

We’re not sure yet when Elem is set to open, but in the meantime, stay tuned to elemvancouver.com and @elemvancouver for any updates.