Publisher’s preference Award: The Acorn is a Vegetable-Forward eatery Where Vancouver partners Savor the Finer Situations

The Quick Version: The Acorn has actually assisted change the Vancouver cafe scene by creating fresh vegetables the main attraction in most meal. Its regular eating plan shows healthy and tasty make sourced from regional farms. Restaurant owners Scott and Shira Blustein, whom also very own The Arbor, obstacle diners to possess familiar dishes with an innovative vegetable-forward perspective, plus the restaurant’s enchanting atmosphere sets the feeling for a one-of-a-kind night out on principal Street.

Vancouver few Scott and Shira Blustein had gotten hitched and opened their unique basic cafe, known as Acorn, in identical month in 2012. The newlyweds had a lot to their dishes, as you would expect.

“It was a bit crazy, and that I won’t advise doing it by doing this,” Scott mentioned with a laugh. “it worked out well.”

The Acorn’s first clients were Scott and Shira’s loved ones and pals, who have been around for the wedding ceremony. These out-of-towners attempted the diet plan and offered the newlyweds helpful comments in the as a whole culinary experience.

Right from the start, Scott and Shira have actually endeavored to generate something wholly initial by cultivating new types and a stylish environment. The Acorn boasts a vegetable-forward menu, meaning greens will be the star on the program. The bathroom tend to be known as things like “Radish” and “Carrot” to highlight the importance of those easy materials.

Throughout the years, the Acorn has established a stellar reputation owing to its special and elegant using normal vegetables & fruits. Partners often come right here to deal with by themselves to some thing extraordinary, and also the sensual music, passionate lighting, and delectable food never let you down.

The cafe’s atmosphere plays a part in the silent allure. This design is actually all-natural and classic — just like the selection. You notice some dark tarnished wood and stay green plants. The area features a modern, minimalistic think makes a stark perception.

“its dark colored, moody, and romantic,” Scott mentioned. “The building used to be a vintage Italian location that were available for twenty five years — it was a real organization within the community — therefore wished to maintain the character and soul of this location while rejuvenating it.”

Scott and Shira actually take care to built an original playlist of belowground music done by little-known designers. Scott said he often views men and women taking out fully their particular phones to appear within the tune that is playing, in addition to songs might help break the ice by giving patrons one thing to go over or ponder.

“we wish people to feel safe while having this original knowledge,” Scott said. “our very own vegetable-forward objective distinguishes you from other people in the area. We’re a plant-based cafe, therefore we shooking up with an older womanply our produce from facilities throughout British Columbia.”

A Fresh accept in your area Sourced Ingredients

The Acorn typically just accepts reservations because of its family members table, which seats six to eight individuals. All other tables can be obtained on a first-come, first-served foundation. It’s a good idea showing right up early to conquer the crowds of people considering that the Acorn can have quite a wait. Clients also can make bookings for just about any size table on Valentine’s Day, New Year’s Eve, or any other major vacations. Be sure to reserve a couple weeks ahead of time to make certain obtain the time position you want.

The Acorn changes the menu every month or two to emphasize the flavors of the period. Just selecting a glass or two within club is actually a tall purchase because everything appears yummy. The trademark cocktails infuse advanced liquors with natural vegetables and fruits, plus the bar additionally serves non-alcoholic fresh fruit beverages, including house-made lemonade.

Then you definitely get right to the brunch or supper eating plan the place you’ll discover inventive vegetarian meals plated with accuracy and care.

Cook Brian Luptak is consistently discovering creative techniques to provide colourful and healthier vegetarian dishes in order that clients disappear feeling thoroughly satiated. As well as their job experience as a whole hotel organizations and family-owned restaurants, Brian features an educational background in artwork and style, so he’s an eye fixed for charm, which will help him assembled an altogether stunning recipe.

The Acorn cultivates love and gratitude for food among the staff, and each plate is actually lovingly prepared and transported to clients. “We take lots of pride in how food comes out and countries available,” Scott mentioned. “Presentation is vital.”

The Acorn’s menu is full of unexpected yet familiar meals — particularly deep-fried artichokes and waffles — that satisfy vegans, non-meat eaters, carnivores, and everybody in the middle. The Halloumi is actually some favorite, and Scott mentioned it is excellent for diners that a little cautious about the meatless menu. This beer-battered deep-fried cheese creates an indulgent and answering entrée supported by a zucchini and potato pancake plus smashed peas and perfect yogurt.

The Acorn offers a meatless diet plan where veggies are not disguised as meat substitutes or apologetically plated in part dishes. Veggies are the centerpiece to every appetizer and major meal. Whether you’re digging into a crispy cauliflower and mushroom risotto or splitting a chocolate almond fudge brownie, it is possible to experience the satisfaction of an easy, nutritious, and filling food made fresh for you personally.

“everything I truly value concerning Acorn is their awareness of detail,” mentioned Vanessa N. in a Yelp analysis. “Each recipe had been composed of more subsequently a small number of elements, that may be difficult to make work harmoniously. But every thing ended up being extremely balanced, visually stunning, and craveable.”

Fostering Romance & Making Memories Since 2012

The Acorn celebrates new as well as delivers individuals along with its seasonal flavors. Influenced by its success, the adventurous culinary staff hold pressing by themselves to innovate, cooperate, and expand. They’ve traveled to farms when you look at the U.S. and Canada and hosted special dinners where they’re able to test their unique skills.

Once or twice annually, The Acorn arranges an unique dinner in cooperation with a nearby winery or brewery. This ticketed occasion characteristics new food paired with advanced wines or beers. The Acorn kitchen produces a five-course food, while the winery or brewery handpicks the most wonderful drink to come with each recipe.

1st classic + Veg occasion in Summer 2015 was actually a large hit, particularly among partners. These annual dinners feature to 36 guests, that makes it an intimate yet personal setting for a remarkable time.



Numerous residents happen coming to The Acorn for decades and also viewed their unique relationships blossom one dinner at a time. The restaurant’s regulars savor unique dinners while lingering during the hot and friendly atmosphere.

“The Acorn happens to be my ‘Special Occasion’ go-to,” stated Rhiannon W. in a fb overview. “they’ve the most wonderful vegan food, great employees, beautiful cocktails, and an extremely passionate environment.”

The Acorn encourages diners to treat by themselves to a remarkable experience, and many partners choose this cafe as the environment for his or her many passionate moments together. Scott mentioned the guy recalls one pair just who met for a primary big date at Acorn and now return to the cafe as a family group with young children in pull. They go to the Acorn when they’re remembering anniversaries, birthdays, and other special occasions.

“It is remarkable to see,” the guy mentioned. “which makes everything worthwhile, merely knowing we have now touched life and that can perform such a positive part in Vancouver.”

Today Introducing The Arbor Restaurant round the Corner

Scott and Shira unwrapped The Arbor some time ago so diners will have a nearby location to go take in some wine while looking forward to their unique dining table during a meal rush within Acorn. “we have now require a 3rd location for that,” Scott joked. “The Arbor’s line is outside.”

The Arbor has taken The Acorn’s farm-fresh selection and operate with-it, supplying innovative, completing, and eye-catching meals with strong styles. The Arbor provides plant-based comfort meals, additionally the home doesn’t reduce any sides. They also make ketchup and mustard in-house.

The Arbor selection is focused on veggies, but it is never assume all salads and rabbit meals right here. Your kitchen can make hearty vegetarian hamburgers, flatbreads, tacos, and steamed buns. Its appetizers include classics like crunchy onion bands along with fresh meals like salty broccoli popcorn. The Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich is one of the popular meals on the menu. One consider the components is sufficient to describe the reason why. Eggplant bacon. Acocado mousse. Spicy mayo. All on a ciabatta bun? Yes, please.

The Arbor is found on a mission to create greens not just palatable but pleasurable. For the terms regarding the site, “we aren’t interested in planning to great lengths to fool somebody into considering they truly are eating animal meat. The meals is produced from greens, therefore’re pleased to showcase the variety and amazing potential they are able to provide.”

A lot of lovers head on Arbor through the springtime and summertime due to the fact bistro features a striking backyard patio lit with sparkling lights and enclosed by greenery. “We desired to make patio into anything really special,” Scott told us. “It’s an incredibly intimate place for a laid-back date night.”

The Acorn tends to make vegetables Sexy & Elegant

It may be rare discover a date spot that offers a creative eating plan, charismatic solution, and a comfy atmosphere, although Acorn checks dozens of bins after which some. This trendy cafe has received a reputation in Vancouver for helping new and initial meals being as enjoyable to examine since they are to eat.

Scott and Shira started their particular marriage in addition to their cafe in 2012, and’ve reaped the key benefits of their ambition and eyesight in the years since. Today the couple has two vegetable-forward restaurants in Vancouver, and continuously upgrade initial menus built to satisfy diners of any age and diet habits.

“We certainly always hold circumstances fresh,” Scott stated. “The diet plan alters seasonally to highlight the flavors in veggies, fruits, peanuts, alongside new materials.”