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Description
Kavita: Chef Tushar Tondvalkar's Contemporary Indian Restaurant
Kavita is a contemporary Indian restaurant at 250 West 3rd Avenue, between Mount Pleasant and Olympic Village. Mumbai-born chef-owner Tushar Tondvalkar opened it in October 2025, pairing regional Indian cooking with seasonal BC ingredients.
Within a year it won Gold for Best Indian and Silver for Best New Restaurant at the 2026 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, and it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2026. Here's what to know.
About Kavita
Kavita means poetry in Marathi, and it is also the name of the chef's mother. The menu draws on Tondvalkar's roots in Mumbai and the coastal town of Malvan.
Before opening Kavita, Tondvalkar cooked at Gaggan and Gaa in Bangkok and at Bauhaus, Blue Water Cafe and Mumbai Local in Vancouver. He also founded The Indian Pantry.
Whole spices are roasted and ground in house. Diners can order à la carte or choose the amma-kase, a tasting menu named after the Hindi word for mother.
The Menu
How It Works
The menu changes with the seasons. The amma-kase tasting menu is the best way to see the kitchen's range.
What to Order
- Amma-kase: the chef's tasting menu, Kavita's take on omakase.
- Chicken korma and naan: a rich, comforting classic.
- Puran poli: a sweet stuffed flatbread from Maharashtra.
- Eggplant with spiced yogurt: one of the vegetable dishes judges singled out.
- Buns and butter: Mumbai-style bread service.
Dietary Needs
Indian menus usually have plenty of vegetarian dishes. Many dishes include dairy (ghee, cream, paneer), nuts or gluten, so tell staff about allergies.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
A modern, warm dining room with a cocktail bar.
- Best for: date night and special occasions
- Price: moderate to upscale
- Format: sit-down dinner, happy hour
- Good to know: reservations recommended
Location: Mount Pleasant / Olympic Village, Vancouver
Kavita is at 250 West 3rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC, near Olympic Village.
Hours of Operation
Kavita has opened Tuesday to Saturday for happy hour and dinner. Check current hours before you go.
Reservations
- Book ahead online, especially for the amma-kase.
Price Range
Kavita is moderate to upscale. À la carte runs about $31 to $50 per person, more with the tasting menu.
Awards and Recognition
- Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand, 2026
- Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards 2026: Gold, Best Indian; Silver, Best New Restaurant
- Canada's 100 Best: #96
Contact Information
- Address: 250 W 3rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1G1
- Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant / Olympic Village, Vancouver
- Cuisine: Indian
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the chef at Kavita?
Chef-owner Tushar Tondvalkar.
What does Kavita mean?
Poetry in Marathi. It is also the chef's mother's name.
What is the amma-kase?
Kavita's chef's tasting menu.
Is Kavita Michelin recognised?
Yes, it received a Bib Gourmand in 2026.
When did Kavita open?
October 2025.
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