Another Vancouver restaurant has officially shut down, but this time, it’s not just the economy to blame.
Gastronomy in Gastown has had its lease terminated after failing to pay rent for at least two years, according to a newly surfaced lease termination notice.
Since mid-December, Gastronomy was listed as “temporarily closed” on its Google Business page and website.
But from what we’ve uncovered, it is likely never coming back.
A source provided us with photos of the lease termination notice posted on the restaurant’s door, confirming that management had not paid rent for over two years.
The notice, issued by the landlord, details arrears of over a whopping $302,242 and officially terminates the tenancy.
Additionally, the source shared that staff members were allegedly withheld compensation for at least a month before the restaurant shut down.
Big yikes.
Gastronomy made its debut in January 2023, bringing a modern Italian-influenced menu with contemporary twists on classic dishes.
It quickly gained recognition, even landing the #3 spot on Georgia Straight’s Golden Plates Awards for Best New Restaurant in 2023.
Known for its firewood pizzas and stylish ambiance, it racked up an impressive 4.8-star rating on Google, with diners raving about the food and atmosphere.
But signs of trouble started showing last November when the restaurant was listed for sale.
Nothing seemed to come of it at the time, but fast forward to early January, and we spotted something telling—the interior was packed with racks of plates and equipment, as if it was prepping for a move or renovation.
Gastronomy isn’t the only restaurant in downtown Vancouver facing lease terminations. Bisou Bakery’s Telus Garden location was also shut down in December 2024 due to similar circumstances.
Usually, for closure articles, we chalk it up to the bad economy and rising food costs.
But when it is revealed that the management missed at least 2 years of rent and allegedly withheld compensation to staff, all we can do is shake our heads.
For those who never got to try Gastronomy’s pizzas, it looks like the window has officially closed. And for those who loved it—this one stings.
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Address: 62 East Cordova, Vancouver BC