A Coquitlam kimbap cafe known for whole grain rice and extra veggies is opening a second location in Point Grey, a bus ride from UBC.
illo is moving into 4512 West 10th Avenue, the former home of Sun Sushi.
“illo is coming to UBC! Our second location is on its way,” the team announced on Instagram, under a new account for the shop.
The windows are already wrapped in white with the yellow illo face and a big red “Opening Soon.”
There’s no opening date posted yet.
The original illo opened in 2024 at 555 Clarke Road, in the Burquitlam plaza with Katsuya and Pho Super Bowl, across from Burquitlam Station.
It’s mainly a takeout spot, built around kimbap and sandwiches with a lighter touch than usual.
Instead of refined white rice, the kimbap gets organic brown rice, glutinous black rice, barley and quinoa.
The sandwiches go on whole grain bread with minimal sugar, and each roll is packed with more vegetables than you’d usually find.
The signature ChiChi kimbap rolls tuna mayo with burdock, carrot and the cafe’s own fermented kimchi.
When we covered the Coquitlam opening, owner Bona Kwon said the idea came from home.
Her grandmother managed diabetes for about 30 years, and her husband is diabetic, so she set out to show Korean food doesn’t have to be salty and heavy.
The shop’s door now reads “illo Kitchen & Catering,” and the brand also offers ketogenic and protein-rich options.
The new spot isn’t on campus itself, but it sits on West 10th, the stretch of Point Grey that UBC students pass through on the bus.
If you’re near UBC and want a lunch that isn’t another rice bowl, keep an eye on the illo windows on West 10th for an opening date.
illo joins other new and upcoming Vancouver spots like Toko, Sammi & Soupe Dumpling, Doe Coffee UBC.
Address
4512 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC
