Lila Restaurant Vancouver

Lila: Meeru Dhalwala's Modern Indian Restaurant on Main Street

Lila is a modern, plant-forward Indian restaurant at 3941 Main Street, near 23rd Avenue. It opened in May 2024 as a partnership between chef Meeru Dhalwala, co-founder of Vij's, and restaurateur Shira Blustein of The Acorn.

Lila won Bronze for Best Indian at the 2025 Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards. Here's what to know.

About Lila

The restaurant took over the former Arbor space and opened as pescatarian and vegetable-forward. That approach brings together Dhalwala's cooking and Blustein's background in plant-based restaurants, and the menu is built to suit vegetarians, vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Dhalwala describes the cooking as her own style of Indian food rather than a strict regional cuisine. There is a playful drinks list and a hidden garden patio.

The Menu

How It Works

Order several plates to share, or book the family-style feast.

What to Order

• Black chickpea and zucchini cakes: in coconut curry with basmati rice.
• Potato tikki: in tamarind with blueberry chutney and yogurt.
• Seared arctic char: marinated and served on creamy basmati.
• Family-style feast: a multi-course shared menu.

Dietary Needs

Indian menus usually have plenty of vegetarian dishes. Many dishes include dairy (ghee, cream, paneer), nuts or gluten, so tell staff about allergies.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

A lush, plant-filled dining room and a garden patio.

• Best for: vegetarian-friendly dinners and groups
• Price: affordable to moderate
• Format: dinner, weekend lunch
• Good to know: garden patio in warm months

Location: Main Street, Vancouver

Lila is at 3941 Main Street, Vancouver, BC, at 23rd Avenue.

Hours of Operation

Lila opens for dinner on weekdays and from midday on weekends. Check current hours before you go.

Reservations

• Reservations are available online.

Price Range

Lila is affordable to moderate.

Awards and Recognition

• Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards 2025: Bronze, Best Indian

Contact Information

• Address: 3941 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P2
• Phone: 604-620-3256
• Neighbourhood: Main Street, Vancouver
• Cuisine: Indian

Frequently Asked Questions

Who runs Lila?

Chef Meeru Dhalwala and restaurateur Shira Blustein.

Is Lila vegetarian?

It is vegetable-forward and pescatarian, with plenty of vegan options.

Where is Lila?

3941 Main Street at 23rd Avenue.

When did Lila open?

May 2024.

Does Lila have a patio?

Yes, a garden patio.