Vegetarian Journal's Guide to Natural Foods Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Symbol Key:

• Vegetarian restaurant
•• Vegan restaurant
§ Reviewer's choice

British Columbia

Burnaby

··OrganicLives

110 8620 Glenlyon Parkway, Burnaby, BC V5J 0B6

(778) 588-7777

Vegan/raw foods/organic/juice bar. OrganicLives is a vegan, living foods restaurant with a juice and smoothie bar. In addition to the restaurant, they offer classes, workshops, books, and a retail and online store. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$-$$$.

·Paradise Vegetarian Noodle House

8681 10th Ave., Burnaby, BC V3N 2S9

(604) 527-8138

Vegetarian/Vietnamese. Paradise Vegetarian Noodle House specializes in Vietnamese Noodle Soup. Enjoy soups like Spicy Noodle, Vegetable Wheat Noodle, Wonton, Veggie Beef Rice Noodle, Veggie Chicken Rice Noodle, and Spinach Tofu. Everything is vegetarian and no egg or MSG is used. Mock meats are made from soy or wheat products but are not vegan as they contain whey; the menu indicates that vegans should request tofu as a substitute for any of the imitation meats. Paradise is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner. Closed Sunday. Full service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

Golden

The Kicking Horse Grill

1105 9th St. S., Golden, BC V0A 1H0

(250) 344-2330

American/international. The Kicking Horse Grill offers several vegetarian dishes, including spiced lentil soup, portabello pizza, lasagna, veggie skewers, tofu gyros, and some vegetarian optional entrées. They will also prepare dishes based on individual needs. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, beer/wine/alcohol, MC/AMEX, $$.

Langley

Holy Falafel & Shawarma House

26426 56th Ave., Unit E, Langley, BC V4W 3Z3

(604) 607-0609

Middle Eastern. Holy Falafel & Shawarma House offers a menu of Middle Eastern fast food that is 75% vegetarian and 50% vegan. Enjoy tabbouleh, falafel, hummus, tahini, salads, soups, and baklava -- all at affordable prices. Conveniently located off the Trans Canada Highway, Holy Falafel is a great place to stop for a quick and tasty meal. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Counter service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

North Vancouver

··Buddha-Full

106 W. 1st St., Ste. 101, North Vancouver, BC V7M 1A9

(604) 973-0231

Vegan/raw foods/organic/juice bar. Buddha-Full specializes in vegan, gluten-free, and raw foods. Menu items include raw nut burgers, raw nut cheesecake, pumpkin curried soup, and more. Try one of the many smoothies. Check out upcoming events on their website! Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and early dinner. Closed Sunday. Limited service, take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, VISA/MC/AMEX, $.

Port Moody

··Chomp Vegan Eatery

201 Morrissey Rd., Ste. 7, Port Moody, BC V3H 0E5

(604) 917-0201

Vegan/organic/gluten-free. Chomp Vegan Eatery is a 100% vegan and gluten-free restaurant featuring organic and local foods. Selections at this cozy spot include Mac 'n Cheesy, Fiery Thai Tofu Bowl, Poutine, Full-afel Sandwich, and Grilled Cheese Madness, along with sweets and specialty coffees. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, take-out, catering, espresso/cappuccino, soymilk, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Richmond

··Rawk the Planet Raw & Vegan Café

240-12240 2nd Ave., Richmond, BC V7E 3L8

(604) 370-1010

Vegan/raw foods/organic/juice bar. The entire café is completely vegan, with many raw foods, and some cooked options as well. With lime green walls and big windows, Rawk has a lovely ambiance. The Vegetable Wraps are delicious, and the Raw Cacao Clusters are a mouthwatering dessert. Outdoor seating is available. Reservations are accepted. Open daily for three meals. Full service, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, VISA/MC, $$.

Vancouver

(For restaurant listings in the surrounding areas, see Richmond.)

Afghan Horsemen Restaurant

1833 Anderson St., #202, Vancouver, BC V6H 4E5

(604) 873-5923

Afghan. The Afghan Horsemen Restaurant offers authentic Afghani cuisine using the freshest of ingredients. They offer many vegetarian selections. Enjoy Hummus, Badenjan Borani (baked eggplant), Dahl (lentil stew), or the Vegan Plate. The ambiance is quite beautiful and sets the tone for an elegant dining experience. The Afghan Horsemen is located on Granville Island. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

·Bandidas Taqueria

2781 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5

(604) 568-8224

Vegetarian/Mexican. Bandidas Taqueria focuses on using local and organic ingredients. All enchiladas, tacos, and burritos are served in handmade tortillas with your choice of salsa or guacamole. They also feature house-made sangria. Brunch is served daily. Open daily for three meals through late night. Full service, vegan options, take-out, beer/wine/alcohol, special beverages, VISA/MC/AMEX/DISC, $$.

·Budgie's Burritos

44 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3H9

(604) 874-5408

Vegetarian/Mexican. Budgie's Burritos offers inexpensive but tasty Mexican food that is all-vegetarian. Enjoy delicious tacos, quesadillas, burritos, or tortilla soup. You can make any vegetarian burrito vegan by substituting guacamole for cheese or sour cream at no extra charge! Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, beer, VISA/MC, $-$$.

··Edible Flours

2280 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E3

(604) 734-8351

Vegan/bakery. Edible Flours is entirely vegan and also offers gluten-free, wheat-free, soy-free, and sugar-free products. Ingredients are organic whenever possible, and they only use unrefined sweeteners. Enjoy such treats as cakes, brownies, cookies, cupcakes, muffins, and donuts. They also serve coffee and tea. Edible Flours is a small, intimate space with some seating available. They are located in the neighborhood of Kitsilano. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday. Counter service, take-out, delivery, catering, VISA/MC, $-$$.

··Gorilla Food

436 Richards St., #101, Vancouver, BC V6B 2Z4

(604) 684-3663

Vegan/raw foods/organic. Gorilla Food offers organic, vegan, raw foods for carry-out. Their extensive menu features international dishes such as Ahimsa Alfredo, Maui Waui Pizza, GO Veggie Burger, Sprouted Quinoa Tabouli, Chili Verde, Thai Fresh Wraps, and Green Taco Leaf Wraps. They also offer a variety of juice blends, smoothies, and almond shakes. Additionally, you may purchase their prepared line of vegan raw foods and ingredients at select retail establishments. Gorilla Food cares about sustainability which is why they use ingredients from local and organic farms and their take-out containers and packaging are biodegradable. They are located between Hastings & Pender Streets in downtown Vancouver. Cash only. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Take-out, delivery, catering, fresh juices, smoothies, special beverages, $-$$.

·Greens & Gourmet

2681 W. Broadway Ave., Vancouver, BC V6K 2G2

(604) 737-7373

Vegetarian/natural foods. Greens & Gourmet features a self-service hot and cold buffet where food is sold by weight. Items included on their extensive menu are cooked with purified water, which is also served for drinking. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, fresh juices, VISA/MC, $-$$.

·Heirloom Vegetarian

1509 West 12th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 2E2

(604) 733-2231

Vegetarian/organic. Heirloom Vegetarian offers a contemporary but relaxed dining experience featuring a creative and completely vegetarian menu. They are dedicated to sustainability and use organic and local ingredients; there's even a place to park your bike! Heirloom is located in Vancouver's South Granville district. The restaurant is closed between brunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for brunch and dinner through late night service. Full service, vegan options, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC, $$.

Hon's On Robson

1339 Robson St., Vancouver, BC V6E 1C6

(604) 685-0871

Chinese. Hon's on Robson is unique because it houses a special Vegetarian Cooking Facility that ensures that meat products are kept separate from all vegetarian dishes. Its extensive vegetarian menu includes a variety of noodle soups, an impressive offering of dim sum, rice rolls, congees, and desserts. Unique offerings include a Vegetarian Goose appetizer; Sautéed Vegetaruan Chicken and Prawns with Broccoli; Straw Mushroom, Melon, and Bean Vermicelli Casserole; Steamed Rice Rolls with Vegetarian BBQ Pork; and Chilled Almond Bean Curd Pudding. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC, $$.

··Loving Hut Express

Pacific Blvd., Vancouver, BC V6B 5E7

(604) 780-1029

Vegan/food cart. Loving Hut Express is an all-vegan food cart that serves gourmet sandwiches and burgers. Try menu items such as the Crispy Chick'n Burger, Sunshine Teriyaki Burger, or Philly's Dream. Loving Hut is an international vegan restaurant chain with the slogan, "Be Veg. Go Green. Save the Planet." It was created with a vision that all beings could live in peace, love, and harmony with each other and the planet. Loving Hut Express is located in front of the Roundhouse Community Center by the corner of Pacific Boulevard and Davie Street in Yaletown. Make sure to check online before going as hours may vary. Open Wednesday and Thursday for lunch. Open Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $.

Nooru Mahal

4354 Fraser St., Vancouver, BC V5V 4G3

(604) 873-9263

Indian. Nooru Mahal offers South Indian cuisine with several vegetarian appetizers, a choice of dosas, and other vegetable dishes. Open daily for dinner. Full service, take-out, delivery, VISA/MC, $-$$.

Nyala African Restaurant

2930 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6K 1R2

(604) 731-7899

Ethiopian. Choose from six vegan options, including Shuro Wat and Yeshebera Asa. Nyala also offers a few salads, as well as cooking classes and vegetarian/vegan buffets every Wednesday and Saturday. Open daily for dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, wine/beer/alcohol, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

·Planet Veg Restaurant

1941 Cornwall Ave., Vancouver, BC V6J 1C8

(604) 734-1001

Vegetarian/Indian. Explore the out-of-this-world tastes at Planet Veg Restaurant! Their all-vegetarian menu has an Indian-style influence and includes fresh soups, rice pots, samosas, roti rolls, curry specialties, and veggie burgers. Prices are quite inexpensive. Planet Veg is located in the Kitsilano area. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, catering, smoothies, VISA/MC, $-$$.

·Saravanaa Bhavan

955 W. Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K3

(604) 732-7700

Vegetarian/Indian. Located at Oak Street, Saravanaa Bhavan is part of the popular Chennai-based international franchise. Specializing in South Indian vegetarian cuisine, the restaurant offers traditional dishes including dosa, naan, vada, and rice dishes. Don't miss their terrific daily lunch buffet! Saravanaa Bhavan is closed on weekdays between lunch and dinner, so please call ahead for hours. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Full service, vegan options, take-out, catering, special beverages, VISA/MC, $-$$.

·Sweet Cherubim

1105 Commercial Dr., Vancouver, BC V5L 3X3

(604) 253-0969

Vegetarian/natural foods/organic. This natural foods store and vegetarian café offers international cuisine, including salads, samosas, dahl, tofu veggie roll, non-dairy lasagna, nut loaf, vegan desserts, and much more. Also enjoy music and the art gallery. Open daily for three meals. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, VISA/MC, $$.

§·The Naam Restaurant

2724 W. 4th Ave., Vancouver, BC V6K 1R1

(604) 738-7151

Vegetarian/natural foods. Founded in 1968, this funky, casual restaurant offers a wide assortment of dishes. Offerings include tofu scrambles, vegan pancakes, veggie sausage, salads, hummus, pita pizzas, veggie burgers, Mexican dishes, a veggie-nut steak platter, and much more. All foods are made on the premises, and live music is performed each evening. Naam is located in the heart of Vancouver's Kitsilano district and near the beach. Open 24 hours daily. Full service, vegan options, take-out, fresh juices, smoothies, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, wine/beer, VISA/MC, $-$$.

··Vegan Pizza House

2119 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5N 2T4

(604) 248-5336

Vegan/pizza/Italian. Vegan Pizza House offers an all-vegan menu with pizzas such as Vegan Meat Lover, Greek Special, Vegan Seafood, and Hawaiian. They also offer Spaghetti with Vegan Meat Sauce, Baked Lasagna, and Salads. Gluten-free options are also available. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Counter service, take-out, delivery, catering, VISA/MC, $$.

Victoria

Curry Lounge Restaurant

103-535 Yates St., Victoria, BC V8W 1K7

(250) 361-9000

Indian. Curry Lounge is a formal restaurant whose menu includes 10 vegetarian main courses. No MSG or preservatives are used in food preparation. Reservations are recommended. Open Monday through Thursday for dinner. Open Friday through Sunday for lunch and dinner through late night service. Full service, vegan options, take-out, delivery, catering, wine/beer/alcohol, non-alcoholic wine/beer, VISA/MC/AMEX, $$.

··Green Cuisine

560 Johnson St., Victoria, BC V8W 3C6

(250) 385-1809

Vegan. In the Market Square area, this restaurant offers a hot buffet and a salad buffet that changes daily. Among their offerings are soups, bean and grain dishes, shepard's pie, spanikopita, paella, curries, Thai noodles, falafel, and desserts made without white sugar. Organic items are used whenever possible. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Buffet, vegan options, fresh juices, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, non-alcoholic beer, take-out, catering, VISA/MC, $.

··Lotus Pond Vegetarian Restaurant

617 Johnson St., Victoria, BC V8W 1M5

(250) 380-9293

Vegan/Chinese. Located downtown, Lotus Pond Vegetarian Restaurant is a vegan Chinese Buddhist restaurant. They offer many dishes, including Crispy Taro Rolls, Black Moss Shredded Vegetables Thick Soup, Seaweed Tomato Vegetable Tofu Soup, Shiitake Delight (battered shiitake mushrooms sautéed in a basil sauce), Mock Salmon in Peking Sauce, and Lily Bulb Delight (pan-fried lily bulbs, lotus roots, mushrooms, and snow peas). They also serve chow mein, chow fun, udon noodle dishes, and three flavors of tofu ice cream. Their pay-by-the-pound lunch buffet is a bargain. Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. Closed Monday. Full service, reservations recommended, VISA/MC, $$.

The Parsonage Café

1115 N. Park St., Ste. 1, Victoria, BC V8T 1C7

(250) 383-5999

Café. This café offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes, including samosas, lasagna, quiche, vegetable and bean burritos, and more. Be sure to sample their delicious soups, desserts, and renowned coffees. About a third of the menu is vegan. Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch. Closed Sunday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, espresso/cappuccino, $.

Wild Fire Bread and Pastry

1517 Quadra St, Victoria, BC V8W 2L3

(250) 381-3473

Bakery. In the center of downtown Victoria, Wild Fire Bakery offers organic naturally leavened breads baked fresh daily in their own wood fired brick ovens. Sample one or all of the varieties, like three seed, rye, ciabatta, or raisin walnut. Open Tuesday through Saturday for three meals. Closed Sunday and Monday. Limited service, vegan options, take-out, soymilk, espresso/cappuccino, $.