The North Shore’s flocks of foodies were treated to a buffet of new offerings in 2024.
But there were also fond farewells, as a list of local favourites were taken off the menu for good.
Here’s a roundup of the top food and beverage openings over the past 12 months, followed by closings and other happenings in the ever-changing industry.
Near the top of the calendar year, a new French restaurant opened its doors in West Vancouver’s Ambleside neighbourhood. Located at 1479 Clyde Ave., Merèon promises to bring French classics made with fresh West Coast ingredients.
In May, Gastown-favourite Gringo brought its “white trash taco” vibes to Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver. With neon signs and drinks served out of sand-castle buckets, Gringo boasts low-brow Mexican-inspired fare and a fair price.
Just blocks away, Loam Bistro opened its doors next at 230 Esplanade. With its grand opening in October, Loam specializes in decadent sweet and savoury brunch options, with high-quality hot beverages from its barista bar. Also go there for its colourful and lush interior.
Likewise dressed to impress is the brand-new Strathcona North brewery and taproom beside the waterfront entrance of Lonsdale Quay. This refurbished establishment serves up the craft beer Strathcona is known for, but with a surprisingly tasty full food menu. One caveat has been that they can only serve you one alcoholic drink, but staff said they’re working on updating the licence.
Lower Lonsdale grocery shoppers would have noticed changes to the IGA, as it underwent a transformation to become a new Fresh St. Market location. Many of these B.C. stores, owned by Georgia Main Food Group, are heading in this direction.
The folks at Lee’s Donuts said that the “hula hoop combat” marketing that’s been perplexing passers-by at 100-124 West First St. over the past year has been a ruse, disguising a new doughnut shop that’s set to open at the address.
Celebrating four decades serving Greek favourites and delivering pizzas to North Vancouverites, Andreas Restaurant is preparing to update its space with a modern layout to welcome its next generation of customers.
Those looking to get into the business can buy the newly renovated The Raven Pub in Deep Cove. The 6,000-foot commercial space is currently listed at $488,000.
It's been a slice
B.C. Burger lovers lamented the closure of White Spot at Park Royal in January. The restaurant had been a staple at the West Van mall for nearly 70 years.
Trattoria also said goodbye to Park Royal regulars in October after 10 years there, citing rising rent as a big factor in the closure. That business is set to be replaced in the new year by a Artigiano concept with an open kitchen.
Lebanese eatery Jamjar Canteen closed after less than five years in North Van.
Flying Wedge Pizza at Park & Tilford became the last in the franchise to shutter, when it closed in August. The first location opened in Kitsilano in 1989.
A somewhat unexpected outpour of grief came when Thrifty Foods on Marine Drive closed in December. We received many comments and letters from loyal customers, many who would make trips from across town just to visit the exceptional staff at the grocery store. Some of those employees now work at the Edgemont Village location.
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