What’s on the menu: New Burnaby restaurants on our radar

Are you looking for new Burnaby restaurants and cafes to try? The good news is that Burnaby’s foodie scene is buzzing. It’s not something you’d expect to hear being next-door neighbours to Vancouver, which is often seen as the foodie hub for the Lower Mainland, but there are some pretty exciting spots that are popping up in the city.

Here are some eateries we’re looking forward to trying.

Gram Cafe at The Amazing Brentwood

Gram Cafe is now open for its soft launch at The Amazing Brentwood. Known for their heavenly Japanese-style souffle pancakes, you can expect sweet and savoury pancake flavours, such as Tiramasu, coconut custard, salmon and avocado, and chilli beans. Aside from pancakes, Gram also offers up French toast, sandwiches, and sides. Please note that during soft launch, not all menu items are available at this time.Address: 4567 Lougheed Hwy

JJ Bean at Station Square

Those who frequent Station Square near Metrotown will be pleased to know a JJ Bean Coffee Roasters will be opening up in the area soon. The well-known Vancouver-based chain confirmed with the Beacon this past fall that the opening date will likely be in January 2022. JJ Bean has two other locations in Burnaby including 101-8288 North Fraser Way and 4299 Hastings St.

Tendon Kohaku at Station Square

Well-known Singapore-based Japanese tempura chain will be opening its doors soon. Tendon Kohaku has signage up at its Station Square location across from Earls. According to its website, Kohaku Tendon is a “hearty bowl topped with crispy beautiful tempura.” The menu speaks for itself with an impressive roster of items, including Nagoya chicken wings, tuna tataki, chawanmushi, soft serves, Japanese strawberry cheesecake, and of course a number of tendon dishes. Tendon Kohaku recently opened a location at 1901 Rosser Avenue in the Brentwood area.Address: 6065 Silver Dr

Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba at Station Square

This Japanese chain is known for its ramen without the soupy broth. They serve up a wide variety of mazesoba dishes including curry, salmon avocado, spicey, and vegan. Kokoro also recently opened a Brentwood location beside Tendon Kohaku on Rosser Ave.Address: 6049 Silver Dr

Claudio’s Ristorante 

The recently shuttered Pasta Amore will be rebranding and opening as a new concept —Claudio’s Ristorante not too far away, right across Whole Foods Market at#103, 4402 Skyline Dr. According to Stefano Magagnin, Pasta Amore’s general manager, the new eatery will “showcase the very best in both Italian and local ingredients, the newly inspired menu can be described as “Dinner at Nonna’s” but elevated. It’s slated to open in spring 2022.Address: 103, 4402 Skyline Dr