Vancouver has a thriving vegan culture with many restaurants, cafes, and food trucks that cater to plant-based eaters. The city is known for its diverse food scene, and veganism has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many new vegan businesses opening up.

Vancouver also hosts several vegan festivals and events, such as Planted Expo Vancouver in May, which celebrates plant-based living and showcases the latest vegan products and trends. Additionally, Vancouver is home to many vegan advocacy groups and organizations that promote animal welfare and environmental sustainability.

There are so many options to eat vegan in Vancouver that I wish I could spend more time there to try them all, however, from what I’ve tried, these are the places I can always go back to.

1. Nuba

Nuba is a great option for vegans, although it’s not entirely a vegan restaurant, it still offers plentiful vegan dishes on its menu. Nuba is a fantastic Lebanese restaurant chain with several locations throughout Vancouver.

Their location in Gastown is my to-go choice and because it is not particularly big it’s best to reserve your table ahead of time and avoid waiting outside to be seated. The restaurant has a rustic charm, with brick walls, wooden tables, and cozy lighting. There’s also a small patio area for around 10 people, if you are visiting in summer, go for this spot.

2. Chickpea

Chickpea is a popular vegan restaurant in Vancouver that offers a variety of plant-based dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. The restaurant has a laid-back and casual atmosphere, with a bright and colorful interior and friendly service.

Its menu features a range of vegan options, including their signature Chickpea Bowls, which come with a base of greens or rice and a choice of protein such as falafel, shawarma, or grilled eggplant. They also offer vegan shawarma wraps, hummus plates, salads, and sides such as fries and pita bread.

One of the unique aspects of Chickpea is their commitment to using locally sourced, organic, and non-GMO ingredients whenever possible. They also offer gluten-free and soy-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

It’s a popular spot, it’s a good idea to book a table in advance to ensure that you can get a spot.

3. Nightshade

Nightshade opened in 2019 in Vancouver’s South Granville neighborhood and has since become a popular spot for vegan dining and cocktails. It offers a unique dining experience with a focus on creative plant-based cuisine.

Nightshade’s menu features a range of vegan dishes that are inspired by global flavors and seasonal ingredients. Their dishes are designed to be shared, with small plates such as Kimchi Fried Rice, Charred Broccoli, and Bao Buns filled with crispy tofu and pickled vegetables.

It also offers a variety of vegan cocktails that are crafted using fresh ingredients and unique flavor combinations. Some popular options include the Jungle Bird, which combines rum, pineapple, lime, and Campari, and the High Tea, which features gin, tea, lemon, and honey.

4. Virtuous Pie

Virtuous Pie is a plant-based pizzeria located in the Chinatown neighborhood of Vancouver. The restaurant offers a unique and delicious take on traditional pizza, with a focus on sustainable, locally sourced, and organic ingredients.

Their menu features a range of creative vegan pizzas, such as the Superfunghi with cashew mozzarella, truffle almond ricotta, and wild mushrooms, and the Stranger Wings with spicy buffalo cauliflower and vegan blue cheese. They also offer salads, sides, and vegan ice cream for dessert.

One of the standout features of Virtuous Pie is their commitment to sustainability. They strive to minimize their environmental impact through practices such as composting, recycling, and using biodegradable packaging.

5. Eat Meet

While they do offer a range of vegetarian and vegan options on their menu, they are not a fully vegan restaurant. Located in Gastown, their menu has a range of vegan burgers, sandwiches, and sides, such as their Vegan Chick’n Burger, Vegan Caesar Salad, and Vegan Poutine. They also offer vegan milkshakes and desserts such as their Vegan Cheesecake and Vegan Brownie Sundae.

Eat Meet is known for their hearty and indulgent comfort food, and their vegan options are no exception. They use high-quality plant-based ingredients to create dishes that are satisfying and flavorful.

A must-go-to place in Vancouver!