If 2025 was the year we said goodbye to the titans, it was also the year we met the future icons.
Despite the headwinds of rent hikes and razor-thin margins, Vancouver’s culinary scene refused to stagnate.
Instead, a new wave of energy swept through the city.
These weren’t just “new” restaurants and food spots.
They were the trailblazers that cut through the noise, generated the massive lineups, and dominated our Instagram feeds all year long.
And their “hype” was well deserved in its taste.
Here are the 12 new openings that took over 2025.
1. Jeju
The hype was real for Tofino’s beloved Korean spot, which finally landed in Mount Pleasant this year with a refined, upscale look.
Throughout 2025, reservations vanished instantly for their 35-day aged “Galbi” and stunning “Bossam” sharing platters, proving that this husband-and-wife team is just as potent on the mainland as they were on the island.
This is one spot you’ll find people giving the 10/10s that are legit.
Address: 540 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4
2. Sumibiyaki Arashi
This 14-seat Mount Pleasant counter wasn’t just the hardest reservation to snag in 2025; it was also the year’s breakout Michelin Star recipient.
Chef Pete Ho’s chicken-centric omakase proved to be a revelatory masterclass in charcoal grilling, elevating simple cuts like chicken oysters into something so profound that seats sold out the second they dropped online.
Address: 363 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1W5
3. Belli Pizza
Commercial Drive’s Little Italy got a serious glow-up this year thanks to this retro-cool newcomer.
With its disco ball lighting, checkered floors, and standout Cacio e Pepe pie, Belli quickly cemented itself as the neighbourhood’s go-to spot for natural wine and New York-style slices that actually hold their fold.
Address: 1733 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A4
4. Baking Factory
This mysterious bakery on Cambie Road became the surprise obsession of 2025, winning locals over with its oversized pastries and wallet-friendly prices.
The absolute must-try of the year was the “Bombshell”, a massive, buttery sponge cake filled with custard and raisins that generated repeat customers despite the shop’s limited hours.
Address: 8231 Cambie Rd., Richmond, BC V6X 1J8
5. Yang’s Dumpling
2025 was the year the wait finally ended for Shanghai’s most legendary pan-fried dumpling chain.
Since opening on Alexandra Road, the lineup for their signature Sheng Jian Bao hasn’t stopped.
Crispy-bottomed pork buns so juicy you practically need a safety warning before taking that first bite.
Address: 8460 Alexandra Rd #165, Richmond, BC
6. Nizu Cafe
After two years of “coming soon” signs, this Pender Street spot finally opened its doors, delivering the minimalist Japanese cafe of our dreams.
The room is now a staple for locals looking to pair ceremonial-grade Matcha Lattes with crisp Pork Loin Katsu Sandos on pillowy shokupan.
Address: 800 W Pender St #110, Vancouver, BC V6C 1J8
7. Keumsan Korean Soup Restaurant
For lovers of soft tofu stew, this Marpole newcomer became a non-negotiable visit in 2025.
Specializing in “Sot Bap” (individual stone pot rice), the kitchen utilizes high-tech pressure cookers to guarantee that perfect crispy rice bottom, a detail that elevated them above the competition this year.
Address: 8363 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4Z8
8. CHÉN Vietnamese Restaurant
Forget your standard pho joint; this Burnaby Heights arrival was a love letter to Northern Vietnamese comfort food.
The room feels like a Hanoi memory, and their “Bún Đậu Mắm Tôm”, a platter featuring fermented shrimp paste and crispy pork belly, was the funky, authentic dish that had expats driving across the city to try it.
Address: 4280 Hastings St, Burnaby, BC
9. June
From the team behind The Keefer Bar came the sexiest opening of the year, revitalizing Cambie Village with French-inspired brasserie energy.
The room is undeniably cool, the “Mini Martinis” were a stroke of genius, and the “Pasta for Rachel”, a single, silk-handkerchief ravioli, was arguably one of the most Instagrammed dishes of 2025.
Address: 3305 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2W6
10. Cha Don
This Hong Kong-style cafe stall officially entered its “expansion era” this year, growing from a single Empire Centre stall to three locations in just over 12 months.
The crowds showed up for one reason: silky scrambled egg sandwiches and satay beef noodles that are widely considered the best budget-friendly comfort food in the city.
Just look for the longest line in the food court and you’ll find Cha Don.
Address: Yaohan Centre Food Court & Empire Centre Food Court, Richmond BC
11. Cowdog (Kitsilano)
The cult-favourite coffee/matcha bar graduated from its tiny Oak Street shop this year, expanding with a spacious Kitsilano lounge complete with more seating.
Fans immediately flooded West 4th for the signature Strawberry Matcha Latte and Cardamom Buns, proving that Joe Lee has got the magic touch.
Address: 1927 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7
12. Paragon Tea Room
The tea destination that pioneered the “Tea’spresso” machine locally expanded its footprint with a downtown pop up inside Pacific Centre.
And boy were the lines LONG.
While this minimalist bar became the go-to for a quick Hojicha Oat Misto between meetings, the team also spent 2025 preparing for a return to their roots with a permanent location coming soon to Cambie Village.
Address: 701 W Georgia St H034, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1C6
If this list proves anything, it’s that the Vancouver food scene is far from done.
These 12 spots have already cemented themselves as local favourites, and they are just getting started.
So if you haven’t visited them yet, move them to the top of your list.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.