Vancouver’s Best Lunch Spots

It might be more about sustenance than succulence, but that doesn’t mean lunch can’t be delicious. Eat at any of these restaurants and you’re guaranteed a solid and satisfying midday meal

Lunch is one of those meals that doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves.

But with so many great Vancouver restaurants perfecting the quick sit-down or take-out lunch, there are no excuses for not getting a tasty and healthy lunch to fuel your busy day.

If you're short on time and stuck for ideas, these five options won't disappoint.

Fresh Bowl (Gastown and Yaletown)

Fresh Bowl is quick Malaysian fusion done right. Fresh, ripe ingredients and house-made curries will tantalize your taste buds, while the sleek modern interior will tickle your eyes. Fresh Bowl also offers many vegan and gluten-free lunch options.

And although it's always bustling at lunch with the business and student crowds, the order turnaround time is fast.

For a lighter lunch, try the Temple Salad; with mango cubes, fresh sliced mint, and an oh-so-good salad dressing, it’s one of the best salads in the city. The Singapore Laksa, an aromatic coconut milk-based curry soup is another favourite. And if coconut milk is not your thing, try the Mee Goreng, a tomato-based curry packed full of flavour.

Freshii (Coal Harbour and Fairview)

Freshii specializes in fast, customized wraps, rice bowls, salads, and soups, but also has a full menu of pre-packaged items. It’s always busy at lunch, but because many people order their lunch to go, you can generally find a seat.

If you’re very hungry, opt for one of the wraps or brown rice bowls with delicious toppings like sun-dried tomato, avocado, and roasted red peppers. For a lighter lunch try one of the salads or soups; the feta and date salad, with grilled salmon and dill and cucumber dressing is delicious.

Gallery Café (Downtown)

The Gallery Café at the Vancouver Art Gallery serves a casually refined lunch that everyone can enjoy. The ambience is half the allure of this popular lunch spot. Classical music, fresh flowers, and a fantastic patio make the Gallery Café one of the busiest and best lunch places in Vancouver.

With myriad salads, soups, sandwiches, quiches, featured meals (like grilled salmon over orzo or roasted root vegetables with garbanzo beans and quinoa), and finger-licking deserts that change daily, the Gallery Café will please the pickiest of eaters.

Shizen Ya (Downtown and Fairview)

Serving one of Vancouver’s best Japanese lunches, Shizen Ya is a local gem that stands out from the plethora of sushi restaurants in Vancouver.

Health-conscious ingredients, like organic greens, brown rice, and Ocean Wise seafood, set Shizen Ya apart. The restaurant avoids MSG and offers a variety of unique vegan and vegetarian lunch options, like the Spinach Curry combo.

For the perfect sushi lunch, try the Triple Attack Brown Rice Bowl, which is made with fresh fish, warm brown rice, crispy nori strips, and wasabi-infused spinach.

Shizen Ya is a very popular lunch spot, so be prepared for a little bit of wait if you want to get a seat.

Giovane Café + Bakery + Deli (Coal Harbour)

The Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel lends this upscale café a rich atmosphere, leaving you feeling like a million bucks without having to spend like a millionaire. Inspired by all things Italian, Giovane Café serves some fantastic grilled paninis (try the Portabello or the Olive Oil Marinated Tuna), a selection of artisan pizzas, salads, soups, and baked goods—perfect for a lunch in the city.

You'll have a hard time passing by the desserts counter. The Apple Tart and Black Forest Cake are topped with gold leaf for a touch of extravagance, and at just $5-$7 a piece, you can’t walk away without trying at least one.