Vancouver restaurants for an outstanding Caesar salad
Whether you prefer crisp romaine or nutrient-dense kale, fresh anchovies or crunchy bacon bits, there’s no denying that Caesar salads are a beloved standby on many a restaurant menu. But despite their ubiquitous nature, not every garlicky green bowl is created equal. When it comes to delivering fresh, creative and great-tasting Caesar salads, these Vancouver restaurants reign supreme. [Photo credit: iStock.com/PoppyB]
Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
637 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G3An iconic Canadian steakhouse that’s stood the test of time over six decades, Hy’s delivers elegance in spades with its refined, clubhouse atmosphere, professional service and superb steaks. There’s no better way to start your meal than with a tableside Caesar; the infamous salad is prepared in the dining room for added theatrics. Pepper, garlic, anchovy paste, Dijon, Worcestershire, and Hy’s secret seasoning are combined in a solid wooden bowl with red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and an egg yolk, which emulsifies the dressing to give it a nice, creamy texture before its tossed with fresh romaine, croutons and parmesan.
Heirloom Restaurant
1509 12th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 2E2Heirloom’s vegan kale Caesar salad might not have the requisite cheesy Parmesan and bacon that classic Caesar fans crave, but we promise this animal-free variation just might become a new favourite. On offer at brunch and dinner in small and large sizes, the signature salad features a mix of dark kale and romaine leaves, house-made cornbread croutons and crispy capers, sprinkled with non-dairy cashew parmesan and crispy beet chips and dressed in a light Caesar dressing that offers plenty of lemony, tangy flavour without tasting overly creamy.
Pizzeria Bufala
5395 W Boulevard, Vancouver, BC V6M 3W4Serving crowd-pleasing thin-crust pizzas with creative toppings, this 55-seat pizzeria in Kerrisdale is a bright, family friendly spot that’s made it a neighbourhood fave and a must-try destination among local foodies. And while kale Caesar salads are increasingly ubiquitous on Vancouver restaurant menus, Bufala’s inventive take is anything but ordinary. Brightly coloured green and purple kale leaves keep things fresh, while fresh anchovies and bacon rashers add a meaty depth. The sharp salad is topped off with shaved Parmesan and a salt-cured egg yolk.
Field & Social
415 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1X4Grab-and-go gourmet greens have made this downtown salad bar a lunch hour hotspot among nearby office workers. There’s no DIY-ing here though, the curated menu features eight signature salads bursting with wholesome ingredients (think purple barley, braised organic beef and brightly coloured heirloom beets). The black Kale Caesar is a customer favourite, and it’s easy to see why. A base of organic black kale leaves and warm grilled romaine is bedecked with Grana Padano, flavourful smoked paprika croutons, crispy hazelnuts and moist Applewood smoked chicken thigh. Extra hungry? Add a ramen egg on top for an extra $2.
Tractor Everyday Healthy Foods
1903 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7Mixing and matching colourful salads is all part of the fun at this a-la-carte eatery, but if you’re feeling too lazy to customize your own plate, give the kale chicken Caesar a try. The signature entrée-sized salad is a colourful variant on the classic recipe, featuring Brussels sprouts, cabbage, house-made croutons, asiago cheese and a zesty lemon Caesar dressing. Tractor’s cafeteria-style concept keeps things casual, but everything on the healthful menu is sourced and prepared with care, using local and organic meat, veggies and grains whenever possible. You’ll find locations in Kitsilano and downtown in the Marine Building.
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