Once open, guests can expect a warm and vibrant experience focused on ‘genuine hospitality, traditional flavours and high-quality scratch baking.’

A vibrant Mexican brunch restaurant is opening at a Chinatown address that’s seen several businesses come and go in recent years.

Loreto Brunch is getting ready to open at 219 Union St. That space was the longtime home of The Union before it shut down in 2022. Since then, it’s been an Asian gastropub, a Japanese taco shop and most recently an outpost for North Vancouver brewery La Cerveceria Astilleros.

Now a new operator is hoping to plant their roots in the space, and create an experience that honours family tradition.

“Loreto Brunch was created to honour my grandmother,” says Loreto co-founder Belem Castro, “a strong and loving woman who dedicated her life to cooking for others and bringing people together through food. 

“Some of my most meaningful memories come from watching her cook with so much care, warmth, and passion. Through Loreto, we hope to carry on that spirit by creating a place where people can feel welcomed, comforted, and connected around a table,” Castro says.

‘A little piece of Mexico in Vancouver’

Once open, guests can guests can expect a warm and vibrant brunch experience focused on genuine hospitality, traditional flavours and high-quality scratch baking, she says.

“The design will be colourful, warm, and inviting — like a little piece of Mexico in Vancouver — inspired by traditional spaces filled with energy, comfort and family gatherings rather than a modern minimalist atmosphere,” Castro explains. “Loreto will be a brunch place where all breads and pastries are made in-house daily, alongside Mexican-inspired dishes.”

The 64-seat restaurant will serve dishes like chilaquiles and other regional favourites, inspired by the bold, comforting flavours of Northern Mexico.

Loreto has close ties with West End coffee shop Amoka (one of Loreto’s partners is the owner there).

Castro says her team is planning to open just ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June.

“During this period we will be operating extended hours from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., also offering dinner service to welcome guests throughout the day and into the evening,” she says.