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If you’re looking for a great place to grab lunch in Vancouver, you’re in luck. This city is home to a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that serve up everything from classic sandwiches to innovative fusion dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for something quick and casual or a more upscale dining experience, Vancouver has something to offer.
The best lunch places in Vancouver use an abundance of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Many restaurants in the city pride themselves on using seasonal produce and sustainable meats and seafood, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. Plus, with so many different cultural influences in the city, you can find cuisine from all over the world, including Japanese, Italian, Greek, and more.
No matter what your budget or taste preferences, there’s sure to be a lunch spot in Vancouver that fits the bill. From cozy cafes to trendy gastropubs, you can find something that suits your style. So why not explore the city’s culinary scene and discover your new favorite lunch spot?
Iconic Lunch Spots
Vancouver is home to many iconic lunch spots that are perfect for a quick bite or a leisurely meal. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, French cuisine, or American classics, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Gastown District
Gastown is a historic district in Vancouver that is known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and trendy restaurants. Here are some of the most iconic lunch spots in Gastown:
- L’Abattoir: This French-inspired restaurant is known for its elegant decor and innovative menu. The lunch menu features dishes like steak tartare, smoked salmon, and duck confit.
- Peckinpah: If you’re in the mood for barbecue, Peckinpah is the place to be. This casual eatery serves up delicious smoked meats, sandwiches, and sides.
- Tacofino: For a quick and tasty lunch, head to Tacofino for some of the best tacos in the city. The menu features a variety of fillings, including pork belly, fish, and chicken.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a popular tourist destination that is home to a bustling public market, artisan studios, and waterfront restaurants. Here are some of the most iconic lunch spots in Granville Island:
- Sandbar Seafood Restaurant: If you’re in the mood for seafood, Sandbar is the place to be. This waterfront restaurant serves up fresh oysters, fish and chips, and seafood platters.
- Dockside Restaurant & Brewing Company: This restaurant offers stunning views of False Creek and the city skyline. The lunch menu features a variety of dishes, including burgers, salads, and seafood.
Yaletown
Yaletown is a trendy neighborhood in downtown Vancouver that is known for its upscale restaurants and bars. Here are some of the most iconic lunch spots in Yaletown:
- Homer Street Cafe and Bar: This restaurant is known for its rotisserie chicken and classic cocktails. The lunch menu features dishes like chicken and waffles, grilled cheese, and fish and chips.
- Blue Water Cafe: This seafood restaurant is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The lunch menu features a variety of dishes, including sushi, seafood chowder, and fish tacos.
- The Flying Pig: This casual eatery serves up comfort food with a twist. The lunch menu features dishes like pork belly sandwiches, mac and cheese, and fried chicken.
Cultural Cuisine
When it comes to lunch in Vancouver, you can experience a variety of cultural cuisines. Here are some of the best spots to try out:
Chinatown
Chinatown is known for its delicious Chinese cuisine. If you’re looking for a quick and affordable lunch, head to Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie. They offer a variety of small plates, including their famous pork belly steamed buns. For a heartier meal, try the crispy duck confit or the mapo tofu.
Another great option is New Town Bakery & Restaurant. This casual spot is known for their baked goods, but they also serve up some tasty dim sum. Try the har gow (shrimp dumplings) or the siu mai (pork and shrimp dumplings).
Little India
If you’re in the mood for some spicy and flavorful Indian food, head to Little India. One of the best spots in the area is Vij’s. This upscale restaurant serves up modern Indian cuisine with a twist. Try the lamb popsicles or the grilled eggplant with paneer.
Another great option is Salam Bombay (temporarily closed). This cozy spot offers a lunch buffet with a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Don’t miss the butter chicken or the saag paneer.
Italian District
For some classic Italian cuisine, head to the Italian District. One of the best spots in the area is Ask for Luigi. This cozy restaurant serves up homemade pasta dishes, including the popular spaghetti and meatballs. Don’t forget to try the tiramisu for dessert.
Another great option is Nook. This casual spot is known for their delicious pizzas and pastas. Try the classic margherita pizza or the spaghetti carbonara.
No matter what cultural cuisine you’re in the mood for, Vancouver has plenty of options to choose from.
Seafood Specialties
If you’re craving seafood for lunch, Vancouver has plenty of options to choose from. Here are two areas with some of the best seafood specialties in the city.
English Bay
English Bay is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, and it’s also home to some great seafood restaurants. Here are a few to check out:
- The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant: This restaurant has a great view of the water and serves up fresh seafood dishes like crab cakes, clam chowder, and fish and chips. They also have a patio if you want to enjoy your lunch outside.
- Cardero’s Restaurant: Another waterfront restaurant, Cardero’s has a variety of seafood options like lobster bisque, seafood linguine, and grilled salmon. They also have a happy hour menu if you’re looking for a deal.
- The Fish Counter: If you’re looking for something a little more casual, The Fish Counter is a great option. They serve up fish and chips, fish tacos, and seafood chowder, all made with sustainably sourced seafood.
Steveston Village
Steveston Village is a historic fishing village located in Richmond, just south of Vancouver. It’s a great place to go if you want to learn more about the city’s fishing history and enjoy some fresh seafood. Here are a few restaurants to try:
- Pajo’s Fish and Chips: This casual spot is located right on the water and serves up some of the best fish and chips in the city. They also have other seafood options like clam chowder and fish tacos.
- Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant: Another waterfront restaurant, Blue Canoe has a great view of the marina. They serve up seafood dishes like crab cakes, seafood linguine, and grilled salmon. They also have a daily happy hour from 3-6pm.
- Steveston Seafood House: This upscale restaurant has been serving up seafood dishes for over 30 years. They have a variety of options like lobster bisque, seafood risotto, and sablefish. They also have a great wine list if you want to pair your lunch with a glass of wine.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan options for lunch in Vancouver, you’re in luck! The city has a wide range of restaurants and cafes that cater to plant-based eaters. Here are some of the best spots to check out:
Commercial Drive
Commercial Drive is known for its diverse range of restaurants and cafes, including many with vegetarian and vegan options. Here are some of our top picks:
| Restaurant | Type of Cuisine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Burrow | Mexican | Vegetarian and vegan options available |
| Dharma Kitchen | (permanently closed) | |
| The Fish Counter | Seafood | Vegetarian and vegan options available |
| The Drive Coffee Bar | (permanently closed) |
Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is another great neighborhood for vegetarian and vegan options. Here are some of our top picks:
| Restaurant | Type of Cuisine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Meet on Main | Comfort Food | Vegetarian and vegan options available |
| The Arbor | Comfort Food | Vegetarian and vegan options available |
| Chau Veggie Express | Vietnamese | Vegetarian and vegan options available |
| The Chickpea | Middle Eastern | Vegetarian and vegan options available |
No matter what neighborhood you’re in, you’re sure to find a delicious vegetarian or vegan option for lunch in Vancouver.
Farm-To-Table Restaurants
If you’re looking for restaurants that serve fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, Vancouver has several farm-to-table options to choose from. These restaurants prioritize ethical and sustainable sourcing practices, making them a great choice for those who want to support local farmers and enjoy delicious, healthy meals. Here are two neighborhoods with great farm-to-table options:
Kitsilano
Kitsilano is home to Fable Kitchen, a farm-to-table restaurant that has been a local favorite since it opened in 2012. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the availability of local ingredients, but you can always expect fresh, inventive dishes that showcase the best of British Columbia’s produce. Fable Kitchen also has a sister restaurant, Fable Diner, which offers a more casual dining experience.
Another great option in Kitsilano is Farmer’s Apprentice, which focuses on sustainable, organic, and locally-sourced ingredients. The menu changes daily to reflect what’s in season, but you can always expect thoughtful, creative dishes that highlight the flavors of the Pacific Northwest.
East Vancouver
If you’re in East Vancouver, be sure to check out Burdock & Co. This cozy restaurant prides itself on serving locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients, and the menu changes frequently to reflect what’s available. The dishes are inventive and flavorful, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Another great option in East Vancouver is The Acorn, a vegetarian restaurant that sources all of its ingredients from local farms and producers. The menu is creative and flavorful, with plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians. The Acorn also has an impressive cocktail menu, with drinks made from locally-sourced ingredients like honey and herbs.
Overall, Vancouver has plenty of farm-to-table options for those who want to enjoy fresh, sustainable ingredients while supporting local farmers. Whether you’re in Kitsilano or East Vancouver, you’re sure to find a restaurant that fits your tastes and values.
Gourmet Food Trucks
When it comes to lunch, Vancouver has a variety of food trucks that offer gourmet options. Here are some of the best food trucks to visit in Vancouver for a gourmet lunch experience.
Downtown
Mr. Shawarma: This Middle Eastern food truck located in Downtown Vancouver is known for its delicious shawarma wraps and plates. Their menu includes vegetarian and meat options, and they also offer gluten-free wraps. You can choose from a variety of toppings and sauces to customize your shawarma.
West End
Frying Pan Food Truck: This food truck is famous for its delicious Korean fried chicken sandwiches. They also offer other Korean-inspired dishes like bulgogi beef and kimchi fries. The owners, Jacob and Sunny, are known for their friendly service and attention to detail.
Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck: If you’re looking for a classic comfort food lunch, Mom’s Grilled Cheese Truck is the place to go. They offer a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches with different types of cheese and toppings. They also have gluten-free and vegan options available.
These are just a few of the gourmet food trucks you can find in Vancouver. Be sure to check out their websites or social media pages for their current locations and menus.
Brewpubs and Gastropubs
If you’re looking for a delicious lunch spot in Vancouver that also serves great beer, then you should definitely check out some of the city’s best brewpubs and gastropubs. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
Railtown
Railtown is a neighborhood in Vancouver that’s home to some of the city’s best gastropubs. Here are a few places you should definitely check out:
- The Belgard Kitchen: This gastropub is located in a beautiful, industrial-style building and serves up delicious food and beer. The menu changes regularly, but you can always expect to find some tasty small plates and hearty entrees. They also have a great selection of local beers on tap.
- Railtown Cafe: While not technically a gastropub, Railtown Cafe serves up some seriously delicious food that pairs perfectly with their selection of local beers. They’re known for their sandwiches and salads, but make sure to save room for one of their famous butter tarts.
Strathcona
Strathcona is another neighborhood in Vancouver that’s home to some great brewpubs and gastropubs. Here is a great place you should definitely check out:
- Strathcona Beer Company: This brewery and taproom is a must-visit for any beer lover. They have a great selection of beers on tap, including some unique and experimental brews. They also serve up some delicious snacks to pair with your beer, like soft pretzels and charcuterie boards.
No matter which neighborhood you find yourself in, Vancouver has plenty of great brewpubs and gastropubs to choose from. So grab a friend and head out to try some delicious food and beer!
Final Thoughts about Lunch Places in Vancouver
In this article, you have discovered some of the best lunch places in Vancouver. Whether you are in the mood for French cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, or American classics, there is something for everyone in this city.
You can indulge in seafood and Mediterranean dishes at Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean or enjoy French cuisine at Alouette Bistro. For American classics and a great ambiance, Glowbal is a fantastic choice.
If you are looking for a more casual lunch experience, there are plenty of options as well. The 10 Best Lunch Places in Vancouver – Top Places article lists some great options, including The Fish Counter, Tacofino, and Vij’s Railway Express.
Overall, Vancouver is a foodie’s paradise, with a wide variety of exceptional lunch destinations to choose from. No matter what your taste buds are craving, you are sure to find something delicious in this city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the best casual restaurants in Vancouver?
If you’re looking for a casual dining experience in Vancouver, there are plenty of options to choose from. Some popular choices include The Great North, which offers delicious breakfast and lunch options, and Slow Fox, which serves up comfort food and beer.
What are the top 10 restaurants in Vancouver?
According to OpenTable, some of the top-rated restaurants in Vancouver include Bar Oso, Burdock & Co., and Hawksworth Restaurant. However, keep in mind that these lists can change frequently and may not always reflect personal preferences.
What are some of the best new restaurants in Vancouver?
If you’re looking to try out some of the newest restaurants in Vancouver, consider checking out Wildebeest, which offers a unique meat-centric menu, or Dachi, which offers a farm-to-table dining experience.
Where can I find cheap lunch options in Vancouver?
Vancouver has plenty of affordable lunch options, especially if you’re willing to venture outside of the downtown area. Some popular choices include La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop, which offers delicious tacos at reasonable prices, and Japadog, which offers Japanese-style hot dogs.
What are some of the best restaurants in Downtown Vancouver?
If you’re looking for a great meal in the heart of downtown Vancouver, some popular choices include Miku, which offers delicious sushi and seafood dishes, and Bauhaus Restaurant, which offers a modern take on German cuisine.
Are there any Vancouver restaurants with a view?
Yes, there are several restaurants in Vancouver that offer stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Some popular choices include The Roof at Black + Blue, which offers a rooftop patio with panoramic views, and The Observatory, which offers stunning views from the top of Grouse Mountain.
