Main Street’s dining scene has a new player and it’s one with a twist.
Taking over the former El Gato Gab Gab space, Mojo Cantina Izakaya has quietly opened, bringing a fusion of Mexican and Japanese street food to the neighbourhood.
According to reports from VIA, Mojo Cantina Izakaya comes from the same team behind El Gato Gab Gab, the modern Mexican cocktail bar that recently shut down after a year of operation.
Rather than closing for good, the team decided to reinvent the space into a creative playground that will change concepts every few months.
At its core, Mojo Cantina Izakaya blends the bold flavours of Japan’s izakaya culture with the vibrant energy of Mexican street eats.
On the menu, guests can expect dishes like karaage chicken wings, Guadalajara aioli tiger prawns, and miso butter corn ribs — playful combinations that bridge both cuisines.
The drink menu follows the same creative spirit, merging Japanese and Mexican influences into something smoky, vibrant, and full of personality.
The idea of rotating restaurant concepts isn’t new globally, but it’s still rare in Vancouver, making Mojo Cantina Izakaya one of the more intriguing additions to the city’s evolving dining landscape.
It now joins a list of recently opened Vancouver food spots like Yunqueen Rice Noodles, Tatchan Noodles Strathcona, and SUD Cafe.
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Address: 2650 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E6