New Vancouver Restaurants: July 2016

Vv Magazine’s Helen Siwak fills us in on Vancouver’s best new restaurants, those opening in July 2016 and the buzziest in-the-works hot spots.

It is a beautiful July in Vancouver and while that means lots of sunshine and beaches, it also includes the nightly rains to clean our streets and refresh the city air. With the change comes the newness of heading outdoors again, exploring the latest hip neighbourhoods and re-visiting our old favourites.

Happily, July also brings Pride and the PNE! Vancouver Pride Society puts together an insane amount of events, lunches, brunches, parties and a parade that attracts more than 650,000 people.

Playland at the PNE is already in full swing and so is the melange of odours that goes with this annual escape. This unique waft is of the usual little donuts, corndogs, and candy floss but this year throw in deep-fried cheesecake, giant waffle cones (filled with coleslaw, crispy meaty bits and zesty sauce) and bacon on a bun. Please beware the Hellevator afterwards, for everyone’s sake and remember that selfie sticks are banned on all rides. Fee for a day of indulgence and giggles will range from free (under 3 years old) to $36 for anyone taller than 48 inches.

Thursday nights belong to restaurant matchmaker, Tangoo Vancouver, whose sole purpose is guiding foodies through a night of newness and deliciousness. A tour of three restaurants where you get to access to appetizers, dinner, and drinks, alongside special value-added services. Prices vary.

If you have 3.5 hours to spare during the week, you can jump on the Vancouver Brewery Tour with a Beer Geek at your side – receive beer, transportation, food ordering options for $75 bucks. The Beer Geek is there to make sure you get the perfect sample flights and comprehensive explanations of what makes each beer taste so awesome.

Fresh Spots to enjoy in July

The Pie Shoppe
Andrea & Stephanie French are hand making pies using both local ingredients and supporting BC farmers. Fillings include unique combinations, like Walnut & Bourbon, Salted Chocolate Peanut Butter with Espresso and Peach & Vanilla Bean. Call to order one of the fourteen different pies or drop by for a slice.

Kozakura
This restaurant features a kappo-style dining experience where the chef makes everything in front of you. Enjoy a variety of raw, steamed and seared dishes that highlight traditional Japanese cuisines, using current ingredients and techniques.

Kissa Tanto
Located in Chinatown in the upper story of a faded old building, this new spot invites you to think of the cool elegant crudo and cruda, crisp exotic salads, playful pastas, and rich, tender meats. With a delightful retro (but not tacky) interior, Kisso Tanto asks that you wipe the mud from your boots and come on in.

Terroir Kitchen
Formerly the La Regalade, this kitchen styled after the classic tapas–rustic fare in the Southern European tradition of freshness and regionality. Catering to the undecided, Terroir kitchen provides everything from main course dinner service to wine and nibbles with all creations being made in house with only imported olive oils, vinegars, and cheeses.

The Red Wagon Cafe
An East Van neighbourhood joint serving up nostalgic comfort food. Hours vary, so check the website so you don’t miss your soon-to-be faves like the Pulled Pork Pancakes, Chilaquiles, Croque Madame, or a quacking good DLT. Good grub with a west coast edge and frosty brews 7 days a week.

New Shops Brewing the Beans

KAHVE
Located on Burrard Street, KAHVE is serving coffee from Phil & Sebastian of Calgary with in-house made sandwiches, salads, soups and baked goods. Mostly organic.

Porto Cafe
This Olympic Village cafe is now serving up Spanish coffee, berried iced teas, mango smoothies, and delicious desserts.

The Dog and Squirrel
Offering cold brew in a jumbo beaker, Sweet Salt Bakery yummies, paper goods, and air-conditioning in Yaletown.

Check us out in a few weeks for the new openings for August.

RELATED LINK: New Vancouver Restaurants: June 2016