Vancouver’s Culinary Gem Shines Bright: Gary’s Ranks Among Canada’s Best New Restaurants of 2024!

The food scene in Canada has just become more exciting as Air Canada unveiled its prestigious list of Canada’s Best New Restaurants for 2024. Among the crème de la crème is Gary's, a charming European-style bistro tucked away in the vibrant South Granville neighborhood of Vancouver, securing the ninth position on this esteemed list.

Since opening its doors in late 2023, Gary's has quickly soared in popularity, impressing both critics and diners alike. The restaurant is the brainchild of dynamic duo Bailey Hayward and Matthew Bishop, who not only share a business partnership but also personal lives rooted in love. Their “meet-cute” story at another Vancouver establishment adds a heartwarming backdrop to this culinary venture.

Gary’s has enjoyed a remarkable first year, marked by accolades including a nomination for Best New Restaurant at the Van Mag Restaurant Awards and a spot in the Michelin Guide's 2024 list of Bib Gourmand restaurants, celebrating value-driven dining experiences. Hayward’s exceptional hospitality was also recognized with an award from the Michelin Guide this year.

The announcement was made on November 4th in Toronto, where the “Top 10” was chosen from a robust list of 30 finalists that were revealed earlier in September. Notably, Vancouver had five contenders including Bravo, Dovetail, Lila, and Osteria Elio Volpe, along with Ancestor Café from Fort Langley, that unfortunately did not make it to the final selection.

Tara O’Brady, designated “eater-in-chief” for the judging panel, embraced the culinary challenge, undertaking the delightful task of dining at all 30 finalist restaurants. She embarked on 19 flights, tasting a staggering 176 dishes in her quest to identify the top spots. O'Brady noted the dedication Gary's shows towards using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, reflecting both the love story of its owners and their passion for quality cuisine.

The competition was fierce this year, with Montreal's Sabayon taking the number one slot. Overall, three of the top 10 restaurants hail from Quebec, while four have taken root in Ontario. In addition to Gary's, Vancouver also cheers for Café Malabar, which finished an impressive fifth.

Air Canada’s awards program has been celebrating the nation’s top culinary experiences since 2002, making it one of the most respected accolades in the industry. The judges’ rigorous selection process ensures that only the finest establishments are recognized, highlighting the remarkable diversity and quality of the Canadian restaurant landscape.

Here’s the full list of Air Canada’s Best New Restaurants of 2024:

1. Sabayon (Montreal, QC) 2. Mhel (Toronto, ON) 3. Maison de Soma (Mont-Tremblant, QC) 4. Takja BBQ House (Toronto, ON) 5. Café Malabar (Victoria, B.C.) 6. Parapluie (Montreal, QC) 7. Bar Prima (Toronto, ON) 8. Fat Rabbit (St. Catharines, ON) 9. Gary's (Vancouver, B.C.) 10. Crumb Queen/Andy’s Lunch (Winnipeg, MB)