Vegetarian Japanese restaurants in Vancouver
Japanese cuisine is one of the most creative, healthy and flavoursome options to be found in Vancouver’s extensive multicultural restaurant scene. These local Jaoanese restaurants are particularly perfect for sushi-loving vegetarians who want to skip the meat without compromising on bold flavours.[Photo credit: iStock,com/AnikaSalsera]
Sushi Nova Restaurant
2059 4Th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1N3It’s true that we eat with our eyes, and Sushi Bella caters to multiple senses with colourful, beautifully presented rolls, many of which are made with unique veggie combinations – especially beets, asparagus and soy paper. Their soybean paper roll combines all of those, plus yam, spinach and shitake. For a hit of protein, the agedashi tofu is served three ways: with traditional broth, a spicy chili sauce and mango coulis.
Shizen Ya Co
160-1333 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6H 4C1Sushi is a healthy choice, but Shizenya takes nutrition to another level with its organic greens, organic brown rice and focus on healthful ingredients. Many of the rolls are vegetarian – or can be made so – including the Geisha Girls roll that combines yam tempura with mango avocado, spring lettuce mix and cucumber. Substitute the deep-fried agedashi tofu for Shizenya’s lighter marinated tofu steaks to glow even more.
The Eatery
3431 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6R 2B4The Eatery’s menu is as creative as its décor, which features large, papier-mâché models hanging from the ceiling, pop art paintings and punches of colour everywhere you look. For vegetarians, the menu features a useful page full of veggie-friendly rolls, including the Popeye (spinach with peanut sauce), the John Lennon (asparagus tempura and avocado), and a Veggie Soy Roll made with mango, cream cheese and cucumber.
Suika Japanese Restaurant
1626 Broadway W, Vancouver, BC V6J 1X6Suika doesn’t offer nearly as many vegetarian options as other restaurants on this list, but those it does are unusual and delicious. Try the Portobello mushroom lunch special: thick strips of Portobello “steak” marinated in a rich, sweet-yet-vinegary sauce, and served alongside rice, vegetarian miso soup and as much green salad as you can eat.
Ginger Sushi
1437 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X8Ginger Sushi nestles into a bustling block of The Drive, and with room for approximately 18 people at a time; it’s always an intimate experience. Locals love it; you can tell by the hundreds of named, personalized chopsticks taped to the wall, waiting for their owners to eat again. The usual vegetarian rolls are available, but it’s the tofu dishes that truly stand out, with a cinnamon-sweet agedashi broth that’s worth revisiting time and time again.
Bistro Sakana Japanese Restaurant Ltd
1123 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P2Refined and sleek, Bistro Sakana takes its cues from the chic Yaletown neighbourhood it resides in. Their menu varies from traditional to original, with rolls featuring Western flavours such as prosciutto or – for vegetarians – sundried tomatoes. An extensive list of hot and cold tapas dishes includes zesty salads and a Japanese take on French onion soup. Vegetarians will never feel so spoiled.
Kishimoto Japanese Restaurant
2054 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4A9A small, family-run restaurant, Kishimoto specializes in creative rolls made with love and presented with flair. There’s an extensive variety of choice for vegetarians, including the Mamenoki roll, made with edamame, avocado, carrot and – wait for it – cornflakes. This Commercial Drive favourite serves as an ideal pit stop for lunch, or a more leisurely dinner of experimental roll choices.
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