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The Naam
Category: Restaurants Vegetarian Vegetarian [Edit]
2724 4th Ave WVancouver, BC V6K 1R1
Neighbourhood: Kitsilano
(604) 738-7151
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 12 am - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
172 reviews for The Naam
Review Highlights
"their miso gravy is truly one of a kind."
(in 46 reviews)
"I loved the Sesame Fries, but make sure you get the Miso..."
(in 22 reviews)
"...also enjoyed the milkshakes, the dragon bowl is packed with..."
(in 15 reviews)
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172 reviews in English
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Review from Megan S.
Vancouver, BC
12/7/2011
Obligatory Naam review - every Yelper's got one, right? I understand that this place is hit or miss for many people, but aside from the slow service/long wait at the door, I really haven't had a bad experience in all my years of eating here.
That may be because I'm totally a creature of habit when it comes to the food here - I order the same thing every time, and have for years. The Naam Dragon Bowl = perfection. Brown rice, miso gravy, perfectly steamed (still slightly crisp) veggies, tofu and sprouts...I love that bowl with all my heart, it's like a warm delicious hug on a cold day and it always tastes exactly the same.
For breakfast, their vegan pancake platter is my go-to - really decent job with the vegan pancakes (something I haven't had much luck with at home, despite my culinary prowess), but the star of the platter is the sausages. If you haven't tried them yet, do it! As a meat eater, I usually can't stand fake meat (what the hell is the point?? If you don't want to eat meat, don't pretend you still do!) but those darn lil' sausages dipped in miso gravy are nothing short of heavenly. It helps to ignore the fact that the sausages look a LITTLE too much like something that no one should EVER eat (I blame the visible veggie chunks), but I won't go there...just eat them, you'll see what I mean.
And if you've got allergies of any kind, this place is SO awesome. About 5 years ago a friend came to visit from Toronto and her food allergies had gotten so bad that she had to make all her meals at home - we're talking bad, bad allergic reactions to almost everything under the sun. She was bummed that she couldn't check out any Vancouver restaurants, but I told her I was pretty sure I knew a place that would accommodate, and the Naam went above and beyond. The server brought out a detailed list of all of the ingredients in every dish, including the kinds of oil used to cook the food. In the end, the kitchen made her a bowl of brown rice with steamed tofu and took extra precautions to make sure nothing was contaminated. She was SO ecstatic to be able to eat a meal in a restaurant, even just rice and tofu, and I'll never forget the way they came through that day.
Love, love, love this place - almost makes me wish I still lived in Kits! Almost...heh.Listed in: Get yer vegan on
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Review from Karyn B.
North Vancouver, BC
1/16/2012
I'm vegetarian and gluten free so when it comes to options it's not that easy for my kind. I end up at the Naam about twice a week because I don't have to think about it, I know there's going to be plenty of options.
My favorite is the Gold Dragon bowl, home fries, cheese, fried tofu, steamed veggies, sprouts, beets smothered in miso gravy. Its like a healthier version of poutine I suppose. Breakfast is great as well their omlettes are huge and satisfying. They also have great teas if you're catching up with a friend and want something to warm you up.
Of course the down side is the service. All the staff I've encountered are all very nice but there seems to be no sense of urgency. At all. Ever.
I think what irks me is this place is its one of a kind... And they know it. So they play by their own rules. Not once has my bill arrived at my table, I can wait 15 mins after finishing just waiting. You go up to the till hoping you can give them money and go, but everyone will ignore you until your particular server happens to find their way behind the desk.
One day I was waiting in line and a woman entered the restaurant brushed past the line with a dog. Another patron in lime said, "you can't go in with a dog" and the response was "you can if you're the owner of the restaurant". I thought to myself doesn't that violate all sorts of health codes? Another day there was a cat in the enclosed patio area. I love animals and I really don't care but I bring this up because there are some people who do care, allergies etc. So I think a little effort in showing the clientele some respect would a long way.
That being said, there's no other place like it so I keep coming back.. As long as I'm not in a hurry to be anywhere. -
Review from Jag N.
Maple Ridge, BC
12/9/2011
Went for dinner with my friend last night. I ordered the Naam burger platter which turned out to be an enormous amount of food. Not a good choice. Burger wasn't all that good, and half the potatoes were over-burnt. Oatmeal chocolate chip cookie was stale.
By the end of our meals, we both had awful stomach aches (not from over-eating, as I didn't come close to finishing off my plate of food).
18 hours later, I still have an awful stomach ache.
Last time I ate there 3 years ago, I experienced the same fate. Is it possible to get food poisoning from vegetables? :(
Not likely to visit again. -
Review from Lynne H.
Vancouver, BC
1/20/2012
Come prepared to line up. it's worth the wait. One of the first organic faves in Kits!
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Review from Michael F.
11/28/2011
I wanted more poutine, but all I had been eating was greasy cheesy delicious from your fair city. The gastropub across the street was closed, so I was forced to eat Naam's veggie analog of poutine.
It ended up being delicious, and exactly what I wanted and needed. Sitting in a savory nutty soupy sauce, full of vegetables, and then enough cheese and potatoes to keep me feeling less than virtuous. I was initially dissapointed to end up here, but left feeling 100 times better than if I had eaten my third portion of poutine for the day. And I still got my beer for the night so all's well. -
Review from Robin M.
10/5/2011
Oh, Naam. You're not too quick when it comes to service, you struggle with balance when it comes to flavour, and you seem to have a hard time when it comes to lineups -- but you're really pretty great, you know that? Open 24 hours, entirely vegetarian, mostly pretty edible, and never really off-point, it's hard to find any *real* offense when it comes to Naam.
And I mean really, where else am I gonna go at 3am? That *is* the only time one would go... right?Listed in: 30-Day Yelp Challenge, Pick An Hour, Any Hour
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Review from Reena M.
10/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Luckily, I didn't have to wait in line. And our service was pretty friendly. However, this establishment is simply not for me. We came here for brunch. Let's start with the good: the homemade bread! It was very flavourful with caraway and other things... it was a good bread, thickly sliced. Yummy homemade jam! That was the best part of the whole meal. Eggs were just usual eggs, the home fries or roasted potatoes or whatever kind of potatoes they were, were just that... potatoes. I wasn't a fan of the miso gravy. The other best part of my meal was the veggie sausage that I didn't order. It wasn't half bad!
However, in general, this restaurant is just not my cup of tea. It's cool that it's a 24 hour joint though!Listed in: Yelp Vancouver 30 day…
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Review from Tai V.
Vancouver, BC
11/6/2011
Just got home from dinner and catching up with a great friend here!
I think I may get sick cause I waited outside for 30 min for a table (Sat night 8pm and zero room inside for the people waiting to eat)
Next time I'll wear a bigger jacket!
Anyhow, ordered the nachos cause I saw this other guy eating them and they were reason to be jealous. Though I got them and they didn't quite look the same, but things always look better when your hungry and someone else is eating them...probably wont be ordered again
Also got the Mediterranean appy plate. Soo good. I will defiantly order that again.
Good place, I like it.
Great salsa!! -
Review from Michelle B.
Surrey, BC
11/23/2011
The Naam doesn't just have excellent vegetarian food, its excellent food, period. They have very large portion sizes, every dish I've had has been fantastic, its open 24 hours a day and pricing is fair. The best part: as a vegetarian you don't need to ask if a dish is vegetarian or not! And there are lots of vegan options.
My favorite dishes are the Tempeh Rueben and pretty much any of the Dragon Bowls, but more specifically, the "Naam". Miso gravy is also delicious.
The reason I give the Naam 4/5 instead of 5/5 is that it is often crowded with wait times of 30 minutes or more and mediocre service from borderline unfriendly staff. -
Review from Dee B.
7/25/2011
I do not like the Naam at all. It is overpriced and the majority of their food has the undertone of dirt which they try to cover up with cheese and you end up feeling like garbage even though you really only ate some veggies, tofu, an egg and a bit of bread.
In a perfect world, I would muster up the balls to do a drive by and throw a steak at their front door. -
Review from AJ N.
9/16/2011 1 photo
Had dinner here a few nights ago, and while my view of the night is probably colored by the excellent company I had. Still! The food was definitely good and plentiful.
I had the Naam burrito - which was MASSIVE - and a cup of the cauliflower soup. The soup definitely needed salt, but I never fault a restaurant for that kind of seasoning as they leave you a nice salt-shaker on the table for you to doctor to your own taste. I actually prefer when restaurants undersalt for that very reason. I did like the peanut sauce in the Naam burrito. It definitely tasted made-fresh, as did the veggies.
I also liked the live singer. She was very good, and wasn't super-loud, so I could still chat with my friend. Overall, the place was very homey, and comfortable feeling. Thanks for the good meal! -
Review from Evilyn T.
Updated - 7/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I'm pretty sure my friends hate me now for suggesting we go to the Naam for breakfast on Sunday. It was my first breakfast experience at the Naam, and I'm not sure I will be rushing back at all, if ever.
The place was average busy, most of the tables were filled but there was no wait, and it was 1:30 (I know this because I checked the menu to see what time they were serving breakfast until and it was 2pm) so we had just made it in time for breaky. We were seated promptly with orders taken and given waters all around. The BF ordered the bluberry shake, which he inhaled, and then we began the wait. We waited, and waited, and waited..... and waited..... forty minutes went by before I finally grabbed one of the servers to ask if our food was actually coming (something I have never had to do before at a restaurant, so I'm not sure if it was the hanger, or the hangover talking, but I was getting pissed.) I couldn't even spot our server to ask her.
Our breakfast arrived shortly thereafter, and the BF's was cold, mine was hot and our third party's was warm. We scarfed it down, because we were starting to see our ribs poking through our tshirts, paid our bill (which surprisingly came pretty quick) and left. Yea, I will admit we didn't leave a favourable tip, but honestly the service fucking sucked and I don't really care. If you can't come by to check on your table in forty minutes or remember to make sure they even get their food in that time, you're not really doing your job, so why should I be paying you extra for that? Yea..... think I may stick to late night grub at this place, although with the slow service, I may end up getting breakfast again.Listed in: Drinkin' that Hate-orade, Vancouver Vege-me-tarian.
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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2/16/2010
We came here for a late but granola romantic Valentine's Day dinner last night. I am now halfway… Read more »
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Review from J A.
Vancouver, BC
10/20/2011
I don't know what everyone is complaining about. Please read the reviews here! Notice a theme? The service is world-record-breaking .. for slowness. This is the slowest service in Vancouver. I am not joking, it's got the slowest delivery of your food in the whole city. That is something to be proud of!
So enjoy it! Imagine a nice sunny day, and you're thinking "hey, what I'd like to do today is wait 70 minutes for our food !" Welll truck on over to the Naam, order, and wait. And wait. And wait. And wait. Isn't this fun?!
So, just know what you're going there for. You wouldn't go to an Italian restaurant, and then complain that all the food tastes Italian, would you? Well, if you go to the slowest-service-in-Vancouver restaurant, surely you're going there to enjoy the slowest service in Vancouver, right? So enjoy! -
Review from Veronica D.
Vancouver, BC
8/25/2011
Typical time warp vegetarian restaurant run without a care in the world or a freaking clue and are still living off their grandeur from being popular in the 70's.
Pretty standard fare for a kitchen sink style vegetarian place. Nothing amazing, but they try to cover every single vegetarian comfort food pretty half heartedly. Most things are covered in cheese or sour cream, so that's a plus if you're not veg, or a big turn off if you're vegan.
At least they have daiya which is good, but I think the recipes and menu need a little update. Be careful if you have allergies, as you really need to drill this into the waiters to tell the kitchen, unless you enjoy sloppy food with cheese contamination or a full fledged appearance.
I got the Cashew Avocado Enchilada last time, hoping something decadent (with too much fat I know), could be tasty and comforting. It tastes exactly like it's described... Why someone would choose to put cashews with avocado I don't know. Both have little taste and are a rich mess inside a tortilla hidden with cheese.
I can make better vegan food in my kitchen with a blind fold on than this place, so I can't say I'm itching to go back. It's a shame they care not for their veg customers as there's no soul or care put into the ancient menu or bland food.
If I was a student and needed to eat late then that would be a plus, but since I'm not I could care less about their 24 hour service. -
Review from Andrew L.
Vancouver, BC
6/20/2011
I don't understand the love that people have for this place. Went for late night food and conversation with three other friends. It's very small, very loud, the table and my utensils were dirty, the service was atrocious and the food was subpar. We spent quite a few minutes trying to identify what an odd tasting dessert tasted like rather than simply enjoying it and my dish tasted like it had been re-heated.
The Naam is nothing amazing whatsoever. There has to be better vegan restaurants in Vancouver, considering the sheer volume of restaurants in this city. -
Review from Sahra G.
6/21/2011
My best bud inroduced me to this gem of a vegetarian restaurant that is open 24/7?!!?! Amazing. There was a line out the door, so I figured I was in for some good grub. The grub was ok. I had the fries with cheese and miso gravy, pad thai, and my friend and I shared apple cranberry pie a la mode for dessert.
The fries with cheese and miso gravy were super amazing. I'd never had miso gravy before but I am now a fan.
The pad thai was slightly over-cooked and the tofu could have been seasoned, but it was still pretty good for a place open 24 hrs a day.
The pie... oh my god the pie. BEST DECISION EVER.
I found our server to be attentive and he even made the dessert suggestion and he did not lie. BEST PIE EVER.
I can't wait to go back and eat all the other stuff on the menu!! Naam? More like Baam! -
Review from Kyle J.
Vancouver, BC
5/13/2011
The fucking Naam.
Those of you who have read my previous review of Slickity Jim's probably have a good idea what I think about this crap shack, poor excuse for an eatery that is miraculously voted one of Vancouver's best vegetarian restaurants annually.
I do not understand the allure of this shithole restaurant.
Sure it's open 24 hours. Sure it's vegetarian.
But it's terrible.
The service is horrendous, and the only thing worse than the coffee is the food.
It's long-standing status as one of Vancouver's best vegetarian restaurants can only mean one thing: Vancouver is populated by a lot of vegetarians who either lack tastebuds or have severe flavour allergies.
Clicking on the link to The Naam on Yelp only increases my befuddlement.
3 1/2 stars?!?
What the fuck is wrong with you, Vancouver?!?
The Naam is fucking awful.
I give it four turds out of five for shitiness.
It may be healthy, but there's no reason it needs to be flavourless. I make healthy food all the time, and it's delicious. http://epicurewhatails...
There's no reason the service needs to be terrible, but it is, and for some reason people keep going back.
Is terrible service charming?
WTF?
What really baffles me are the reviews endorsing the food. Granted I have only sampled two dishes from the Naam in one visit, but they were both horrible. My dining partner ordered a green curry of some sort and I had the chili. The curry was nothing more than steamed vegetables in a bowl with no seasoning or discernible flavour and the chili was a day old bowl of mono-flavour gruel served with bread that had been defrosted from frozen.
And of course, I had to wait 30 minutes to complain about it and get a coffee refill.
Upon delivery of my complaint, my server responded, "it was made fresh to order, and everybody loves it."
Bullshit.
Nobody makes chili to order, that would be just plain stupid; nobody is going to wait more than an hour for fresh-made chili.
The chili was scooped from the steam table to order, left under a heat lamp, and then microwaved to order.
The Naam is shit, their food is shit, and their repeat customers idiots. -
Review from Andrea L.
Vancouver, BC
8/6/2011
I love the vegetarian options that are available, miso gravy is to die for when you have the sesame fries, but HOW can you have service so poor?
It was suuuuper busy one night I was there, line up was out the door, I made my way in to ask if I was able to make a take out order, the lady told me they were to busy to do take out. What!? I've seen busier at White Spot and they have never denied anyone. Tables needed bussing, people were waiting f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get in to eat, I felt bad for this couple who had a baby in a seat who seemed to be waiting for SO long...and it was just the two of them with a weeny little one..
Please, renovate and expand the place when you get the opportunity and please have nicer, less moody staff. -
Review from alison t.
Mission, BC
10/12/2011
If you want to see latent rage, try wearing a leather jacket here. My husband and I were waiting for the computer repairman down the road who had a flexible understanding of punctuality and we stumbled in here not knowing it was vegetarian. I used to be a vegetarian once. I still thought the food tasted like warmed over wood chips.
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Review from Louisa P.
Burnaby, BC
11/24/2011
The Naam is super yummy! I'm not much of a "vegetarian" fan, but this made me forget about my need for meat (bit of a meatitarian which is a habit I'm trying to break. :P). haha. I ordered their Milano Quesadilla Platter and and loved it! Didn't have any space for dessert although they looked really good. Next time!
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Review from Cyril S.
Vancouver, BC
10/21/2011
Called to see if I could make an order for pick-up. They said "we're too busy" and hung up on me. I've been inside the restaurant 3 times in the past, and every time was an awful customer service nightmare. It's obvious now that it's a theme and not an accident.
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Review from Allison M.
7/13/2011
I love The Naam.
When you're in a long-distance (transnational!) relationship, you try to describe your day in enormous detail. You want to live vicariously through each other, so the distance doesn't seem so great. And so, leading up to my visit to my boyfriend in Vancouver, I got to hear over and over again about his escapades to this 24/7 vegetarian mecca.
We decided, because of the price, that we would go one time during my visit. And it was easily the best meal I had in Vancouver, probably one of the best in my life.
We ordered the cashew & avocado enchiladas, along with the Thai noodles (we have a thing for pad thai), and split both. I think the enchilada was the highlight of the meal, but we devoured both, incessantly murmuring to each other how delicious it all was. I also got a cider, expecting the usual Woodchuck/Hornsby's deal, but instead got a bottle of something that tasted more like a brut apple champagne. I've craved it, frequently, ever since.
Completely worth waiting in the fast-moving line for. My boyfriend's moving back to the States in a few months, and I'm over the moon-- the only drawback is not having another excuse to go to Vancouver and hit up The Naam. -
Review from Erin U.
10/4/2011
Im a huge fan of the naam! In fact, its my favorite restaurant in Vancouver. Great vegetarian food and even if you are a huge meat lover you will not be dissapointed. The food is so good you dont even notice no meat. Also the plates are huge and you will never leave hungry. The salad, miso fries and burritos are the best. The dessert selection is good, the staff are great! Be prepared if you go around typical dinner hours you will be waiting in a liine to get in. Luckily line moves pretty fast but still best to go in off hours. A must eat in Vancouver in my books! oh and the patio is adorable :-)
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Review from Emmo S.
Vancouver, BC
3/17/2011
Hey Naam people, the 70's are over. Enough with the really bad, bland hippie veg stuff already. Get some proper culinary training and learn how to use some spices.
Poorly constructed recipes, dirty old interior, crummy service, and poorly prepared food. My wife and I are vegetarians and expect from a veg restaurant some level of creativity and style when dining out. The Naam is attempting to rely on its old charms, but really the food is poorly prepared and univiting, like the premesis and the staff.
When we moved to Vancouver friends told us that we had to come here, being vegetarians. FAIL.. -
Review from Yoony P.
3/7/2011 ROTD 9/18/2011
I have never been to a bonafide vegetarian restaurant before but when my sister suggested this place for her birthday dinner I got a little excited reading the reviews.
I was impressed by the variety of items in the menu.
I would suggest you pass on the sesame fries with miso gravy though. For 7.50 I rather bake my own potato wedges , melt shredded cheese on them and dip them in Japanese style salad dressing. It would probably taste the same.
Plates our table ordered were: fries, burger platters, nacho salad, and Thai noodles (which is what I had). Everyone's food looked great. The small pile of grated beets on each plate is a nice touch. The portions are quite large so come hungry or take togo leftovers.
Definitely a place to try out if u haven't already! -
Review from Rebecca C.
Vancouver, BC
10/29/2011
We've been to the Naam too many times to count. It's dependable and reliable. It's always been very good, but rarely great, and it's never ever been bad. Years of customer feedback have ensured that everything offered on the menu is a winner. Some of the bowls and dinner plates are downright addicting. They also blend some fantastic teas that are worth trying. There is often live music, either some jazz or folk. The staff are friendly but don't move too quickly, so it's not a place to go when you're in a hurry. There are long line ups in front during peak hours, such as dinner time and weekend brunches. The Naam is best as a place to go to defeat late night hunger, especially since there are so few decent late night options in Vancouver.
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Review from Taylor L.
Vancouver, BC
5/12/2011
So close to UBC and open 24/7! Great healthy options at this vegetarian gem, just don't go during normal dinner hours as the wait will be forever! Weekday breakfast is only $2.99 too.
Miso Gravy on everything, enough said. -
Review from Earl W.
2/20/2011
Janet took me here for lunch today, and boy oh boy were we starving! I was about to eat my hand.
We were seated right away, but we had to sit outside at a cold table on the back porch. The space heaters just were not up to par!
We both ordered Mexican platters - Janet had the veggie burrito and I had a chilaquiles enchilada. Portions were huge, but flavor was small. Our salads hardly had any dressing, and the food was just bland. The sesame fries with miso gravy were the highlight, but not as good as we expected based on other people's rave reviews.
Service was extra slow Our tummies were growling for 40 minutes before our meals arrived! Granted, the place was crowded, but our food arrived after tables that sat down after us.
Janet's been here thrice, and each time she has been relatively unimpressed. I think this will be our last visit.
Sincerely,
Earl and Janet -
Review from Mio K.
Vancouver, BC
8/8/2011
First review I have written. I had to write it. I used to love the Naam. The ambience, the funkiness. And although I always thought the service was slow, and the food was so so (but I do like the croissant melt with their guacamole, and the stuffed chapati), the atmosphere kind of made up for it, and I could overlook the shortcomings. Until now!
The other night, my girlfriend and I went in there around 11pm. The place was maybe 1/4 full. We were served water after quite a long wait, and then just sat there forever to have our orders taken. We called out to this short chubby scruffy looking guy with glasses, who was wiping the table nearby, and at first he completely ignored us! We asked again, and after some eye-rolling, and incredible rudeness, he mumbled that our server will be there, which didn't happen.
After another 10 minutes, we just left the water on the table, and got up to leave (I don't think I have ever done that before). Then he mumbles again " I told you the server will be there soon", looking really annoyed.
I just couldn't believe how rude the guy was. How can you get away with such poooooor service? It ruins everything, and just makes me mad and sad.
But the line-ups continue! Incredible! -
Review from Kyrsten J.
New Westminster, BC
5/11/2011
It's crazy to me to think that I've been coming here for 11 yrs. But what am I talking about? My DAD used to come here in the 70s, despite being a lifelong meat eater - and he even enjoyed the food.
The Naam is a place you have to visit to finally say you've had the Vancouver Experience. It's everything this town used to be (until the hippies became hipsters...) and the food is dependably good. Honestly, I've never had *room* for the desserts like the other reviewers, but it never struck me as a place you should have dessert at. Have you seen the size of their servings?
But the Gold Dragon Bowl - YUM - I've never seen my fries, gravy & cheese get disguised SO WELL by veggies that I *almost* think they are healthy! -
Review from Cyndi H.
Vancouver, BC
Nomnomnom...
Healthy, hearty vegetarian meals in a rustic space. Live acoustic music, great (and reasonably healthy) desserts... can you go wrong?
The only drawback is the wait and sometimes the service. Last night, our service was good--as good as it can be in a packed restaurant. We waited about 15 mins in line to get in, but at first bite we remembered why we came. Deeelish.
I had the Golden Dragon Bowl. Fries, fresh veggies and tofu slathered in their mindblowing MISO GRAVY. Seriously. Drench that over anything and it will taste good. Luckily for me, it was poured over something that was already good, so double good. My friend ordered the Ensalata salad. That is another favourite.
Open 24 hours. Do it.Listed in: Life Altering Items, Vegetarian Fav's, Eats in the city that sleeps!, Kitsilano
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/15/2010
The service, not excellent, but the food always is. The ensalata taco salad has fake meat that… Read more »
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Review from Mandy R.
4/13/2011
The service is mediocre, it's almost always busy, it's not exactly the cleanest, the atmosphere isn't great...
That aside, I always like coming to the Naam. At this point I have tried most of the food and I know what works and what doesn't. I am addicted to their miso gravy and would probably have it poured all over everything forever if I could. I prefer their brunch to dinner menu, and if you go on a weekday, it's almost empty in there at breakfast time. -
Review from Malloreigh M.
Vancouver, BC
12/29/2010 5 Check-ins Here
Oh, the Naam. More than once I've decided I'm over this place, over the mediocre food quality and abysmal service and cluttered space and regularly increasing prices, but time and again I find myself craving it. I go on "Naam binges" where I'll eat there once a week for a month, and then I'll avoid the place for six months to a year. We have an off and on relationship, but I think it works for both of us.
Everything at the Naam tastes the same. I've had pretty much everything on the menu and nothing is really exceptional. My food has been screwed up at least five times, and usually it's screwed up in the "I ordered this vegan but it has cheese or egg in it" way, which can be... frustrating, especially in a restaurant that's catered to the veg and vegan community in Vancouver since the sixties.
That said, there is no substitute in the world for Naam Miso Gravy. You can buy this stuff in bottles, which I do quite often, but eating it hot at the restaurant is pretty good, too. One problem I've found, however, is that there is nothing sufficiently delicious and appropriate to order the miso gravy WITH. The sesame fries are just too chalky and big.
The Naam has been around forever, and for good reason. There's always a lineup in the evenings, and I've never been the only table in there, even at 4am. It's obviously popular. The food really isn't bad at all. I find it underwhelming, I guess, because I've eaten all of it, every single dish, and I know from my other dining experiences that the quality is not exceptional in any way. But so what?
My recommendations:
1. The Naam Burrito - undoubtedly the most food you can get for your money here.
2. Pita Pizza - stacked with Daiya, this is about as indulgent as you can get. I recommend ordering mushrooms on it, though.
3. Blueberry Soy Shake - ice cream in a cup; better than dessert.
4. Noh Pie - banana date walnut pie with no sugar in it! It feels good to eat this pie.
5. Tofu Scramble - a flavourful tofu scram, hell yeah! But be aware that your server may bring you eggs instead of tofu, and maybe you will have real cheese when you ordered vegan cheese. Both of these things have happened to me more than once.
6. A side of miso gravy - on everything.
I suggest that you avoid:
1. Nachos - the Naam suffers from the malady of a high pile of chips with cheese only on top, and then you run out of toppings and all you have are rapidly cooling chips.
2. Cashew and Avocado Enchilada - sounds like a great idea, but it is one of those things where the individual components are better apart than together, kind of like a bad relationship. Cashews? Awesome. Avocado? Awesome. Together, mucky and hot with corn tortillas? Pretty crappy. Both of them lose their delicious je ne sais quoi when they are combined in this way. A wedding you are better off not attending. -
Review from Sarah H.
5/5/2011
If you're looking for superb service, I would not recommend this place. If you're looking for awesome food: definitely go here.
The vegetarian cuisine is fantastic. With a wide range of foods, and flavours, I have never left Naam disappointed. It's a low key, casual dining experience and the place is always packed (which can make it difficult for larger groups - especially because they do not take reservations during peak times.
I would recommend anything that comes with Miso. LOVE IT! -
Review from Michael H.
Calgary, AB
12/11/2010
This place is truly terrible, and it amazes me how it gets high reviews. Perhaps mainly reviewed by its late night clientele, mostly drunk and not very discerning about things like taste and service.
It's vegetarian. Which isn't a knock. But the food is very bland. Flavourless. The service is excruciatingly slow. There are far better vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver. That The Naam is open 24/7 shouldn't win them any accolades, it doesn't improve any of the essentials. Denny's is open 24/7, no one is giving them 5-stars.
The Naam is undeserving of the reputation of being one of the better vegetarian restaurants in town. It is one of the worst veggie joints in town. -
Review from Allison F.
1/6/2011
Came here for the first time last night. Was greeted by a lineup out the door, which apparently is normal. Thankfully the host came out to find a group of 2 and we were seated within 5 minutes. Our table was right by the door and so every time it was opened, I got a chilly blast of air in my ear. Not an ideal seat but oh well.
To drink, I tried the ginger beer and my companion had a chai latte. The ginger beer wasn't as strong as I had expected, but was delicious. The brand mixes it with pineapple juice and so it's more juicy and less pop-ish. Win!
We had the sesame fries with cheese and miso gravy to start. I remembered hearing about it being a vegetarian poutine version and I definitely remembered that wrong. The fries are potato wedges with a few sesame seeds, smothered in melted cheese. Gravy is served on the side and was too vinegary for us. A side of grated carrot and beet come with the dish which was nice, though a little odd. I had beet juice on my potato wedge and I thought my mouth was bleeding.
For dinner, I had the chili burrito and my friend had a cashew avocado enchilada. Half of our plates were piled high with a delicious salad and portions of the entree are also huge. My burrito had so much (super spicy) veggie chili that the tortilla was kind of wrapped around the top and that was it. The salad and 1/4 of the burrito was all I needed to be fully stuffed. I don't know what's in the salad dressing but it's amazing and super fresh.
Our only suggestion is that pictures on the menu would make ordering 100% easier. If you don't' know the menu already, it's a little tricky to pick what to eat. Service was prompt even though the restaurant was packed. -
Review from Matt D.
4/10/2011
I still have dreams about The Naam since moving from Vancouver. Every time I head back up to visit, I always make sure to stop in at least once or twice.
To this day, I've yet to find a better grilled cheese sandwich. It's absolutely perfect in every way; with its perfect amount of colby jack sandwiched between two hearty slices of delicious herb bread. If the cheese is going to give you any sort of constipation, that bread will make sure that it pushes it through.
Then of course, there is the miso fries. Like many, I was a bit weary at first, but I was glad that I took the plunge. If you get them with the "works", it's like a pan-asian/vegetarian version of poutine (that's equally unhealthy). The perfect late night snack!
I end up getting these two things every time I return to The Naam, but their other food is just as fantastic. I just have a soft spot for these two items... located right at my waistline.Listed in: Breakfast/Brunch - Nature's…, Vancity!
-
Review from Ayaka H.
Vancouver, BC
10/2/2010 ROTD 5/1/2011
This is a good Vegetarian restaurant for the casual diner.
My Bao took me here and I have to say Wow, the food really is fantastic!!
I ordered the farmer's Omelette and the soy milkshake with blueberries and soy ice cream.....it was so good I think I finished it in like 3 minutes....For the main course, be aware they are HEAVY, so come here if you want a really filling meal.
This is not a good place to go if you are looking for a romantic lunch / dinner date. There is no ambiance here. but let's say, after a work out, during the weekday, if you want something casual with friends while you chat away, by yourself, it's a good place for that. I don't know why but this place has a "College" feel to me.
I read a review on someone saying the service is consistently bad - I didn't experience this at all. Our server filled up our water frequently.
Lines are long, but waiting in queue is worth it.
LADIES- don't wear your stilettos here, the floors are pretty uneven! =) -
Review from Quoc H.
Edmonton, AB
4/17/2011
My thoughts on my first visit here:
- Place is very busy for brunch on a Saturday around 11am but got a table right away
- Tables a bit sticky but thought it was the same as the majority of greasy spoon equivalents
- Service was slow (particularly to order and get the check) as it seemed like our server was working half the restaurant
- Did not love my heuvos rancheros as it was too smoky, in fact, somewhat tasted like propane or like the sauce had been in a camp fire
- Really enjoyed the home fries and "sam patty" with the miso gravy
Overall, it was a satisfactory meal and it was cheap so I'd give it another shot. I would try a different dish though. -
Review from Marjorie D.
Vancouver, BC
4/27/2011
First of all, I'm not a vegetarian but that's not the reason why I didn't give The Naam an additional star. I ordered the Thai dragon bowl and the serving was generous, as with the other dishes my friends ordered. The coconut curry sauce was a good compliment to the fresh veggies and I really liked the grated beets and carrots on top. I'm always drawn to some spicy foods and yet I eventually have trouble with it to the point where it slows down my eating. This was one of those dishes. Nonetheless, every morsel was still good.
The organic blueberry pie was a disappointment. I'm quite used to blueberry pies where the blueberries spill out of the slice. Not sure what was going on with this one but the filling was perfectly compacted into the slice. I asked for it warm but I'm not sure it would've made a difference cold. Anyway, it tasted like someone filled the pie with a blueberry fruit roll-up or fruit leather. That's really odd to me! I'm still trying to figure out if the blueberries were dried or maybe they added a little too much cornstarch to bind those blueberries together? The best dessert on the table was the Shakti cake. Moist, tender goodness. I wish my blueberries were as moist as that Shakti cake.
Other than the food, the restaurant can get pretty loud. When we got there around 630pm, we managed to get a table but the place was quite busy. Like others have said, it could look a little cleaner (and so could our server! He looked like he's been working the 24 hr shift). The live music was really good. It started around 7pm.
