The Naam first opened in 1968 and has been a staple amongst Kitsilano's vegetarian scene for decades. Open all hours of the day, The Naam makes a healthy meal easy to access whenever the mood strikes. The menu has a wide array of choices with items like veggie bowls, salads, sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, enchiladas, burritos, nachos and plenty of other veggie and vegan options. They also have massive breakfast menu that will give you the sustenance you need to get on with your day. For something filling and healthy, try the Naam Dragon Bowl. This hearty dish is packed with steamed veggies, organic brown rice with their famous miso gravy, tofu, peanut sauce, grated carrots and beets, organic alfalfa sprouts and wakame. Wash it down with a glass of kombucha for some probiotics to help keep your gut healthy.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: The Naam is open 24/7 which means a healthy meal is available (literally) anytime of day.
Natasha's expert tip: No visit to The Naam is complete without indulging in their miso gravy that pairs so well with their potato wedges.
The atmosphere inside is anything but your typical Mexican-inspired restaurant. Instead, it evokes the retro furniture section in a thrift store. Although it's very charming, their reason for doing so is ethically sound and their devotion to the environment and the health of our bodies is dispersed from concept to menu. Local wines and beers mingle with organic and free-range ingredients to produce a socially responsible and healthy environment. They're constantly looking at ways to give back to the community. The menu is vegetarian, but also favors vegan diets. With the use of nuts, tofu and beans, it's hard to miss the lack of meat in their tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other dishes. Want to make it a little healthier? Skip the cheese and sour cream. They have vegan substitutes for those too. An added bonus? Bandidas is super affordable and caters to the entire family.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: Bandidas tacos are loaded with things like beans, guacamole, cheese (if you want), pickled cabbage and seeds that make for hearty and tasty goods.
Natasha's expert tip: Peak hours can bring a bit of a wait so get there early to avoid the line.
Good vibes, colorful vegan bowls and healthy smoothies are just some of the ingredients that go into making Kokomo a local favorite. This plant-based eatery in Chinatown has quickly become a go-to for hungry Vancouverites looking to fill up on nourishing eats. Start your day with fruity favorites that include the Kokomo acai, the sunflower acai, or a fresh smoothie. For midday or evening savories, opt for one of the salads. The Coastal Macro bowl is their most popular salad, but you also can't go wrong with their hemp Caesar or the golden laksa noodles. Keep your eyes peeled for the daily specials-they're always whipping up something new to try. Don't leave without ordering Cocowhip. Kokomo is the only place in Canada where you can get this Australian vegan soft serve. Along with the vibrant bowls, the dreamy pink aesthetic and fresh greenery throughout make for an Insta-worthy experience.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: Kokomo's Coastal Macro bowl is a local favorite. They're also the only place in Canada to serve Australia's vegan Cocowhip.
Natasha's expert tip: Follow their Instagram to check out daily specials.
If you're looking to do it all, TurF makes it easy. With a workout studio, a place to hang out and get work done, and a tasty menu to fuel your day, TurF has created a rich community in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighborhood. There aren't too many places where you hit up a workout class and then sit down to enjoy a nutritious meal. The food menu is broken up into toasts, bowls, salads, happy protein, sides, flatbread, smoothies, baked goods, dessert, and a variety of drinks (including beer and wine). This packed menu has much to offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and meat-eating appetites. The spaghetti squash "carbonara" is their healthy take on an indulgent dish that's typically loaded with pancetta and parmesan. TurF's version is made with spaghetti squash, cashew ricotta, fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, onions, and spinach that's topped with "parm". It's perfect post-workout fuel.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: TurF is the ultimate place for health-conscious living. Here, you can grab a meal and a workout.
Natasha's expert tip: Check their website to see the workout schedule. In a rush for food? You can order online.
For something a little more fancy, head to YEW inside the Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver. YEW has a seafood-heavy menu that promotes sustainability. Their menu changes seasonally, but there are always both indulgent and healthy dishes to enjoy. The beauty of fresh seafood is that you don't need to do much to it to make it taste great. With this in mind, the Fishermen's Box and oysters are always on the menu and make for a healthy and delicious starter. The Four Seasons brand is known for hospitable service so don't fret if you're not the biggest seafood fan, they have dishes for you too. There's even a vegan menu for their plant-based diners.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: YEW seafood + bar offers a vegan menu for lunch and dinner, along with clean eating raw and grilled seafood options.
Natasha's expert tip: The service is impeccable here and if you have any special dietary needs, the kitchen will more than likely be able to accommodate.
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and brunch, Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant serves up delicious vegetarian and vegan fare in a contemporary atmosphere. On the menu you'll find plenty of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, giving guests a taste of the Lower Mainland's bounty. When it comes to options, the healthy creations on Heirloom's menu are plentiful. The Superfood Salad is, as the name suggests, packed with plenty of vitamins. This colourful salad is loaded with spinach, arugula, hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, red cabbage, carrot, radish, beets, and finished with tahini-cider vinaigrette. Want something warm and comforting? The Not Butter Chicken Curry hits the spot. Made with coconut cream, cashew, tomato, fenugreek, palm sugar and tandoori jackfruit, you won't miss the butter or the chicken. Located in the South Granville neighborhood, Heirloom is a short ride from downtown Vancouver and easily accessible by bus.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: Heirloom Vegetarian Restaurant's Not Butter Chicken Curry is creamy, filling and much healthier than the dish it's inspired by.
Natasha's expert tip: They're open for breakfast during the week.
Nuba is one of Vancouver's favorite gems that has built a strong following that has helped pave the way for its expansion across the city. Nuba specializes in Middle Eastern dishes that are delicious and healthy. Whether you've got to have meat with your meal, or you live a plant-based lifestyle, Nuba's menu caters to all. From the hummus and baba ghanouj to the falafel and grilled meats, their dishes are perfect for sharing. Should you wish, there's wine, beer and cocktails to wash it all down with. For something more virtuous, try one of their fresh-pressed juices that are chock-full of the good stuff.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: Nuba's vegan stew is so comforting on a cold day, while the chicken shish tawook plate is filling and super healthy meal.
Natasha's expert tip: No matter if you're vegan, vegetarian or a meat lover, there's something on the menu for all of you. They have cafe and restaurant versions, while both are casual, the cafes are perfect for a very casual lunch.
What's so great about Japanese food is that so much of it is healthy without having to make any substitutions or modifications.At Shine Ya, fresh fish, creamy avocado, veggies and brown rice make for a perfectly balanced meal. This Japanese owned and operated sushi joint is a must visit for healthy and delicious fare. In addition to making all of their rolls with brown rice, they use organic and OceanWise ingredients. On the menu, you'll find the usual suspects like spicy tuna, salmon and avocado, dynamite and California rolls. There are also specialty rolls - the Sakura Blossom roll is filled with real crab meat, spicy albacore tuna and avocado, and topped with wild salmon and finished with a creamy maple drizzle (which you could opt out of). It's not just rolls and sashimi that you'll find here. Shizen Ya's menu also features rice-free rolls, gyoza, udon, teriyaki, tempura (they use whole wheat flour), and salads. In addition to fish, chicken and some beef dishes, there are a number of vegetarian options here.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: There are many sushi restaurants in Vancouver, but Shizen Ya is one of the few who uses only brown rice, OceanWise fish and organic ingredients.
Natasha's expert tip: They have two locations, this one downtown and one on West Broadway. If the restaurants are full, grab some take-out and enjoy it at home.
Over at The Acorn, they treat each dish like a piece of art. Let the beautifully prepared vegetarian dishes be a feast for your eyes and a delight for your palate. Perched on Main Street, The Acorn caters to vegetarians, vegans, raw and gluten free appetites, but carnivores won't feel as though they're missing out here. The atmosphere is warm and cozy, making it perfect for your next date night or casual dinner with the folks. While their known for their beer battered halloumi cheese on a zucchini pancake with smashed peas, there are so many healthy options that rival this indulgent take on fish and chips. The menu is seasonal, so it changes throughout the year. This makes for bright and fresh dishes that hit the spot.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: The Acorn's menu changes with each season so you're getting the most fresh produce that's in season.
Natasha's expert tip: Dinner is served until 10pm, but the bar stays open until 2am.
This family-run business serves vegetarian and vegan Vietnamese food. It's a local favorite because when it comes to taste, there's no shortage of delicious dishes here. You may think that cooking Vietnamese food without fish sauce may be a challenge (and for many it is), but owner Maria and her mother have concocted an excellent substitute that doesn't compromise flavor. From fresh salad rolls to warm, comforting bowls of noodles and soup, the menu boasts plenty of healthful and satisfying options. Each dish speaks for itself, but the reasonable prices and large portions certainly sweeten the deal. Speaking of sweet, it may not be healthy, but the organic chocolate peanut butter bar is worth the splurge.
Recommended for Restaurants with Healthy Menus because: The Golden Temple soup at CHAU VeggiExpress is a must! Loaded with coconut milk, turmeric and veggies, it's both filling and satisfying.
Natasha's expert tip: They have gluten free, vegan, onion and garlic free options.