Chic-and-urban grocery stores are nothing new in Vancouver, but the beautifully-appointed DALINA appears to have found a niche in the burgeoning neighbourhood where Chinatown meets Main Street. The intersection of Main and Georgia might not seem like an obvious place for a European-inspired corner store to set up shop. And yet, for those who live in this diverse neighbourhood, it makes perfect sense.
Opened in December 2016, the micro-grocer, kitchen and café is owned by Vancouver's Bosa Family of Companies and is located on the ground floor of the developer's BlueSky Chinatown rental apartment building. Recognizing the need for a convenient neighbourhood grocery store and a place to enjoy fresh, homemade meals, either dine-in or on-the-go, the concept of DALINA was born.
“The inspiration came from the fabulous cafés and grocery stores in New York and Italy,” explains store manager Natalie Charbonneau. “A place where you can congregate with friends over great coffee, fresh food and feel the energy of the neighbourhood.”
Inside, DALINA is a clean, bright contemporary space accented by a striking copper pot light installation, brought to life by fresh flowers, house-made meals, and aisles of carefully selected groceries.