Tyler McFarland on February 5, 2024
Updated on February 8, 2024 Reviewed and fact-checked Found a mistake? Let us know!
Imagine you’re strolling down the vibrant streets of Vancouver, and your stomach starts to grumble. It’s lunchtime, and being a vegan, you’re in search of a place that serves not only plant-based meals but also offers a gastronomical delight.
Vancouver, known for its diverse culinary scene, boasts an impressive array of restaurants catering to your vegan lifestyle. From Vegan Shoku’s Japanese-inspired dishes to MeeT on Main’s hearty comfort food, the city offers a plethora of choices.
But which ones should you try first? Stick around as we explore seven of the best spots for vegan cuisine in Vancouver.
Key Takeaways
- Vegan Shoku is renowned for its innovative vegan sushi, offering a wide range of options, including appetizers, tempura, and oshizushi.
- MeeT on Main is known for its comfort food, such as loaded poutine and vegan mac n cheese. Their desserts also come highly recommended.
- Chickpea Restaurant serves up delightful Mediterranean dishes. Their shnizalonim battered smoked tofu and chickpea fries are must-tries.
- Bonus Bakery in downtown Vancouver offers an impressive array of vegan pastries alongside a robust coffee menu.
- Lotus Seed Vegan takes a health-focused approach to plant-based dining with an international menu that caters to a wide variety of tastes.
- Chi combines Vietnamese, Asian, and Western fusion dishes. Their fried cauliflower appetizer, infused with spicy gochujang sauce, is a standout.
- Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery offers a tantalizing array of Middle Eastern flavors. Their mezze selection and main courses like charred yam and falafel are worth checking out.
Vegan Shoku
Image source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/vegan-shoku-vancouver-344216
Vegan Shoku is a highly acclaimed vegan sushi restaurant located in Vancouver. With their innovative use of plant-based alternatives, they’ve managed to recreate traditional sushi flavors in a truly remarkable way. Their house-made rolls are a highlight of the menu, offering a wide variety of choices from appetizers to tempura, oshizushi (pressed sushi), and more.
What sets Vegan Shoku apart from other vegan restaurants in Vancouver is its commitment to evolving vegan sushi. They’ve ingeniously reinvented classic dishes such as nigiri, poke bowls, and donburi bowls using vegan substitutes while still maintaining the essence of traditional sushi.
The team at Vegan Shoku understands that it’s not just about removing non-vegan elements but about embracing and showcasing the potential of plant-based ingredients. The result is an authentic and unique vegan sushi experience that will delight even the most discerning sushi enthusiasts.
HappyCow Score: 5 stars
MeeT on Main
Image source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/meet-vancouver-51030
Looking for a place to satisfy your vegan cravings? Look no further than MeeT on Main, one of Vancouver’s top vegan restaurants. With a menu packed with both indulgent and healthy options, this place has something for everyone.
Craving some comfort food? MeeT on Main has you covered with their loaded poutine and vegan mac n cheese. These plant-based versions of classic dishes will have you wondering why you ever needed animal products in the first place. But if you’re in the mood for something lighter, they also offer refreshing salads and hearty grain bowls that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
But the real star of the show at MeeT on Main is their dessert lineup. Indulge in their decadent chocolate torte or tangy lemon tart for a sweet finish to your meal. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, try their cookies n’ cream in a jar. It’s the perfect blend of rich and creamy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
Not only does MeeT on Main offer delicious food, but it also provides an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re dining with friends or enjoying a solo meal, you’ll feel right at home in their welcoming space.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Chickpea Restaurant
Image source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/chickpea-vancouver-97524
Located right next to MeeT on Main, Chickpea Restaurant is a vegan haven that has gained a strong following for its delectable Mediterranean dishes. What started as a humble food truck has now grown into a bustling 90-seat eatery, offering a variety of enticing vegan options.
The menu at Chickpea Restaurant is a gastronomic delight. One of their delicious specialties is the shnizalonim battered smoked tofu, a unique twist on traditional schnitzel. The crispy tofu is perfectly seasoned and accompanied by a flavorful sauce, creating a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Another must-try option is the chickpea fries – a crispy and addictive appetizer that will leave you wanting more.
Chickpea Restaurant also takes pride in its dessert options. The baklava, with its flaky layers and sweet filling, or the chocolate ganache torte, are a must-try. Rich, indulgent, and ethical, these desserts are the perfect ending to a satisfying meal. To complement the delicious food, Chickpea Restaurant offers a full bar with a wide selection of beers, wines, cocktails, coffee, and juices.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor is evident in every dish, making it a go-to spot for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Bonus Bakery
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/bonus-bakery-vancouver-150527/images
In the bustling heart of downtown Vancouver, there’s a vegan paradise known as Bonus Bakery. This delightful eatery has quickly become a beloved gem among vegans and non-vegans alike, offering an impressive array of vegan pastries and a robust coffee menu.
As you step into Bonus Bakery, you’re greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked goods and the friendly smiles of the staff. The sleek and modern interior creates a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a delightful treat or catching up with friends.
Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the pastries. Bonus Bakery offers a delightful variety of both savory and sweet treats, all completely vegan. From flaky croissants to gooey cinnamon rolls, every item is crafted with care and bursting with flavor. And if you have dietary restrictions, fear not! Bonus Bakery also offers gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can indulge in their delectable creations.
One of the standout items on their menu is the pizza pretzel. Combining the best of both worlds, this savory delight features a soft pretzel crust topped with vegan cheese, tomato sauce, and a medley of delicious toppings. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet flavors.
But it’s not just the pastries that make Bonus Bakery shine. Their commitment to quality and flavor extends to their coffee menu as well. Whether you prefer a classic latte, a rich mocha, or a refreshing iced coffee, Bonus Bakery has you covered. They source their beans from local roasters, ensuring that every sip is a true delight.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Lotus Seed Vegan
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/lotus-seed-vegan-vancouver-50638
Lotus Seed Vegan fully embraces the health-focused approach to plant-based dining. With an international menu that caters to a wide variety of tastes, this restaurant has become one of the must-visit vegan spots in the city.
From veggie sushi to vegan pho, their dishes impress diners with their creativity and flavor. But what truly makes this place stand out is its daily breakfast and brunch offerings. Their breakfast menu features delightful options like cashew cheese casserole, which is creamy and flavorful.
For those craving a classic, their spaghetti with vegan meatballs is a must-try. The vegan meatballs are made from plant-based ingredients and are just as satisfying as their meat counterparts.
Lotus Seed Vegan’s dedication to creating delicious and innovative plant-based dishes is evident in every bite.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Chi
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/chi-vancouver-205467
Located in the heart of Vancouver and with a menu that combines Vietnamese, Asian, and Western fusion dishes, Chi offers a unique and diverse dining experience for vegans and non-vegans alike.
One of Chi’s standout features is its creative and innovative approach to vegan food. From their flavorful bowls and rice paper rolls to their mouthwatering burgers and seasoned fries, each dish at Chi is crafted with care and attention to detail. The combination of flavors is expertly balanced, resulting in dishes that are both satisfying and delicious.
If you visit Chi, check out their fried cauliflower appetizer, which is infused with a spicy gochujang sauce that adds a kick of flavor to each bite. The crispy texture of the cauliflower pairs perfectly with the bold and tangy sauce, creating a dish that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
In addition to their food, Chi also offers a variety of enticing drinks, including espresso and matcha lattes with boba.
HappyCow Score: 4.5 stars
Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery
Source: https://www.happycow.net/reviews/aleph-middle-eastern-eatery-vancouver-109866
- Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery website
- Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery on Google Maps
- Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery on Instagram
Located in the vibrant neighborhood of East Vancouver, Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery offers a tantalizing array of Middle Eastern flavors that will transport your taste buds to new heights.
Step inside Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery, and you’ll be greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The modern and stylish decor sets the stage for a culinary journey through the Middle East, with each dish expertly crafted to showcase the vibrant flavors and textures of the region.
Start your meal with a selection of mezze, featuring traditional dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, and tabbouleh. The creamy cashew coconut curry is a standout worth checking out, too!
For a main course, the charred yam and falafel are must-tries. The charred yam is perfectly roasted and served with a tangy tahini sauce, while the falafel is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. And don’t forget to indulge in the mosakhan rolls, a delightful combination of spiced chicken-style seitan, caramelized onions, and sumac-infused yogurt.
The commitment to authenticity and quality is evident in every dish at Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery. The chefs take great care in sourcing the freshest ingredients and preparing them with skill and precision. Whether you’re switching to veganism or simply looking to explore new flavors, this restaurant is absolutely worth your time!
HappyCow Score: 5 stars
Conclusion
Vancouver is a vibrant city that caters to every vegan’s palate. Whether you’re craving sushi, comfort food, pastries, or exotic flavors from around the globe, the city’s vast selection of vegan restaurants ensures that there’s always something new and delicious to try.
Having to compromise on taste or variety is one of the biggest myths about veganism. As you saw, each of these seven restaurants showcases creativity and innovation in their dishes, redefining what vegan cuisine can be. From Vegan Shoku’s reinvented sushi to Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery’s tantalizing Middle Eastern flavors, there’s a culinary adventure waiting for you in Vancouver.
So, next time you’re in town, don’t forget to check out these fantastic spots. Who knows? You might just find your new favorite dish. Happy dining!
I’m Tyler McFarland, the editor and main author here. When I first went vegan 13 years ago, convenience products like veggie burgers and soy milk were a lot harder to find. Now they’re everywhere!