taste

Where to Find the Best Healthy Eats in Kitsilano

Where to grab nutritious bites and sips in Vancouver’s healthiest ’hood

By Elif Zaimler /

Though we at Vanmag love rich desserts and luxurious tasting menus, this time of year we’re on the hunt for something fresh and wholesome. Whether it’s a whole-fruit smoothie packed with antioxidants or a protein-loaded breakfast sandwich, one thing’s certain—Kits has a healthy spot to hit every craving.

Read on for our six favourite places to supercharge your week.

 

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Turf

2041 W 4th Ave

I’ll admit it—I’m biased when it comes to Kits staple Turf. It’s a coffee shop, restaurant and workout studio all in one, so when I’m looking to boost my spring energy, it’s a no-brainer. The smoothies alone are worth the stop—like the Blueberry Glow ($11), a mix of almond butter, goji berries, maple, dates and, yes, blueberries. It tastes like a blueberry muffin and pairs perfectly with a beachside stroll—no need to fight off any seagulls! Bonus: Turf’s workout classes (unlimited memberships from $185/month) offer everything from mobility sessions to pilates—ideal if you’re ready to level up your wellness game. ourturf.com

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

 

 

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Heal Wellness

2149 W 4th Ave.

As the weather starts to turn, something fruit-filled and icy just feels right. Cue: Heal Wellness—home to some of my favourite açai bowls and smoothies in the city. My go-to? The OG Açai ($14), packed with granola, fresh fruit, coconut, cacao nibs and hemp seeds. But I’ll never say no to one of their smoothies either—especially the Wake and Shake ($18), a double hit of protein and espresso with pea protein, peanut butter and a shot of caffeine. healwellness.ca

Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

 

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Body Energy Club

2154 W 4th Ave

I love browsing Body Energy Club‘s huge selection of health goodies—think vitamins, greens powders and grab-and-go juices. I’m usually there for a ginger shot, cold-pressed juice or a peanut butter chocolate protein ball, but I always end up snagging a fresh-as-heck pre-made sandwich or salad too, with my favourite being Lemon Dill Albacore Tuna Sandwich ($11.99) and Greek Souvlaki Wrap with tofu feta, roasted peppers, green cabbage, spinach, and tzatziki sauce ($12.99). Sometimes wellness just means skipping the dirty dishes. bodyenergyclub.com

Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Tractor Foods (Kitsilano)

1903 W 4th Ave

Tractor has spots all over Vancouver, but you’ll usually find me at the Kits location—bonus points for the outdoor patio. I’m a fan of their ready-to-eat Turkey Zucchini Meatballs ($20) and Buttermilk Dill Chicken Breasts ($12.50), but the salads are where it’s at. The Nourish Bowl ($13.75) has my heart with power greens, brown rice and my go-to sides: Southwest Quinoa and Lemon Kale. And yes, I’m that person happily eating soup in summer—the Red Lentil + Greens ($7.50) is totally worth any side-eye. Pro tip: pair it with the Tofu Quinoa Wrap (everything tastes better on a patio). tractorfoods.com

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

 

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Be Fresh

1901 W 1st Ave

Beyond the whimsical flower shop out front and the fresh organic produce, Be Fresh has a solid lineup of grab-and-go eats. The falafel salad ($12.99)—packed with organic greens, crispy falafel, cucumber, tabbouleh, beet hummus, roma tomatoes and creamy garlic dressing—is a vibrant way to fuel your day roaming Kits. Craving something heartier? The honey lime chicken with rice ($12.99) is a protein-packed, savoury-sweet win. They’ve also got plenty of nutritious wraps (I’m obsessed with the Mediterranean falafel wrap ($10.99)—crispy falafel meets fresh greens, aka my happy place). In a rush? Grab a Coconut Chia Pudding ($6.29) to-go. You can thank me later. befresh.ca

Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

 

 

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Delara Kitsilano

2272 W 4th Ave

Delara is my go-to for brunch, lunch or dinner. Chef Bardia Ilbeiggi puts a fresh spin on Persian cuisine, and Mina’s Chicken and Barley Soup ($10) always hits—like a cozy, homemade chicken soup with melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The Chicken and Barberries ($30) is another fave: turmeric-marinated chicken, crispy saffron rice, roasted veggies and barberries all come together in tasty harmony. I usually pair it with one of their refreshing sharbats ($8)—the Sekanjebeen (honey, mint, apple cider vinegar and cucumber) is my top pick when I need a little boost. delararestaurant.ca

Hours: Monday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.