Another local eatery has closed its doors in Greater Victoria but it is already being replaced with another similar option.
Kuma Noodle Japan, a long-standing noodle bar known for its hearty bowls of ramen and rice dishes near Cedar Hill Mall, has quietly shut down.
The windows at 1551 Cedar Hill Cross Road are now covered with paper, confirming what many suspected after weeks of silence online.
Kuma Noodle Japan’s website lists its ordering system as “disabled,” and online business listings show it marked as permanently closed.
Pho Vuong Restaurant, a Vietnamese eatery based in Duncan, appears to be opening its first Saanich location in the same space.
The space was listed for sale on commercial real estate sites as a turnkey Asian restaurant.
The Royal LePage listing highlights the site’s location next to McDonald’s and describes it as “a restaurant ready for the next concept to move in.” The property comes equipped with a full commercial kitchen and parking access in a busy retail zone.
Over the years, Kuma Noodle Japan developed a loyal following for its simple, comforting menu. Many customers praised the restaurant’s miso ramen, BBQ pork dishes, and donburi rice bowls.
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One reviewer on TripAdvisor described it as “one of the best ramen places I’ve ever been to,” while another said, “My son always asks to go there—it feels like a small, family-run restaurant.”
Kuma’s closure is part of a growing trend in Greater Victoria’s food scene, with several small, independent eateries closing in recent months.
Although the owners of Kuma Noodle Japan have not released a statement, rising operating costs, staffing shortages, and shifting dining habits have made it harder for smaller restaurants to stay afloat.
Pho Vuong has built a solid reputation in Duncan for its flavourful pho, vermicelli bowls, and Vietnamese coffee, drawing consistent praise for both quality and service.
Their website showcases a traditional menu built around authentic broth, fresh herbs, and family recipes. The expansion marks Pho Vuong’s first move into Greater Victoria and suggests the brand is ready to grow beyond the Cowichan Valley.
As of this publication, Kuma Noodle Japan’s space remains on the market, listed by Royal LePage as a ready-to-operate venue with a full kitchen and dining setup.
