After seven years of cooking together — from their time at The Acorn, to pop-ups and stints at Bar Tartare – Chefs Devon Latté and Lucas Johnston are set to open Nero Tondo on Powell Street next month (February 2025).

The name Nero Tondo is inspired by its namesake bold and spicy black radish that mellows when cooked. “We’ve had the name in our back pocket for years,” says Chef Latté. “The vegetable itself is quite unique, which is the experience we’re looking to give our guests.” The space itself (formerly home to Elephant) basically amounts to a shoebox with a kitchen, and fits just 18 diners. So tiny is the space, that there simply is no room for change; so although there won’t be any major structural changes made, Latté and Johnston are making it their own with the addition of thoughtful art, smart storage solutions, and personal touches that embrace the “you’re basically in our kitchen” vibe.

As for the food: expect an à la carte menu that’s vegetable-forward, with sustainable BC seafood choices, and a “Let us cook for you!” option for those craving an element of surprise. The lineup of dishes will rotate often, with a total of 10–12 available at any time. Each one will highlight the region’s bounty and be crafted with seasonal flair. To pair with the food, the duo have put together a beverage program featuring BC wines, local beer, cocktails, “mocktails”, and cider.

Latté, an Ottawa native and Le Cordon Bleu graduate made his mark as head chef at The Acorn before stepping down in 2023 to travel. Johnston, originally from North Vancouver, has an impressive resume of his own, including The Acorn and time at Juice Bar. Together, they are equal partners in Nero Tondo, bringing complementary strengths to the table. Known for his zero-waste approach and close ties to local farmers and foragers, Latté thrives on exploring new flavours, textures, and combinations. Johnston matches this energy with his deep connection to the region and a meticulous focus on hyperlocal ingredients and seasonal cooking.

Their shared philosophy celebrates the region’s abundance with reverence and enthusiasm for the people and methods behind each ingredient—whether it’s foraged mushrooms or farmed cabbage. The humility they bring to their craft, combined with an infectious passion, creates a dining experience free of pretension. Front of house and the thoughtfully curated beverage program, including an impressive wine list, will be in the capable hands of Meghan McDowell. Personally, I’m thrilled to finally have a consistent space to enjoy their cooking.

More details to come, but for now: mark your calendar for opening day on Thursday, February 6th, 2025. From then on, the duo will be cooking Tuesdays though Saturdays from 5:30pm to 10:30pm, with a late-night, industry-focused service every Saturday, featuring exclusive menu items.

Nero Tondo

Neighbourhood: East Vancouver

1879 Powell St.

(Opening soon)