Vegetarian and vegan food in Vancouver

Vegetarian and vegan food in Vancouver

1. EatKitsilano-Granville Island

   Afghan Horsemen

   The exotic decor and rich flavours justify this restaurant's pride in Afghan culture and cuisine. Try one of the platters for two people ($54-76). Numerous vegetarian options, and some vegan dishes too. Try to stay for the mesmerizing belly-dancer's performance.

   Tue-Thu 5–10PM, Sun 4-10PM·Mains $23-38

2. EatSouth

   All India Sweets

   Excellent vegetarian all you can eat Indian food buffet for $9.95.

3. EatKitsilano-Granville Island

   Aphrodite's Cafe and Pie Shop

   A friendly cafe that uses locally-grown and organic ingredients with a first-class menu that's long on vegetarian and vegan dishes. The brunch on Saturday and Sunday is delicious or try the pie and chai combination. Service is sometimes slow, so expect a wait, particularly when crowded. Lunch and dinner on weekdays; no reservations. Pies to go can be purchased at the pie shop next door.

4. EatCommercial Dr-Hastings Park

   Ba Le

   A Vietnamese sandwich shop that is rather out of the way for most tourists but it regularly wins local awards for sandwiches and has delicious Vietnamese subs (including a vegetarian one) for less than $8.

   9AM-6PM daily

5. EatKitsilano-Granville Island

   Banana Leaf

   Malaysian food is a vibrant mingling of Chinese, Indian, Thai, Indonesian, and Malay, and it springs to life at Banana Leaf with rich flavours beautifully presented, yet in an efficient, low-key atmosphere. Many dishes can be prepared vegetarian. Other locations are on West Broadway (Mt Pleasant), Davie, Robson, and Denman.

   Mon-Thu 11:30AM-10:30PM, Fri Sat 11:30AM-11PM, Sun 11:30AM-10PM·Mains $20-45

6. EatWest End

   Banana Leaf (Davie)

   Malaysian food is a vibrant mingling of Chinese, Indian, Thai, Indonesian, and Malay, and it springs to life at Banana Leaf with rich flavours beautifully presented, yet in an efficient, low-key atmosphere. Many dishes can be prepared vegetarian. Other locations are on West Broadway (Mt Pleasant and Kits), Robson, and Denman. In location which used to be "Kam's Place", which also served southeast Asian food.

   Daily 11:30AM-10PM·dinner $9-15/person; lunch specials from $5.75

7. EatYaletown-False Creek

   Blue Water Cafe

   Arguably Vancouver's premier upscale destination for seafood, Blue Water offers fine dining, drinking, and a raw bar. The seafood preparations are direct, emphasizing fresh, flavorful ingredients over showy virtuoso techniques, and many are Japanese-influenced. The wine and cocktail lists are also exceptional. A few non-seafood items (including a couple of vegetarian friendly options) make it possible to bring a group that includes some who may not love what the ocean has to offer.

   5PM-11PM (dinner); 4:30PM-1AM (bar)

8. EatCity Centre

   Breka Bakery & Café

   Open 24/7 at all 7 locations, with 4 located downtown. Very large, very fresh selection of baked goods. All made locally, and then baked on site. Add-ons like oat, almond, soy milk and flavour shots are free. Limited selection of gluten-free and vegan options. All downtown locations are lively: limited seating during peak hours. Fanciest interior is at the newest location on Hastings St.

   Open now · open 24 hours·$5–15

9. EatGastown-Chinatown

   Chambar

   Belgian restaurant with mussels and a variety of meat dishes on the menu. A small but delicious selection of vegetarian options. The beer list includes over 25 beers from Belgium. Wide selection of wines. Save room for the fascinating desserts. Don't be surprised if the general manager is the one who takes your empty plates; they are that involved. Exquisite food plus excellent service equals one of the best dining experiences in the city.

   Mon–Fri 8AM–3PM, 5PM-late; Sat Sun 8AM–3PM, 5PM-late·Starters $5-24, mains $21-39

10. EatYaletown-False Creek

    Fuse Pan-Asian Express

    合

    A fusion of several Asian cuisines, and a fusion of the virtues of prompt service and good food. Except for the grab-and-go items, everything is made to order with house-made sauces. There is a respectable vegetarian selection. Free parking, and an easy walk from Yaletown offices or the Roundhouse. Phone in advanced orders.

    Coffee & self-serve 9AM onward daily; Full menu Mon-Fri 11AM-8PM; Sat Sun Hols noon-6PM·Tapas, salads $3-7, stir-fried to order $8, Grilled items $6-12

11. EatMt Pleasant-South Main

    Hawker's Delight

    At Main and King Edward Hawker's servers up authentic Malaysian/Singaporean dishes at $4-5. Fast-paced atmosphere (as the name would suggest). Good vegetarian options.

    Mon-Sat noon-9PM

12. EatKitsilano-Granville Island

    Heirloom Vegetarian

    A bright, airy, colourful space and an all-vegetarian menu with extensive vegan choices. They favour local and fair-trade ingredients. There is brunch menu F-Su 9AM-4PM (weekends).

    Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM, Sat Sun 8AM-7PM·entrées $20-25

13. EatWest End

    Kingyo

    Traditional izakaya dishes with a modern, fusion twist, in a decor which feels at once traditional Japanese, down-to-earth friendly, and cutting-edge. Vegetarian options available.

    Lunch 11:30AM–3PM daily; Dinner Sun–Thu 5:30–11:30PM, Fri Sat 5PM–2AM·Tapas plates $6-8. Dinner $15-20/person

14. EatWest End

    La Catrina

    Delicious tacos, the size of the palm of your hand, topped by a variety of vegetarian or meaty options. 4-6 are usually a good meal. Bright colours and welcoming service, but only a few stools to perch on in the small space. Similar to the formula of La Pinche Taqueria in town, but cheaper.

    Tue–Thu noon-9PM, Fri Sat 11AM-10PM, Sun 11AM-10PM, Mon closed·$3/taco, $10-11 for a set of four.

15. EatMt Pleasant-South Main

    Lucy's Eastside Diner

    A slightly self-conscious reinvention of the classic burgers-and-pancakes diner. Being open all night long is good. Breakfast 24 hours a day is even better. The friendly and flexible service is great. The milkshakes laced with whisky, rum, and on request, bacon? Priceless. Good range of vegetarian selections. Since there aren't many all-night restaurants, Lucy's can get crowded late at night after clubs close.

    24 hours a day, 7 days a week·Mains under $10

16. EatWest End

    Ofra's Kitchen

    Vividly spiced vegetarian and vegan Israeli food. Including vegan and gluten-free takes on shawarma (in pita, as a lunch sandwich) and shakshuka (with vegan sausage, and chickpeas and spinach in place of eggs).

    shakshuka $19, hummus $15-18, shawarma pita $15.50

17. EatMt Pleasant-South Main

    The Acorn

    Opened in 2012, this is one of Vancouver's few restaurants to offer high cuisine that is entirely vegetarian, with many vegan and gluten-free options. Open for dinner every night and for weekend brunch. Their bar also serves creative and tasty cocktails. No reservations taken, and veggie foodies have few other options, so expect a wait unless you come soon after they open.

    Mon–Wed 5:30–10:30PM (bar open until midnight); Thu Fri 5:30–11PM (bar until 1AM); Sat 10AM–2:30PM brunch, 5:30–11PM dinner (bar until 1AM); Sun 10AM–2:30PM brunch, 5:30–10:30PM (bar open until midnight)·Brunch dishes $10-20, dinner entrees $20-30, drinks $5-15

18. EatKitsilano-Granville Island

    The Naam

    Vegetarian restaurant with organic options. Food taken from numerous cooking styles. Some love the Naam, some are disappointed by food, service and cleanliness. Wine and beer available.

    Mon-Fri 11AM-11PM, Sat Sun 9AM-11PM·$6-15

19. EatKitsilano-Granville Island

    Tojo's

    Serves innovative Japanese cuisine. Try the omakase menu, where you leave the details of your 5-course meal to the chef's discretion. The vegetarian omakase can have spectacularly realistic-looking sushi made from vegetables. À la carte menu also available — but why skip the chance to let the master delight you? Winner of the "Best Japanese Restaurant" awards from Vancouver Magazine every year since 1991.

    Tue-Sun from 4:30PM, last seating at 8PM·Omikase from $120/person, nigiri sushi $7-25/piece

20. EatMt Pleasant-South Main

    Vera's Burger Shack

    One of a local chain, well known for tasty, made-to-order hamburgers and a casual atmosphere. Vegetarian options and beer also served. Take-out also.

    Daily 11AM-11PM·burgers $6-10, combo $4 extra

21. EatGastown-Chinatown

    Waffleland Café

    Delicious Belgian and Norwegian style waffles, sweet and savoury. Excellent vegetarian and vegan options.

    Mon–Thu 9AM–10PM, Fri 9AM–11PM, Sat 8AM–11PM, Sun 8AM–10PM

22. EatMt Pleasant-South Main

    Seiza Japanese Restaurant

    formerly Whole Vegetarian

    3068 Main St

    Open Tue-Sun 11:30AM-3PM & 5-9PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Vancouver (CC BY-SA 4.0).