A casual lunch in Vancouver, BC

There are a lot of places to eat in Vancouver, but sometimes it can be hard to find an affordable restaurant serving high quality food. This list narrows it down a little, highlighting Asian eateries that are both cheap and delicious. Each of these restaurants also has its own unique features – some offer reliable takeout and delivery services, others have spacious dining rooms that can accommodate large groups.

What could be more comforting and nostalgic than a grilled cheese sandwich? In the recent trend of upscale comfort food, there’s no shortage of this lunch staple on menus in Vancouver. It’s simply understood that, if the below don’t come with tomato soup, you will definitely order a bowl.

With picturesque views, plenty of green space and numerous beaches, Vancouver offers some of the best picnic venues in the world. But since the city is also known for its rainy weather, it’s best to come prepared. Here are some local eateries that’ll help make you the perfect picnic basket, and even supply you with the perfect outdoor dining essentials.

Students don't always have the time (or ability) to cook for themselves, so they’re often on the lookout for affordable places to eat. For students at Simon Fraser University, there are a number of convenient and appealing dining options available both on and off-campus. Whether you're craving burgers or burritos, soup or salad, you'll find budget-friendly fare at these local eateries near SFU

Warm daal, spicy tandoor, nourishing curry: Indian cuisine offers some of the most comforting lunches around – and in Vancouver, they’re often among the most affordable, with midday specials ranging from reasonable to downright cheap. These local eateries will fill you up without emptying your wallet at lunchtime. [Image credit: iStock.com/JoeGough]

Famous for its yoga mats, health food joints and beach-loving atmosphere, Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood is an ideal place to nosh on tasty vegetarian fare. Check out these veggie-friendly spots next time you’re searching for a meat-free meal in this wholesome ’hood. [Image credit: iStock.com/Xsandra]

Who doesn't like spicy meat prepared on a rotating spit? Shawarma has quickly become a staple in Vancouver for those looking for a fast and delicious meal with some international flair. Related to gyros and donairs, they're not exactly known as a healthy food item, but you would be hard-pressed to find something quite as delicious.

Watching television shows about food is a great way to work up an appetite. Luckily for Vancouverites, many of the tempting diners, cafés and restaurants celebrated on the small screen are close to home. So stop drooling on the remote and head out to one of these as-seen-on-TV eateries for a meal to remember.

With a large multicultural population, Vancouver is one of the best places in Canada to find a variety of scrumptious soups. You can find high quality versions of almost any kind, from expertly crafted pho and ramen bowls to nostalgic childhood faves like creamy tomato and chicken noodle. There’s a whole wide world of soup in the city, here are some of the best places to start your journey.

While Vancouver is best known for its impressive selection of Chinese and Indian restaurants, Japanese izakayas and sushi spots, the city is also home to several restaurants serving lesser-known Asian cuisine. From Sri Lanka to Singapore, this list will introduce you to flavour fare from around in the world – and you won’t even have to get on a plane! [Photo credit: iStock.com/Ugurhan Betin]

Even if you know the restaurant scene in Vancouver like the back of your hand, there are probably still a few hidden gems you have yet to discover. I’ve put together this hot list to help you in your quest to explore new and uncharted culinary territory! [Photo credit: iStock/g-stockstudio]

Sunny days on the West Coast are to be savoured. For many Vancouver locals, the perfect summer day in the city means heading to the beach to enjoy some sun, sand and surf before capping the day off with eats and a pint near the water. Here are some choice spots to grab a bite near my favourite Vancouver beaches: Jericho, English Bay, Kitsilano, Dundarave, and Third Beach. [Photo credit: iStock.com/wundervisuals]