Gold: Folke
“Folke has quickly made a name for itself,” said one judge of the Kits hot spot and gold winner. “Its ever-changing menu showcases just how versatile vegetables can be.” Chef Colin Uyeda doesn’t just swap plants for animal protein—he makes them the star. “His food feels transformative,” raved one judge. Another delivered the ultimate omnivore compliment: “I forgot I was eating an entirely plant-based meal.” The tapioca dumplings are slippery, chewy and floating in ponzu broth so fantastic one judge had to remind themselves to chew. And the carrot dish is a standout with three wildly different textures, somehow all magic. Yes, Folke made waves with its no-tipping model, but as one judge put it: “It continues to excel because of the food.” Even the most devoted carnivores leave impressed.
2585 W Broadway
folkerestaurant.com
Silver: The Acorn
Silver goes to The Acorn, a longtime leader in Vancouver’s plant-based scene that continues to dazzle with inventive, expertly plated dishes that shine a spotlight on locally farmed and foraged ingredients (the beet dish with preserved lemon is a standout).
3995 Main St.
theacornrestaurant.ca
Bronze: Lila
Our bronze winner, Lila, is the breakout newcomer, drawing a devoted following with its playful, market-driven plant-based Indian dishes (we highly recommend the potato and cauliflower pakoras) in a laidback, welcoming space.
3941 Main St.
lilarestaurant.ca
Honourable Mentions
Do Chay
1392 Kingsway
dochay.ca
Viet Family
1414 Commercial Dr.
vietfamilyvegan.ca
