Green Cuisine: Veggie hippie heaven
Conveniently located in Market Square, Green Cuisine offers an entirely vegan menu that will satisfy even the most discerning plant-based eaters. The buffet-style U-shaped counter lets you fill your plate (or box) with fresh, flavourful options, and you pay at the end based on the weight of your meal. If you’re on a budget, be mindful of how much you pile on—those buffet portions can add up. A great deal, and my personal staple, is the daily rotating soup with cornbread, priced at just $6 for a filling and delicious meal. You can’t leave without a treat, either; I’m obsessed with their Earth Balls.
Rebar: Pesca-perfect
I might be biased, because I went on my first date with my fiancé and partner of almost four years here, but I believe Rebar is truly the best. There isn’t a single thing on the menu that isn’t scrumptious. Rebar is pescatarian, not fully vegetarian, as they have a couple of fish dishes—but worry not, as my fellow vegetarians will be delighted by their veg dishes. Rebar can be pricey—but, thankfully, you’ll be going home with leftovers. I won’t lie: I’m planning to have my wedding dinner here. Be sure to give their plethora of smoothies a try.
Bunny’s Nook Kitchen: A community favourite
If you’re in Esquimalt, Bunny’s Nook Kitchen is a must-visit. This charming spot has a rotating selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes, so you’ll never get bored. Personally, I could eat their vegan breakfast sandwich every single day and be happy for life. The owner, Bunny, and her family are incredibly kind, talented artists, musicians, and passionate advocates for the community. Dining here feels like supporting a vibrant, loving family—it feels as good to visit as it does to eat at.
Odd Burger: Indulgent and vegan-friendly
This place may not be healthy by any stretch, but every once in a while a little fast-food treat hits the spot. What I love about Odd Burger is the fact that the entire menu is vegan—meaning there’s no need to worry about hidden animal products like gelatin or meat gravy. The range of burgers, breakfast sandwiches, and poutines keeps me coming back for more. And if you’re a fan of seitan, you’ll love how they incorporate it into their dishes—It’s such a delicious and underrated vegan protein.
Fern Café & Bakery: Brekky and baked goods galore
While Fern Café & Bakery might be on the pricier side, the food is delicious and the location is perfect for a post-meal walk around the town. Their vegan breakfast options are the standout, with the Jackfruit Scrambler (made with turmeric-spiced tofu for that perfect “eggy” yellow color and texture) being a favourite. On top of that, their ever-changing selection of fresh baked goods is to die for. If you’re in the North Park area, this is a great spot to treat yourself.
MeeT on Blanshard: The covert vegan spot
When I first visited MeeT on Blanshard, I had no idea it was a fully vegan restaurant. The menu doesn’t advertise it outright, so I had to double-check with the server. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that everything on the menu is completely vegan. It’s not every day you come across a full-service restaurant that offers plant-based cuisine, so, while it can be a bit pricier, it’s definitely a reliable go-to for my partner and I. If you’re dining with family members who aren’t vegan or vegetarian, MeeT is a perfect spot to introduce them to plant-based dining. They may not even realize they’re eating vegan food—and might change their perspective after trying it.