New Year, new you? While resolutions are often synonymous with the start of a New Year, we prefer to set positive intentions and work towards self-improvement every day and that can mean many things for different people, but a healthy lifestyle often ranks at the top of the list.
So, perhaps you’ve recently decided to delve into a more plant-based lifestyle or you’re simply participating in Veganuary…either way, Vancouver is rated as one of the top vegan/vegetarian-friendly cities in the world and there are plenty of mouth-watering, flavourful options to satisfy any craving #onRobson.
Serving up delicious, authentic Indian cuisine since 1987, this hidden gem #onRobson offers a variety of vegetarian options, including Shahi Paneer, Baingan Bhartha, Alu Cholay and Masala Dal, dishes sure to warm you from the inside out.
If you haven’t heard of Breka Bakery, you simply must try it. They have several locations in Vancouver, but the Bute Street bakery is our favourite (yes, we’re biased), tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Robson. Known for their decadent desserts, they also offer many vegetarian options, including soups, sandwiches, salads and non-dairy coffee options. Try the Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad with Honey Dijon Dressing, you won’t be disappointed.
The original downtown location, Cactus Club is nestled in the heart of Robson Street and has completely revamped its menu to offer many plant-based and vegetarian dishes. From Butternut Squash Ravioli to Szechuan Tofu Lettuce Wraps to Zen Sushi or Crispy Tofu Bowl, there is bound to be a dish that catches your eye. Many of these items are also included on the Happy Hour Menu as well, which runs 7 days a week from 2 to 5 p.m.
Photo credit: https://noshandnibble.blog/cactus-club-cafe-crispy-tofu-bowl-a-healthy-veggie-friendly-treat/
Since opening in 1988, Café Il Nido has been creating inventive dishes reminiscent of Northern Italy. While they do serve classic Italian meat dishes, the vegetarian options are just as plentiful. Classic Minestrone Soup, Balsamic Bruschetta, Il Nido Beetroot Salad, Spinach Ravioli and House-made Gnocchi are just a few of our top picks.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary #onRobson, CinCin, led by acclaimed Chef Andrew Richardson, is an authentic, yet timeless Italian culinary experience. The carefully curated menu includes many vegetarian-friendly dishes including, Porcini Mushroom and Chestnut Soup, Golden + Chioggia Beet Salad, Ravioli of Fall and Winter Squash and Organic Acquerello Carnaroli Risotto. Our mouths are watering already!
Coco Rico Café offers a relaxed, uncomplicated atmosphere that compliments the honest fare consisting of simply prepared dishes that allow the natural flavours to shine through. Our top picks are the Hummus Dip, Quinoa and Spinach Salad, Garden Fresh Vegetable Pasta or the Avocado and Brie Club Sandwich.
Earls #onRobson has been a staple since the 80’s and continues to offer amazing food, service and ambiance. This particular location also boasts two outdoor dining spaces, in addition to its large dining and lounge areas. Earls offers a variety of vegetarian options, but also provides a full plant-based menu as well, consisting of the Quinoa + Avocado Bowl, Hunan Kung Pao, Beyond Burger and more. Stop by during the daily Happy Hour from 2-5 p.m. for incredible value on food and drink.
Photo credit: https://www.straight.com/food/1150946/earls-restaurants-launches-vegan-menu-all-locations
Ebisu is Vancouver’s original Japanese Restaurant Lounge serving up tapas and inventive, original sushi created by master chefs straight from Japan. Amongst the variety of seafood, you’ll also find vegetarian dishes such as Yam Rolls, Inari Sushi, Vegetable Tempura, Salads, and even Agedashi Mochi Tofu for dessert.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chophouse is an iconic, award-winning restaurant in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Spanning two floors, this San Francisco inspired seafood destination is not only warm, inviting and delicious, but it surprisingly offers a few dishes for folks following a vegetarian lifestyle. We suggest the Tomato & Beet Salad, Tomato Bisque and Potato Gnocchi. The Truffle Parmesan Fries are also a must-try.
While gourmet burgers are Red Robin’s specialty – if you’ve ever experienced one you’d know why – but that doesn’t mean you can’t satisfy your ‘meat’ craving with the Veggie Burger or Impossible Burger, both made with all the fixings. We suggest adding an order of the Towering Onion Rings or Fried Pickle Nickles to your meal.
Photo credit: https://www.redrobin.com/pages/impossible-burger/
Rice and Noodle Fresh Asian Kitchen
Offering a new style of Asian inspired cuisine, Rice and Noodle prepares a variety of Thai dishes and more, all of which are customizable. Choose from traditional Pad Thai, Kung Pao, or Stirfry and add in tofu or extra vegetables instead of traditional proteins. The Thai Coconut Soup and Vegetable Spring Rolls are also delicious options.
Spicy 6, which is named after the six spices commonly used in North Indian curries, provides homestyle, flavourful cooking, made with care. We recommend starting with a sampling of Vegetable Samosas and Pakora, followed by Yellow Daal, Channa Masala or Smoked Eggplant Bharta. And who doesn’t love all the Naan Bread?
Zefferelli’s Spaghetti Joint has been offering unpretentious, Italian cooking for over 30 years #onRobson. Find their cozy space nestled above Cactus Club and savour the flavour of Italy. Topping our vegetarian friendly list is the Spaghetti Pomodoro, Margherita Pizza and Eggplant Parmigiana. Buon appetito!
Photo credit: https://www.instagram.com/o14mono/
We hope this list inspires your (vegetarian) culinary adventures #onRobson. Tag us @RobsonStreet…we’d love the see where your taste buds take you! #eatRobson