Grab-and-Go Lunches in Vancouver: Sandwiches and More

November 25, 2020
TL
ByTara Lee
6 min read

The perfect lunch is an art. During the work week or when you’re short on time, you’re seeking something that’s low fuss, but still highly satisfying for a mid-day refuelling. Vancouver has a host of different lunch options that can be conveniently picked up as takeout. Due to the current pandemic, many restaurants have also adjusted their business models to allow for even more seamless pre-ordering of menu options.

Until February 5, 2021, in line with the public health order issued on November 20, non-essential travel into and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents let’s do our part by continuing to stay local and support local, with your immediate household or bubble, in accordance with the latest guidelines.

Capo and The Spritz

Capo sub; Photo sourced from Capo and The Spritz

The new Capo and The Spritz (350 Davie Street) in the OPUS Hotel is a stylish marriage between a neighbourhood pizzeria and a cocktail bar. Lunches from Friday to Sunday feature a selection of pizzas, like Truffle of the Sea, with zucchini, saffron, ricotta, and bottarga, as well as pastas, like bucatini cacio e pepe. However, for a quick and easy meal, pre-order one of their mouth-watering sandwiches, such as the Capo sub, generously loaded with salumi, provolone, basil, iceberg lettuce, and pizza sauce, or the roasted chicken with cappucio and salsa verde. Vegetarians will be equally sated with the veggie sando, with assorted roasted marinated vegetables and ricotta salata.

Honey Salt

Capo sub; Photo sourced from Capo and The Spritz

Currently, Honey Salt (Parq Vancouver, 39 Smithe Street) is offering 20% off pick-up orders (call ahead to place your order). Their lunch menu, available Monday to Friday from 11am to 2pm, includes all sorts of lovely midday selections, such as Elizabeth’s kale Caesar salad with black garlic dressing (consider adding shrimp or chicken if you’re on the hungry side) or heirloom grain tabouli with tomato, cucumber, peppers, kalamata olives, and chickpea purée. In terms of handhelds, the menu features a BLT with thick sliced bacon, heirloom tomatoes, arugula, tartar sauce – all on toasted sourdough and accompanied by salt and vinegar chips. And, look forward to taking a chomp from the Biloxi buttermilk fried chicken sandwich with creamy slaw and durkee’s dressing on a brioche bun, served with a “nice little salad.”

Di Beppe

Capo sub; Photo sourced from Capo and The Spritz

A range of ready-to-go meals, as well as a selection of items for pre-ordering are available at Di Beppe (2 West Cordova Street) at lunch time. On the caffè-side, pizza is available by the slice, such as a pepperoni pizza or a classic margherita with tomato sauce, basil, grana Padano, and mozzarella di bufala. Also on display for takeout are delicious paninis, the kind with fresh, high quality ingredient combos that you’d find at an old school Italian delicatessen. Options include a panini with mortadella, pistachio pesto, and pickled onions; one featuring rapini, chili ricotta, and mozzarella; and another with eggplant frittata and provolone. You can also pre-order items from the ristorante-side, such as a chopped salad with chickpeas, pickled peppers, genoa salami, aged provolone, red onion, seasoned breadcrumbs, and a medley of greens (gem lettuce, frisée, and radicchio).

Café Medina

Capo sub; Photo sourced from Capo and The Spritz

Brunch favourite Café Medina (780 Richards Street) allows for efficient pre-ordering for contactless pickup of many of their most popular items. In addition to the must-have Liege waffles, you can order more substantial brunch items, such as the avocado on toast on grilled focaccia with fresh tomato salsa; the Coca, featuring blistered woodstone flatbread topped with sundried tomato pesto, roasted eggplant, goat cheese, watercress, and a sunny side up egg; and the sandwich au porc with a sunny egg, confit pork belly, heirloom tomatoes, grainy mustard, spiced honey, pickles, and grilled ciabatta.

Harvest Community Foods

Capo sub; Photo sourced from Capo and The Spritz

Soothing bowls of noodles can be preordered from Harvest Community Foods (243 Union Street). Just give them a call and your lunch should be ready for pick-up in about 15 minutes. Their vegetarian ramen with squash and miso broth, radish, and sesame is phenomenal, and will instantly warm you up on a chilly day. Also excellent are the ramen with pork shoulder, radish, egg, and candied bacon, as well as the vegan udon with shiso, tofu, shiitake, and green onion. Side salads include kale gomae with hazelnut, almond dressing.

Miku

Capo sub; Photo sourced from Capo and The Spritz

Sushi has become a quintessential Vancouver lunch, with Miku (70-200 Granville Street) distinguishing itself with its impeccable commitment to a gourmet eating experience. During these difficult times, Miku has made it even easier to enjoy their meals at home or on the go, with curated lunch options that are designed for takeout. Go for the premium that comes with traditional Aburi nigiri, rolls, and oshi (12 pieces), or the lunch shokai, with traditional and Aburi oshi, rolls, and nigiri (10 pieces), two appetizers, and miso soup.

There are no shortage of lunch options in the city!

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