Lucas CloutierIf you’re an Earth-conscious foodie, you’ll be glad to know that Vancouver is full of sustainable restaurants. This proves that doing good for the planet can also do great things for our tastebuds!
Now, if you’re feeling a bit lost on which spot to visit next so you can indulge both your palate and your principles, we’ve got you! Read on to see our top picks and find out what to expect in each one.
Forage
Website: https://foragevancouver.com/
Address: 1300 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-661-1400
Operating hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 7 AM to 10:30 AM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday – 7 AM to 11 AM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 7 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
Costs: $$
Nestled on Robson Street, Forage has established itself as the hallmark of sustainable dining in Vancouver. Its menu, a magnificent list of locally sourced, ethically raised, and sustainable dishes, celebrates BC’s rich diversity of seafood, meat, and plants.
Dining at Forage means supporting local producers, fishermen, and foragers (hence the name). They’ve even implemented a zero-waste program and become a part of the Ocean Wise program, ensuring all seafood is responsibly sourced.
| Pro tip: Do check out their cheap and cheerful happy hour options, from Tuesday to Saturday, 4–6 PM. And, remember, try to arrive early! |
The Acron Restaurant
Website: http://www.theacornrestaurant.ca/
Address: 3995 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-566-9001
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
The Acorn Restaurant isn’t just plant-based, but instead artistically reinvents vegetarian and vegan cuisine with a knack for presentation and flavours you wouldn’t believe exist in the plant kingdom!
What’s more, every plate—an exquisite fusion of textures, flavours, and colours—is made from organic ingredients that are sourced locally. The Acorn has an impressive wine selection too, with only organic and natural wines on the list.
| Pro tip: The Acorn doesn’t take reservations after 6 p.m., so arrive a bit early or be prepared to wait. Make it a date night and let the magic of their barbecued king oyster mushroom steak and zucchini woo you. |
Chickpea Restaurant
Website: http://www.ilovechickpea.ca/
Address: 4298 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-620-0602
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $$
If you’re craving some Mediterranean magic, you should hit up Chickpea Restaurant! Here, scrumptiously vegan comfort food gets whipped up on an all-encompassing menu crafted from organic chickpeas and everything else that’s locally sourced.
Their commitment to sustainability extends beyond just sourcing; they compost, recycle, and are a certified Ocean Wise partner. On the menu, you must look out for the chickpea platter with hummus and falafel because it’s a crowd favourite!
| Pro tip: Feel free to bring your kiddos along; Chickpea has a fantasy play area for them. Also, you may want to swing by on a Tuesday where you can score a 15% discount on their incredible meals! |
Farmer’s Apprentice Restaurant
Website: http://www.farmersapprentice.ca/
Address: 1535 W 6th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1R1, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-620-2070
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday – 5 PM to 8:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 5 PM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $
Farmer’s Apprentice Restaurant in South Granville is a shout-out to all who believe that freshness truly matters! With a farm-to-table approach, they serve you a dynamic menu that changes with what local producers and farmers have to offer for each season.
They have an ‘ethical meats’ program—a celebration of organic, free-range, and grass-fed meats. Plus, their dry-aged duck is a flavour trip you don’t want to miss!
| Pro tip: Their Sunday Supper series is three courses of absolute deliciousness! But make sure you reserve in advance, as the place fills up pretty quickly. |
Published on Main
Website: http://www.publishedonmain.com/
Address: 3593 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3N4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-423-4840
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $-$$
Published on Main serves inventive but approachable food while supporting local farmers and promoting a zero-waste approach. High-quality, locally sourced ingredients are king here.
Their innovative fare is served on shareable plates, allowing you to sample a wealth of flavours every time. Now, let’s not forget their sweet potato roti, which you should try!
| Pro tip: Remember to check out their tasting menu, a culinary tour-de-force designed to showcase the best of local and seasonal ingredients. Don’t forget to order their eponymous cocktail to cap off a perfect dining experience. |
Fable Kitchen
Website: https://fablekitchen.ca/
Address: 1944 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-732-1322
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
- Thursday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 9 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 2 PM, 5 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$
Imagine walking into a place where every dish has its little fairy tale; that’s Fable Kitchen for you. Tucked in the heart of Kitsilano, this place doesn’t just serve food; it serves stories with a good old farm-to-table approach.
Chef Trevor Bird, a name you might recognize from the famed ‘Top Chef Canada’, opened Fable’s doors to celebrate Canadian cuisine. Expect to feast on dishes like canned tuna—a cheeky wink to tinned fish, only way better—and their meaty mains.
| Pro tip: You can hit up Fable Kitchen on the weekends for a brunch that’ll make all your pre-noon dreams come true. And if you drive, street parking around the area isn’t too tough a quest to conquer. |
BOTANIST
Website: https://www.botanistrestaurant.com/
Address: 1038 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-695-5500
Operating hours:
- Monday – 7 AM to 11 AM
- Tuesday to Friday – 7 AM to 11 AM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 7 AM to 10:30 AM, 11 AM to 2 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 7 AM to 10:30 AM, 11 AM to 2 PM
Cost: $-$$
Talk about a place that’s pretty much a garden party on a plate, and you’ve got the BOTANIST. Located in the swanky Fairmont Pacific Rim, this restaurant is a green utopia in the concrete jungle of downtown Vancouver.
And let’s not forget the ambience: greenhouse chic with a touch of opulence. But it’s not just that; they walk the walk with their zero-waste cocktail program, which is, well, as cool as it sounds.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to slide into their plush couches and give their eco-conscious cocktails a go, like their deep cove. Plus, their wine list is a dream for anyone into the biodynamic and organic scene. |
Harvest Community Foods
Website: http://harvestunion.ca/
Address: 243 Union St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2Z7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-682-8851
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 6:30 PM
Cost: $
A shopfront that screams ‘local’ with every grain and noodle, Harvest Community Foods is playing a tune that any sustainable food lover would dance to. Even their retail shelves are decked with products from the land and the sea, which is 100% sustainable.
Soup’s on, and it’s not just any soup because it’s made with ingredients that saw soil not too long ago. And if you’re all about the slurp life, their noodles are the talk of Chinatown—locally milled and handcrafted.
| Pro tip: Their menu is petite but mighty, with seasonal rotations keeping things fresh, so if you’re up for a spontaneous culinary adventure, you’re in the right place. Oh, and try pairing their noodle bowls with their homemade sodas or kombucha—a combo that’s both funky and fresh. |
Folke
Website: https://www.folkerestaurant.com/
Address: 2585 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9, Canada
Contact details: +1 236-455-6556
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Sunday – 5 PM to 10:30 PM
Cost: $$
Folke is making waves with its cosy café setup that’s all about local sourcing, minimal waste, and a relaxed atmosphere where anyone’s welcome to kick back with a cuppa. For a small cafe, their commitment to sustainability is huge.
They keep it local, they keep it organic, and they keep it real with everything from their coffee beans down to their dairy. And the baked goods here are great as well, so you shouldn’t miss out on these!
| Pro tip: If you’re looking for a low-key morning, Folke’s the spot. Their breakfast sandwich, with perfectly seasoned free-range eggs and local sourdough, will have you coming back for more. And yes, biking over is doable; there are plenty of spots to lock up outside. |
Shizenya
– Media credit: eatprettyplantbase
Website: https://shizenya.ca/restaurant-menu/
Address: 965 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 3G5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-568-0013
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 12 PM to 9 PM
Cost: $$-$$$
Shizenya is where the sushi dreams are real for the eco-conscious crowd. On the corner of Hornby & Nelson, Shizenya is bringing the ‘zen’ to sustainable dining with its healthy, organic Japanese fare.
They’ve got all bases covered: brown rice sushi, organic greens, and even Ocean Wise-approved seafood. And if you think healthy can’t be delicious, their dragon roll is ready to prove you wrong.
| Pro tip: Don’t forget to grab their lunch specials if you’re on the go. Great value, and it’s a decision your tummy and your wallet will thank you for. Also, keep an eye out for their veggie options too; even the most devout carnivores have been known to cross the road here. |
The Flying Pig Yaletown
Website: http://theflyingpigvan.com/
Address: 1168 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2S2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-568-1344
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $$
Yaletown’s Flying Pig is not only a local staple but also a leader in the sustainable food scene. The owners, who are passionate about offering a fresh, farm-to-table experience, source their ingredients from local farmers, fisheries, and suppliers.
Their sophisticated comfort food, featuring favourites like the wild BC sockeye salmon and oven-roasted free-range chicken, will leave you craving for more. And let’s not forget the dessert options like their fabulous house-made cheesecake!
| Pro tip: Be sure to swing by for their famous happy hour, which offers a variety of discounted options, including their P.E.I. mussels and clams, as well as some pretty sweet deals on cocktails and wine. Also, keep your eyes peeled for daily specials to get even more bang for your buck! |
MILA
Website: https://www.milaplantbased.com/
Address: 185 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-844-8040
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 10:30 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
MILA is a plant-based paradise that proves you don’t have to compromise on flavour to eat sustainably. This chic vegan restaurant focuses on globally inspired dishes made from ethically sourced, locally produced, and organic ingredients.
Their modern and stylish space provides the perfect backdrop for your Instagram-worthy meal. Plus, their menu is creatively diverse and includes crowd-pleasers like mushroom pate, kelp noodle carbonara, and even a vegan tiramisu.
| Pro tip: If you’re a brunch person, make sure to check out MILA’s scrumptious weekend brunch menu. The tofu scramble and chickpea frittata are both solid choices, and the mimosa and Bloody Mary options are generously proportioned. |
Nero Waffles
Website: http://www.nerowaffles.com/
Address: 1002 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3M6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-428-9177
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 8 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $
Who says waffles can’t be sustainable? Nero Waffles is a hidden gem that offers delectable Liege waffles made from locally sourced, organic, and fresh ingredients.
Their Belgian-inspired menu offers a variety of sweet and savoury waffle options, paired with house-made toppings like raspberry coulis, maple syrup, and whipped cream. If you’re craving something more substantial, they also have sandwiches.
| Pro tip: If you want something sweet, try Nero’s classic waffle with strawberries and whipped cream. To make your treat even more irresistible, pair it with their gourmet coffee, which is served in a cup made from 100% biodegradable materials. Oh, and don’t forget to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards. |
Aphrodite’s Organic Cafe
Website: https://www.organiccafe.ca/
Address: 3605 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 1P2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-733-8308
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Cost: $$
For a taste of true West Coast sustainability, you may want to check out Aphrodite’s Organic Cafe. This Kitsilano eatery is dedicated to supporting small, local, and organic farms, featuring a farm-to-table menu that changes based on seasonal ingredients.
They’ve also taken the concept of zero waste, with a comprehensive composting and recycling program in place. Their menu offers a diverse selection of vegan, and gluten-free options, as well as desserts like organic fruit pies that are freshly baked.
| Pro tip: If you can, aim to visit during lunchtime on weekdays to take advantage of their prix fixe menu (appetizer, entree, and dessert). Also, parking can be a tad difficult in the area, but there is a small lot behind the cafe with a few dedicated spots. |
Tractor Everyday Healthy Foods
Website: http://tractorfoods.com/
Address: 335 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-343-1195
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 8:30 PM
Cost: $
Tractor Everyday Healthy Foods, with various locations in the city, provides a quick and nutritious option for those on the go. Their menu is chock-full of seasonal, locally sourced, and sustainable ingredients, with a focus on seafood and ethical meats.
Here, they offer a build-your-own plate system that allows you to create your perfect combo of proteins, veggie sides, and salads. Popular choices include their sustainably caught wild Albacore tuna, house-made veggie burger, and harissa-marinated chicken.
| Pro tip: For a quick and satisfying lunch option, try Tractor’s grab-and-go salad bowls. Their pre-made protein power salad and Mediterranean quinoa bowl are both top-notch. Meanwhile, if you’re in a hurry, try to order ahead using their mobile app and enjoy a seamless pick-up experience. |
