Vancouver's downtown core boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and finding healthy and delicious options has never been easier. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this guide will help you navigate the city's healthy restaurant landscape, from vegan paradises to restaurants emphasizing local, organic ingredients.
Vegan and Vegetarian Gems
For those seeking plant-based fare, downtown Vancouver offers a plethora of choices. These restaurants provide creative and flavorful dishes that cater to both vegans and vegetarians.
Organic Lives: A Raw Vegan Delight
Organic Lives stands out as a premier raw/vegan restaurant in Vancouver. Their products are widely available throughout the city, making them a recognizable name in the health food scene. A must-try is anything made with young coconut milk or meat, a specialty here. The menu is innovative, with many memorable dishes. Start with a green juice and then try the Masala Dosa, a traditional Indian dish served in a coconut wrap with Meethi and Coconut chutneys and a traditional sambar. The Pad Thai, made with young Thai coconut meat and kelp noodles, is another excellent choice. Don't skip desserts like The OMG coconut cream pie. Organic Lives is located on Granville Street.
The Acorn: Vegetarian Fine Dining
For a special occasion, The Acorn offers a chef's table experience with an all-vegetarian menu. They creatively pair locally foraged plants to create unique dishes. Reservations are recommended.
Virtuous Pie: Plant-Based Pizza Perfection
Virtuous Pie is a classic plant-based spot in Vancouver, known for its delicious vegan pizzas and ice creams.
Read also: Healthy food access with Highmark Wholecare explained.
Buddha-Full: Healthy Comfort Food
Buddha-Full is a fully plant-based cafe perfect for a post-hike meal. It has been a local favorite since 2013.
MeeT: Vegan Comfort Food
If you're craving something heavier, MeeT is a vegan and vegetarian haven for comfort food that can be ordered for takeaway. They recently won an award for the best veggie burger in the city.
Restaurants Focused on Whole Foods and Local Ingredients
These restaurants prioritize whole foods, support local organic farmers and artisans, and offer menus that change with the seasons.
Field & Social: Fresh and Vibrant
Field & Social is an excellent place to grab a healthy lunch and some fizzy kombucha. The Falafel plate is a popular choice. There are two locations in Downtown Vancouver.
Tractor Foods: Speed, Health, and Flavor
Tractor Foods is a great option for those seeking a spot that combines speed, health, and flavor. Their signature bowls range from 715 to 1050 calories, while wraps and salads are more calorie-conscious.
Read also: Healthy Eating on the Run
The Green Moustache: Organic and Raw
The Green Moustache offers a super health-focused, fully organic menu with many raw vegan options.
Quick and Affordable Healthy Options
Downtown Vancouver also has several spots for quick, affordable, and healthy meals.
Peqish: Affordable and Sustainable
Peqish focuses on affordable, fast, and sustainably made and packaged food. They offer gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, including hot breakfast and lunch items, salad bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies. Protein boxes, hearty soups, and hot bowls are also available.
The Juice Truck: Vegan and Organic
The Juice Truck started as a food truck selling juice and smoothies in Gastown and has become a Vancouver staple. All vegan and organic, they have expanded into tasty savory treats like bowls and hummus toast, and also desserts. Downtown locations include The Truck, The Smoothie Cart, and The Yaletown Cafe. The Green juice or smoothie is excellent after a night out.
MELU Juice & Health Bar: Pure and Raw
MELU Juice & Health Bar offers cold-pressed juice and smoothies, along with a menu of "pure, raw, unpasteurized, vegan, and gluten-free goodness."
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Restaurants with Healthy Options
Even restaurants not exclusively dedicated to healthy cuisine often offer nutritious choices.
Cactus Club and Earls: Mainstream with Healthy Choices
Local restaurant chains like Cactus Club and Earls have excellent healthy dishes and can accommodate takeaway orders. Ask for "light sauce" or dressing on the side to reduce the amount of sauce.
Moxie's: Vegetarian Power Bowl
Moxie's offers a Vegetarian Power Bowl with tons of veggies and cauliflower rice.
Other notable Restaurants
TurF: Cafe with Delicious Food and Drinks
TurF is a great spot to meet up with friends or get some work done.
Birds & The Beets: Cafe in Gastown/Railtown
Birds & The Beets is a favorite cafe for solo work sessions, lunch dates, or grabbing something on-the-go.
Be Fresh: Grab-and-Go Spot
Be Fresh offers healthy grab-and-go options, house-made nut milk, delicious matcha lattes, and locally baked goods.
Sweet Cheribum: South Asian Vegetarian
Sweet Cheribum offers South Asian vegetarian cuisine for a quick lunch.
Jam Cafe: Soul Food Brunch
Jam Cafe offers a classic "soul food" brunch with some vegan options.
New Town Bakery & Restaurant: Steamed Buns
New Town Bakery & Restaurant in Chinatown is known for the best steamed buns in Vancouver.
Ramen Danbo: Vegan Ramen
Ramen Danbo has the best vegan ramen and it’s super affordable.
Important Considerations
When dining out, keep these points in mind to make healthier choices:
- Nutrient Balance: Look for options with lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Portion Size: Be mindful of portion sizes, which can significantly impact calorie intake.
- Cooking Methods: Opt for dishes that are baked, grilled, or steamed rather than fried.
- Calorie Content: Be aware of the calorie content of your meal, especially if you are tracking your intake.
- Dressings and Sauces: Dressings and sauces can be a source of hidden calories. Ask for them on the side to control the amount you consume.
- Modifications: Don't be afraid to ask for modifications to your meal to make it healthier.
- Salad Savvy: Restaurant salads can be high in calories due to toppings like fried items, cheese, bacon, candied nuts, and heavy dressings.
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