✍️ By Karalee Greer | WBN News – Kitsilano Edition | April 15, 2025

I live in Kitsilano and have witnessed significant changes in the local culinary scene over the past few years. From beloved establishments closing their doors to exciting new ventures emerging, here's a look at the notable restaurant and café openings and closures in Kitsilano since 2020.

📉 Notable Closures

These closures reflect the significant impact of the pandemic and other challenges on local businesses.

Restaurants

  1. BiBo Pizzeria
  • Location: 1835 W 4th Ave
  • Closed: 2022
  • Background: Known for its authentic Italian pizzas, BiBo Pizzeria was a staple in Kitsilano. The closure was attributed to challenges faced during the pandemic.
  1. Qube Lebanese Cuisine
  • Location: 1857 W 4th Ave
  • Closed: 2023
  • Reason: Lease termination led to the closure of this popular Lebanese restaurant.
  1. Bel Café
  • Location: 1780 W 3rd Ave
  • Closed: June 2023
  • Background: Operated by renowned chef David Hawksworth, Bel Café was known for its artisanal pastries and coffee. The closure marked the end of its five-year run in Kitsilano.
  1. Browns Socialhouse
  • Location: 1908 W 4th Ave
  • Closed: 2022
  • Background: This casual dining spot was known for its diverse menu and lively atmosphere. The reasons for closure remain undisclosed.
  1. Bishops
  • Location: 2183 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: January 2022.
  • Reason for Closure: Financial strain due to the pandemic and a significant rent increase.
  1. Corduroy Lounge
  • Location: 1943 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: October 2021.
  • Reason for Closure: Business license suspension. Closure may be temporary.
  1. Aphrodite's Organic Cafe
  • Location: 3605 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: February 2025.
  • Reason for Closure: Rising business costs.
  1.  Sunshine Diner
  • Location: 2649 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: July 2024.
  • Reason for Closure: Financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic.
  1. Qube Restaurant
  • Location: 1850 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: April 2024.
  • Reason for Closure: Lease termination.
  1. Robba da Matti (Kitsilano Location)
  • Location: 1898 W 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: 2024.
  • Reason for Closure: Unforeseen family problems.

Bakeries

  1. Notte's Bon Ton Bakery
  • Location: 3150 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: April 22, 2023.
  • Reason for Closure: The rent was not feasible, prompting relocation.

2. Terra Breads

  • Location: 2380 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: December 31, 2022.
  • Reason for Closure: Lease ending and changing times.

3. The Pie Hole

  • Location: 1864 W 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: March 2024.
  • Reason for Closure: Lease termination by the landlord.

Cafes

  1.  Olive + Ruby
  • Location: 2839 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: June 2020.
  • Reason for Closure: Financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic.

2. Bel Café

  • Location: 1780 W 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: June 4, 2023.
  • Reason for Closure: Business decision by Hawksworth Group.

Coffee Shops

1. Just Another Coffee Shop

  • Location: 3040 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC.
  • Closure Date: April 24, 2022.
  • Reason for Closure: Transition to a more permanent concept.

📈 Exciting Openings

These new establishments reflect the resilience and creativity of the Kitsilano dining scene, bringing diverse and unique experiences to the community.

Restaurants

1. Suren Kits Bar & Grill

  • Location: 3293 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: August 2023.
  • Reason for Opening: Suren aimed to bring a unique Persian dining experience to Kitsilano, filling a niche in the local culinary scene.

2. Dark Table

  • Location: 2611 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: 2021.
  • Reason for Opening: Offers a unique dining experience in complete darkness, served by visually impaired staff, raising awareness about blindness.

3. The Eatery

  • Location: 3431 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: 2022.
  • Reason for Opening: Known for its funky and creative sushi, catering to Kitsilano's vibrant and diverse population.

4. Toptable Group's New Project

  • Location: Corner of West 4th Avenue & Vine Street, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: Expected Spring 2025.
  • Reason for Opening: Toptable Group saw an opportunity to introduce a new culinary experience to Kitsilano.

5. Jay Nok Modern Thai

  • Location: 127 W 2nd Ave, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: Early 2025.
  • Reason for Opening: The Kongslip family wanted to continue their legacy with a modern twist.
  1. Folke
  • Location: 2585 W Broadway
  • Opened: 2022
  • Background: A plant-based restaurant emphasizing sustainability and community. Folke quickly gained recognition and was named one of Canada's top 10 best new restaurants in 2023.
  1. Karma Indian Bistro
  • Location: 1685 W 4th Ave
  • Opened: 2022
  • Highlights: Offering a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine, Karma Indian Bistro received a Michelin Bib Gourmand status in 2023 for its exceptional food at moderate prices.
  1. The Painted Ship
  • Location: 2724 W Broadway
  • Opened: 2023
  • Background: A bar, restaurant, and music venue that has become a cultural hub in Kitsilano, offering live performances and a diverse menu.

Bakeries

1. Purebread Bakery

  • Location: 1846 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: June 1, 2024.
  • Reason for Opening: Purebread aimed to bring their award-winning bakery experience to Kitsilano, believing in the community's rich culinary culture45.

2. Notte's Bon Ton Bakery

  • Location: 2515 Alma Street, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: Fall 2023.
  • Reason for Opening: After leaving its longtime Kitsilano location, Notte's Bon Ton relocated to continue serving its beloved pastries and cakes.

Cafes

1. Kits Beach Coffee

  • Location: 1945 Cornwall Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: May 2022.
  • Reason for Opening: Born out of the pandemic, Kits Beach Coffee aimed to create a community hub with a focus on environmentally friendly coffee and baked goods.

2. Lumine Coffee

  • Location: 1965 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: 2022.
  • Reason for Opening: Lumine Coffee offers a multi-roaster shop with house-made baking, catering to coffee enthusiasts.

3. La La Island

  • Location: 2951 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: Summer 2022.
  • Reason for Opening: Provides espresso drinks and baked goods, aiming to serve the local community.

4. BRIGHTSIDE

  • Location: 3040 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: 2022.
  • Reason for Opening: Took over the space previously occupied by Just Another Coffee Shop, offering a fresh coffee experience.

Coffee Shops

1. Kit's Coffee & Bistro

  • Location: 3301 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: 2021.
  • Reason for Opening: Continues the legacy of quality and service established by Bruno's Corner Cup.

2. Starbucks

  • Location: 3190 Macdonald Street, Vancouver, BC.
  • Opening Date: 2021.
  • Reason for Opening: Expanding its presence to serve the Kitsilano community with high-quality arabica coffee.
  1. Kits Beach Coffee
  • Location: 1945 Cornwall Ave
  • Opened: 2022
  • Background: Starting as a seasonal mobile café in 2020, it evolved into a permanent establishment known for its commitment to local sourcing and community engagement.
  1. Jam Café
  • Location: 2153 W 4th Ave
  • Opened: 2021
  • Highlights: Known for its hearty brunch offerings and eclectic décor, Jam Café has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

WBN News - Kitsilano Edition

Karalee Greer - Publisher

Tags: #WBN News - Kitsilano Edition #Karalee Greer #Kitsilano #Kits #Kitsilano Eats #Support Local #Vancouver Dining #Vancouver Foodies

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