A guide to affordable places to eat in North Vancouver
Mayumi Izumi (she/her) // Contributor
Andy Poystila (he/him) // Illustrator
North Vancouver boasts a multitude of restaurants to dine at on a student’s budget. I have created a North Vancouver guide to affordable places to eat—from wine restaurants to the best falafel in town, I’ve got you covered.
Being a foodie who actively posts reviews of local restaurants on my Instagram and website, I have tried countless eateries. I will describe each restaurant based on price, umami (Japanese for tasty), value and ambiance.
Beginning with 16 West, a wine restaurant located on West 16th Street, just off of Lonsdale Ave. The restaurant has a variety of dishes, freshly baked desserts, biscuits and a vast selection of wine. This summer, they began an all-day happy hour every Tuesday and also available until Saturday from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. They offer duck-fat popcorn for only $4.00, Potatoes Bravas for $5.00 and a trio of meatballs with garlic toast for $9.00. Their happy hour prices are affordable, dishes are filled with umami, and the value is wonderful, as is their elegant decor and ambiance.
Tequila Cocina is a Mexican restaurant located across the street from London Drugs at 1933 Lonsdale Ave. They have Taco Tuesdays starting at $2.99 per taco and a happy hour every day from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. During their happy hour you can order nachos for $13.00 (only a few dollars more than a McDonald’s combo, and much tastier), three meat or fish tacos for $11.00 andtwo cauliflower tacos for $6.00. Margaritas and Tequila Cocina beer are both only $5.00. Great prices, good food and festive ambiance with patio seating and a parklet.
Bobzaa’s Bistro & Dessert Cafe offers great affordable meals and is conveniently located at 107 East 12th, a block down from Fitness World. Their $11.99 lunch special is a grilled chicken bowl, with shredded lettuce, topped with cilantro, crispy tortilla, and sour cream, on a bed of rice. Every night they have $2.99 bubble tea between 10:00 and 10:30 p.m, they also do Taco Tuesdays. I highly recommend this delicious food that pairs nicely with the good prices and Instagram worthy decor.
Chicken Box is located in Lower Lonsdale at 180 East 2nd Street. They are a small take-out restaurant with a couple of seats inside and about three tables outside, though what they lack in space, they make up for in value. I had their crispy chicken burger combo that comes with fries and a drink for $18.00. It was so filling that I could not finish it in one sitting. Good food, prices and value—just prepare for the limited seating.
Best Falafel is an awesome choice for people who like a big bang for their buck. Located at 1829 Lonsdale Avenue, and with a lot of different Lebanese menu items to choose from. One of my favourites is the chicken, beef or lamb Shawarma Plate that comes on a bed of rice, with pita bread, hummus, Greek or Tabouli salad and pickles for $18.99, and for $2 more you can get extra meat. Their food is delicious, you get tons of it (with lots leftover for lunch), great value with a small to medium sized seating area and patio.
While Mcdonald’s does have some inarguable perks like soft serve ice cream for only $1.00 (if you have their app), I would recommend the alternatives listed above to spice up your eating routine and support local. However, when in doubt you can’t go wrong with a classic Filet-o-Fish combo, my childhood favourite meal.
