13 of the best restaurants in Vancouver for cheap eats under $20, according to a local foodie
If you've been to more than five of these, you're officially local.
Cheap eats in Vancouver. Right: Affordable Vancouver restaurants.
The Venn diagram of the best restaurants in Vancouver and cheap eats in Vancouver actually has a lot in the middle – if you know where to look.
And look we must! Minimum wage math is realizing your $40 avocado toast and latte just cost you 2 hours and 14 minutes of folding graphic tees at Urban Outfitters, or smiling through another happy hour shift at Cactus Club (or whatever hustle you're on to survive this city).
Vancouver is expensive, but eating well here doesn't have to be. This isn't a list of influencer brunch spots with microgreens and $18 grain bowls disguised as "budget friendly". This is for when you need real food: fast, cheap, and actually good.
We went deep cut with this one — from strip malls to food courts, these hidden gems are all winners for under $20.
Bon's Off Broadway
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Diner
Address: 2541 Nanaimo St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: I always think everyone knows about Bon's — until I say "lets go to Bon's" and they stare at me blankly. So if you know this one — you know. And if you don't? Say hello to the King of Van City cheap eats.
For $2.95 you get eggs any style, toast, ham, and hashbrowns. Filter coffee will run you $1 with unlimited refills. Bon's Off Broadway is a cross between a diner and a dive bar. The whole vibe in there is no frills, old-school punk in the best way. Bring a Sharpie and leave your mark, because the walls are fair game.
Bon's Off Broadway Facebook Page (they don't have a website ok. Like I said, old school).
Northern Cafe & Grill
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Chinese-Western Diner
Address: 1640 E Kent Ave S. #2., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: This family-run spot serves up massive portions of deep-fried comfort food and diner classics with zero pretension. Located right above a lumber yard, a meal at Northern Cafe feels straight out of a scene from Twin Peaks. While they don't have cherry pie last I checked, they got a $14 Classic Eggs Breakfast that kills (2 eggs, shredded hashbrowns, toast, choice of 2 breakfast meats).
If you're hungover and feeling like you need a hug, but you're not sure how you're gonna swing that one because you ruined all your friendships under the influence the night before — you can opt for Mama's Wonton Soup (5 pc Wontons) for $8.50. Norhern Cafe is serving up Northern comfort Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 3 p.m.
Jumbo Hot Dog Stand
Price: 💸
Address: On the corner of Granville St. and Georgia St.
Why You Need To Go: Jumbo's used to be located on Burrard right by the Scotiabank theatre — way back when, before Twilight was even in theatres (yes, I'm that old). My dad was obsessed with the "smokey's" and because I was obsessed with my dad, I also was self-proclaimed "smokey" lover (even though I hated cheese).
As far as eats go, there isn't much to say. They make a hot dog, a damn good one, and a cheap one at that.
Jumbo Hot Dog Stand Yelp (they also don't have a website).
Meat & Bread
Price: 💸💸
Address: 370 Cambie St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: This one is for my meat lovers who like their meat — off the street.
Meat & Bread is a Vancouver staple that was almost so overrated— it's actually underrated. Like Julia Roberts.
The porchetta sandwich is the one and at $13.50, it's a no brainer. If you're really trying to stretch a dollar? Their $10 grilled cheese hits way harder than it has any right to.
ZAC-ZAC Japanese Curry House
Price: 💸
Address: 590 Robson St. (inside H-Mart).
Why You Need To Go: One of my favourite things about Zac Zac, is it's located in an H-Mart. Why? Because whenever I sit down in the bustling grocery store and that Katsu curry hits my tastebuds — I feel like Anthony Bourdain in "Parts Unknown".
Curry bowls and Rice Bento boxes range from $14-$18.
Pro Tip: This is such a sneaky-good third date spot, after your first "day time" hang.
Marugame Udon
Price: 💸
Address: 589 Beatty St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: Handmade udon for under $7? In this economy? Say less.
As far as Udons' are concerned — Marugame's Kitsune Udon is an elixir bringing me back to life to the sound of "Trap Queen" by Fetty Wap.
Udon ranges from $6-$14, and tempura starts at $1.99.
Fujiya Japanese Foods
Price: 💸
Address: 912 Clark Dr., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: You may notice there's a surprising lack of sushi on this list — and that's not an accident. If you live in Vancouver, you already have your cheap eats neighbourhood sushi spot. And if you don't? Then you don't live in Vancouver.
That said, Fujiya is the one exception worth crossing town for. Their sushi boxes are onigiri are made fresh daily, and the fish is legit. For under $10 you can grab a salmon roll, a rice ball, or maybe a bento if you're feeling wild — and then take it to the Woodland Park.
Kozak Ukrainian Restaurant
Price: 💸💸
Address:1 W Cordova St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: It's the $15 "Varenyky" Handmade Pierogies.
Bánh Mì Saigon
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Vietnamese Subs
Address: 5397 Victoria Dr., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: The OG Banh Mi. Everything on the menu is under $9. They make the bread in-house. They are cash only — that's how you know they're not messing around when it comes to food.
Carnitas Don Jose
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Mexican
Address: 88 West Pender St., Vancouver, BC. (A.K.A. International Village Mall food court).
Why You Need To Go: The International Village Mall hasn't changed since the 90's, and I quite frankly consider it the 8th wonder of the world. It's basically abandoned in there but if you need a phone case, a day at the movies, or a Carnitas Don Jose — it's the place to be.
I have no idea what they are pumping the pork with, or what's in those handmade tortillas but I do know that I will take 12 down in one sitting.
You can grab a single Taco Carnitas for $6.50 or 4 for $24.
Mr. Falafel
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Address: 3685 W 10th Ave., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: It's in a strip mall beside a 7/11 and has been there since 2002. Do I need to say more?
Mr. Falafel is family owned which is probably why it's so good. You just know someone's grandma is still back there watching over the cooks like a drill sergeant. The Chicken Shawarma Platter is exactly what it sounds like. Shawarma, but on a platter — deconstructed style. It's hearty, it bangs and it's just under $17.
Nuba
Price: 💸💸
Cuisine: Modern Lebanese
Address: 207 W Hastings St., Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: You know this one. You love this one. And if you don't know it — you will love it.
The crispy cauliflower aka "Najib's Special" is so good, it makes me think I like vegetables in real life. Pita Wraps range from $14-$19. In fact, most of the menu items clock in under $20 or a few bucks above it.
Pro Tip: If you're looking to take someone out, after 5 p.m., the candles come out and the Gastown location gives the perfect blend of comfortable romance.
AJ's Brooklyn Pizza Joint
Price: 💸
Cuisine: Pizza
Address: 325 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC.
Why You Need To Go: All pizzas were not made equal and if you're looking for thin crust, go to Italy or go home. At AJ's house we do New York slices and Detroit-style.
$4-6 per slice. I'm literally ordering one now.
Honorable Mentions
I got too hungry to keep going, so here's a shoutout to the spots that were absolutely going to make the list — until hanger took over.
New Town Bakery - for $4 siopao and 1980's Chinatown nostalgia.
Juke Fried Chicken - GF Fried Chicken slaps. 3 pc fried chicken $11.
Duffin's Donuts - For a $1.89 glazed donut at 2 a.m.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.
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