In 2024, the Metro Vancouver food scene experienced a wave of heartbreaking closures.
Although we’ve only been covering local food news for 2 years, it definitely feels like this year has seen incredibly more shutdowns than before.
It also feels more painful as many of these spots were longstanding and part of our upbringing in the city.
While only a portion of the restaurants that closed are mentioned below, it is important to emphasize that every single closure is a sad situation.
Each closure not only signifies the end of a unique culinary adventure but also the loss of a cherished community gathering space.
Below are some of the devasting restaurant closures that happened in 2024 in Metro Vancouver:
1. Cioppino’s
Cioppino’s, the city’s highly decorated Italian restaurant, announced its shocking impending closure after 25 years of service back in May, with its last day on December 21, 2024.
Renowned for its sophisticated menu and celebrity visits, the restaurant’s departure marks the end of an era.
Chef Pino has hinted at a potential revival, leaving hope for its fans.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 1133 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC
2. Sala Thai
After operating for 38 years, the family-run Sala Thai in downtown Vancouver closed its doors on April 28, 2024.
Renowned as the city’s first Thai-owned restaurant, it was cherished for its authentic cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.
Read the full scoop here.
They are returning in another form in 2025 though!
Address: 102 – 888 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
3. Tacofino Gastown
Tacofino Gastown said goodbye after a decade of memorable flavours and community spirit, wrapping up its journey on August 18, 2024.
The beloved taco and burrito bar celebrated with a grand farewell party, echoing the sentiments of countless patrons who will miss its festive ambiance.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 15 W Cordova St, Vancouver BC
4. Finch’s Tea House W Pender
Finch’s Tea House, a beloved downtown Vancouver café known for its sandwiches and cozy ambiance, closed its W Pender location in April after twenty years of service.
The café faced numerous challenges, including rising operational costs, the impact of the pandemic, and construction-related damages, leading to unmanageable debt.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 353 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T1
5. Ebisu Downtown
After 18 years of culinary delight, Ebisu, a favorite Japanese restaurant in Downtown Vancouver, closed on September 14, 2024.
The restaurant was well-known for its sushi, izakaya-style tapas, and lively atmosphere.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 827 Bute St, Vancouver, BC
6. The Pie Shoppe
The Pie Shoppe, a beloved pizza and pie restaurant in Vancouver, closed after 12 memorable years at the end of September 2024.
The family-run eatery gained popularity for its focus on natural ingredients and support of local producers, offering delightful pies, pizzas, and a curated selection of wines.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 123 Main St, Vancouver, BC
7. AKD Kitchen New West
The beloved ramen shop AKD Kitchen closed its New Westminster location on August 25, 2024, after over 4 years of operations, leaving many fans heartbroken.
Known for its comforting ramen and handmade noodles, the restaurant announced the closure via Instagram just two days prior without revealing specific reasons.
However, customers can still enjoy their favorites at the Langley location, which remains open.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 120-888 Carnarvon St, New Westminster, BC
8. Machi Machi
The famous bubble tea chain Machi Machi quietly closed its Richmond location, which marked the end of its presence in British Columbia as of October 2024.
This closure follows the earlier shutdown of its Downtown Robson location earlier this year.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 8368 Capstan Wy #1306, Richmond, BC V6X 4B4
9. Say Mercy
Say Mercy, a beloved restaurant in Vancouver known for its fusion of American BBQ and Italian cuisine, announced its closure after four impactful years, with the last service taking place on November 2, 2024.
Despite thriving through the pandemic and earning its third consecutive MICHELIN Bib Gourmand award, the restaurant ultimately decided to close its doors.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 4298 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4G2
10. Forage Restaurant
Forage, a sustainable dining establishment in downtown Vancouver, closed after 12 years of service on November 17, 2024, as the Listel Hotel prepares for redevelopment.
The restaurant celebrated its legacy by inviting patrons to enjoy a final meal during its farewell events.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 1300 Robson Street, Vancouver BC
11. Cocoru
Cocoru, a staple Korean fried chicken and drink spot in Richmond, closed its doors after seven years of operation, with its last day in early 2024.
The restaurant was known for its excellent food and vibrant atmosphere, making it a cherished community gathering spot.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 8391 Alexandra Rd #2140, Richmond, BC V6X 1C3
12. Menya Itto
Menya Itto, a renowned tsukemen shop in Vancouver, announced its closure effective November 15, 2024, after facing economic challenges and high operational costs since its debut in March 2022.
The restaurant, celebrated for its high-quality dipping ramen, was the sole North American location of the top-ranked tsukemen shop in Japan.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 1479 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
13. Autostrada Downtown & Main Street
Autostrada, an award-winning Italian restaurant, closed its doors to two locations this year. The West Pender location was shut down on January 27, 2024, after ten years of operation.
While the Main Street outpost shuttered on December 14th after 8 years of operation.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 350 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T1
14. Tea Plus
The beloved bubble tea stall in Crystal Mall Food Court, permanently closed after 24 years of service, with its last day being April 6, 2024.
This stall, operated by a single woman, gained a loyal following for its bubble tea, slushes, and bubble waffles, and it will be missed by many locals who grew up enjoying its offerings.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: Crystal Mall Food Court, Burnaby, BC
15. Koko Japanese Restaurant
Koko, one of Vancouver’s oldest Japanese restaurants, closed on June 14, 2024, after 42 years of serving authentic sushi and Japanese cuisine.
Known for its traditional setup and community legacy, Koko has been a significant part of Vancouver’s culinary history, particularly in introducing sushi to locals.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 2053 East Hastings, Vancouver, BC
16. Jack Frost Cafe
Jack Frost Cafe, a popular dessert spot in Richmond known for its Korean-inspired desserts, quietly closed its doors after six years of operation.
The cafe’s Google Business listing indicates it has been permanently closed since early May 2024, leaving fans to wonder about the reasons behind the sudden shutdown.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 6916 No 3 Road, Richmond, BC
17. Claypot Hot Pot
Claypot Hot Pot, a beloved Richmond restaurant known for its all-you-can-eat and unique 3-tier hot pot experience, closed its doors after 12 years on May 20, 2024.
The closure was unannounced, leaving many locals with bittersweet memories of the dining spot.
The unit has since been taken over by a new Korean KBBQ spot called Goodnine.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 8291 Alexandra Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 1C3
18. YiFang Fruit Tea
Yifang officially closed its last Richmond location, located at Union Square, as of October 1st, 2024, marking the end of the brand’s presence in British Columbia.
Known for its fresh, fruit-forward beverages inspired by the founder’s grandmother, YiFang has struggled in the competitive bubble tea market.
All of the units have since transformed into other bubble tea brands.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 8328 Capstan Wy #1131, Richmond, BC V6X 4B5
19. Bubble World Richmond
The beloved franchised Taiwanese eatery announced its closure of the Richmond outpost after over 14 years of service, officially closed its doors on November 24, 2024.
Known for its affordable comfort food and bubble tea, Bubble World will be missed amid the evolving food landscape in Richmond.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 8368 Capstan Wy Unit 1318, Richmond, BC V6X 4B4
20. The Arbor
The Arbor, a popular vegetable-forward restaurant in Vancouver, closed its doors on April 7, 2024, after 7.5 years of dedicated service to the community.
Known for its plant-based comfort food and vibrant garden patio, the restaurant has been a beloved spot for locals.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 3941 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P2
21. Kazu Japanese Restaurant
The authentic Japanese restaurant in the Burnaby Heights area permanently closed its doors on April 7th, 2024, after a decade of service.
The restaurant, known for its genuine Japanese flavors and warm atmosphere, expressed heartfelt gratitude to its loyal customers upon announcing the closure.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 4332 Hastings St. Burnaby, BC
22. Grub
The neighbourhood restaurant on Main Street, closed its doors after 17 years of service, with its last day on October 28, 2024.
Known for its home-style cooking and community vibe, the closure was announced on social media, hinting at possible lease hikes as a contributing factor.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 4328 Main St, Vancouver, BC
23. Davie Dosa Company
The beloved South Indian restaurant in Downtown Vancouver, closed its doors at the end of October 2024 after seven years of operation.
The closure was attributed to circumstances beyond their control, including a non-renewed lease, despite the restaurant’s popularity and commitment to using locally sourced ingredients.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 1235 Davie St., Vancouver BC
24. Ebisu Richmond
The iconic Japanese restaurant Ebisu in Richmond closed its doors on February 25, 2024, after over 30 years of operation.
While it was known for its affordability and diverse menu, it held a special place in the hearts of many locals with countless memories tied to its vibrant atmosphere.
Read the full scoop here.
Address: 8111 Ackroyd Rd, Richmond, BC V6X 3J9
As the year ends, we are reminded of the vibrant stories and memories that each restaurant contributed to Metro Vancouver’s food scene and to locals.
Some of these restaurants have been part of our lives, while we grew up, celebrated milestones, or got through a difficult time.
While this list is just a fraction of the establishments that have closed, their legacies will linger in our memories and palates.
As the bad economy rages on, the reality is that this pattern of increased restaurant closures will surely continue into 2025.
So with a lot of uncertainties, we encourage you to visit your cherished food spots as much as possible.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.