Restaurants

Sliding Doors: Restaurant Openings and Closures this Winter 2026

As beloved restaurants say goodbye, a fresh crop of new spots hints at what’s next for Vancouver diners.

By Kristi Alexandra /

Joni Mitchell famously sang that people “don’t know what you got ’til it’s gone” in her 1970 hit “Big Yellow Taxi,” and in 2026 it still rings true. So, foodies and Vancouver restaurant lovers may want to take heed and get themselves to Buca di Roma this weekend before it closes for good on Sunday, January 25.

The long-loved Italian restaurant known for its handmade pastas and authentic Roman dishes had been serving the Arbutus Ridge neighbourhood for two decades, but announced in an Instagram post on January 12 that “after many unforgettable years around the table, the time has come for [them] to say goodbye.”

 

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And while Fable Diner and Bar and Broadway’s Fable Diner aren’t known to be closing soon, both properties are up for sale, spelling trouble for the beloved Vancouver brand (which also includes Kitsilano’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Fable Kitchen). That one, thankfully, is not for sale.

Here’s what’s opening

In good news, a few great new spots are cropping up around town.

Uchu

The highly anticipated Chinese-Peruvian cevicheria, Uchu, will officially be opening its doors on February 6. Picking up the old Sai Woo spot at 158 East Pender St. is the latest from 2025 Restaurant Awards Best Latin American winner Suyo chef Ricardo Valverde. Vancouverites can look forward to a taste of Peruvian coastal dishes such as ceviche, tiraditos, Peruvian nigiri and leche de tigre shooters.

The 68-seat cevicheria, Uchu, will officially open on February 6, 2026. Photo credit: Hakan Burcuoglu

Dante Italian Sandwich

Vancouver can’t get enough of sandwiches, and Dante Italian Sandwich is setting up yet another shop, this time a cozy six-seater at 505 Burrard St. This is the third spot for the sandwich franchise set up by Dom and Frank Morra (the minds behind Via Tevere and more), making it eligible for Best Chain in next year’s Restaurant Awards.

Paragon Tea Room

After having to close its previous Cambie Village location last February, Paragon Tea Room is back in action at 3432 Cambie St. It had a soft opening on January 16, boasting a refreshed space to chill out with a cup of calming matcha or a hojicha bubble waffle (or both)!

 

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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].