Vegan and vegetarian eating is a movement changing the way we dine. In Vernon, the restaurant scene is rising to meet this demand with options that cater to meatless diets. If you're plant-based or trying something new, this list breaks down the city's most noteworthy vegan and vegetarian-friendly spots.
All-Vegan and Vegetarian Eateries
Pineapple Express Smoothie Bar and Bistro-Eat Good Market
Pineapple Express Smoothie Bar and Bistro is entirely vegan inside a local grocery store, Eat Good Market, on 27th Street. It offers an array of fresh, healthy choices, from smoothie bowls to hearty wraps. Their sandwiches, loaded with plant-based ingredients, are a hit for takeout lunch. For something lighter, the deli's juices and salads offer a refreshing twist, focusing on organic and gluten-free options.
The combination of deli staples and innovative vegan items makes this spot a top choice for plant-based eaters. While the grocery store housing it isn't exclusively vegan, the deli stands out as a dedicated destination.
It is a delight to find an all-vegan café within a market that isn't exclusively vegan, making it easy to appreciate the clever setup and variety of choices. The deli's menu features items such as the chickpea "toona" sandwich and the original açaí bowl, which keep customers coming back for more.
The Roxy Cafe
The Roxy Cafe, a cherished plant-based eatery in Vernon, has reopened its doors as of October 2024, much to the delight of its patrons. Known for its vegetarian and vegan offerings, the menu features a variety of dishes, including the Falafel Wrap, Roasted Veggie Sammy, and Roxy Ramen Bowl, all crafted with fresh, plant-based ingredients. The cafe also crafts in-house sourdough bread. Many menu items are vegan, but some include eggs and dairy, so check before ordering. Additionally, the cafe offers a selection of beverages, such as lattes and pour-over coffees, sourced from Farm & Forest Organic Coffee Roasters, a Canadian, carbon-neutral company committed to environmental sustainability.
The reopening has been met with enthusiasm from the community, eager once again to enjoy the cafe's unique offerings and cozy atmosphere.
Vegan Options at Mainstream Restaurants
Amarin Thai Restaurant
At Amarin Thai, vegan diners can enjoy authentic Thai cuisine without compromise. The restaurant provides a vegetarian menu section and offers to customize dishes to be fully vegan. From coconut curries to stir-fried noodles, they have something for everyone.
Their attention to dietary needs ensures a flavourful meal without the worry of hidden animal products.
For starters, patrons can enjoy the Amarin Spring Rolls, Thai-style rolls stuffed with minced vegetables and vermicelli, served with a special plum sauce.
Main course options include the Vegetarian Pad Thai, featuring pan-fried rice noodles with tofu and mixed vegetables, topped with bean sprouts and green onions. The Masamau Tofu is a mild Southern Thai curry with tofu, pineapple, and mixed vegetables. Additionally, the Tofu Delight offers sautéed tofu with mixed vegetables and fresh basil.
Cactus Club Cafe
Cactus Club Cafe offers a dedicated plant-based menu and they've made a conscious effort to cater to vegan diners. Popular items include the Beyond Burger and tofu-based stir-fries.
Their diverse menu makes it easy to dine with mixed groups, ensuring there's something satisfying for all preferences.
Vegan Highlights
For a plant-based twist on sushi, the Zen Roll features avocado, mango, vegan mayo, and soy glaze, wrapped in sesame soy paper and topped with crispy taro. Another standout is the Crispy Tofu Bowl, a vibrant mix of soy chilli tofu, jasmine rice, mango, avocado, and edamame. For those craving something warm and hearty, the Thai Red Curry with Tofu delivers bold flavours with its coconut curry base, complemented by bok choy, bamboo shoots, and a medley of fresh herbs and spices.
Vegetarian Delights
Vegetarian diners can start with the Avocado Dip, served with tortilla chips, or opt for the nutrient-packed Avocado Kale Salad, which combines crispy chickpeas, grilled avocado, and pickled red cabbage, all tied together with a lemon garlic dressing. The Butternut Squash Ravioli, a signature dish, offers a rich truffle butter and crispy sage blend. Though traditionally served with prawns, vegetarian modifications may be available.
Dosa Crepe Cafe
This South Indian spot specializes in dosa—a type of crispy rice and lentil crepe—and offers multiple vegan options. Dosa Crepe Cafe specifies which dishes are plant-based and can adapt others upon request.
Vegetarian patrons can enjoy a variety of dosas filled with ingredients like paneer, spinach, and mixed vegetables. Options such as the Paneer Dosa, Spinach Dosa, and Vegetable Dosa are popular choices. Additionally, the menu features Uthappam, a soft and thick dosa topped with vegetables, and Rava Dosa, made from a batter of semolina, rice flour, and spices.
For vegan guests, the cafe offers several dosas prepared without animal products. The Plain Dosa, Masala Dosa (filled with spiced potatoes), and Podi Dosa (sprinkled with a roasted spiced lentil mix) are all vegan-friendly. Their coconut chutneys and sambar pair beautifully with the dosas, making this a flavourful experience for vegan diners.
Beyond dosas, Dosa Crepe Cafe provides other vegetarian and vegan options, including appetizers like Idli (steamed rice cakes) and Vada (savoury lentil donuts). The menu also features a selection of crepes, soups, and beverages to complement the main dishes.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
Earls has embraced plant-based eating with several dedicated vegan dishes from spicy tofu tacos to quinoa avocado bowls. Their commitment to plant-based options is presented through a curated selection on their menu featuring creative and delicious dishes.
For starters, the Vegan Garden Burger is a notable option. This burger includes a 100% plant-based patty served with tomato, red onion, leaf lettuce, pickle, and vegan mayonnaise on a Care Bakery vegan bun.
In addition to the burger, Earls offers the Vegan Kale + Mushroom Pizza, topped with caramelized onions, vegan cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and crispy kale. Guests can also enjoy the Vegan Angry Tofu Lettuce Wraps, featuring crispy tofu tossed in a chilli lemongrass sauce, accompanied by shredded carrot, cucumber, puffed rice cracker, and butter lettuce.
For those interested in bowls, the Tofu Sesame Citrus Noodle Bowl combines crispy tofu with chilled ube noodles, Asian pear, fresh herbed greens, crushed peanuts, crispy onions, and a citrus chilli dressing. Another option is the Vegan Hunan Kung Pao, which includes wok-seared vegetables in a ginger soy sauce, served with jasmine rice and peanuts, with the option to customize the spice level by adding 1 to 6 Hunan peppers.
Quick Bites and Cafes with Plant-Based Choices
EATology
This quick-service diner focuses on breakfast and lunch, offering vegan versions of comfort food classics. Their tofu scramble and Mexican skillet are standout dishes. EATology emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and bold flavours.
Their menu also features plant-based proteins like vegan sausages, catering to those craving a hearty morning meal.
While the main menu features a range of items, including meat-based dishes, EATology is committed to accommodating plant-based diets. For instance, they offer a vegan Mexican skillet, which includes ingredients like tofu scramble and vegan sausages. Additionally, the restaurant provides plant-based milk alternatives for coffee and other beverages, enhancing the dining experience for vegan patrons.
It's important to note that some vegan options may be outside the standard menu. Therefore, guests are encouraged to inquire about available vegan dishes with the staff. This approach allows EATology to offer a personalized dining experience, ensuring that all guests can enjoy meals tailored to their dietary needs.
Conclusion: Embracing Plant-Based Choices in Vernon
Vernon's evolving dining scene proves that plant-based eating isn't just a trend but a growing commitment to diversity and sustainability. From fully vegan establishments to mainstream restaurants offering thoughtfully crafted vegan and vegetarian options, the city has something to satisfy every palate. Vernon's eateries showcase the creativity and inclusivity of plant-based cuisine. As more diners embrace meatless meals, Vernon continues to rise to the occasion, offering delicious, satisfying dishes for vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians alike.
