My Favourite Restaurants in Vancouver - Bruce's Roots
Sometimes, it's just nice to have others cook for you. It's also very social to dine out with friends and family. Let's take the stress out of finding somewhere to go that's vegan and gluten free. I'm slowly compiling a list of amazing spots in Vancouver, because just because it's healthy doesn't mean it's not delicious. Meal above taken at Turf Restaurant in Kits.
Virtuous Pie Brunch
ACORN
3995 Main St @acornvancouver Visit Site
There are many delicious comfort food restaurants in Vancouver, but Acorn takes it up a notch and brings an element of fine dining to the table. The menu changes based on the produce in season which keeps meals creative. Gorgeous plating and delicious food make this cozy spot my number one. Apparently, I'm not alone as Acorn has been voted 2nd best vegetarian in the world and top ten best new restaurants in Canada.
VIRTUOUS PIE
583 Main St @virtuous_pie Visit Site
The best pizza shop ever and it just happens to be plant-based. Virtuous Pie makes their own nut cheese to top the pizza, they have a great gluten-free crust and they always have two fresh salads. They now offer brunch on weekends and they even have happy hour! My favourites are Superfunghi, Stranger Wings and Kim Jack.
Turf Black Bean Burger
TURF
2041 W 4th Ave @turfliving Visit Site
Turf is the best place to workout hard, refuel post-workout and pick up a new bikini. This plant-based restaurant has tons of gluten-free vegan options including this amazing black bean burger featured above. They have several creative features of the day with fresh colourful produce. My go to add on is the turmeric refresher, served hot with homemade walnut mylk and their cookie. I stopped buying the bag because I eat them too quickly, so good! The space is open, bright, filled with crystals and friendly staff.
NUBA
207 W Hastings St @nubatown Visit Site
Nuba is the perfect spot to eat at when you're dining with a group that has all different ways of eating. This local chain has fish, meat, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. They also make great holistic cocktails and have vegan wine. I always order the La Feast, perfect for sharing. I get it without cheese and they add romaine instead of pita. Make sure you try the famous Najib's Special as it's to live for!
CHICKPEA
4298 Main St @ilovechickpea Visit Site
This newly opened restaurant's decor is so colourful and fun. The menu comes in children's books and the walls are cartoon animals. It is 2000 sqf with lots of room at the bar and still packed inside. I love the falafel hummus plate with chickpea fries, a vegan and gluten-free dish. They recently switched from vegetarian to vegan, how cool is that?
carrot lox on a local bakery's bread (bread not gluten-free, but naturally leavened )
ROOTS & FRUITS (closed)
848 Powell St @rootsandfruitscafe Visit Site
This is one of my new favourite spots for all things vegan. Not only is it so cute inside, their healthy whole foods menu steals my heart. I loved the Poke Bowl with golden beets instead of tuna, the carrot lox is freakishly similar to smoked salmon (liquid smoke!) and the overnight oats are full of flavour and come with coconut cream. Something to drink? Definitely try their turmeric apple cider with star anise. What's your go to dish there?
HEY KOKOMO
611 Gore St @heykokomo Visit Site & now in North Vancouver!
Kokomo extended their hours, which means I can go there more often! This cozy and friendly spot is home to a select few amazing dishes. I've tried the hemp caesar salad, a smoothie and the turmeric chili latte. Next time, I'm getting the coastal bowl and dessert. They're home to cocowhip, the first in Canada to serve this refined sugar-free soft serve made from coconut water and bio-fermented coconut powder. Have you been yet?
Update: I tried the coastal bowl below and it is unreal. You will not find another dish like this.. be forewarned, it has a kick to it.
Stay tuned for more...
Comment if you have any suggestions!
Jordan Bruce
@jordanbruceRHN