As much as our 2024 food predictions was kinda doom and gloom, some hard hitters are opening up this year that we (and you) should be super excited about.
From international brands springing up to some local favs expanding, the Vancouver food scene continues to evolve to new heights.
Let’s see some of the most highly anticipated and hyped restaurants that are opening in Metro Vancouver this year:
1. Marugame Udon
Opening: Winter 2024
Known for its authentic Sanuki-style udon and one of the largest udon chains in the world (over 1000 locations), Marugame Udon is finally arriving in Canada with its first location set for Downtown Vancouver.
There are only a few spots in the city that offer great udon. So we’re excited to enjoy Marugame’s unique cafeteria-like experience of freshly made noodles and crispy tempura again.
Address: 589 Beatty St. Vancouver, BC
2. Hello Kitty Cafe
Opening: Spring 2024
When we first discovered Canada’s first Hello Kitty-branded cafe is opening on Robson, the internet BLEW UP.
Even though it has been constantly delayed, we know that there will be lines out its doors for weeks when it does open.
The city loves cute things – and this Hello Kitty Cafe is shaping up to be the haven for kawaii lovers and Hello Kitty fans.
Address: 1274 Robson Street, Vancouver BC
3. Osteria Elio Volpe
Opening: Winter 2024
If you’re a fan of Savio Volpe and Pepino’s, then you’ll want to look out for Elio Volpe – the upcoming massive new Italian restaurant by the same team.
Here you can expect what the team does best: good vibes, paster, and pizza.
Address: 540 W 17th Ave. Vancouver, BC
4. Din Tai Fung
Opening: Late 2024
The internationally acclaimed Xiaolongbao restaurant, Din Tai Fung, is making its way to the city, marking the chain’s first entrance into Canada.
If you’ve had to trek all the way to Seattle for DTF, you’ll be happy you won’t need to soon.
Address: 1132 Alberni St, Vancouver BC
5. Shake Shack
Opening: TBD 2024
Shake Shack, the mega popular American fast-food chain, announced last year that they’re finally expanding to Canada.
Although they only specified its first flagship location in Toronto is slated for 2024, the brand plans to open nearly three dozen Canadian locations over the next decade.
Fingers crossed we see Shake Shack in Vancouver this year!
Address: TBD
6. Paris Baguette
Opening: Mid 2024
We spotted the popular French-inspired Korean bakery chain with over 4,000 cafes worldwide, put its coming soon sign up in Downtown Vancouver.
The chain is known for its fresh-baked pastries, mochi donuts, and cakes.
Their team has informed Noms Magazine that they have multiple locations in the pipeline for BC.
Address: 1150 Alberni St, Vancouver, BC
7. Per Se Social Corner Coal Harbour
Opening: Winter 2024
Known for its Italian cuisine and Spanish tapas, the Michelin Recognized Per Se Social Corner will take over the space previously occupied by Chewies Oyster Bar.
It will be a big one – a new 212-seater.
Address: 1055 W Hastings St. Vancouver BC
8. Aburi Hana
Opening: Winter 2024
Toronto’s Michelin-one star eatery and sister restaurant to Miku and Minami is making its way to Downtown Vancouver. It brings contemporary Kyoto-style Kaiseki dining to the fancy new Alberni by Kengo Kuma development this winter.
Address: 1550 Alberni St. Vancouver BC
9. Hai Di Lao Brentwood
Opening: Spring 2024
After years of anticipation, the globally renowned hotpot chain is finally making progress with its Amazing Brentwood location.
This is good news for North Burnaby folks as the majority of the hot pot restaurants congregate around the Metrotown area.
Address: The Amazing Brentwood
10. Saku Brentwood & Richmond
Update: Saku Richmond Grand Opened in February
Opening: Winter/Spring 2024
Popular tonkatsu brand, Saku, was initially set to open IN The Amazing Brentwood (TAB). However, during the pandemic, their logo disappeared from the TAB website. We spotted ‘Saku Opening Soon’ signs across from TAB at the Solo District.
Whereas the Richmond outpost will be opening in the Garden City Plaza, the same complex that contains Tsujiri, Banh Mi Tresbon and Walmart.
Address:
-Brentwood: 4402 Skyline Dr #101, Burnaby, BC V5C 6A4
-Richmond: 1415 4660 Garden City Rd, Richmond, BC
11. Big Way Hot Pot Kerrisdale, Lougheed, Richmond
Update: Big Way Kerrisdale opened in February
Opening: Winter 2024, Spring 2024, Fall 2024
When it comes to hot pot, Big Way is one of the favs (our top meal in 2023). It is also growing aggressively.
It’s long lines are an indication that the city can’t get enough of this personalized hot pot brand.
Big Way is set to open a location in Kerrisdale (slated for Feb ), Lougheed (slated for Spring 2024), and a second Richmond location (slated for Fall 2024).
12. Egg Bomb Burnaby
Opening: Winter/Spring 2024
Langley’s famed Egg Bomb, known for their Korean egg drop sandwiches and all-day breakfast, will open a new branch in Lougheed.
The new MASSIVE location will open at the City of Lougheed Tower 2, “just in front of the Skytrain station.”
With a prime spot in Burnaby, Egg Bomb will undoubtedly become a must-visit destination for breakfast and brunch aficionados.
Address: 301-20300 Fraser Highway, Burnaby BC
2024 is shaping up to be an foodies dream in Vancouver, with some hard hitters opening up.
From Michelin Recognized Japanese Kaiseki to Italian fare by some of the city’s best, every food lover has something to look forward to!
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.