Vancouver has lost another longtime dining institution, but the reason why it shut down is kinda murky.
In early August 2025, Victoria Chinese Restaurant, a staple for over three decades, officially closed its doors in the city’s downtown core.
Established in 1991, Victoria Chinese Restaurant was once considered a flagship of Cantonese cuisine in North America.
Named after Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour, the restaurant was well known for its Hong Kong style dim sum, seafood specialties, and banquet-style dinners.
Generations of diners flocked to its dining room for classics like har gow, siu mai, sticky rice in lotus leaf, and barbecue pork buns during lunch hours.
While the dinner menu featured elaborate seafood spreads, roast meats, and signature dishes like steamed lobster with glutinous rice and Peking duck.
In early August, a simple note appeared on its doors announcing the end.
“We have been in business for over 33 years and would like to thank our loyal customers, friends, and family for their support over the years,” the notice read.
“We regret to announce the closing of Victoria Chinese Restaurant.”
The restaurant officially closed on August 1st.
However, a month later, a Noms Mag community member (P) spotted another 2 notices that appeared beside it.
Notices of termination and a demand for possession appeared on the same doors, citing rent arrears of more than $73,000 and confirming that the landlord had terminated the lease effective August 22.
It is still unclear whether the financial dispute was the direct cause of the closure, since Victoria had already announced its end on August 1.
However, the timing of the documents adds an awkward twist to what many saw as a bittersweet farewell.
While some longtime fans mourn the loss of a place that hosted family banquets, dim sum gatherings, and community celebrations, others note that the restaurant had its critics in recent years.
Regardless, the closure of Victoria Chinese Restaurant marks the end of an era for another longtime Vancouver food spot.
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Address: 1088 Melville St, Vancouver, BC V6E 4L4