There’s so much to love about summer — long days at the beach, the warm sun on your skin, and our personal favourite, summer menus! The change in season inspires foods and flavours that we just can’t get enough of, like fresh fruit, bright herbs, and crisp greens straight from your local farmer’s market. We’ve scoured the city to find the places in Vancouver that are bringing you the very best summer eats. Here are top five favourite places to satisfy all of your seasonal cravings:
THE ARBOR
Located on Main street, The Arbor is a favourite of vegetarians and meat eaters alike. They focus on crafting meat free comfort food using the best local and seasonal ingredients, like heirloom tomatoes in this mouth watering Heirloom tomato linguine. Made with summer favourites like spinach, zucchini, and lemon, this pasta dish tastes just like a warm romantic evening under the stars. Did we mention it’s vegan and gluten free?
TRACTOR FOODS
With seven locations around the city, Tractor Foods is great for when you’re craving healthy food in a flash. This summer, they’re rolling out some delectable seasonal sides, like the snap pea salad featuring red potato, edamame, watermelon radish, fresh herbs, and a citrus dressing. Pair it with a lemon kale side salad and some braised tofu and we think you’ve got yourself the perfect lunch.
RAILTOWN CAFE
Looking for organic food and a cool place to hang? Look no further than Railtown Cafe. With artisan bread and local produce, you really can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. This summer, we’re loving The Baby Kale, a kale salad featuring shaved fennel, candy cane beets, wheat berries, pickled rhubarb, pistachio granola, goat cheese and a strawberry vinaigrette. Is your mouth watering yet?
KOKOMO
Nothing says summer like a crisp salad and a quick trip to the beach. Kokomo embodies both with their plant-based tropical eats, full of fresh ingredients inspired by our favorite season. Stop by one of two their two locations and pick yourself up a Nood Beach — a salad made with tahini sauce, snap peas, watermelon radish, pickled carrot, furikake, mint, green onion, cilantro and sesame seeds. Refreshing and bright, we think it pairs perfectly with a few tasty waves.
FIELD AND SOCIAL
Simple, seasonal, and always nutritious, Field and Social may just be the salad mecca of Vancouver. With an ever-changing menu, you’re sure to find something to appease even the pickiest salad eaters. This summer, we’re loving their Singson’s Coconut Chicken salad made with succulent coconut chicken thigh on kale and romaine lettuce, all tossed in a tangy miso dressing. Plus, it was made in collaboration with Top Chef Canada Runner-Up Mark Singson, so you can guarantee it’s going to be good.
Craving more summer eats? Stay tuned for Buddha-Full’s summer menu launching soon! We can’t say for sure what will be on it, but if it’s anything like their smoothie bowls, you won’t be disappointed. Follow along on social media to keep up with all of the updates.
