ExhibitRestaurant reviews

2001 Flavors Pizza

"A delicious bargain."

Walk down Pender Street at noon on any business day, and you will see a plethora of fast food joints competing for the bounty of ESL students and office workers in the area. Pick your poison: sushi, burgers, donairs, or of course, pizza.

If you have a yen for pizza, look for the place with the longest lineup. And don’t fear— the line moves quickly because this place runs like a well-oiled machine.

Two cooks are constantly making and cooking a variety of flavours, and a cashier is quick to take your order (and your money) and wrap your order to go.

At $1.50 a slice, it is a bargain. A delicious bargain.

Absolute Sugar

"The kind of place you expect to discover in a boutique spot somewhere in Gastown."

A nice little surprise in busy Harbour Centre. Here I enjoy a delicious cranberry and brie cheese sandwich, a perfectly sweetened dolce latte (in my opinion much better than Starbucks), and a freshly baked lemon bar. It's impossible to leave hungry. Apparently you can custom order from their bakery from Monday to Friday as well. The customer service is excellent— quick service and friendly staff. It's the kind of place you expect to discover in a boutique spot somewhere in Gastown. I definitely recommend this one.

Bronco Belle

"The chicken burger tastes like your master-of-the-BBQ father made it."

Bronco Belle is a Texas BBQ grill tucked away in the far corner of the Harbour Centre food court. They've got a good variety of burgers, including bison and wild boar, and you have a choice of fries, salad or fried rice on the side.

I usually go with the grilled chicken burger with fried rice. The chicken is pre-marinated, fire grilled, smothered in BBQ sauce, and tastes like your master-of-the-BBQ father made it. The bakery-style burger bun is topped with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and mayo; additional sides are extra. The fried rice is, well, fried rice, with carrots, corn, and beans.

The cost of the meal? Just under $7. Quite the deal for what you are getting, and healthier than your average fast food.

Caffe Artigiano

"There just isn't another latte like it."

Allow me to share my morning ritual with you. During the week, you can find me bright and early at Caffe Artigiano, ordering my grande skim latte. There just isn’t another latte like it. Smooth, creamy, delicious. The perfect start to the day. Admittedly, the coffee is not quite consistently as good as when it was privately owned by the Piccolo brothers. But still fantastic nonetheless.

Cecil's Deli

"Sometimes when you go out, you just want to eat."

Sometimes when you go out, you just want to eat. You don't want to pore over a lengthy menu with wordy descriptions of every dish. Lunch at Cecil's Deli offers a $6 turkey sandwich one could only dream of, including canned cranberry sauce on top. And believe me, it's not skimpy on either count. What fun to simply get asked, "White meat or dark?" The menu changes every week, but who cares? The turkey sandwich will always remain the staple of this hidden gem. The owner, a woman in her '60s who reminds you of your grandma, smiles at your every request and even adds half an avocado for free. Simple, satisfying and served up with a generosity that makes Cecil’s Deli’s idea of convenience entirely winning.

Chez Rethink

"Socialize with your fellow diners at the communal picnic-style dining tables."

For those of us on a tight or non-budget, Chez Rethink offers a variety of dishes in a casual dining atmosphere.

Wi-fi is complimentary and, if you choose, you can work your way through lunch at some kitcshy-cool retro mac computers or socialize with your fellow diners at the communal picnic-style dining tables.

Another perk is that the juices are free of charge and, as long as you keep making it yourself, the thick, dark, viscous sludge they call coffee is also bottomless.

Signature dish: Quattro Peanutbutterio. Made by you from a selection of co-workers' peanut butter, this dish is served on the toasted butt end of whoever’s bread (I think it was bread) was left in the freezer.

So whether you are an underpaid employee looking for a cheap dining alternative or simply someone too cheap to buy a lunch and too lazy to pack one, Chez Rethink will satisfy your needs.

Deacon's Corner

"The only thing better than breakfast is breakfast for lunch."

The only thing better than lunch is breakfast. The only thing better than breakfast is breakfast for lunch.

Deacon’s Corner is a diner-style restaurant in Gastown at the corner of Main and Alexander. I find the hipster servers to be rather grumpy and aloof, but the great food and big portions make up for it. I recommend the waffles.

Finch's Tea and Coffee House

"Something supernatural happens when those flavours get together."

The rustic decor reminds me of my crazy aunt’s house. The arty staff behind the counter are ridiculously slow and pretentious. The entire menu is overpriced. But the sandwiches are out-of-this-world delicious. Try the prosciutto blue brie pear baguette. This may seem like an odd combination, but something supernatural happens when those flavours get together. Every ingredient is hyper-fresh, and of the highest quality— possibly even organic! In the many times I’ve been to Finch’s, I’ve never ordered anything else.

Fit for Life

"Great, healthy, and tasty take-away."

Easy to miss, Fit for Life is tucked in the back of International News, where you’ll also find a random little wine bar. Behind the counter you’ll usually be greeted by a few of their friendly staff, who will compete to take your order. They mainly serve up sandwiches, salads, and soups. My top choices include the seasonal mixed greens salad wrap with tuna, and the falafel supreme entree. Great, healthy, and tasty take-away. If you want to dine in they do have one table and a few stools along the wall. Catering is also available.

FM Classic Pizza

"Forget Fresh Slice."

I love this pizza place. It’s only $1.50 per slice, and their pies are loaded with toppings and have a thick, doughy crust. There are always daily specials, and the service is fast and friendly. Forget Fresh Slice— if you’re short on time and money, I highly recommend FM Classic Pizza for lunch, dinner, or a 3 pm snack.

Gorilla Food

"It's all very relaxed and non-judgemental."

Whenever anyone asks me to go for lunch, I try to take them to Gorilla Food. It's a vegan, raw-food restaurant that serves delicious, healthy meals— obviously a bit of a hard sell. But the food is just terrific. The menu is varied, they make great fruit and veggie shakes, all the ingredients are unbelievably fresh, and eating all those veggies makes for a super productive afternoon. (So obvious that I'm used to pushing this onto people, isn't it?)

I would recommend the Go Veggie Burger (topped with wonderful guacamole), the falafel wrap (doused in most delicious humous), or the pesto pizza. I would also recommend bringing your own tupperware if you're getting take-out. But don't worry if you forget. It's all very relaxed and non-judgemental. Oh and it smells like hippies. And they're usually listening to reggae. And they're great.

Cash only. (I think they're trying to stay off the grid.)

Gyoza King

"One of my favourite Japanese restaurants in Vancouver."

This is one of my favourite Japanese restaurants in Vancouver. They have the best gyoza, bar none. I personally think the pork, prawn and chive gyoza are the best and would recommend those as a benchmark dish. All the employees are always cheerful and polite, including the waitresses and the chefs behind the counter. The value is great, you can spend $8–$12 per person and get a filling, good-quality meal. Friendly employees, and an intimate and cozy ambience. I would recommend it to anyone.

Joyeaux Cafe & Restaurant

"Go for the Vietnamese."

This is a small cafe that serves Western and Vietnamese food. The Western is mostly breakfast items that are served all day. Go for the Vietnamese food though, it’s very good. The soups are amazing (especially the beef brisket with noodle), and the sub sandwiches are good. The prices are reasonable for a downtown location, since rent must be high. My advice is to go slightly before noon and bring a friend. One person grabs a table and the other person orders for both. It gets very busy and if you don’t time it right, you’ll be out of luck. The Vietnamese iced coffees are really good if you need a sugar/caffeine fix.

Jules French Bistro

"A typical French bistro in every sense."

Finding a decent French bistro in downtown Vancouver is no easy task. When I discovered Jules, and noticed that the English descriptions on the menu are longer than the French ones, I knew I’d found something special. Jules is a typical French bistro in every sense— it has the loud atmosphere, the black-and-white tiled floors, the piano and, of course, all the simple, classic French fare. There are no surprises on the menu, which is a good thing, assuming you’re familiar with French bistro food. The moules frites are highly recommended.

Kimono Japanese Restaurant

"Perpetually busy despite appalling food."

Proof that Hastings and Granville is a culinary wasteland, or sign that local working population is lazy? Kimono Japanese is perpetually busy despite appalling food. Blanket statement applies, as even their rice is lousy, but be particularly wary of the pork ramen. Best bet: lunch special combo plates, even if they arrive suspiciously quickly and are accompanied by the saddest little iceberg lettuce “salad.” A shame, since the service is fast, it’s cheap, and it’s licensed. And it’s really, really close to Rethink.

L2 Cafe

"A sweet little Italian restaurant located in the basement of Leone clothing store."

This is a sweet little Italian restaurant located in the basement of Leone clothing store. I go whenever I want to have a ladies lunch and do a little shopping in the same lunch hour. Somewhat limited menu— thin-crust pizza and simple pasta dishes. The service is always good and you can always get a table. And who doesn’t like to eat and shop?!

La Taqueria

"A truly awesome and totally authentic cash-only Mexican take-out spot."

Located between a hemp shop and a heavy metal apparel store on a part of Hastings where the air actually tastes of urine, La Taqueria did not heed the first rule of real estate: location. But thank goodness, because the sketchiness of the area keeps the lines down at this truly awesome and totally authentic cash-only Mexican take-out spot. They serve a variety of tacos and quesadillas. Four small, soft-shell tacos are under $10. My favourite is Polle con Mole— chicken in three-chili chocolate mole sauce. But don’t settle on one kind. It’s more fun to mix up what you put in your box.

Muzi Tea House

"Never get sick again."

Muzi has a small selection of sandwiches, wraps, and sweets. The Bombay chicken wraps were delicious, but are very seldom offered these days. The last time I went, their roasted red pepper, avocado and swiss panini gave me “problems.” But, as the name might imply, the main attraction here is their selection of teas— namely, their varieties of Matcha tea.

I could go on and on about Matcha and its benefits. To resume: it’s good for you! It boosts your energy as well as your immune system.

So if you hate being sick as much as I do, when you feel something coming on, run down and order a large Matcha Immunity. You'll never get sick again. (Just don’t eat their paninis. The food gets a 1/5.)

Nuba

"You leave a bit garlicky, but it's worth it."

I love Nuba. Everything I’ve had there has been delicious. It’s also a great place to take your veggie friends— they have a large selection of vegetarian options. My favourite is the Deluxe Toasted Veggie Falafel. Healthy and tasty. Nuba was recently written up in Vancouver Magazine— one of their dishes was on the “101 Things to Taste Before You Die” list. You do leave a bit garlicky, but it’s worth it.

Save-On Meats

"Nothing screams good times like a neon pig."

Nothing screams good times like a neon pig. Boasting the same location since 1957, Save-On Meats offers one of the best value burgers in Vancouver. The butcher shop in the front recently closed but the cafe in the back is still open for business. Tastelessly designed in red leatherette and acid yellow formica, it has a large selection of burgers, fish & chips, and Chinese specials. The service is friendly, the condiments plentiful and everything is prepared and cooked in front of you.

At under $5, the basic burger is as cheap as it is delicious; juicy handmade patties accompanied by chunky English-style chips. Hell, if it's good enough for Anthony Bourdain, it's good enough for me.

Scoozis Mediterranean Restaurant and Bar

"If you're lucky, you too could be crowned the 'Oriental Princess.' "

Although the restaurant atmosphere has a cozy, old-school NY sort of feeling, I recommend the take-out. Prices are cheaper, and it’s screaming fast. Plus, the experience is typically quite entertaining. The owner of the restaurant often welcomes his patrons with a “We’re happy to have you here,” and from there usually professes his admiration for at least one individual in the group (if you’re lucky, you too could be crowned the “Oriental Princess”).

My personal fave is the Scoozis Sensational Minestrone Soup (with extra meatballs), which also comes with a side of warm pita, and goes for $4.50 to $6, depending on who rings it in. (I recommend trying to pay with cash, as there is often confusion with the debit machine). While waiting for food, the owner often offers his guests an apple or banana from the heaping pile of fruit and gourds piled up at the front door. The take-out orders come quick, and are usually super hot and chock-full of meat and veggies.

If you decide to eat in the restaurant, it’s open from 7 am until late, and the expansive bar starts serving at 10 am.

Steamworks

"When the cats are away, the mice will get boozed at Steamworks."

When the cats are away, the mice will get boozed at Steamworks. Or so I hear...

Steamworks is a brewpub in historic Gastown. They feature a great selection of hand-crafted ales and lagers brewed on site. My favourites are the Coal Porter and Heroica Stout, but they usually have a seasonal offering on tap as well. Just a warning: some are on the strong side, like the 9% Blitzen Winter Ale. Consuming two pints of that before your food arrives won’t lead to the most productive afternoon.

Oh, right. Food. Try the Brew House Burger ($12.99) with stout-braised onions, aged white cheddar and bbq sauce. Or try the equally tasty lamb burger, if your conscience allows.

Taco Del Mar

"... sigh... but I do love them."

I don’t eat much in restaurants around here, except for pizza, and
taco salad at Taco Del Mar, how exciting... sigh.... but I do love them.
The salad is a bit expensive at $6.99 + tax. You have to add some more money if you want guacamole and sour cream. And yes, you can have a beer or margarita with you lunch.

Tacos Mexico Rico

"The flavours remind me of my student days in LA."

A real authentic taqueria run by Mexican native Amparo Ruiz, right down to the grammatically incorrect name, loud Spanish soap operas on the big screen and Tijuana style décor. The flavours remind me of my student days in LA and many of the "roach coach" or taco truck meals I subsisted on. This is one of a few places in town that serves Carnitas (slow cooked pork) and Lengua (tongue) tacos! There’s always fresh lime and cilantro on the side and crazy hot homemade salsa. Don’t forget to cool your mouth down with the fresh and delicious "chunky" mango juice.

Take 5 Cafe

"Great lattes."

Take 5 Cafe is located just down the street from Rethink's office. They offer a wide selection of sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastas and desserts. And they recently added crepes to their menu. They serve great lattes as well.

The Bay Cafeteria

"Think airline food paired with wedding buffet and throw in some '80s salad bar flourishes."

The cafeteria is a nostalgic venue for me— rife with back-to-school shopping memories.

Today, it’s an escape where I am 100% unlikely to see anyone I know, unlike paninis at Artigiano.

The offering? Think airline food paired with wedding buffet and throw in some ’80s salad bar flourishes. From soup (three sizes, six varieties) to sushi, burger bar and beyond, it has the requisite Jell-O to finish your dining experience. Hot meal combos are common, with pithy names like “The Veal Deal.”

Surroundings are vast, with a poorly lit display of archival photos of the Bay for distraction from your entirely non-remarkable meal.

The Deli

"Pretty much a dream come true."

The Deli is a small sandwich shop located on the lower floor of Royal Centre. It is literally that, a deli, but not just any ordinary deli. It specializes in made-to-order gourmet sandwiches. You get to customize every detail of your sandwich: bread, spread, filling, cheese, veggies. They have everything you could ever want— brie, olive tapenade, schnitzel, Montreal smoked beef, etc... check out the menu on the website. The best part is that the sandwiches are massive, and cheap! They have other stuff too, like lasagna and salads, and they carry a bunch of hard-to-find European chocolates and candies. Pretty much a dream come true.

Other things to know about the Deli: there is no seating in the Deli itself, but there is plenty of seating in the Royal Centre food court, which is just around the corner. And beware, it can get pretty busy at lunch hour so go with lots of time.

The Greedy Pig

"The place where beer and sandwiches meet to make tasty babies."

This is the place where beer and sandwiches meet to make tasty babies. The Greedy Pig— or “Cochon Cupide,” as insiders call it— is located in Gastown, just steps away from the Bloc clothing store.

Unlike regular sandwiches you make at home, these ones take at least twice as long to prepare (for undisclosed reasons), come with a small side salad, and taste nearly 1-½ times better. Which is something. I always order the grilled cheese. Although I’m pretty sure they make other kinds of sandwiches there too.

The Greedy Pig also carries one of the best dark beers in town. I forget what it’s called, but if you look puzzled and point to the fridge, the waitress will eventually jog your memory. Mmmm, memory.

The Railway Club

"Four stars for food, five for ambience."

This is a club, not a restaurant, but you don’t have to be a club member to eat there. It is definitely licensed, with a long bar and many beers on tap— also not a bad wine list. The atmosphere is casual, the servers are friendly, and the food is surprisingly good. I always have the Boxcar Burger with fries and I think it’s one of the best burgers in town. If you’re lucky the electric train that’s suspended from the ceiling will be running. The Railway Club is above the 7-Eleven on Dunsmuir and Seymour, and well worth the stair-climb. I’d have to give it four stars for food, five for ambience. Do NOT go there at night to hear your favourite band in concert— the sound is terrible and the stage is in another room.

The secret candy cupboard at reception

"Five mint melties out of five."

Food: Chocolate, ladyfingers and gummy-type thingies.
 
Price: Adult-onset diabetes.

Ups: An excellent source of sucrose.
 
Downs: Cavities, no Oompa Loompas.
 
Rating: Five mint melties out of five.

The Shore Club

"A great place for a client lunch or a Mad Men flashback."

Rumour has it that the folks behind steakhouse Gotham blew a cool $5 million here in '07. The giant neon sign alone must have cost half that. The place has the feel of the Queen Mary, circa 1935. I kept waiting for Kate Winslet to glide down the spiral staircase. Plush art deco touches abound, complete with wait staff in retro white jackets. The menu has a nostalgic vibe, too— Waldorf Salad (!), Chopped Salad featuring an entire head of iceberg lettuce, and even a dish they call Buttermilk Fried Chicken #14. To be honest, the food probably tastes the same way it did back in Don Draper’s day: solid, stick-to-your-ribs, and just a little bit bland. Service is efficient in that old-school way, with not a hint of snobbishness. Bottom line: a great place for a client lunch or a Mad Men flashback.

Tim Hortons

"One star for the doughnut."

My morning presentation ran long. Everyone had finished lunch by the time the meeting was done. I was starving and it was pouring with rain. At a complete loss for where to go, I jaunted across the street to Tim Hortons. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich combo. I sat down with my food and asked myself, "Do I want this?" Took a bite, and the answer was clear: Nope. Tasted like it always does— kinda depressing. But the boston cream doughnut was good.

One star for the doughnut.

Trees Organic Cafe

"OK, Trees it's going to have to be."

Just steps from the Rethink office, Trees serves 100% organic, fair trade, shade-grown, bird-friendly, roasted-on-premise coffee (no kidding), along with an assortment of freshly prepared in-house pastries, muffins, soups and sandwiches. And apparently the city’s best cheesecake. They have friendly, helpful and very multinational staff (I don't think I’ve heard a Canadian serving there yet!). The décor includes a dried tree and old-school coffee grinders and beans strewn around. Good to sit and relax if you have the time, or take lunch with you. It can get busy at lunch time and food normally takes a few minutes to prepare, so don't be in a rush. They also have free wireless and live music on Thursday and Friday nights.

I recommend the quiche, Mediterranean sandwich and mushroom soup.