Vegetarian diets are more popular than ever, and many Vancouver restaurants are catching on to this ever-growing demand. With its vibrant and diverse dining landscape, Vancouver’s best vegetarian restaurants delight locals and visitors alike with stellar meat-free options.
From Middle Eastern restaurants to Indian spots serving vegetarian-friendly regional specialties, the best vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver are home to mouth-watering and eye-popping collections of vegetarian dishes citywide.
Some stellar vegetarian restaurants invite to discover and uncover the charm and gems of the diverse city within. Indulge in a Pomegranate Paloma cocktail over a paneer butter masala on Main Street, one of the city’s most bustling and prominent main roads, or take a walk to the past at one of Vancouver’s most historic areas in Gastown to enjoy and share a colourful plate of hummus with friends. Whether you’re in the mood for an all-day vegetarian breakfast, or an all-out Hafla (a shareable social gathering with a feast of dishes) with friends and family, Vancouver is home to everything you need for vegetarians foodies.
Your vegetarian dining experience in Vancouver begins with a visit to OpenTable today.
The 5 best vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver – read on for a guide
For a feast of Middle Eastern cuisine at one of the best vegan restaurants in Vancouver – head over to Chickpea on Main Street
Chickpea originates from the mind and hands of successful Israeli chef Itamar Shani. Starting from just a food truck, Chickpea has now become one of the top vegan options in all of Vancouver. Located in one of the city’s prime locations on main Street, you can find an extensive plant-based vegan menu, highlighted by Middle Eastern cuisine staples like the shareable classic hummus.
For the main, choose between a base of a rice bowl, pita, burrito, or salad, and add your choice of Falafel, vegan shawarma, vegan sausage or shakshuka. or go for the ‘Hafl’; an all-you-can-eat shareable party feast ideal for a group: take a pick from the extensive main options, and the table will be set with eye-popping salads galore, in a buffet style.
For dessert, try the signature Canadian-Middle Eastern ‘Lumberjack Baklava’, a take on the classic flaky pastry, topped with Canadian maple syrup, caramelized bananas, and the ‘Toasted Walnut Say Hello’ ice cream, a locally made ice cream made with a blend of coconut and cashew milk and organic agave nectar, topped with your choice of ice cream. If you haven’t had enough dessert, or simply want to try another must-have with your table, look no further than ‘Safta’s Secret Carrot Cake’, a light and moist heirloom dessert coming from a top secret family recipe, topped with homemade coconut whipped cream.
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For one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver – make your way to Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery at Hastings
Nominated annually for Best Vegetarian Restaurant in Vancouver, Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery is a Middle Eastern spot that showcases regional fare, without the use of animal products. Aleph is the first letter in the Hebrew, Arabic, Turkish, and Persian languages, and their aim is to “break the borders of Middle Eastern countries” by showcasing the similarities and palettes of the region.
For the early risers, be sure to try Aleph’s alluring takes on breakfast/brunch classics with a Middle Eastern twist, like the ‘Falafel Benny’ on a warm pita bread, topped with zaatar oil, cilantro, pickled beets, and thei famous homemade turmeric hollandaise. For vegans still looking to try a take on regional staples, a wonderful vegan shawarma is offered on the menu, featuring enoki mushrooms, red onions, pickled cucumber, and pickled red cabbage. Pair this with a lovely knafeh for dessert, filled with vegan mozzarella, pistachio, and rose syrup.
Your stay is not yet complete without a thirst quencher of course, coming in the form of a mint lemonade, or for those looking for a warm beverage to soothe the soul, look no further than an Arabic coffee; a regional favourite.
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For creative vegetarian mezze and Lebanese wine- be sure to try Nuba in Gastown
Step into Vancouver’s first modern Lebanese restaurant, housed under stunning cultural interior decor in the renowned Gastown. Walk into the warmth of a family restaurant, rich with traditionally tiled walls and Middle Eastern architecture. Founded nearly 20 years ago by Victor Bouzide, Nuba is the product of his grandmother’s cooking that he aims to spread to the city. Lebanese cuisine is often regarded as one of the healthiest cuisines in the world and thrives as one of Vancouver’s go-to spots for vegetarian menu options.
Start with and bask in the famous vegetarian mezze platter, featuring Najib’s special, falafel, mjadra, batata harra potatoes, and za’atar roasted tomato with pickled cabbage and avocado, to taste through all the Lebanese classics. The stuffed hearty roasted eggplant makes for the perfect vegetarian main option, featuring red pepper, and marinated tofu in a sweet garlic chili sauce. Be sure to pair this with their Beirut Sunset cocktail, mixed with Arak, Triple Sec, orange juice, and pomegranate syrup.
For those looking for a sip from the homeland itself, Nuba’s wine menu features Lebanese wines from the Beqaa Valley itself, like the Musar Jeune, available in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, or Cinsault Rose. Although Nuba also features meat dishes, the its vegetarian options on the menu make it a standout spot with a little something for everyone.
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For one of Vancouver’s most popular Indian restaurants – head over to Sula Indian Restaurant in Main Street and Commercial Drive
Awarded by The Food Network as one of Vancouver’s 10 most popular Indian restaurants, Sula Indian Restaurant is a vegetarian haven, and can be found on Main Street and Commercial Drive, two vibrant locations in Vancouver’s food scene. The dimly lit, greenery-dressed dining rooms really set the mood, as diners are encompassed in cultural wall art to gaze at. Diners can taste their way through street food items like the battered potato dumplings made with tempered cumin, green chili, mustard, and chutneys.
The paneer butter masala is a wonderful vegetarian main option, featuring soft ripened cheese in tomato, cream and butter sauce, topped with chopped tomato and onions. A fun shareable option is the trio of fried potato and cumin dumplings, with tamarind and mint chutney, and a buttered pav bun. Pair it with one of their extensive cocktail menu options, like the Tamarind Margarita, made with mezcal, house tamarind chutney cordial, ginger bitters, and lime juice, or the Sub-Continental featuring house chai, Royal Challenge Indian whisky, benedictine, and aromatic bitters.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Sula also offers lovely dessert choices like the sweet cheese dumplings in honey rosewater syrup, or the ice pudding to top off your dining experience.
📍 Main Street — Check Availability
📍 Commercial Drive — Check Availability
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For vegetarian-friendly Afghan fare – visit Zarak by Afghan Kitchen in Mount Pleasant
Zarak by Afghan Kitchen offers a wealth of vegetarian and vegan options and prides itself on “mum’s recipes” and transcending boundaries. Walk into an elevated Middle Eastern dinery from Wednesday through Sunday, and for the must-try weekend brunch. The dishes showcase Afghanistan’s history through a family-style menu. The “Dastarkhan” dining tables, part of Afghan tradition, are the ideal setting to enjoy a special meal with a group, dressed with Arabic writing that makes you feel like you are dining in the Middle East. The long traditional tables are the perfect layout for the mouth watering salads and spreads that will arrive for you to share.
Try their bolani, a popular street food in Afghanistan, a pan-fried spiced potato flatbread. Pair it with a refreshing ‘Zarak by Powell’, an Afghan spiced Belgian wheat beer, for a wonderful regional blend of flavours. For a non-alcoholic beverage option, be sure to try Zarak’s take on the ever-popular bubble tea, the Mango Rasmalai Boba made with cream cheese, pistachio foam, and housemade brown sugar tapioca pearls. For a nice, warm beverage option, diners can also try the Afghan tea made with Nazo green tea, and ground cardamom.
Their Qandustan (dessert) selection is a lovely offering for vegetarians as well, with the saffron orange crème brûlée being a menu standout, comprised of pistachio biscuitand plum compote, and the gluten free rosewater and cardamom gelato with qaimaq and pistachio.
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Vancouver is a haven when it comes to restaurant and dining options. Found in the city’s most charming areas like the bustling Main Street and the historic Gastown, the best vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver highlight the city’s diversity and celebration of cultures and flavours. From Middle Eastern choices like Aleph Middle Eastern Eatery, to Mediterranean options like Nuba, and Southeast Asian options like Sula Indian Restaurant, you can taste your way through the continents of the world, and go on a culinary journey of time, travel, and flavour. Each restaurant exemplifies the city of Vancouver’s ethnic spectrum and invites you to dining experiences that are sure to create memories and moments with friends and family. Our collection of the top vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Vancouver only scratches the surface of the variety and quality of options in this diverse city. Take your friends, family, and your taste buds on an adventure throughout some of the most endearing and flavour packed cuisines in the world today.
