THE NAAM (Kitsilano)
2724 West 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
(604) 738-7151

The Naam is one of Vancouver’s oldest vegetarian restaurants. Now before you carnivores, or omnivores with heavily carnivorous tendencies (we’re all on a spectrum, they say) click on your browser’s back button, I must announce that as an omnivore who dearly loves red meat, this place was thoroughly satisfying. I was not converted, but I will think twice before dismissing tempeh ever again.

The Naam is pretty laid back, kind of rustic, with old wooden tables and chairs. Some might venture as far as to use the word “hippy-ish” (is that even a word??) but this would be unfair. It’s casual, and no fluff or nonsense. Probably one of the best aspects of this place is that it is open 24 hours a day and because of this, it’s probably one of the only places to get a full service, good meal in Kitsilano- even Vancouver. Every time I have been there are 2 am (and these number many), there have been a surprising number of people munching on garden burgers.

Food at the Naam is an adventure in vegetarianism. I never would have imagined that so many of the items we enjoy as carnivores could be replicated in vegetable matter with so much accuracy. The ruben sandwich I enjoyed was very tasty, and the salad that accompanied it was fantastic. The Naam does a hell of a job of salads. It also does gravy well- very well. I dare say that it is borderline famous for its miso gravy- perhaps it has crossed the line even. Food for thought. Be sure to check it out for live jazz music in the evening.

Above: The Naam has been a Kits hang out since even my parents' days in the city.

Above: The food is healthy, fresh, and available 24 hours a day.