From Bauhaus to Borscht: Gastown’s Culinary Shift
From Bauhaus to Borscht: How a Gastown eatery evolved from sleek German fine dining to a warm and inviting Ukrainian culinary experience.
Vancouver Eats
Vancouver, BC - March 2, 2025 - In a curious twist of culinary and cultural evolution, the space once occupied by the acclaimed Bauhaus Restaurant in Downtown Vancouver, BC, has transitioned from a bastion of modern German cuisine to a hub of Ukrainian flavors.
Originally opened in 2015 by German-born filmmaker Uwe Boll, Bauhaus brought a sophisticated take on German classics to Gastown, housed at 1 West Cordova Street. Inspired by the early 20th-century Bauhaus design movement, the restaurant married high-quality ingredients with meticulous craftsmanship under Michelin-starred chef Stefan Hartmann. It earned accolades for its tasting menus and refined schnitzel, but despite its ambition, Bauhaus closed in March 2020, a casualty of landlord disputes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fast forward to 2025, and the same historic address has been reborn as Kozak Ukrainian Eatery, part of a small local chain known for hearty, authentic Ukrainian fare. Where Bauhaus once served delicate plates of white asparagus and veal, Kozak now offers comforting bowls of borscht, handmade pierogies, and cabbage rolls—dishes rooted in Ukrainian tradition and crafted with a homestyle touch. The transformation reflects Vancouver’s evolving dining scene and the growing prominence of its Ukrainian community, especially amid global attention on Ukraine.
The shift from German minimalism to Ukrainian warmth is striking yet fitting for Gastown’s eclectic vibe. The space, once defined by sleek Bauhaus aesthetics, now hums with the soulful energy of Eastern European hospitality, proving that even in a single location, culinary narratives can span continents and cultures.
Before Uwe Boll transformed the space at 1 West Cordova Street in Vancouver’s Gastown into the Bauhaus Restaurant in 2015, it was home to Boneta, a popular restaurant that left a significant mark on the local dining scene. Boneta opened in 2007, spearheaded by restaurateurs Mark Brand, Neil Ingram, and chef Jeremie Bastien. Named after Brand’s mother, it quickly became a beloved spot known for its inventive West Coast cuisine with French influences, a lively atmosphere, and a strong sense of community.
The restaurant occupied the historic Boulder Hotel building, blending old-world charm with a modern, open-concept design featuring exposed brick and high ceilings. Boneta was a hub for Vancouver’s food enthusiasts, hosting everything from cocktail competitions to wine-paired feasts and personal celebrations. It earned praise for its creative dishes and played a key role in revitalizing Gastown’s culinary landscape.
However, it closed in 2013 after a successful six-year run, largely due to the challenges of rising rents and the evolving economics of the restaurant industry in the area. The space sat vacant for a period before Boll, with his vision for a modern German dining experience, took over and reimagined it as Bauhaus, preserving the building’s legacy as a culinary destination while shifting its identity to reflect his unique perspective.
#Vancouver Eats #Gastown Food #Ukrainian Cuisine #German Food #Restaurant Transformation #Food Culture #Historic Vancouver #Foodie Vancouver #WBN News Vancouver #Vancouver #Elke Porter
Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788
Members Discussion