Felix Maristany opens The Moon martini bar in Gastown with Spanish-Cuban cooking
The former Kissa Tanto chef de cuisine launches a 38-seat restaurant and dedicated bar focused on seasonal cuisine, fermentation, and classic cocktails on Powell Street.
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Felix Maristany is opening his first restaurant as head chef and partner. The Moon Martini Bar & Restaurant launches October 23 at 59 Powell Street in Gastown, and it's a significant moment for a chef who spent years contributing to Vancouver's most respected kitchens before getting his own room to work in.
Maristany graduated from Vancouver's Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and worked as sous chef at Cioppino's before joining Kissa Tanto, the Michelin-starred Chinatown loft where he served as chef de cuisine. Now, with co-owners Sonia Symoom and Wyatt Rybchinsky—both longtime Gastown residents—he'll put more of his own ideas on the plate.
The restaurant is intimate: 27 seats in the dining room, plus 11 seats at a chef counter overlooking the open kitchen. That counter is where Maristany's personality will shine—diners will watch the team work, see dishes come together in real time. Guests can order from a seasonal à la carte menu or surrender to a multicourse experience entirely at the chef's discretion.
His cooking draws on a Cuban-American upbringing in Miami, years in Spanish kitchens, and time in Vancouver. Fermentation and preservation play key roles, allowing the kitchen to work with seasonal ingredients year-round in ways most spots can't.
The front bar is separate, welcoming cocktail-only guests. Zoe Bates leads the program—she was a Top 4 finalist in the 2026 World Class Canada bartending competition and worked at Ellipsis, The Westin Bayshore, and Sula. Martinis are the focus—classics and inventive seasonal variations—alongside other cocktails, alcohol-free options, and bar snacks.
Claudia Fandino, wine director and general manager, brings experience from Published on Main, Barbara, and Burdock & Co. The beverage program features wines from smaller organic producers, sake, and a tea selection developed with O5 Tea.
Reservations open at themoonyvr.com.
Good to know
When does The Moon Martini Bar & Restaurant open?
The Moon Martini Bar & Restaurant opens October 23 at 59 Powell Street in Gastown.
What kind of food does The Moon serve?
The Moon serves Spanish-Cuban cooking drawing on chef Felix Maristany's Miami upbringing and time in Spanish kitchens, with an emphasis on fermentation and preservation of seasonal ingredients.
What's the focus of The Moon's bar program?
Martinis are the focus of the bar program led by Zoe Bates, who was a Top 4 finalist in the 2026 World Class Canada bartending competition, alongside other cocktails, alcohol-free options, and bar snacks.
How many seats does The Moon have?
The Moon has 38 seats total: 27 in the dining room and 11 at a chef counter overlooking the open kitchen.
