Chef Ashwani Dabas and Kevin Day (The Ellis) are getting ready to open Peya, a 2200-square-foot restaurant at Hastings and Lakewood. With 41 seats on the floor and nine at the bar, the space is set up to blend the laid-back elegance of a Parisian brasserie with the warmth and boldness of Indian hospitality, filtered through the perspective of a neighbourhood spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Dabas and Day have been working together ever since they first teamed up at The Ellis over seven years ago. After building a solid following in Kits, the pair decided they wanted to push things further, and Peya is the result. “When we began exploring locations for our next restaurant outside of the Kits area, we focused on neighbourhoods that shared a similar vibrant and welcoming vibe,” they told me. “Lakewood stood out to us as an up-and-coming residential community that embodies diversity and warmth. The neighbourhood attracts people from all walks of life who are genuinely enthusiastic about welcoming new businesses and experiences. It felt like a perfect match — a true win-win for us as we expand our vision into a community that shares our values.”

When I met up with the duo on site at 2101 East Hastings earlier this week, they explained that they feel their partnership works so well because they share the same view on restaurants: as more than just the food, but also the energy, flow and moments that stick with you after you’ve left them. Appropriately, the name Peya also carries layers. In Hindi, it means ‘lover’, ‘drink’, and ‘sip’ — which pretty much sums up what they’re aiming for. “Peya resonated with our vision of ‘Come for a drink, a bite, an indulgence, an experience — for the lovers of flavour and craft, and for moments most loved’.”

The Food + Drink

The menu at Peya will showcase a playful tension between French and Indian cuisines, blending classic techniques with vibrant, aromatic flavours. Expect a mix of share plates and bigger dishes pulling from both traditions without getting too hung up on the authenticity of either.

Drinks will get equal attention, with Chris Enns (previously The Diamond, Botanist, Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Pacific Rim) running the beverage program. Although best known for his cocktail game, in his new role at Peya, Enns will be performing a balancing act, splitting the spotlight between wine, beer, and cocktails. “The decision to give wine and cocktails equal attention stems from a desire to cater to a diverse clientele and to elevate the entire dining experience,” says Enns. “I want the beverage program to represent the three cities of Peya — Delhi, Paris and Vancouver. Our cocktails represent the fruits, spices and teas of India, while the wine focuses on the vineyards of France and our beer will showcase the best of ‘Yeast Van’. We want to provide options that complement our culinary offerings in a nuanced way, whether that’s a precisely balanced cocktail, a carefully selected wine pairing, or a refreshing beer. Ultimately, it’s about creating a harmonious balance allowing guests to explore and discover new favourites, regardless of their preference. That’s the experience we strive to deliver.”

The Space

The dining room walks a tight line between polished and casual warmth. With its deep green marble counter, brass rails, and high-backed stools wrapped in plush peach upholstery, the bar pulls you in right away. A neon-lit mural of an elephant delivery cyclist serves as an anchor, while also adding a jolt of personality to its clean lines and mirrored accents. Overhead, a curved brass rack holding the glassware ties everything together. To be clear, it’s not flashy but it is confident; the kind of bar that invites you to hang out and order something fun – and probably keeps you there longer than you had intended.

Long banquettes decked out in soft, burnt orange velvet run the length of the room, framed by rich wood panelling and dividers inset with cane that break up the space without closing it off completely. Pendant lights in warm brass hang low over the tables. Underfoot, checkerboard tile flooring adds a playful touch, and curved edges — from the booth backs to the cut-out window of the kitchen pass — keep the whole thing feeling soft and loose.

“When people walk into Peya, we want them to feel like they’ve stepped into a world where cultures beautifully collide…creating an atmosphere filled with adventure, comfort, and curiosity,” says Dabas. “With great music, cosy seating, and an inviting design, it’s a place to linger over inventive cocktails and indulge in flavours you won’t find anywhere else — a true escape right in the heart of the city.”

The wait won’t be much longer. Their vision is nearly complete, and Peya is set to open on Tuesday, March 18th. In the meantime, get a first look at what the team have been working on via the photos below.

Peya

Neighbourhood: Hastings Sunrise

2101 East Hastings

604-613-5430

WEBSITE