Vancouver, B.C., April 30, 2026 – This summer, hospitality vets and brothers Justin and Cristian Isidro are bringing a lifelong dream to life with the opening of Maria Celeste, named in tribute to their mãe (mother in Portuguese). Located at 4181 Fraser Street in Vancouver’s Fraserfood, the intimate 36-seat Portuguese restaurant will be a tribute to Portugal’s cherished tascas – everyday neighbourhood gathering places, where food, wine, and conversation unfold naturally.
At Maria Celeste, the brothers draw on their respective career experiences into one shared vision. Justin, longtime director of operations of Kissa Tanto and founder of Vìnicola Portugal, will lead the front-of-house, while Cristian (previously Kissa Tanto, Lisboeta in London, and Cozinha das Flores in Porto) helms the kitchen.
“Tascas were always about more than what was on the table,” says Justin. “They were about the community and being a welcoming place for everyone. Our goal with Maria Celeste is to capture the familial essence that flows through these culinary institutions scattered throughout Portugal. There’s nothing quite like it in Vancouver yet.”
The menu offers a heartfelt homage to Portugal, while highlighting British Columbia’s seasonal ingredients. Cristian is currently developing and refining dishes that reflect both tradition and place, with early examples including: Bacalhau à Brása comforting dish of salted cod, and crisp potatoes; Arroz de Marisco a rich, brothy seafood rice layered with coastal flavours; and the Pastel de Nata, Portugal’s iconic custard tart with a delicate, caramelized top.
Justin is also developing a curated all-Portuguese wine list that explores the country’s depth and diversity. Rooted in regionality, it will offer a thoughtful exploration of the country’s varied terroirs, from the structured reds of the Alentejo to the freshness of Vinho Verde and the elegance of the Bairrada. Guided by the philosophy of “vou para a terra” – a deep respect for place – the program highlights both historic producers and small-scale growers.
Both Justin and Cristian are working on the interior design together with Studio Roslyn, which will feature warm wood, aged materials, and nostalgic touches in the 1,300 square foot space. Once completed, it will reflect the essence of the traditional tasca: honest, familiar, and unadorned, where atmosphere is felt rather than designed.
“Our food is rooted in the way we lived and ate in Portugal. Simple, generous, and deeply connected to place and memory,” adds Cristian. “At Maria Celeste, we cook traditional Portuguese dishes through a modern lens, shaped by our own experiences and the things we love to eat. We’ll be utilizing the fresh ingredients we have right here in B.C., in addition to some unique flavours from home. Our cooking begins with necessity and ends in pleasure. We make the most of every ingredient, allowing one dish to lead into another, carrying forward a deeply Portuguese way of cooking.”
Maria Celeste is currently slated to open later this summer. To stay up-to-date, please, please visit mariaceleste.ca and @mariaceleste.yvr on Instagram.