The Templeton (web site, map, 1087 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-685-4612) is one of Vancouver’s oldest classic diners (with original furnishings and jukeboxes at tables dating from the 50’s). However, don’t let the classic decor fool you into thinking the food will be, well, typical 50’s greasy diner fare. The Templeton’s food has been modernized to fit the healthy lifestyle of many Vancouverites.

You’ll find good selections for vegetarians such as the Portobello Mushroom Burger (Marinated Portobello, grilled asiago cheese on multigrain bun, $8.50) and the Pesto Grilled Veggie Lasagna (with organic noodles, pesto, zucchini, red peppers, fresh tomatoes, ricotta, mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and side mixed organic greens, $11). Non-vegetarians will also find plenty of choices here too, such as the organic, free range chicken burger, or the free range New York Striploin steak.

I enjoyed The Med Quesadilla (pictured below, made with artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, green olives, aged white cheddar, fresh tomato salsa and sour cream, $11). The gigantic portion and creative ingredients made the dish really satisfying, and I didn’t miss the meat. My friend ordered the Ahi Tuna Steak, $14, which I’ve had before too and liked.

The Templeton restaurant also serves great breakfasts (view Part 1 for a picture of their eggs).

Med Quesadilla ($11) from the Templeton restaurant in Vancouver

Nuba Restaurant (web site, 1206 Seymour St., Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 778-371-3266, at Davie and Seymour) is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant downtown that serves delicious Lebanese food at reasonable prices. This restaurant serves many vegan and vegetarian dishes, as well as a few selections with meat. Nuba has another downtown location at 322 West Hastings (phone: 604-688-1655).

I enjoyed the Najib’s Special plate (pictured below, $9.29) which featured some wonderful crispy cauliflower served with roast potatoes, hummus, salad and pita. I could have ordered rice instead of the roast potatoes, but the potatoes were a good choice. I also had the Baklava for a sweet dessert ($2.62, not pictured).

paekakariki writes on DineHere.ca (click here to read review):

We love Nuba for healthy fast well priced food. The garden falafel is really tasty with avocado and their homemade pickle. The vegetarian appetizer plate is a great sampler of all their goodies. I love the flavour of the lentil/rice/avocado dish, the crispy cauliflower is amazing and the mushrooms are great!

Radha Yoga and Eatery (web site, 728 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-605-0011) is a yoga studio in Chinatown that offers high-quality, 100% vegan dining, from Thursday to Saturday.

Trentm writes on Dinehere.ca (read review):

Radha has a great atmosphere, with hardwood floors and exposed brick in a big, open space. The live folk music really added to the relaxing, calm feel of the place. It’s also such a treat to go out for dinner on a friday night and not have to fight the crowds or feel rushed. The food was tasty and presented well…

Pictured below is the Nori Roll (Japanese Seaweed) appetizer, $7.00, which their menu describes as “raw sunflower-hempseed paté, julienne vegetables, sprouts and avocado in toasted nori with homemade pickled ginger and orange dragon dip”. The orange dragon dip is a light soya sauce with a touch of orange juice. Also pictured below is one of their featured main courses for the summer, the Southern Style Tempeh ($13.00). Maple-barbecue glazed tempeh – like tofu but coarser – was served with cornbread, warm summer greens, and seasonal vegetables. It was delicious. My only wish was that there was more glaze / barbecue sauce to soak into the cornbread!

The Chinatown area of Vancouver (where Radha is located) is one of the more graphic neighborhoods, but is quite safe to visit.

(above) Maple Barbecue Glazed Tempeh ($13) from Radha restaurant in Vancouver.

Raw Nori rolls at Radha restaurant ($7.00)