This past Friday, two friends and I finally made it to June, the much-anticipated new restaurant in Vancouver’s South Cambie neighborhood. Opened just this April, June comes from the team behind one of my all-time favourite cocktail spots, the award-winning The Keefer Bar, and features culinary direction from Chef Connor Sperling, formerly chef de cuisine at Vancouver’s Michelin-starred Published on Main.
First Impressions: A Space Defined by Contemporary Elegance
The space is stunning—understated yet striking. Designed by acclaimed Mexican architect Héctor Esrawe, June balances soft, sculptural lines with natural materials. Think: warm wood, brushed copper, and architectural structure that doesn’t feel overly designed.
We were seated in the back at what’s referred to as the Chef’s Table – a curved banquette nestled by the kitchen door that overlooks the entire dining area. To the left runs a dramatically curved bar, lit by a soft blush-pink glow underneath – subtle but captivating. A giant round copper-framed window pours in natural light, while the right side of the restaurant is partially divided by a neon-arched structure that plays with reflections to create a dreamy, mirror-like effect.
Drinks First: Cocktails by a Team Vancouver Legend
Naturally, we started with cocktails. The bar program is helmed by bar director Amber Bruce, bar manager Satoshi Yonemori, Van Mag’s 2018 Bartender of the Year, and head bartender Riley Maggs.
The first round impressed us all. The Genmaicha Clover Club: A refined twist on the classic, this one layered the familiar tart-sweet profile with the roasty aroma of genmaicha (toasted rice green tea) – absolutely beautiful. The Nitro Espresso Martini, my go-to pre-dinner cocktail, and this one nailed it -deep, dark chocolate richness brightened by a touch of citrus. Also, the half Burnt Gibson Martini, finished with a whisper of Scotch mist over the top, adding a subtle, smoky aroma that elevated the drink. Clever and delicious.
A fun note: you can order half-Martinis for just $10, ideal if you want to pace yourself. Even better, if you’re sipping slowly, the staff will quietly replace your glass to keep it chilled. That’s five-star hospitality – the first time I have seen it in Vancouver!
Plates with Impressions
We left the ordering mostly up to Riley, the head bartender who greeted us, and he didn’t steer us wrong.
The Crab Dip ($30) came with delicate madeleine cakes for dipping—a playful and unexpected pairing. The sweet balance was clever, though I wouldn’t have minded a less sugary vehicle to scoop up the fresh, lemony crab.
Next came the Tomato Salad ($25), a daily special that arrived looking like a work of art—vibrant, seasonal, and beautifully composed in both flavor and texture.
We also shared the Frog Legs ($16), which came three to a plate. Meaty, juicy, and glazed in a sweet-sour sauce, they instantly brought to mind General Tso’s Chicken—in the best possible way.
You’ve probably seen June’s Butter Service on Instagram—and yes, it’s as theatrical as it looks.
We ordered the Pasta for Rachel ($40), a rich, buttery pasta dumpling dish served tableside by Chef Connor himself. He scooped a generous slab of butter from a carved wooden barrel and finished the dish in front of us. It was undeniably rich… but also weirdly addictive. Not a drop was left on any plate.
The Mussels ($33) arrived topped with crispy shreds of cheese and spiced crumbs, delivering bold, savory flavor in every bite. If I’m nitpicking, a few of the mussels were slightly overcooked, but overall, the dish was delightful. The Steak Frites ($72) featured a PEI New York strip, perfectly seared and deeply flavorful. We splurged a little by upgrading the fries with Polish winter black truffle – a worthwhile indulgence. At 8oz, the steak felt a touch small; I could’ve easily finished the entire portion on my own.
For dessert, we shared the Matcha Soft Serve ($14) and the Pavlova ($14). The soft serve was smooth, creamy, and well-balanced, with just the right amount of matcha bitterness to keep it from being too sweet. The Pavlova featured a crisp meringue shell with a soft, marshmallow-like center, topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream—a light, airy finish to round out the meal.
Food (excluding drinks) came out to just over $90 per person, and honestly? You can taste the Michelin-level precision.
After Dinner: Downstairs at Lala
If you’re not ready to end the night after dinner at June, here’s the secret move: ask to reserve a spot at Lala, the hidden cocktail bar downstairs.
Behind two thick velvet curtains lies a dimly lit, mood-heavy lounge with its own bar program and a sleek, moody vibe. We each ordered a classic – Vieux Carré for me, Last Word for my friend – and while the cocktails were spot on, the low tables and seats weren’t the most comfortable. Unfortunately, the main bar seating was full, so we didn’t linger.
We finished our night by heading back downtown to Keefer Bar to toast the incredible experience we’d just had at its sister restaurant.
Final Thoughts
June isn’t just another new spot on Vancouver’s dining scene – it’s an experience. With thoughtful design, polished service, a serious cocktail program, and refined plates that don’t take themselves too seriously, it’s a place worth lingering in.
Pro tip: go with friends who love to share, order the half-Martini, and don’t skip the butter. And if you’ve still got room for drinks, Lala is waiting downstairs.
