Top Healthy Restaurants in Vancouver

As a Registered Dietitian, a question I get asked all of the time is… What are the top healthy restaurants in Vancouver?

If I’m going out to eat (and I’m trying to choose a healthier choice on my weight loss journey), what are some healthy restaurants in Vancouver?

Why It’s Important to Choose a Healthy Restaurant in Vancouver

If you’re eating out once a week in Vancouver – or even twice a week, then there’s a case that maybe we do want to enjoy ourselves and intentionally to choose to indulge.

But if you’re eating out 3 times per week – or even more on a busy week, a week with lots of social events, or if you’re travelling, or on the go – then that’s when it becomes more important to opt for a healthier choice, some of the times, given the higher frequency of eating out.

This is because restaurants can be notorious for being high in calories, as we’ll see – with all of the sauces and oils!

Their objective is to keep the food tasty, and to keep you coming back – usually not to keep calories low.

Let’s give right into it!

1. Freshii

This is a classic fresh and tasty salad restaurant in Vancouver.

Their salads range from 390 – 670 calories (with sauce / dressing included)

Their bowls range from 540 – 730 calories (with sauce / dressing included)

And I’d recommend adding a protein source, if the salad or bowl doesn’t already come with one!

A pretty good option if you ask me, whether you’re on the go, or wanting a healthier takeout option.

Pro Tip: Ask for ‘light sauce’ or dressing on the side to reduce the amount of sauce you eat. Sauces are a huge offender for calories in salads and bowls, sometimes accounting for more than 50% of the total calories!

2. Tractor Foods

Tractor is another classic healthy restaurant in Vancouver!

Looking for a spot that combines speed, health, and flavor? Tractor Foods checks every box. Perfect for busy professionals or post-gym fuel-ups, Tractor offers customizable bowls loaded with vibrant salads, wholesome grains, and lean proteins.

Must-Try Dish: Build-your-own bowl with kale salad, grilled avocado, and lemon-herb chicken.
Why You’ll Love It: Convenience meets nutrition, perfect for a guilt-free lunch on-the-go.

3. Field & Social

Salads, bowls, and sandwiches galore!

We’ve divided them into lowest and highest calorie options:

Healthier & Lowest Calorie Options:

• Kale Caesar Salad (484 Calories)
• Southwest Barbecue Chicken Salad (545 Calories)
• Coconut Chicken Salad (601 Calories)
• All Sandwiches are between 535 – 596 Calories!
• All Protein Bowls are between 478 – 532 Calories!

Highest Calorie Options:

• Autumn Nourish Bowl (1222 Calories)
• Avocrunch Salad (1106 Calories)
• Rustic Orzo Salad (905 Calories)
• Brown Rice Enchilada Bowl (866 Calories)

Overall, lots of healthy and lower calorie options available here and a go-to in Vancouver!

4. Steve’s Poke Bar

Poke bowls, including Steve’s Poke Bar, are a healthier option in Vancouver!

Their signature bowls do have a good amount of calories to count for, ranging from 715 – 1050 calories. But still a healthier choice if you’re going to be eating out!

Pro Tip: Aim for half rice and half salad – or full salad – to help reduce the calorie content!

5. WELA

With a location in downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver, it’s a great option for healthy, delicious salads, bowls, and wraps.

Calories for most wrap and salad meals are very reasonable.

Some options are higher in protein than others. I’d aim for an option with a dedicated protein source if possible!

As always, be mindful of the dressing and sauces – it can be a source of hidden calories. Best to ask for it on the side or ‘light drizzle’ instead.

Don’t be afraid to ask for modifications when you’re eating out! It’s something you’ll need to get used to for you to get the best results 🙂

Verdict: Our Take on Healthy Restaurants in Vancouver

So… you’ll notice that a lot of the healthy restaurants listed here in Vancouver are more of a quick-service, lunch style.

What about a sit-down, nicer restaurant that’s also healthier in Vancouver?

That’s a great question – and the answer to that is that there’s no one sit-down or fine dining restaurant in Vancouver I’m aware of that has exclusively healthier options.

However, there are often healthier options on the menu – just scattered throughout, intermixed within less healthy and higher calorie options – you’ll need an eye to learn how to look for them!

Here are some of my favourites in Vancouver:

Moxies: Vegetarian Power Bowl

Cactus Club: Green Goddess Salad, Avocado Kale Salad, Dijon Salmon

The Keg: Steak with Cauliflower Mash & Seasonal Vegetables (note that the Filet Mignon is fattier and higher in calories!)

And that’s it! I hope this post was helpful for you in finding some healthier go-to restaurants in Vancouver to support you on your weight loss journey.

Until next time!

Cheers,

Helen

FAQ: Healthy Restaurants Vancouver

Q: What makes a restaurant “healthy” in Vancouver?

A: A restaurant is considered “healthy” when it offers options that are balanced in nutrients – such as lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains. Portion size, cooking methods, and calorie content plays a role. Not all menu items may fit this description, but if many of the options they offer do, that’s a plus!

Q: What is the best healthy restaurant for a quick lunch in Vancouver?

A: All of the ones listed today! Such as Freshii, Tractor Foods, Field & Social. Easy to order and grab and go – or you can order ahead of time on many of their websites.

Q: Do all restaurants in Vancouver provide information on nutritional value?

A: Unfortunately, not all restaurants do. I find that most chain restaurants (e.g. Cactus Club, The Keg, Starbucks) do, whereas most local and smaller restaurants do not.

Q: Can I still lose weight if I eat out regularly?

A: Yes, absolutely — but it depends on your choices, portion sizes, and whether you’re able to still eat in a consistent calorie deficit most of the time while eating out. If you’re eating out more often, such as 3+ times per week, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and high-calorie add-ons like dressings and sauces. Choosing healthier restaurants or making small tweaks (like half rice, sauce on the side, packing 1/2 of the meal to-go right away) can keep you on track with being in a calorie deficit and your weight loss goals!

Q: Are all salads healthy at restaurants?

A: Not necessarily. Unfortunately, I’ve seen many salads at restaurants be higher in calories than a burger! Many restaurant salads can be quite high in calories from toppings such as fried items, cheese, bacon, candied nuts, and heavy dressings. Always check for nutrition info when possible, opt for a salad with healthier toppings, or ask for dressing on the side!