Five spots to get your plant-based fix

Plant-based diets are all the rage, for good reason. Eating vegetables, fruits, beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds instead of animal products and processed foods can have a positive effect on both your body and the environment. And eating a plant-based diet doesn’t mean you have to eat bland, boring meals. There are new plant-based, family friendly restaurants popping up all over the Lower Mainland, serving creative and delicious dishes.
Five vegetarian restaurants with gorgeous food
Aphrodite’s Cafe
Best known for its pies, Aphrodite’s Cafe is so much more than that. They make comfort food that will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters (aka your children). Aphrodite’s is dedicated to wild, organic, local and sustainable food. Their expansive menu offers everything from salads to sandwiches to vegetarian chili and vegan mac n’ cheese. Because everything is made from scratch in their kitchen, they can customize ingredients for gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan diets. And of course, you can always have pie for dessert.
3605 West 4th Avenue
Buddha-Full.ca
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Buddha-Full opened its doors in 2010, becoming the first organic, raw vegan and gluten-free cafe on the North Shore. Their goal is to fill more than just your belly when you visit them; they try to mix the right blend of ingredients and flavours to fill your mind, body and heart. And that’s why they also host events to help you become your best self. Oh, and did I mention that they have swings in the restaurant?
106 West 1st Street, North Vancouver
Zend Conscious Lounge
Zend Conscious Lounge’s mission is to help you grow a stronger, healthier and happier mind, body and soul. Every time you eat at Zend, you’ll have the opportunity to try new dishes as the kitchen staff is always coming up with creative new meals. You’ll leave saying “I can’t believe that was vegan!” Zend is known for not selling alcohol and instead offering nourishing botanical drinks.
1130 Mainland Street, Vancouver
The Acorn
The Acorn, on Main Street, is an award-winning restaurant; the New York Times says their dishes are “visually alluring and, more important, delicious.” The restaurant prides itself on serving creative meals from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Acorn’s dishes cater to vegan and gluten-free guests while promising even the staunchest of meat eaters they will leave satisfied.
3995 Main Street, Vancouver
Amy Beeman has been working in morning radio for almost 20 years, first in her hometown of Prince George and now for 94.5 Virgin Radio with Jonny, Holly & Nira. Her interests include running half marathons, dancing in her kitchen, napping, blogging at According to Amy, and going on adventures with her twins, Lucy and Sam, and her son Stanley. Amy loves seeing the world through their eyes.