There’s a new spot quietly making waves on West Broadway, Oishinoya, a Japanese gyudon restaurant that just soft-opened with something Vancouver doesn’t see often: solo dining booths.
Think introvert paradise meets beef bowl heaven.
Each booth has a personal window where your meal magically appears after you ring the little “Ding!” button. There’s no awkward small talk, no scanning for service, just you, your food, and oh-so-nice-private-setting. It’s the same reason I keep going back to quiet corners like Tru Cafe when I want to eat without performing.
When I went, I tried the Mentaiko Gyudon, which came with that perfect balance of creamy and slightly spicy. The mentaiko added this briny pop that cut through the sweetness of the beef. The set also came with miso soup, sides, and an add-on soft onsen egg ready to be mixed in for maximum comfort.
The presentation includes simple trays, clean lines, and a small spotlight illuminating your food.
The details
📍 Oishinoya, West Broadway. Also opening: a second Oishinoya in the Richmond food hall near CF Richmond Centre, if you’re closer to that side of the bridge.
🎟️ How it works: Order your food at kiosk, get the receipt, place it in your booth slot, ring the bell, and wait for your tray to slide in.
💡 Best for: Solo lunch dates and anyone who’s ever wished their meal could arrive without breaking their social battery.
If you’re curious, go now, before everyone on TikTok discovers it. And if solo eating is your thing, Oishinoya made my 5 Vancouver food and coffee spots roundup for good reason.
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