If you thought 2025 was a big year for food in Vancouver, get your calendars ready.
The upcoming year is shaping up to be a massive one for the city’s culinary scene.
We are talking about global heavyweights finally crossing the border, local legends making triumphant comebacks, and the arrival of a world-class food hall that will change the way we dine.
These are the 12 most anticipated openings defining Vancouver in 2026.
1. Marugame Udon (Richmond)
Richmond is finally getting a dedicated udon spot to call its own with the arrival of the world’s largest udon chain.
Known globally for its theatre-like open kitchen and fresh Sanuki-style noodles, this opening is a massive win for the neighbourhood.
And it’s bringing a much-needed affordable dining option that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Address: CF Richmond Centre, Richmond, BC
2. Jo’s Italian Deli (Mount Pleasant)
The family-owned spot beloved by UBC students for its affordable, comforting pastas is coming to Main Street.
Taking over a prime spot across from The Acorn, the new location promises to bring their signature lineup of hearty meatball sandwiches, fresh rigatoni pesto cream, and imported Italian pantry staples to the heart of Mount Pleasant.
Address: 3998 Main Street, Vancouver, BC
3. Dave’s Hot Chicken (Downtown)
The rumours are true: the viral, Drake-backed chicken empire is finally hitting the Granville Strip in early 2026.
Taking over the massive former Cinema Public House space, the Vancouver flagship will feature their legendary “Reaper” spice sliders and tenders, served against a backdrop of custom graffiti art designed specifically for the city.
Address: 901 Granville St, Vancouver, BC
4. C Market Coffee (Main Street)
The Tri-Cities’ favourite Korean coffee house is making its Vancouver debut with a massive 5,000 sq. ft. flagship near Queen Elizabeth Park.
Set to be the city’s largest cafe, it will feature an on-site “coffee education centre,” a dedicated dessert omakase bar, and enough seating for 150 guests to enjoy their signature Bulgogi Bowls and house-roasted beans.
Address: 5185 Main Street, Vancouver BC
5. Cha Tra Mue (Broadway)
If you’ve travelled to Thailand, you know the iconic red-and-gold logo of this legendary tea brand.
After a viral pop-up at the Thai Festival, the 80-year-old giant is opening its first Western Canadian cafe on West Broadway.
Expect 16 seats, a Pacific Northwest-meets-Bangkok vibe, and the bold, creamy “Original Thai Tea” that has made them a global icon.
Address: 736 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC
6. Paragon Tea Room (Cambie Village)
After being forced to close due to redevelopment, the “Tea’spresso” pioneers are making a triumphant homecoming to Cambie Village.
Taking over the former Xing Fu Tang space, this permanent flagship features stunning teal & wood interiors and a 10-year lease, ensuring that their signature stone-milled matcha and hojicha lattes remain a neighbourhood staple for the next decade.
Address: 3432 Cambie Street, Vancouver BC
7. Molly Tea (Richmond)
With over 700 stores worldwide, this powerhouse chain is finally bringing its “jasmine tea obsession” to Richmond’s Union Square.
Unlike the fruit-tea giants, Molly Tea is famous for using premium mountain tea leaves scented with fresh flowers to create drinks like the “Snowy Whipped” series that are as aromatic as they are photogenic.
Address: 8368 Capstan Wy #1323, Richmond, BC V6X 4B6
8. Time Out Market (Oakridge)
The wait is almost over for the most significant culinary opening of 2026.
This 50,000 sq. ft behemoth is confirming its heavy-hitter lineup, which already includes a casual revival of Rob Feenie’s “Feenie’s,” Nashville hot chicken from DL Chicken, and a new “Mee Bar” concept from Top Chef Canada winner Chanthy Yen.
Address: 650 West 41st Avenue, Vancouver BC
9. Cream Pony (Mount Pleasant)
The void left by Cartems Donuts at Main and 6th is being filled by this North Shore favourite.
Known for the wholesome mother-daughter duo behind the counter and their lethal combo of Southern fried chicken and handmade donuts, this upcoming spot is arguably the most heartwarming addition to Mount Pleasant’s 2026 roster.
Address: 2190 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3C5
10. Hei Hei Rice Roll (Burnaby)
Burnaby’s Crystal Mall is about to get even more competitive with the arrival of this Richmond Public Market legend.
Famous for their stone-ground, Canton-style rice rolls that draw 40-minute waits, the new stall will bring their silky, made-to-order “Black Truffle Seafood” and “Pork & Shrimp” rolls to the Metrotown crowd.
Address: Crystal Mall Food Court, Burnaby, BC
11. Memory Corner (Burquitlam)
Richmond’s award-winning Taiwanese gem is finally crossing the bridge to bring some diversity to Burquitlam’s “K-Town.”
Taking over the former Wings location, the new outpost is expected to replicate the immersive “old Taiwan” street market vibe of the original, serving up the same legendary Lamb Hot Pot and Deep Fried Crispy Chicken that made them famous.
Address: 345 North Rd, Coquitlam, BC V3K 3V8
12. Crumbl Cookies (Richmond)
The commute to Port Coquitlam is officially over for Richmond’s dessert lovers.
The viral “Pink Box” empire has been spotted setting up shop at Ironwood Plaza, bringing their massive, soft-baked cookies and famous weekly rotating menu to a new unit right across from Popeyes.
Address: Ironwood Plaza (Beside SnoreMD), Richmond, BC
2026 promises to be a year where the waitlists will be long but the rewards will be worth it.
So bookmark this page and keep your eyes peeled because in a city that loves food as much as Vancouver, the “Coming Soon” sign is always the most exciting part of the view.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.