Meet: Vancouver’s Beloved Plant-Based Comfort Food Chain
In a city known for its progressive culture and diverse culinary landscape, Vancouver’s Meet restaurant chain has carved out a unique space—one where plant-based comfort food meets inclusive, community-driven dining. Since opening its first location, Meet has quickly grown into a go-to destination for vegans, vegetarians, and omnivores alike, proving that you don’t need meat to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal.
https://eatmeet.ca/meet-on-main
With locations across Vancouver and a menu packed with indulgent eats, Meet has redefined how locals (and visitors) think about vegan food. It’s not just healthy—it’s fun, filling, and seriously flavourful.
A Homegrown Vancouver Success Story
Meet began with a simple mission: to create delicious, plant-based food in a welcoming space that anyone could enjoy—whether they were longtime vegans or just curious about going meat-free once in a while. The founders wanted to combine comfort food classics with modern plant-based cooking, and the result was a casual eatery where burgers, poutine, mac ‘n’ cheese, and milkshakes are all made entirely without animal products.
The first location, Meet on Main, opened in Vancouver’s Mount Pleasant neighbourhood—a fitting launchpad for the brand given the area’s reputation for creativity and eco-conscious living. From there, the brand expanded with Meet in Gastown and Meet in Yaletown, each reflecting the unique energy of its community while staying true to the brand’s core values: sustainability, accessibility, and good vibes.
A Menu That Doesn’t Compromise
Meet’s menu is a love letter to classic North American comfort food—but reimagined through a 100% plant-based lens. Diners are greeted with everything from loaded nachos and saucy noodle bowls to massive burgers and decadent desserts. Whether you’re craving something crispy, creamy, spicy, or sweet, the menu delivers.
Some fan favourites include:
- The Double Double Burger: A towering plant-based burger loaded with secret sauce, cheddar-style vegan cheese, and crispy onions.
- Sweet-Chili Cauliflower: Bite-sized cauliflower battered and fried, tossed in sweet chili sauce and served with vegan ranch.
- Mac ’n’ Cheez: A dairy-free version of the classic, made with a creamy cashew-based sauce and optional add-ons like buffalo cauliflower or smoky mushrooms.
- Poutine: Crispy fries topped with miso gravy and dairy-free cheese curds—a Canadian classic gone vegan.
And yes, there are milkshakes too—made with coconut-based ice cream and flavoured with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla. Everything on the menu is made with house-made sauces, local ingredients, and a healthy dose of creativity.
More Than Just Vegan Food
While Meet is entirely plant-based, what makes it special is that it doesn’t market itself with any exclusivity. In fact, most of its guests aren’t strictly vegan. Meet’s approachable menu and laid-back atmosphere invite everyone to sit down and try something new, without pressure or judgment.
This open-minded spirit is part of what has made Meet such a hit in Vancouver. It’s not just a restaurant chain—it’s a community hub. From casual date nights to post-yoga meals or birthday dinners with friends, Meet is the kind of place that brings people together over good food, regardless of dietary label.
A Commitment to Sustainability
Meet’s plant-based ethos goes hand in hand with a strong commitment to sustainability. By offering a menu free of animal products, the chain significantly reduces its environmental footprint—something that resonates deeply in Vancouver, a city that takes green living seriously.
In addition to reducing carbon and water usage through its food choices, Meet also uses compostable packaging for takeout and offers reusable containers through local partner programs. They work with local farms and suppliers whenever possible, reinforcing a farm-to-table ethos even in a fast-paced casual dining setting.
Design and Atmosphere
Each Meet location has its own distinct look, but they all share a bright, modern, and inviting vibe. The interiors often feature natural wood, plenty of greenery, funky art, and a layout that balances cozy corners with communal seating. The staff are known for being friendly and accommodating—whether you have a dietary restriction or just want help choosing between all the tempting dishes.
Outdoor patios, where available, add to the relaxed, neighbourhood feel, especially during Vancouver’s warmer months. It’s the kind of place where you’ll want to linger for an extra drink or dessert—and where you’ll probably run into someone you know.
Part of Vancouver’s Plant-Based Evolution
Vancouver has long been at the forefront of plant-based and health-conscious dining in Canada, and Meet has played a major role in shaping that landscape. Alongside other local innovators like The Naam, Heirloom, and Chickpea, Meet has helped make vegan dining mainstream—without sacrificing fun, flavour, or indulgence.
What sets Meet apart is its balance: it’s not trying to be a high-end vegan bistro or a raw health-food café. Instead, it occupies a sweet spot in the market—affordable, familiar, and endlessly satisfying. In doing so, it’s welcomed thousands of people into the world of plant-based eating, one plate of fries or buffalo burger at a time.
What’s Next for Meet?
As the demand for plant-based dining continues to grow, Meet seems well-positioned for further expansion. While they’ve kept their focus tightly on Vancouver for now, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Meet locations popping up in other Canadian cities—or even across the border.
In a world increasingly aware of the impact of our food choices, Meet stands out as a feel-good, eat-great kind of place—one that proves plant-based dining can be just as crave-worthy as its carnivorous counterparts.
Meet You at Meet on Main
If you’re in Vancouver and looking for hearty, comforting plant-based food, Meet is a must-visit. It’s more than just a vegan restaurant chain—it’s a reflection of the city’s values: welcoming, sustainable, diverse, and full of flavour.
So whether you’re a lifelong herbivore or just looking to switch it up for a night, pull up a chair at Meet. One bite of their famous Sweet-Chili Cauliflower, and you might just become a regular.