Vancouver is a city that’s well-known for its food scene with its super delicious food options, and this includes a plethora of vegetarian and vegan restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or vegan, or you’re just looking to try something new, there are plenty of options for you to explore in Vancouver. From comfort food to fine dining, there’s something for everyone.
Many of Vancouver’s vegetarian and vegan restaurants are known for their creative and delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. With a focus on fresh, local, and organic ingredients, these restaurants are committed to providing healthy, sustainable, and ethical food choices. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty burger, a flavorful curry, or a refreshing salad, you’re sure to find something that will tantalize your taste buds. So, whether you’re a local or a visitor to Vancouver, be sure to check out some of the city’s best vegetarian and vegan restaurants for a truly unforgettable dining experience.
What is Veganism and Vegetarianism
Veganism and vegetarianism are two dietary practices that have gained popularity in recent years, particularly in cities like Vancouver where conscious living is highly valued. While both practices involve abstaining from meat, there are some key differences between them.
Vegetarianism is a dietary practice that involves the exclusion of meat, poultry, and fish from one’s diet but may still include other animal products such as dairy, eggs, and honey. Some vegetarians may also consume seafood, while others may avoid it.
On the other hand, veganism is a lifestyle that extends beyond just dietary choices. Vegans avoid consuming any animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and any other animal-derived ingredients. They also avoid using products made from animals, such as leather, wool, and silk.
Many people choose to follow either a vegan or vegetarian diet for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. For example, some people may choose to avoid meat due to concerns about animal welfare or the environmental impact of meat production. Others may choose to follow a plant-based diet for health reasons, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Overall, both veganism and vegetarianism are dietary practices that have gained popularity in recent years due to their perceived health and environmental benefits. In Vancouver, there are many restaurants that cater to these dietary preferences, making it easy to find delicious and nutritious plant-based meals.
Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver
If you’re looking for the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Vancouver that offer full vegan menu or vegetarian, you’re in luck. The city is home to a variety of plant-based eateries that cater to all tastes and preferences. From comfort food to fine dining, Vancouver has it all.
The Acorn
The Acorn is a vegetarian restaurant that prides itself on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create innovative dishes. The menu features a mix of comfort food and fine dining, with dishes like cashew mozzarella sticks and roasted cauliflower steak. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails and natural wines.
Virtuous Pie
Virtuous Pie is a vegan pizzeria that serves up some of the best vegan and creative pizzas in the city. The pizzas are made with a cashew mozzarella that is so delicious, you won’t even miss the real thing. The restaurant also has a great selection of salads and dairy-free ice cream.
Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant
Heirloom is a vegetarian restaurant that serves up healthy, plant-based dishes. The menu features a mix of salads, bowls, and sandwiches, with options like the Double-Double Burger and the Vegan Sushi Bowl. The restaurant also has a great selection of smoothies and juices. Besides, don’t forget to try their vegan buttermilk pancakes.
Do Chay
Do Chay is a Vietnamese restaurant located in Chinatown that has a great selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. The menu features a mix of pho, banh mi, and rice dishes, with options like the Vegan Pho , Spring Rolls, and the Lemongrass Tofu Banh Mi. The restaurant also has a great selection of craft beers, cocktails and mocktails.
Kokomo
Kokomo is a vegan cafe that serves up healthy, plant-based dishes. The menu features a mix of bowls, salads, and smoothies, with options like the Falafel Bowl and the Green Smoothie. The cafe also has a great selection of coffee and tea.
Chickpea
Chickpea is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves up delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. The menu features a mix of salads, bowls, and sandwiches, with options like the Shawarma Bowl and the Falafel Sandwich. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails and beer.
The Burrow (Bandidas Taqueria)
The Burrow, also known as Bandidas Taqueria, is a Mexican restaurant that serves up vegetarian and vegan dishes. The menu features a mix of tacos, bowls, and salads, with options like the Vegan Taco and the Green Salad. The restaurant also has a great selection of cocktails and beer.
MeeT
MeeT is a plant-based paradise for foodies in Vancouver. With three locations in the city, this casual dining spot offers a variety of comfort food with a plant-based twist. Whether you’re in the mood for a juicy burger, a loaded taco, or a hearty bowl, MeeT has got you covered. Their famous mac and cheese is a must-try, and they also offer gluten-free and soy-free options.
Bonus Bakery
Bonus Bakery is a vegan bakery that serves up delicious baked goods. The menu features a mix of sweet and savory items, with options like the Vegan Croissant and the Savory Scone. The bakery also has a great selection of coffee and tea.
Chomp Vegan Eatery
Chomp Vegan Eatery is a vegan restaurant that serves up comfort food with a plant-based twist. The menu features a mix of burgers, sandwiches, and bowls, with options like the Double-Double Burger and the Vegan Mac & Cheese. The restaurant also has a great selection of beer and wine.
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to try something new, Vancouver has plenty of options for plant-based dining. From Vietnamese to Mexican, and from comfort food to fine dining, there’s something for everyone.
Types of Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver
When it comes to vegetarian and vegan cuisine, Vancouver has plenty of options to choose from. From traditional Asian cuisine to fusion restaurants, fast food options, cafes, and bakeries, there’s something for everyone.
Traditional Asian Cuisine
Vancouver is home to many traditional Asian restaurants that offer vegetarian and vegan options. Vietnamese cuisine, in particular, has a lot to offer in terms of vegetarian and vegan dishes. Pho is a popular Vietnamese soup that can be made with tofu and vegetables instead of meat. Chau Veggie Express is a popular Vietnamese vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver that serves up delicious pho and other vegetarian dishes.
Sushi is another popular Asian cuisine that offers many vegetarian and vegan options. Many sushi restaurants offer vegetable rolls, avocado rolls, and cucumber rolls, which are all great options for vegetarians and vegans.
Fusion Restaurants
Fusion restaurants are becoming increasingly popular in Vancouver and offer a mix of different cuisines. These restaurants often have vegetarian and vegan options on their menus. Kokomo is a popular vegan-friendly restaurant in Vancouver that serves up healthy bowls, smoothies, and other plant-based options.
Fast Food Options
Fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy or lacking in vegetarian and vegan options. Many fast food chains are now offering plant-based options on their menus. Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern fast food option that can be made with falafel instead of meat.
Cafes and Bakeries
Cafes and bakeries are great places to grab a quick vegetarian or vegan meal or snack. Mila is a popular vegan cafe in Vancouver that serves up delicious vegan food and drinks.
Food Trucks
Food trucks are a great option for vegetarians and vegans on the go. The Burrow is a popular food truck in Vancouver that serves up vegan-friendly food. Chickpea is another popular food truck that serves up vegan-friendly Middle Eastern food.
Overall, Vancouver has a lot to offer when it comes to vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Whether you’re looking for traditional Asian cuisine, fusion restaurants, fast food options, cafes, or food trucks, there’s something for everyone.
Where to Find the Best Vegetarian & Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver
Vancouver has a thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene, with a variety of delicious food and options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or healthy options, ethnic cuisine or hidden gems, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Vancouver:
Popular Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants
For those looking for well-known vegetarian and vegan restaurants, there are plenty of options. The Acorn, located in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood, is a popular choice for its creative and delicious vegetarian dishes. Virtuous Pie, with locations in Chinatown and UBC, offers delicious vegan pizzas and ice cream. Heirloom, with locations in South Granville and West Vancouver, is another popular choice for its fresh and healthy vegetarian options.
East Vancouver/Eastside (East Van)
East Vancouver and the Eastside are home to some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the city. Do Chay, located in East Vancouver, offers plant-based Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. Chomp Vegan Eatery, located in Hastings-Sunrise, is a cozy spot that serves up delicious vegan comfort food. Po Kong, located in the heart of Chinatown, specializes in vegan Chinese cuisine.
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for some hidden gems, Vancouver has plenty of those too. Arbor, located in Kitsilano, is a cozy vegetarian restaurant that serves up delicious comfort food (they have some delicious burgers). The Burrow, located in Commercial Drive, offers vegetarian and vegan Mexican cuisine. The Naam, located in Kitsilano, is a Vancouver institution that has been serving up vegetarian and vegan food since 1968.
Healthy Options
For those looking for healthy options, Vancouver has plenty of choices. Salads are a popular choice, and there are plenty of restaurants that specialize in them. Chau Veggie Express, with locations in Granville Island and Yaletown, offers delicious Vietnamese-inspired salads and bowls. The Arbor, with locations in Kitsilano and Downtown, offers healthy vegetarian options that are both delicious and nutritious.
Ethnic Cuisine
Vancouver is known for its diverse ethnic cuisine, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from. Nuba, with locations in Gastown, Kitsilano, and Mount Pleasant, offers delicious vegetarian and vegan Lebanese cuisine. Falafel and shawarma are popular choices, and there are plenty of restaurants that specialize in them. Jamjar, with locations in Commercial Drive and South Granville, offers delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. Sushi is another popular choice, and there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan sushi restaurants to choose from, including Shizenya and Miko Sushi.
In conclusion, Vancouver is a great city for vegetarian and vegan food lovers. Whether you’re looking for comfort food, healthy options, or ethnic cuisine, there’s something for everyone. With so many great vegetarian and vegan restaurants to choose from, you’re sure to find a new favorite spot in no time.
Summary
Vancouver is a city that’s home to a thriving vegetarian and vegan food scene, with a variety of restaurants that cater to plant-based diets. From Middle Eastern to Italian, Mexican to Indian, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the best vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Vancouver:
- Aleph Eatery: This Palestinian restaurant is known for its flavorful and homey dishes. While not strictly vegetarian, their dishes are packed with flavor and are sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
- Kokomo: This plant-based eatery offers a variety of healthy and delicious dishes, from smoothie bowls to vegan burgers. Their menu is seasonal and features locally-sourced ingredients, making it a great choice for those who are conscious about sustainability.
- The Acorn: This upscale vegetarian restaurant offers a refined dining experience that showcases the best of local and seasonal ingredients. Their menu is creative and inventive, with dishes like squash blossom risotto and beetroot tartare.
- Meet on Main: This casual eatery offers vegan comfort food that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying bite. Their menu features vegan burgers, poutine, and mac and cheese, as well as a variety of salads and bowls.
- MeeT in Gastown: This popular vegan restaurant offers a variety of dishes that are sure to please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Their menu features vegan burgers, tacos, and bowls, as well as a variety of appetizers and sides.
Whether you’re a strict vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based dishes into your diet, Vancouver has plenty of options to choose from. From upscale dining to casual eats, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
