Michelin-Noted Bacaro Italian Restaurant Closes in Downtown Vancouver
Vancouver's culinary scene has suffered another loss with the permanent closure of Bacaro, an Italian restaurant that earned a spot on the Michelin Guide's recommended list. Located at 1029 W. Cordova Street on the ground floor of the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel, the eatery shuttered its doors recently, as confirmed by its Google listing and the removal of its website.
A Farewell Message and Restaurant Background
In an Instagram post earlier this week, Bacaro shared a brief statement: "A thousand thanks for all the love over the years. Ciao, bella." Opened in 2021, the restaurant was operated by the Kitchen Table Group, known for other popular local establishments such as Ask for Luigi, Di Beppe, and Giovane Caffè, which sits adjacent to the now-closed Bacaro.
Inspired by Venetian bàcaros—taverns or wine bars serving affordable local wines and light bites—Bacaro offered a contemporary dining experience. Vancouver Sun restaurant critic Mia Stainsby described it in a 2021 review as "a contemporary and lean bacaro with high-top seating in one area, a standing counter down the middle, a bar seating facing a 40-tap Enomatic wine system and a more private dining area at the back." The restaurant was among 49 venues listed in the Michelin Guide's 2025 roundup of recommended restaurants, highlighting its significance in the city's food landscape.
Growing Trend of Restaurant Closures in Vancouver
Bacaro joins a growing list of Vancouver restaurants that have closed in recent months. Notable closures include:
- Goldilocks Bake Shop on Main Street
- Rogue Kitchen & Wetbar's West Broadway location
- Pizzeria Farina (another Kitchen Table Group outpost)
- Cartems Donuts
- Flamingo Chinese Restaurant
- The Poor Italian
- Zefferelli's Spaghetti Joint
- Floata Seafood Restaurant
- MeeT in Gastown
Chefs and restaurant owners attribute these closures to escalating operational challenges. Key factors include:
- Rising costs of ingredients, rent, and utilities
- Increases in British Columbia's minimum wage
These economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for establishments to maintain profitability, leading to a wave of shutdowns across the city.
Impact on Vancouver's Dining Scene
The closure of Bacaro underscores broader issues facing the restaurant industry in Vancouver. As a Michelin-noted venue, its departure marks a significant loss for food enthusiasts and highlights the fragile state of hospitality businesses amid financial strains. The trend reflects ongoing struggles with sustainability in a competitive market, prompting concerns about the future of local dining options.
While Bacaro's Instagram farewell expressed gratitude for years of support, its absence leaves a void in downtown Vancouver's culinary offerings. The restaurant's innovative approach to Italian cuisine and its recognition by the Michelin Guide will be remembered by patrons and critics alike.
