Kitsilano

New Italian Gelato Shop Makes a Kitsilano Debut

Exciting news is brewing in Kitsilano! Prepare your taste buds for a delectable journey as Tutto Belle Il Gelato, a charming Italian gelato shop, is set to grace West 4th Avenue with its presence. 

Nestled next to the bustling Kitsilano Jam Cafe, Tutto Belle Il Gelato will be taking over the space previously occupied by Pacific Poke, which has undergone downsizing in recent years. While details about the new gelato shop are still under wraps, the signage outside hints at a whimsical and joyful gelato experience. With phrases like “Everyone deserves a gelato break” and “Where every scoop is an expression of joy,” it’s clear that delightful treats await inside.

As the summer months approach, and lines at the Kitsilano Rain or Shine stretch down the block, it’s evident that there’s a craving for cold, creamy indulgences in the area. Tutto Belle Il Gelato is strategically positioned to satisfy this demand, offering a refreshing alternative for those seeking a gelato fix. So, mark your calendars and save the date—according to its Google business listing, Tutto Belle Il Gelato is set to open its doors on March 1st.

Get ready to indulge in a scoop (or two!) of happiness as Kitsilano welcomes this exciting new addition to its culinary landscape. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to treat yourself to a taste of Italy right in our own backyard!

Photo by Jenna Day on Unsplash

This Kitsilano seafood restaurant has a secret tasting menu

Looking to uncover an exclusive tasting experience with exceptional value at a renowned seafood spot in Vancouver? Look no further than Oddfish in Kitsilano. Simply utter “feed me” to your server, and prepare for an unforgettable culinary journey. Priced at $75 per person, Oddfish offers a meticulously curated multi-course tasting menu that highlights the best of the restaurant’s offerings and seasonal delights.

While the term “course” typically denotes a single dish on most menus, at Oddfish, it means enjoying one to three delectable dishes at a time. You have the flexibility to choose between three courses paired with dessert or four savory courses. Specializing in seafood and vegetables, Oddfish’s “Feed Me” option, discreetly available off-menu, presents a harmonious blend of both culinary delights.

A unique sibling to Nook, with multiple locations across Vancouver and an upcoming fifth one, Oddfish also delves into the realm of pasta. Noteworthy among its offerings is the sumptuous Spaghetti Vongole, featuring buttery, garlicky clams, a tantalizing sprinkle of chives, and a delightful hint of red pepper heat. Prepare to indulge in a rich, slurp-worthy bowl of noodles that exemplifies culinary craftsmanship.

Photo by Vino Li on Unsplash

Kitsilano’s landmark little yellow schoolhouse begins new life after move to Squamish Nation

A 112-year-old schoolhouse, formerly located at Kits Beach, has been repurposed and transported across Burrard Inlet to the North Shore to serve the Squamish Nation. Acting as the new Ta Tsiptspí7lhḵn (Language Nest), the schoolhouse will provide a space for teaching Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) language, culture, and traditions to the community’s youngest members. Children from the Nation have already begun utilizing the relocated schoolhouse at its new location near Capilano Road and Welch Street.

The initiative to save the schoolhouse came from Glyn Lewis of Renewal Home Development, who intervened at the last moment to prevent its demolition during the construction of the new Henry Hudson school in Kitsilano. With the Squamish Nation expressing interest, Lewis facilitated the relocation of the building via barge, at a cost of approximately $160,000. The Vancouver School Board donated $80,000 earmarked for demolition to the Nation for the project. Despite initial challenges and resistance, the schoolhouse’s relocation received widespread community support, showcasing the potential for repurposing buildings instead of demolishing them. This project highlights the possibility of salvaging and repurposing buildings, contributing to sustainable development practices in the region.

Photo by David Pisnoy on Unsplash

Tayybeh has opened its first cafe in Kits

If you haven’t been keeping tabs on Vancouver’s culinary scene lately, you’ve likely still heard about Tayybeh—a renowned Middle Eastern catering company run by Syrian refugee women. Beginning in 2017, this social enterprise started with ticketed pop-up Syrian dinners across the Lower Mainland, showcasing the talents of an all-female culinary team. Over the past seven years, Tayybeh has evolved from its humble beginnings in community centers, mosques, and schools to become a prominent fixture in Metro Vancouver’s food landscape. They’ve expanded their offerings beyond events to include buffets, banquets, community cooking classes, and even a food truck.

Now, much to the delight of Vancouverites, Tayybeh has opened its own cafe in Kitsilano. Soft-opening its doors on February 1st, the cafe welcomes patrons for both dine-in and takeaway service. The menu boasts hot meals like chicken shawarma and kebabs, along with delectable appetizers such as kibbeh and cheese samboosak. Excitingly, the cafe’s first major event is an upcoming Valentine’s Day dinner featuring a five-course meal of Syrian dishes not previously available in their catering repertoire. To complement the culinary experience, there will be live entertainment by the musical duo Rasha Youssef and Grace.

Tayybeh Kitsilano
Address: 2836 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm; Sunday, 9am to 5pm

Instagram: @tayybeh.syrian

Photo by cindy fernandez on Unsplash

Tacofino kicks off breakfast!

Elevating the morning dining experience in the city, Tacofino, a beloved West Coast Mexican eatery, has introduced an exciting breakfast menu starting today, January 15.

Operating from 8 am to 10:50 am daily, Tacofino’s new breakfast offerings are now available at its Kitsilano, Hastings, Oasis (located on Pender), and Squamish locations. The expanded menu boasts thirteen new items, featuring distinctive breakfast-only creations such as tacos, burritos, and more.

Gino Di Domenico, Managing Partner at Tacofino, expresses enthusiasm for the breakfast launch, stating, “Name a better word combo than breakfast and burrito. We’ve been thinking about a breakfast menu for some time but wanted to wait until we had it dialed. Our team has been hard at work on this one for a while, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how it’s turned out.”

Among the new offerings are the Loaded Breakfast Tots and three breakfast tacos: chorizo and egg, potato and egg, and beef and egg, along with a vegan scramble option. For burrito enthusiasts, choices include chorizo and egg and vegan chorizo.

In a delightful twist, Tacofino is swapping tequila for espresso in the mornings, featuring locally-owned Moja Coffee at the bar. This addition allows patrons to savor Americanos and lattes alongside their morning Mexican-inspired delights.

Embrace the festive morning spirit by calling your friends and organizing una fiesta de la mañana at Tacofino.

Photo by Nate Johnston on Unsplash

Maenam will unveil its inaugural Chef Collaboration Dinner Series

Vancouver’s acclaimed Thai restaurant, Maenam (1938 West 4th Avenue), is set to embark on an exciting culinary journey with the launch of its new and special Chef Collaboration Dinner Series this year. Titled “Maenam and Friends: A Dinner Series,” Chef-owner Angus An and his team will be joined exclusively by renowned chefs from around the globe. The series begins with local talent Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, Executive Chef of the Michelin-starred Published on Main, in March, followed by Duangporn “Bo” Songvisava and Dylan Jones, the chefs behind Bangkok’s celebrated Bo.lan, in April. Additional fall dinners featuring distinguished chefs will be announced later this year. Wine Director Kurtis Kolt and Bar Manager Tony Limchai are currently curating beverage pairings for both dinners. Guests can anticipate a diverse selection of Kolt’s favorite unique and thoughtful terroir-driven wines from local producers, creative cocktails, and non-alcoholic pairings.

Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash

AnnaLena: Seating and Stars

AnnaLena has implemented changes after being awarded one Michelin star. Chef Robbins and his business partner, Jeff Parr, removed ten seats from the dining room, reducing total covers per night from 80 to 64. This strategic move aims to create breathing room, allowing for more creative plating and the introduction of intricate dishes. The reduced covers also facilitate better service, enabling staff to connect with guests, offer wine suggestions, and improve overall dining experiences. AnnaLena resumed service on January 12th with a set dinner at $144 per person. Book HERE.

Photo by Allison Saeng on Unsplash

Urban Outfitters is closing its Kitsilano location in Vancouver after nearly 12 years.

A notice on the store’s window at 2199 West 4th Avenue states that its last day open will be Tuesday, January 23. Customers are directed to the next closest location at 880 Granville Street. The closure raises speculation about the future business that will occupy the building at 4th Avenue and Yew Street.

Photo by Chris Henry on Unsplash

Where will king tide be biggest in Metro Vancouver?

Metro Vancouver is bracing for a new storm system with Environment Canada issuing two weather alerts, warning of “significant” waves and an arctic outflow with temperatures plunging to -20°C. Elevated ocean water levels are expected along Metro Vancouver shorelines, particularly in areas like Stanley Park, University of British Columbia, Kitsilano, Richmond, and Delta. The northwest winds are likely to impact locations more strongly, with sections of the seawall possibly closing for safety. The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation is closely monitoring weather patterns, and the public is urged to respect closures and stay away from the water’s edge during surges. The arctic outflow warning extends to various regions, posing a risk of frostbite and hypothermia as wind chill values drop to -20°C.

Photo by Axel Antas-Bergkvist on Unsplash

Approved Kitsilano development project for single-family houses listed for $15.5 million


A redevelopment project in Kitsilano Point, approved in April 2023, is now on the market for $15.5 million. The property, located at 1000 Cypress Street, currently features a 1972-built apartment building with eight units. The approved development plan, designed by Formwerks Architectural, involves constructing three luxury single-family houses on the 14,256 sq ft lot. The houses will have a combined total floor area of nearly 11,000 sq ft, with the potential for alternate development plans, such as a multi-unit development, two larger single-family houses, or one large mansion. The existing building, if retained, could generate an estimated $170,000 in net income annually based on market rental rates. The property’s assessed value as of July 2023 is $14.654 million.

Photo by Daniel McCullough on Unsplash