West End Casual from The Flying Pig Group
In the heart of Davie Village, there’s a restaurant patio that’s been front and centre for decades. With memories of legendary evenings at Mary’s, the neighbourhood welcomed a fresh Vancouver dining sensation to Jim Deva Plaza. Barra Gitano is the latest hot-spot from Vancouver’s iconic Flying Pig group of restaurants. Serving early dinner through to late night meals and cocktails, Barra Gitano is the place to relax and enjoy food and friends in the West End.
Food & Drink: Old & New World Latin Inspiration
Small plates, entrées, and tacos are on the Latin and south-of-the-border menu. We talked with co-founder, John Crook, about the vision for his group’s latest location.
“This site is iconic,” Crook explained. “When we saw the opportunity, we knew it would be perfect. My partners and I have 15 years of restaurant experience, here in Vancouver. We’re hands on, from menu planning to sourcing freshness on the kitchen side — right through to the interior décor and the DJ spinning the tunes. Our restaurants are known for their ambiance and with this corner footprint and seating for a hundred — we were sure we’d be able to create a special spot in the heart of the West End.”
An Outdoor Patio, Music & Margaritas
The inspiration for Barra Gitano is a vacation-perfect, oceanside-party celebration — combining Sunset Beach with Davie Village. Chef Francisco Higareda puts his spin on classic Latin dishes — fusion that pulls from each culture, creating memorable Mexican, Latin American, Spanish, and Italian dishes. Arroz Tumbado is Spanish paella with chicken, chorizo, prawns, and peas. Tomato and Burrata combines pistachio and cilantro pesto with ham, roasted peaches, and heirloom tomatoes.
Whether you’re in the mood for smaller plates to share or a full entrée, inspiration is on the menu. “Quality is what our loyal customers know us for. We’ve taken classic flavours and added a twist that makes them unforgettable,” Crook said. “Our Tiradito de Atun is tempura tuna with nori, flavoured with citrus ponzo, avocado, red onion, and leeks — it’s one of a kind. Our food makes the evening. Diners love our curated ambiance — this is the experience we know all about. It’s the recipe that’s given our restaurants such a loyal following. We innovated across Yaletown, Olympic Village, Gastown, and, finally, we’ve brought our touch to the West End.”
A Fresh Take & Iconic Cocktails
Cocktails are on the menu, too. The Gitano Margarita is so popular, the lime-guava house-made favourite is on tap. Pair it with a Hamburgesa Gitano’s wagyu beef, cheddar, caramelized onion, garlic aioli and chipotle fries. Or the insanely popular Birria Noodle Soup, featuring braised beef brisket, Mexican-chili style with ramen noodles, corn, egg, and bamboo shoots. Coconut Mint Margarita, Mezcal, cerveza, wine, house-special mocktails — there’s something for everyone.
Plan your next quiet date on the Barra Gitano’s patio for a night to remember or turn a rainy Vancouver evening into a tropical party with friends. Davie Village is expecting you.