A popular Toronto hot pot restaurant is making its debut in Richmond.
After The North Bistro in Empire Centre shut down and its space was completely gutted, we were wondering what would be taking over the large unit.
In late January, we spotted the lights on inside and got a peek at the progress.
Turns out it is Loon Fong Hotpot, a retro Hong Kong-style hot pot spot that regularly sees two hour waits at its Toronto location, is opening in Empire Centre.
The brand first opened in Toronto’s Richmond Hill area back in 2024 and quickly became a local favourite.
What we saw looked promising as the space gets renovated.
Inside were neon signs, shopfront-style windows, and that signature alley layout that feels like a recreated Hong Kong street scene.
If you have seen photos of the Toronto location, you know exactly what to expect.
Red chairs, retro signs, and the cozy hum of friends chatting over steaming pots.
The decor is designed to transport you straight to the neon glow of old Hong Kong at night.
It is an immersive dining experience that goes beyond just the food.
But the food is impressive too.
Loon Fong was recognized in the 2025 Chinese Restaurant Awards for its Fish Maw Chicken hot pot and Drunken Chicken hot pot.
Both are rich, collagen-packed, and deeply flavourful, exactly the kind of warming comfort food you want on a cold Vancouver night.
The Toronto location currently holds a 4.6 star rating on Google, which is no small feat for a restaurant that consistently packs in crowds.
There is no official opening date announced yet, but the renovations seem to be moving quickly.
Based on the progress we saw, it looks like Loon Fong could open within the next couple of months.
We will keep you posted as soon as we hear anything official.
Loon Fong now joins other upcoming Richmond openings like Horin Ramen, Baskin Robbins Lansdowne, and Pho Capital.
Address: 4540 Number 3 Rd #1200, Richmond, BC V6X 3V7