Archie MontroseThe 6 Best Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver
What we choose to eat can have a big effect on the way we feel and how our body functions. For vegans, their unique diet helps improve heart health, lower the risk of diabetes, and protect against some forms of cancer.
If you’d like to give veganism a shot, our list of the best vegan restaurants in Vancouver should come in handy. To help you pick the best eatery, we’ve dished out some restaurant reviews, breakdowns, and other bits of info.
How Much Do Vegan Restaurants Cost in Vancouver
Eating healthy organic food on a daily basis isn’t always the most economical option. So, to make sure you don’t break the bank, we’ve drawn up this neat table detailing some of the costs for our entries:
| The Burrow | $5.00 – $20.00 |
| Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant | Starters $15 – $21 Breakfast $15 – $21 A la carte menu $14 – $19 Juices $5 – $10 Beer $8.25 – $9 Wine $9 – $14/glass, $39 – $135/bottle Coffee/Tea $4 – $6 |
| MeeT on Main | Sides $2 – $4 Salads $13.25 – $17.25 Rice bowls $4.50 – $17.50 Vegan Burgers $$14.75 – $17.75 Poutines/Fries $2.75 – $13.75 |
| The Naam | Specials $8 – $16.40 Omelettes $14 – $15 Pancakes $6 – $31 Appetizers $6 – $17.60 Salads $8 – $14.70 Nachos $4.50 – $15.50 Tacos/Enchiladas/Burritos $4.5 – $15 Soup & Chili $7 – $15 |
| Chickpea Restaurant | All-day breakfast $14.50 – $16 Tapas $4.5 – $12.50 Pita $13.50 Salads $14.50 Hummus plate $16.50 Platter $18 |
| Ofra’s Kitchen | Falafel in a Pita – $10.95 Lafa (Wrap) – $11.95 Falafel Platter – $15.95 Sabih Platter – $16.95 Vegan Burger Platter – $17.95 Hummus – $13.95 – $16.95 Shakshuka – $14.95 – $17.95 |
Vegan restaurants can offer a variety of dishes at many different prices, as you can see. These prices can be directly influenced by the ingredients used, the prep work required, and the availability of the dishes.
The Best Vegan Restaurants in Vancouver
Now that you’ve set aside a bit of green in your wallet, it’s time to see what greens you can get at the best vegan restaurants in Vancouver.
1. The Burrow (formerly Bandidas Taqueria)
| SERVICES | Take & Bake products Brunch Burritos All-day breakfast Chips & dip Salads Nachos Entrees Beer/Cider Wine Cocktails |
| WEBSITE | theburrowrestaurant.com |
| ADDRESS | 2781 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 568 – 8224 Email: Burrowrestaurantg@gmail.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 4 pm – 10 pm Tuesday: 4 pm – 10 pm Wednesday: 4 pm – 10 pm Thursday: 4 pm – 10 pm Friday: 4 pm – 10 pm Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm Sunday: 10 m – 10 pm |
Vegan and tacos – these are two words that you probably wouldn’t expect to hear in the same sentence. But, thanks to the wonderful minds at The Burrow, such a creation is now a delicious reality.
Naturally, if you’re going to serve tacos, you ought to serve other Mexican dishes too. Following this logic, this restaurant also proudly offers burritos, quesadillas, chips & dip, and even vegan nachos.
These folks go the extra mile by opting to make their own special nacho chips using baked corn tortillas. To pair with these delicious crunchy treats, the restaurant provides vegan cheesy, spicy corn, jalapenos, and tomato salsa.
Last but not least, this eatery also serves classic Mexican beverages like Horchatas, Margaritas, and Hibiscus juice. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also order a mimosa or a nice glass of red or white wine.
Pros
- Serves vegan Mexican food
- Makes delicious tacos
- Offers vegan-friendly Mexican drinks like Horchata
Cons
- Menu is restricted to Mexican dishes
Customer Reviews
If you’ve never had a vegan taco this is definitely the place to start, just ask any of these patrons:
“The spot for the ultimate comfort food. I’ve been going here for the past 7 years and The Burrow (formerly Bandidas Taqueria) has been my top go-to spot for comfort brunch on Commercial Drive. Sherman’s Benny is my absolute favourite. The corn bread is *chefs kiss* and the goat cheese just adds that little extra creaminess to the plate. I like asking for their house salad (the salad is always so fresh and the pumpkin seeds are so good) instead of the potatoes since I like a fresh side to my brunch.” — Graceleen Simpson
“I’ve been looking for a vegan Mexican influenced restaurant for a while and finally found my favorite place. Burritos are awesome. Dish sizes are bigger than you get in many other places. Atmosphere is really chill and service is second to none.” — Sebastian Morales
2. Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant
| SERVICES | Brunch service Vegan foods Juices Coffee Gluten-free foods Cocktails Beer/Cider Delivery/Pick-up |
| WEBSITE | https://www.heirloomveg.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 1509 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 2E2, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 733 – 2231 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 11 am – 10 pm Tuesday: 11 am – 10 pm Wednesday: 11 am – 10 pm Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm Friday: 11 am – 10 m Saturday: 10 am – 10 pm Sunday: 10 am – 10 pm |
Heirloom is a great vegan establishment for those who are new to the whole idea of veganism. These folks put a unique spin on classic dishes that defy the bland, tasteless stereotypes attributed to most vegan foods.
One such vegan variation is the restaurant’s “Avo Benny”, which is an eggs benedict course made with turmeric tofu in lieu of eggs.
No eggs benedict is complete without hollandaise sauce, so to stay faithful to that, the dish also comes with vegan hollandaise sauce.
If you’re not too keen on testing your tolerance for vegan staples like tofu, then perhaps buttermilk pancakes are more your speed. These buttermilk pancakes are also fully vegan and they are made using substitutes like almond milk, and fruit as a binder.
Aside from being a great all-around vegan place, Heirloom is also quite well known for its delicious fruit juices and smoothies. Customers can enjoy a crisp sparkling kale juice or go on a quick detox with the restaurant’s house blend of detox juices.
Pros
- Great for new vegans
- Makes delicious juices
- Offers a great variety of dishes
Cons
- Doesn’t take reservations
Customer Reviews
Even the most avid meat lovers can find something delicious at Heirloom thanks to their ingenious vegan dishes:
“Fantastic vegetarian and vegan food! My non-vegetarian friend enjoyed it so much he wanted to go back another time! The grilled cheese and tomato soup were delightful and the tiramisu dessert was spectacular. Would highly recommend and will definitely go back whenever I visit again.” – Brittany
“Incredible! I am no expert on vegetarian places nor I visit them so often, but this place is amazing. The food was delicious, the service was great! The presentation unique. I had no idea vegetarian food was so great. I highly recommend the tacos and the side dishes. Not expensive and you’ll pay for what you get. Will come back!” – Sebastian B.
3. MeeT on Main
| SERVICES | Vegan foods Brunch Cocktails Wines Beer/Cider Mocktails Juices/teas Happy hour |
| WEBSITE | http://www.meetonmain.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 4288 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 696 – 1010 Email: info@EatMeeT.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 11 am – 10 pm Tuesday: 11 am – 10 Pm Wednesday: 11 am – 10 pm Thursday: 11 am – 10 pm Friday: 11 am – 11 pm Saturday: 11 am – 11 pm Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm |
MeeT on Main was founded in the hopes of encouraging more people to try various vegan dishes. To accomplish this is no small feat as many people strongly hold to the belief that anything plant-based tastes terrible.
Luckily, this restaurant found an answer to its dilemma in the form of a vegan burger. That’s right, this place makes believers out of non-vegans by essentially being a plant-based burger joint.
Like any good burger joint, MeeT on Main serves its own take on the classic french fries that accompany most burgers. This twist comes in the form of poutine topped with meat substitutes, curry sauces, vegan cheese, and other special ingredients.
In case you’re wondering, this restaurant’s vegan burgers are made with meat substitutes like tofu and black beans. But the secret to the wonderful taste mainly lies in the way they prepare these ingredients as opposed to relying on just the ingredients themselves.
Pros
- Serves delicious vegan burgers
- Offers a brunch service
- Has various gluten-free options
Cons
- Menu focuses almost exclusively on burgers for mains
Customer Reviews
You really can’t go wrong with a great burger, and the same can be said for one made even with vegan ingredients:
“I’ve heard great things about this restaurant and I’m happy I came to try it. The oyster mushroom calamari was great. I really enjoyed the flavour and the crunch. My friend’s had the burgers and devoured them, so I’m assuming they were amazing. One friend was celebrating his birthday and they gave him a free dessert! I’ll gladly eat here again.” – Evangeline D.
“Lights out good. One of the best poutines I’ve ever had. This place doesn’t make you miss meat at all.
Excellent service food vibe everything A+
Great dessert too.
I just wish I had one closer to home.” – Jon Y.
4. The Naam
| ERVICES | Lunch Dinner All-day breakfast Vegan meals Wine Beer shakes/smoothies |
| WEBSITE | http://www.thenaam.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 2724 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 738 – 7151 Email: info@thenaam.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 11 am – 10:30 pm Tuesday: 11 am – 10:30 pm Wednesday: 11 am – 10:30 pm Thursday: 11 am – 10:30 pm Friday: 11 am – 10:30 pm Saturday: 9 am – 10:30 pm Sunday: 9 am – 10:30 pm |
The Naam cafe is an older establishment that was founded way back in 1968 when vegan foods weren’t exactly too famous. To survive in a time when veganism wasn’t too popular should tell you a lot about the quality of this eatery’s dishes.
Unlike other vegan restaurants that focus on a particular niche of food, Naam blends dishes from various cultures all over the globe. Due to this blend of influences, the cafe’s menu contains Mexican, Mediterranean, and English dishes.
As a cafe, this place also serves a wide selection of smoothies, tea, and also coffee. Naturally, all of these beverages can be made with soy or almond milk but regular milk is also an option for those who aren’t following vegan diets.
To go with your coffee or tea, the Naam cafe also serves cakes that come in various flavors like double fudge, raspberry chocolate, carrot, and more. You can also go old school and opt for a nice slice of pie.
Pros
- Serves vegan cakes and pies
- One of the oldest vegan establishments in Vancouver
- Opens early on weekends
Cons
- The cafe can be packed during peak hours
Customer Reviews
These patrons were extremely pleased with the Naam Cafe and its various offerings:
“Visiting YVR and found The Naam. Very cool that it has a long history in the area. Had the Thai noodles and the spinach feta enchilada. Very good. Large portions. Also had Caesar salad which was good but the dressing seemed to be over-powering after a few bites. Still good though. Enjoyed the unique atmosphere and great service.” – Ken R.
“I love the Naam. Been coming here for twenty years (first visit fall 2001), and the food is the same hearty and healthy fare I fell in love with in first year university. If you’re wondering what to order, you can’t go wrong with the soup and bread.” – Tristan L.
5. Chickpea Restaurant
| SERVICES | Catering Tapas Vegan dishes All-day breakfast Desserts Cocktails Beer/Cider Coffee/Tea/Milkshakes |
| WEBSITE | http://www.ilovechickpea.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 4298 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone number: (604) 620 – 0602 Email: info@ilovechickpea.ca |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 10 am -10 pm Tuesday: 10 am – 10 pm Wednesday: 10 am – 10 pm Thursday: 10 am – 10 pm Friday: 9 am – 11 pm Saturday: 9 am – 11 pm Sunday: 9 am – 11 pm |
If you’re craving plant-based Mediterranean food, then the Chickpea Restaurant is a pretty safe bet. Given the many vegan-friendly recipes derived from the Mediterranean, it makes sense that the culture would give rise to this vegan establishment.
These folks serve an all-day breakfast that mainly consists of various salads, bagels, pastries, and waffles. To balance out the sweetness of your meal, you can also choose from a number of side dishes like vegan bacon, sausage, and cheese.
For its lunch menu, this restaurant mainly focuses on tapas dishes that make use of seasoned veggies like cabbage, pickles, carrots, and eggplants. If you’re eating with friends, you can also opt for a platter or a full course meal.
On the whole, the Chickpea Restaurant has solid vegan food choices derived from Mediterranean culture. The well-spiced dishes at this joint can be a welcome change to standard vegan foods.
Pros
- Serves vegan Mediterranean foods
- Offers great cocktails
- Great for big groups
Cons
- Focuses mainly on Mediterranean dishes
Customer Reviews
The vegan Mediterranean dishes served at the Chickpea Restaurant are loved by many Vancouverites:
“Patio seating & now indoor!!! If you want to eat vegan food without sacrificing the taste or texture, visit them and definitely get the platter! Because they are not joking about everything they say in the menu!!! From nan breads to chickpea fries! I also would like mentioned how the service was fast and the staffs are very friendly!!” – Ross
“Awesome lunch – Shawarma platter, Kasum platter and Falafel pita, Limonana soda.
Massive portions, chickpea fries and salatim, plus hummus and plate specific sauces and pita on the side! Very reasonable prices, especially when the plates are piled high! Quality food and great service!” – Sea G.
6. Ofra’s Kitchen
| SERVICES | Lunch, dinner, dessert, drinks |
| WEBSITE | https://ofraskitchen.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1088 Denman St. Vancouver, BC V6G 2M8, Canada |
| CONTACT DETAILS | 604-688-2444 ofra007@hotmail.com |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM Tuesday: CLOSED Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM Sunday: 11:30 AM – 8:30 PM |
Ofra’s Kitchen is a restaurant that specializes in Vegan and Authentic Israeli Cuisine that is only one of its kind in Denman Street. Founded by Ofra who had migrated to Canada from Israel, the restaurant is the fruition of her passion and efforts toward adapting to a new culture and introduce a new taste to the area as well.
With a beautiful view of the ocean, their menu is of the most authentic Israeli cuisine which is composed of Hummus plates, Falafel, Shakshuka, Soups, Creative Salads, and other Israeli desserts as well. Being a community-based restaurant, they encourage customers to chat and engage each other in friendly conversation and share thoughts, stories, and ideas as well.
Each of their dishes is made with passion and is from the freshest ingredients from the market to ensure a spectacular Israeli dining experience. Customers have highly acclaimed the restaurant to have an amazingly cozy and welcoming atmosphere that will surely boost one’s appetite and appreciate the familiar yet new taste of Israeli cuisine.
We recommend this restaurant for customers looking for one of the best and authentic Israeli cuisine experiences in the comforts of the Vancouver area since people who are not familiar with the dishes usually give out positive comments regarding its freshness and abundant portions.
Pros
- Authentic Israeli dishes
- Abundant portions
- Fresh ingredients
Cons
- Might not suit some of customers’ tastes
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews from some of their customers:
“Great vegetarian and vegan food. Friendly service. A very welcoming and modest place. Always happy to drop by.” – Dalite Ht
“Love this place! Food is delicious, cool vibes and friendly owner! Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy fresh and tasty Middle Eastern food” – Lee-liran Buskila
FAQs About Vegan Restaurants
Now that you’re familiar with the best vegan restaurants in Vancouver, all that’s left is to visit your restaurant of choice for some delicious, plant-based, dishes. We certainly hope our list was able to be of help in some way.
While reading up on vegan restaurants, you might have noticed a dish that really caught your eye. If you’d like to learn how to cook that dish on your own, we can certainly help with a list of the best cooking classes in Vancouver.
As always, we don’t expect you to just take our word as definitive proof of quality. So, we’ve prepared student reviews, class breakdowns, pros & cons, and FAQs to leave no doubt in your mind.
