Vancouver vegetarian restaurant offering a mostly vegan menu, with dishes ranging from breakfast burrito and pancakes with potatoes to stir fry tofu & veggies; has vegan cheese. Jan 2016 reported menu has been updated to indicate which items are vegan and which few items use honey. Hosts live music most nights. NOTE: June 22 reported to serve eggs/cheese in vegan dishes in error, check carefully. Open Mon-Thu 11:00am-12:00am, Fri 11:00am-3:00am, Sat 9:00am-3:00am, Sun 9:00am-12:00am.
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2724 W 4th Ave (at Kitsilano district), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Last update on 26 Oct 2023 by UnsexyVeganMale
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110 Reviews
First Review by CherryCritter
Vegies Rule
Points +33
Loved It! - Edit
I find myself totally confused by all the negative reviews because my sister and I absolutely loved this place! We ordered the Tempeh Reuben with Sesame Fries and Miso Gravy and the Italian Melt. All of the food was wonderful! Full and fresh flavor, attractive presentation, hot items were hot and cold items cold. The service was relaxed but pleasant and the live entertainment was great too. I am totally looking forward to going back.
Read morePros: Excellent food, Good value, Live Entertainment
Cons: Gluten free items not well identified
Guest
liversounds
Points +30
Crunchy crunchy averageness... - Edit
Yeah, the last place I lived had a similar restaurant... I'm guessing: been around the area, like, forever; has a loyal following; and somehow got enough recognition to garner visits from anyone from out of town (or, with the hours, anyone both vegetarian and drunk after 3am)...
Read moreThe main point here is that I have had really good vegetarian food in my life. Creative/inventive, prepared with an eye to modern culinary techniques and ideas, and challenging yet expertly prepared. The Naam has very little to none of this...
What the Naam does have is a lot of potatoes with skins on, thick slices of multigrain bread, and mildly (read "hardly") spiced casserole-y items.
At least two possibilities: 1) the menu was created 25 years ago and has never been updated; or 2) the menu was created for/by vegans (this particular bunch not being that picky), and then was later adapted for full-blooded vegetarians.
In either case, this local favorite seems and tastes complacent.
Pros: 24 hours
Cons: Food, Creativity, Variety
Guest
scocasso
Points +281
It's an institution - Edit
First off, yes, the service sucks, but guess what, it's SUPPOSED TO SUCK!! That's part of the 'atmosphere'. The service has ALWAYS been like this; for what, 30 years, and it's not going to change.
Read moreIf you are looking for fast food, and you are starrrrrving, go somewhere else - a mistake I've made myself. It can be a loooooong wait, especially if there is a line-up out the door, so this is where you want to go *before* you get hungry, and sit around chatting and having a drink or two... or three... before your meal arrives (guaranteed, if it's busy).
I've had lots of good meals here. This place was one of the first of its kind. It was one a few places I could get a vegan meal for many many years. The best thing about it, is that all of my non-veg friends can come along also and find something to eat, and they've got alcohol too (although I don't drink, many people do), so it makes it a good hang-out for all those UBC students. It has been around for a long time, the menu hasn't changed much, if at all, in the last decade. Guess what, I don't eat here anymore simply because there are so many better places to eat now (with more vegan choices) -- they've got to update their menu if you ask me. And I know people that have worked at the NAAM and is has been said, "I don't think the kitchen staff even know what the meaning of Food Safe is," and, "the reason the food takes so long is because there's one Indian lady in the kitchen running the whole show."
Don't come here for breakfast, it's ALL EGGS & CHEESE!!
And there's often live music, but I've been there so many times, and only seen live music once.
Anyway, it's a cool 1970s hippie joint where ya go to hang out with friends, chit chat, have a drink, and eat too. Don't think of it as a *restaurant* where you will be waited on at your beck and call; the staff are generally too young and hip for that sort of thing, so chill out, okay.
Pros: open 24hrs, something for everyone, hip place to hang-out
Cons: not enough vegan stuff, often slow service, some do not 'get' the aloof service
j.lee
Aside from the wait time, service wan't really an issue when I went here (or at least it was the smallest issue). However, if you're in the "service" industry, I can honestly say that service is the one thing that's not supposed to suck. Having terrible service isn't quirky or ironic, it's just bad business.
Read moreGuest
karenmar
Points +45
indifferent service - Edit
I was keen to try this place after reading about it on various forums. When I arrived it was about 4pm so not a peak time, and there were a few tables taken. However after being shown to a table and given a menu to look at I became invisible as nobody wanted to take my order. Sensing that this was going to take up too much time waiting for food to arrive, and because I had limited time I opted for a juice, and bought a cookie to take away when I went to the counter to pay. It was a shame that they couldn't care less about serving me as I was keen to try their food. From some of the other reviews I have read it appears to be a common problem. A 24/7 veg restaurant is a great idea only as long as they have the service working!!
Read morePros: good menu, 24/7 operation
Cons: poor service
Guest
Liam Wilson
Points +58
24 hours!? - Edit
Although I can't say that there was a super wide-variety of vegan options, what they had was pretty amazing and the portions were huge! I had the Naam burger, a Noh Pie, and a dragon bowl to go...all of which were totally satisfying. I couldn't believe this place was open 24 hours, we need more places like this around the world. Very friendly and helpful staff.
Read morePros: 24/7 Hours
Guest
j.lee
Points +119
Underwhelmed - Edit
We visited this restaurant on a trip to Vancouver a while back...I don't know if the menu has changed much, but there were a few things that stuck out to me - besides the ridiculous wait times:
Read moreChocolate Raspberry Vegan cake: I swear to god, the first couple of bites tasted like chocolate cherry Robitussin. fix the recipe. Might I recommend the Sinfully Vegan cookbook?
Giant potato wedges are not "fries." Maybe "steak fries" but not fries. Also, a giant crushed up falafel patty with slightly different spices doesn't constitute a "vegetarian steak" to me.
This is just a small thing. No margarine? We asked the waitress about this and were told that they didn't use it because there was "too much oil" in it. Don't look at me with a straight face and say that while you serve eggs, butter and milk to half the other customers in the place. Spectrum is a perfectly healthy, non-gmo, non-hydrogenated spread. If the management isn't willing to shell out for it, just say it.
That's pretty much all I have to say on that subject. There are many good places to eat in Vancouver. However, if you're not ovo-lacto, I would probably avoid this one.
Cons: food quality, long wait time
Guest
Veganryche
Points +50
24 hour Vegan Food!!! :-) - Edit
The best thing about The Naam, it's open 24 hours! Can I say that again? 24 hours, 7 days a week! How can you get better than that? I wish there was one in my neighborhood or even in my city! I've been to The Naam a few times and I even went there once twice in one day--many hours apart of course. I remember the vegan dessert, a blueberry/apply cobbler with vegan ice cream I believe it was, was awesome! I will definitely be back for more, hopefully, soon. It's quite a drive up there from the Seattle area but it's definitely worth stopping by, even on a day trip. Like said before, try to go during off times and you won't have to wait in line as long, or at all and you'll be waited on quicker.
Read morePros: 24 hour vegan foood!!!, Yummy desserts, Large portions, not too expensive
Cons: Long lines during busy times, Service can be a bit slow when busy, More vegan options would be great
Guest
kimward8
Points +574
Second Chance - Edit
After going to the naam when I first moved here 5 years ago, and being put off by the lack of vegan options, dirty cutlery and rude staff, I decided to give it a second chance.
Read moreThis time, the server was nice, and the vegan options have improved, as they are now offering daiya vegan cheese (a great new vegan cheese made in North Van) to be substituted for anything on their menu. So I will probably be giving them a third chance...
Guest
sXe_22
Points +574
Very Good! - Edit
I had a quite long walk to arrive, my hostel was distant but the expectation was respected. I ate very well (a big tempeh burger plate) with quite big portions for a reasonable price. there was acoustic live music and art exposition too: good environment! finally it is not the best restaurant in the world, but it is okay to have good time and eat healthy food!
Read morePros: good value for money, environment, live music
Guest
thelink
Points +165
Great place - Edit
We had dinner at the Naam 3 years ago while visiting Vancouver and we couldn't wait to go there again when we were in Vancouver this June.
Read moreBoth nights the restaurant was busy but we didn't wait too long to get a table. And we enjoyed listening to the live music while waiting. The staff was very friendly.
3 years ago we had dragon bowls and realy liked them. This time we had the Teriyaki Stir Fry and the Naam Burger and were equally happy.
This time we also had dessert. We ordered the Shakti cake and the Raspberry Chocolate cake and they were both soooooooo delicious. The pieces were very generous, we actually shared one piece and took the second one home.
We also couldn't resist trying the Pear cider and loved it.
If we ever go back to Vancouver I really want to go back the Naam. I'd love to try their breakfast.
Guest
celestialstar2004
Points +107
It was a typical vegetarian hippie restaurant - Edit
I would say that Naam was OK. They did not get my breaakfast order correct 3X and it was just simple scrambled tofu. Could have put a little effort in presentation.
Read moreGuest
dagny70
Points +314
Oh my dog, Miso Gravy! - Edit
Miso gravy is my new favourite thing, and it's all thanks to The Naam. We ate here twice on a recent visit to Vancouver (breakfast & dinner), and it was fantastic. Massive portions, varied menu, lots of new & exciting things to try. We had seitan steak, veggie burger, homefries the wonderful miso gravy for dinner, and big pancake breakfasts with delicious veggie sausage and Sam Strips. Decor is very bo-ho and funky, and although we were warned about slow service, I can't say we noticed this. I cannot rate this place highly enough, the food was amazing and inexpensive, and the choice was great.
Read morePros: Tasty food, Large choice, Big portions
Guest
LadyVolsFreakDeb
Points +79
Worth the wait! - Edit
Please don't go here for lunch if you are in a hurry. Do go here for lunch if you have a big appetite and a little extra time. The staff was a bit slow in acknowledging us at the door, slow seating us, slow taking our order, and slow to get us our food, but it was all worth the wait. I had the Cashew & Avocado Enchiladas. Who would have thought to put all of these flavors together into one dish? It was amazing. My spouse had the special which was curried lentils, chickpeas, and potatoes. It was the best curry dish she's had in a very long time. The place was packed and it was understandable why. This place knows good food and they know how to prepare it (even if it's a little slow).
Read morePros: Large portions, Excellent food, Creative
Cons: Service was slow, Place was a little dirty
Guest
cpk
Points +38
Really cool mix of choices - Edit
We had a great dinner at the Naam while visiting Vancouver. I enjoyed a delicious Thai peanut noodle dish with veggies (sort of like Pad Thai, but completely vegan) and my husband ordered a vegan "steak" with miso gravy that was also fantastic. We also shared a vegan chai milkshake, which you could never go wrong with! This place is really cute, open 24hrs, good pricing (affordable). It stays busy, so beware a slow kitchen from the crowds. Overall, a great experience, and great leftovers!
Read morePros: good value, cute environment, delicious food
Cons: a little sluggish when busy
Guest
christine_bean
Points +42
Good Food, Rude Service - Edit
As a visitor in Vancouver I tried the Naam twice in 3 days. The food was good each time however the service was awful and slow. The first visit I explained the bad service away to being a busy mothers day brunch, however the Second visit was during a part empty dinner service. The staff did not smile, make pleasantries or even acknowledge us for upwards of over 10 minutes each time, and then took approximately 20 minutes each time to take our drink orders, let alone food. The portions were large, the food was good, and the prices were reasonable however i would not return to such a snobby environment.
Read morePros: good price, good food, large portions
Cons: rude staff, long wait
Guest
marla
Points +99
Naam - Edit
My favorite restaurant. I have never had anything bad to eat here. This place is always busy. Service is slow but so worth the wait. The portions are huge. Very vegan friendly.
Read morePros: excellent food, huge portions, good value
Cons: small,busy, slow service
Guest
Maddymac
Points +32
Noh Pie is amazing! - Edit
The Naam is a good place to go if your hungry and want a huge hearty meal, However i would go their more for the atmosphere than the food, It's kind of like the Denny's for vegetarians sinch it's open 24/7. I would recomend going just for the desert. There are tons of vegan options. Try th Noh pie, it is to die fore, it's sugar free, gluten free and vegan but it just taists amazing, just like a bannana cream pie!!
Read moreGuest
gisaster25
Points +349
Classic weekend brunch - Edit
I had a delicious brunch platter with all the classics: scrambled eggs, toast, home fries. Very reasonably priced. Worth the out-the-door wait to get a table and slowish service (obviously the kitchen was swamped). I'd read glowing reviews of the miso sauce, so I ordered it as a side for my home fries - salty and kind of gross, though.
Read morePros: Yummy brunch, Convivial atmosphere
Cons: Wait for tables and food
Guest
loving_veggies
Points +40
YES!!! VEGGIE BRUNCH!! - Edit
THIS is my favorite comfort-food restaurant! The Sam burger is my favorite...I get it everytime!! The veggie sausage is sooo yummy too, pancakes and waffles! YUM! ENJOY!!!
Read morePros: Amazing, Fun place, Cheap
Guest
villageidiot
Points +33
Totally not worth the hype - Edit
Everyone said to go here when we visited and I honestly can't figure out why. The dragon bowl was totally blah and the other food we got was not memorable either. We were totally disappointed. :(
Read morePros: none
Cons: dragon bowl, blah atmosphere
Guest
Mimi123
Points +44
Disappointing - Edit
After reading a number of good reviews of The Naam, I went here for brunch with my husband. The food was okay, but as vegans the odour of eggs was quite bothersome. They might benefit from some better ventilation or maybe having a vegan/non-vegan section.
Read morePros: okay food
Cons: Unfriendly service, Bad ventilation
Guest
marymac
Points +30
Good spot - Edit
It seems they're renown for their terrible service, so don't go if you're starved or in a rush. But if you're feeling tolerant, the food is excellent. Selection could use to be improved... atmosphere is quirky.
Read morePros: yummy
Cons: slow service, limited selection
Guest
NicoleV
Points +36
Decent comfort food - Edit
The hugely popular Naam has been around for a long time. It's almost always packed, especially after 5 p.m. on weekdays when there are often lineups more than a dozen people deep and going out both front doors. Be prepared to stand in line for a while if you want to eat here.
Read moreThe inside of the restaurant can be a bit grungy, owing to the fact they are often busy and are open 24-hours (except for Christmas day). It also has quite intimate seating (read: most of the time you are sitting very close to other patrons). There are sometimes musicians that play music in the evenings. In the summer, there is a very pleasant, shaded pattio off to the side of the restaurant.
The menu is large and ecclectic and is very vegan-friendly (the Naam is a vegetarian resto). They offer very homey comfort food and is the place to go if you're looking for a laid-back atmosphere and not too much fuss. Somtimes the service can be a bit slow, but that's usually due to a packed restaurant and not enough servers. The prices and generous servings are suitable to most people's budgets and appetites.
Pros: Nice atmosphere, Good location, Very vegan-friendly
Cons: A little grungy, Can get very busy, Intimate seating
Guest
gr8vegan
Points +2363
24hrs vegan comfort food! - Edit
I fondly don't remember my first trip to Naam. I was in town on business and got smashed with my colleagues and remember flashes of ordering a vegan hot dog at 4 in the morning??? Luckily I've been able to make it back there sober many times :) The sesame fries are must gets. The line gets super long at peak times, just tough it up and enjoy the company or come back at odd hours. 24x7 vegan food is not something you want to miss. Naam is a stand out worldwide for vegans!
Read morePros: 24x7, fries
Cons: long lines
Guest
nephaline
Points +49
Pleasant - Edit
The only thing I didn't like about the Naam, was the 20 minutes we spent standing in line to get in. My friend used to work there and said that it is usual to wait, and the Naam doesn't take reservations. I very much enjoyed my Naam burger with salad and Miso dressing, it was so filling that I had no room for dessert. My companion had an enchillada and salad and was also pleased. Once we were seated, service was quick and very friendly, we didn't wait long for our meals. The main dining room was very noisy, but we were lucky to be seated in a narrow room attached to the main, where we could speak and hear each other without distraction. Would definately go again and try some of their stir frys when I'm next in Vancouver.
Read morePros: good food, fair prices, good service
Cons: Long wait, noisy
Guest
wendystrebe
Points +48
Crazy Cool - Edit
Our visit to the Naam was very enjoyable. Not so many vegan choices, but the food was outstanding when it arrived. It was busy and fast paced, but there was some great live music and friendly, happy people.
Read morePros: good value, large portions, good variety
Cons: noisy, long waiting line
Guest
little_bit
Points +73
This is the best Vancouver has to offer? - Edit
I was completely let down by the Naam. The highlight of the meal was cracking up about how awful the food was. We ordered three dishes and every single one was disappointing, one of them was not even what we had ordered in the first place. Beets and carrots come as a garnish whether it is asian, mexican, or italian food that you order. The only thing this restaurant did for me was make me feel 10x luckier to live in Seattle.
Read morePros: Good blueberry pie
Cons: Tasteless, bland, Poor service, Ridiculous prices
Guest
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