hile the surfer community is a bit of a hike from Vancouver (a ferry trip and a couple hours drive to be exact), when a restaurant makes an impact in the tourist town, word spreads fast. Though NYC has David Brook’s Bobos in Paradise, it just might be that the Canadian equivalent has found solace at Sobo (short for Sophisticated Bohemians).

The restaurant, formerly housed in a purple catering truck of the same name was created by Lisa and Artie Ahier in 2002, and has developed a steady following since. Plans for expansion were recently executed when the couple’s enterprising restaurant business grew beyond the truck, and SoBo made the move to a permanent location sans wheels in the 2 year old building located at 311 Neill Street.

The new digs feature a bar area and plenty of seating, especially on the outdoor patio (that now boasts a large outdoor stone fireplace) for prime summer sunning season. While there’s only so much a CIA trained chef can do within a catering truck kitchen, Chef Lisa Ahier is excited to produce the delicious truck treats at a volume that can appease many diners. “Our fantastic new location lets me create the type of fresh, nutritious cooking in the volumes that I’ve always wanted to,” said Ahier.

Such popular menu items such as the smoked wild fish chowder, crispy shrimp cakes, fresh oysters, “killer” fish tacos, pan-seared halibut and a variety of other seafood-oriented cuisine will be available for lunch and dinner. Those that want to take a little piece of Tofino home for the winter can stock up on Ahier’s sauces, salad dressings and pickled jalapeños that will also be for sale individually.

With a commitment to their adopted community, this culinary couple brings extensive hospitality experience and a dedicated following to their new space. After winning a series of BC foodie awards, and a nod from EnRoute Magazine as one of Canada’s top 10 new restaurants (and awarded to the purple truck), you can imagine that the success will translate well into the new space.