Meatless Main Street: Mount Pleasant vegetarian restaurants
There's never been a better time to be vegetarian on Main Street. From easy take-out, deli-style meals to fine-dining date nights, the hipster neighbourhood has heard the call of its veggie-loving locals. Here is a sample of some of the best vegetarian dining options in Mount Pleasant.
The Acorn Restaurant
3995 Main St, Vancouver BC V5V 3P3Consistently topping the best vegetarian lists in this city and across the country, The Acorn is providing a hip, casual fine-dining experience for those eating lower on the food chain. Menu items are titled for the produce they highlight and chefs Rob Clarke and Brian Luptak make each humble vegetable shine in interestingly composed dishes that will have you exclaiming over the taste and the presentation both. For a casual bite and outstanding cocktails, snag your seat at the ultra-cool bar.
The Rumpus Room
2301 Main St, Vancouver BC V5T 3C9One of the original veggie restaurants on the Main Street strip, The Foundation’s revolutionary vibe and wacky menu have a lasting appeal. Excellent share plates like dips and breads, massive nacho platters and the popular appetizer mash-up called the Catered Affair make way for yummy burgers, warm and wholesome rice bowls, nutty pesto pasta and fresh, original salads. This is a no-rush place, so expect lines and easy-going service, but once at the Formica tables, settle in with your Mason jar of beer and enjoy a truly Vancouver veggie experience.
Meet on Main
4288 Main St, Vancouver BC V5V 3P9The newest addition to the vegetarian and health-conscious dining scene on Main, Meet on Main doesn’t explicitly advertise that it’s a no-meat (with an ‘a’) restaurant. Burgers are listed on the menu with mouth-watering descriptions and “chicken” wings are called “chiggin’ things” and are smothered in either Buffalo sauce or whisky BBQ sauce. More standard veggie fare like healthful and wholesome rice and tofu bowls are also on offer as well as mac and cheese and even a stroganoff, both of which are enticingly vegan.
Burgoo
3096 Main St, Vancouver BC V5T 3G5Burgoo may be known equally for its long, slow braises and its comforting veggie options, but those meatless dishes are the focus on this list. Ooey-gooey grilled cheese served with bright and acidic tomato soup; life-affirming borscht; hearty salads of kale and quinoa and fruits and nuts; various cheese fondues and a classic French ratatouille — this is vegetarian comfort food to warm the bones and settle into. Their rustic wood interior and a basket of warm cheddar biscuits rounds out the alpine, après-ski vibe.
Afra on Main
3046 Main St, Vancouver BC V5T 3G5While not a restaurant in any traditional sense, the deli counter at this Middle Eastern grocer will fill your fridge with everything you’ll need for a delectable, pre-made vegetarian feast at home or at a near-by park. Lemony tabbouleh, creamy hummus, marinated fava beans, dolmades and more are all available to go in small containers (or better yet, bring your own). Round it out with Afghan flatbread sold in an impressive bag the length of a child and you’re set for your evening picnic.
Burdock & Co Restaurant
2702 Main St, Vancouver BC V5T 3E8Chef Andrea Carlson’s latest venture on Main and 11th is an homage to the mighty vegetable. While not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, it’s the produce here that shines under her capable culinary skill. Small and larger plates are both meant for sharing, which means you can sample a variety of modern, creative dishes each more lip-smacking than the next. The small space is constantly busy, but the excellent servers are happy to bring you wine while you wait.
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