These 4 new Vancouver restaurants have been ranked among the top 10 in Canada

Chef Peter Ho is seen in this photo, showing his Vancouver restaurant Sumibiyaki Arashi. (Credit: sumibiyakiarashi.com

A reservation-only omakase experience that seats just eight people per meal and an eatery that isn’t open on weekends are among the Vancouver restaurants named to a list of the best new places to dine in Canada.

Air Canada announced its top 10 new restaurants of 2025 Monday, and while the top three spots went to places in eastern Canada—Vancouver put up an impressive showing for the West Coast.

“Each restaurant reflects its community in a different way. And together they show the incredible range of flavour and culture across the country. We are proud to shine a spotlight on their work and inspire more people to explore Canada through its food,” said Andy Shibata, Air Canada’s vice-president of brand, in a news release.

“The list highlights destinations worth visiting as much for their unforgettable meals as for the journeys themselves.”

Sushi Hyun Omakase, a downtown spot that is described as having a “blink-and-you-might-miss-it entrance” ranked fourth on the list.

“Known for its meticulous preparation, Sushi Hyun Omakase offers a masterful omakase experience featuring sustainable Pacific Northwest seafood. Each course pays tribute to Japanese culinary craftsmanship with a distinct West Coast twist,” Air Canada’s media release said.

A lunch sitting costs $200 per person while securing a spot for dinner runs $300.

A small restaurant nestled on Powell Street in East Vancouver was ranked number six.

Nero Tondo was recognized for its hand-made pastas and innovative use of local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients.

“Infused with regional influences, the restaurant’s menu offers a seamless balance of traditional techniques and innovative flavour profiles,” the announcement from Air Canada said.

Fourteen-seat Sumibiyaki Arashi, located along Mount Pleasant’s rapidly changing Broadway corridor, landed the number eight spot.

The cuisine, described as incorporating Japanese precision and chef Peter Ho’s Taiwanese roots is reservation- and adults-only and earned accolades for its yakitori.

“Each skewer (is) cooked over binchotan charcoal for precise, clean flavours,” the description from Air Canada says. “Seasonal fish, vegetable-forward plates, and innovative textures add depth to the menu, while respecting the practice of balance and restraint.”

Finally, another spot on Powell Street near the city’s port earned the number 10 spot—but anyone wanting to make weekend plans around checking it out will be disappointed.

Niwa is only open Monday to Friday and its farm-to-table menu features local ingredients prepared using Asian techniques

“Niwa merges the elegance of nature with culinary sophistication,” Air Canada’s description says.

“From serene plating to refined flavour combinations, Niwa creates a memorable dining experience that embraces simplicity and artistry.”

The full list of the 10 best new restaurants is available online here.