Marco Ovies is a staff writer for Dished Vancouver, covering food news in and around the city. He loves cats, overpriced iced coffees, and a good cheeseburger.

<p>Air Canada has just revealed its finalist list for <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/air-canada-best-new-restaurants-2025" target="_blank">Best New Restaurants in Canada</a>, and a number of Vancouver spots have made the cut.</p>
<p>The airlines&#8217; highly anticipated Top 10 list will be revealed on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, but the list of 31 finalists spanning Canada was revealed on Sept. 16.</p>
<p>&#8220;Food connects us to our roots, our communities, and to one another. Air Canada&#8217;s Best New Restaurants celebrates the stories and flavours that define Canada&#8217;s diverse culinary scene,&#8221; said Andrew Shibata, Vice President, Brand at Air Canada. &#8220;Year after year, we are proud to showcase the people and places shaping Canada&#8217;s culinary identity – inspiring Canadians to discover new destinations and create unforgettable trips around the country&#8217;s most exciting dining experiences.&#8221;</p>
<p>Finalists for Air Canada&#8217;s Best New Restaurants are recognized for the quality of their food, the level of service they provide, and their commitment to culture and culinary creativity.</p>
<p>To qualify, restaurants must have opened between May 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025, and be nominated by a national panel of trusted culinary voices. From there, an anonymous culinary expert visits the shortlisted restaurant to select both the finalist and the top 10.</p>
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<p>Going in alphabetical order, the first Vancouver finalist is none other than <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/elem-main-street-vancouver" target="_blank">Elem</a>, which is no stranger to the limelight, having also been named one of the best new spots in Canada by <em><a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/elem-best-new-restaurant-canada" target="_blank">Canada&#8217;s 100 Best</a></em>.</p>
<p>Here, chef Vish Mayekar (formerly of La Tana, Pepino’s, and Elio Volpe), alongside Hassib Sarwari and Winnie Sun of the celebrated <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/afghan-restaurant-vancouver-zarak" target="_blank" rel="noopener">modern Afghan restaurant Zarak</a> is serving a menu largely inspired by Mayekar’s travels, featuring seafood, local produce, and bold flavours (think slow-cooked dishes inspired by Indian culinary practices). It also boasts a killer cocktail menu courtesy of Sun.</p>
<p>Next on the list is <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/june-vancouver" target="_blank">June</a>, the restaurant and bar brought to us by the team behind Keefer Bar (and which is also home to the vinyl listening lounge <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/lala-vancouver" target="_blank">Lala</a>). This <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/june-cambie-vancouver" target="_blank">relaxed yet upscale restaurant</a> is serving a menu featuring French-inspired West Coast fare from head chef Connor Sperling (previously Published on Main, Boulevard).</p>
<p>June has also received its fair share of accolades, including a mention as one of the most <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/june-vancouver-2025" target="_blank">exciting new bars to visit in the world</a> by <em>World&#8217;s 50 Best.</em></p>
<p>Powell Street has received some special attention on this year&#8217;s finalist list, with two neighbouring restaurants being included<span style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">: <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/niwa-vancouver" target="_blank">Niwa</a> and <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/nero-tondo" target="_blank">Nero Tondo</a>, both of which are farm-to-table eateries serving standout dishes located on Powell and Victoria Drive</span>. <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/niwa-2025" target="_blank">Niwa</a> serves up standout sake offerings, while Nero Tondo&#8217;s menu is so hyperlocal that it could actually change in the middle of service.</p>
<p><a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/selene-aegean-bistro-vancouver" target="_blank">Selene</a>, the Greek restaurant named after the goddess of the moon, located in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood, has also been named a finalist. Visitors here can expect a space inspired by the Aegean coast alongside standout eats, whether you&#8217;re visiting for <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/vancouver-brunch-selene-aegean-bistro" target="_blank">brunch</a> or dinner.</p>
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<p>Fans of yakitori will be pleased to hear that Sumibiyaki Arashi, chef Peter Ho&#8217;s intimate 14-seat restaurant, has also been selected. Ho displays his mastery over fire by flame-grilling each course on a charcoal grill in front of guests.</p>
<p>Finally, <a href="https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/sushi-hyun" target="_blank">Sushi Hyun Omakase</a> concludes the Vancouver inclusions on Air Canada&#8217;s list. At this omakase, owner and chef Juhyun Lee is serving a selection of seafood imported from Japan&#8217;s Toyosu Market served on a counter made of 200-year-old unblemished Hinoki.</p>
<p class="p1"><ul class="article-see-also"><strong>You might also like:</strong><li><a href='https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/sud-cafe-vancouver' target='_blank'>Vancouver's new cafe inspired by the South of France has officially opened</a></li><li><a href='https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/jacks-chowder-bentall-centre' target='_blank'>Seafood shack started to save a struggling Vancouver restaurant is now expanding</a></li><li><a href='https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/john-mulaney-zack-galifianakis-vancouver' target='_blank'>John Mulaney and Zach Galifianakis spotted at iconic Vancouver dining spot</a></li></ul></p>
<p>Air Canada&#8217;s Top 10 Best New Restaurants in Canada drops on Nov. 17, so be sure to check back here to see if your favourite restaurant made the final list.</p>
<p class="p1"><b><i>Still hungry? Discover </i></b><a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dishedvancouver" target="_blank"><b><i>Dished Vancouver on TikTok</i></b></a></p>


Vancouver

From hot new bars to farm-to-table experiences, these seven Vancouver restaurants are finalist for Air Canada's Best New Restaurants.