Famous for its yoga mats, health food joints and beach-loving atmosphere, Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood is an ideal place to nosh on tasty vegetarian fare. Check out these veggie-friendly spots next time you’re searching for a meat-free meal in this wholesome ’hood. [Image credit: iStock.com/ Xsandra]
A Vancouver institution, nowhere says “veggie food in Kits” quite like The Naam. Founded in 1968, and voted Best Vegetarian Restaurant by numerous media outlets, the 24-hour restaurant serves simple, warming food in a homey environment. And what don’t they offer? From fettuccine Alfredo and burritos to salads and veggie burgers; you’ll find almost anything your heart desires on the extensive all-day, all-night menus. The dragon bowls are particularly popular: filled to the brim with veggies, rice and different savoury sauces, balancing nourishment with flavour.
The punk rockers of sushi, The Eatery offers weird and wonderful sushi combinations amidst a bizarre and playful interior of pop art, monster sculptures and papier mache creations. While the menu isn’t solely vegetarian, their meat- and fish-free options are extensive, and include mouthwatering rolls such as MDMA (mushroom tempura with avocado, shitake and teriyaki sauce) and an I Love Your Roll stuffed with artichoke hearts with asparagus, cream cheese, and tempura crunch.
A newcomer to Vancouver that’s quickly taking names – and expanding to new locations – the team at Tractor are experts when it comes to producing nutritious, colourful and veggie friendly salads. Their signature dishes include a roasted cauliflower salad with orzo, radicchio and feta; watermelon, cucumber and mint; and organic quinoa with roasted mushrooms and raisins. Reasonable prices and a mix-and-match menu mean customers can discover their favourites from an extensive set of choices.
Tera V Burger offers the same “mmmm” quality of a McDonald’s or a Vera’s, but without the guilt. Ethical, sustainable and vegetarian-friendly, this burger joint sources their ingredients from local farms while the packaging they come in is 99 per cent biodegradable. The menu also offers paninis, wraps and salads, but it’s the burgers that bring the crowds. Choose from seven different options – all vegetarian – and pair with baked fries and a freshly made fruit smoothie.
The brainchild of Buddhist Tommy Cao, who stepped away from a career in finance to open Dharma Kitchen, this community-based, vegan restaurant has become a neighbourhood favourite. Dishes include dharma miso soup, dragon salad with grilled tofu, tempeh burgers, and mega protein dishes. The heat in Dharma Kitchen’s lovingly made curries matches the bright red walls of this simple space, and are a must-try for newcomers.
Amidst stunning interior design that is both chic and demure, Heirloom’s food is extremely versatile. Their simple fare includes fried egg sandwiches and grilled cheese – both lovingly prepared – while the dinner menu includes grown-up dishes such as melt-in-your-mouth burrata, and almond broccoli ball linguine. Paired with a selection of inventive cocktails, Heirloom can be dressed up or down as occasion requires – but will always be delicious.
Any of Nuba’s multiple locations in Vancouver are a vegetarian’s delight, with colourful food bursting with flavour. The mezze plate is often an ideal way to sample the restaurant’s healthy yet luxurious-tasting dishes. Enjoy the Najib’s special – cauliflower cooked to perfection, with creamy feta and tangy pink pickled cabbage, or revel in Mjadra – an organic green lentils and rice dish perfect for cool days.