The food scene in Vancouver is so good and we are so lucky to have all kinds of cuisine. We have food and chefs who prepare that food from all around the world in just one city that continually serve up innovative and high quality meals that we can’t get enough of. But good food does come at a cost — and sometimes your wallet may feel seriously drained from eating out all the time.
We know it's so hard to resist eating out at Vancouver's amazing restaurants and we also know it adds up and gets super expensive. So to help ease the feeling of being broke AF, this list is your guide to some of the most budget-friendly restaurants you can find in the city.
Eating affordably in an expensive city like Vancouver can be difficult but it's not impossible. There are many restaurants that offer a good bang for your buck. From all-day breakfast for just $2.95 to Japanese style brunch for just $7.99, there are several places that offer inexpensive meals with a good value.
Just keep in mind that these restaurants offer less expensive meals, so don't have unrealistic expectations of a fine dining experience or a high-end meal. At the end of the day, you pay for what you get and these restaurants are a great value. Check out these Vancouver restaurants for meals costing $5, $10 and $15!
What kind of meal are you looking for?
For $5 meals, click "Next".
$5 meals
El Furniture Warehouse Granville
Where: 989 Granville Street // Downtown
Type: Pub
Most popular item: Warehouse Crispy Mac and Cheese
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Every single dish here is only $4.95, unless you get add-ons. For less than five bucks, you can have a full entree like Mac and Cheese or a Smokey BBQ Burger with fries. Save your money for drinks instead at this fun, upbeat pub.
Bao Down
Where: 12 Powell St // Gastown
Type: Asian Fusion
Most popular item: Kimchi Fries
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Home to delicious Asian Fusion food in Vancouver, Bao Down serves some of the sickest baos in the city starting at $6. They also have incredible Asian fusion fries, like Kimchi Fries and Japoyaki Fries for $6 or $7 at the small size.
The Dime
Where: 1565 Commercial Dr // Mount Pleasant
Type: Bar
Most popular item: San Andreas Enchilidas
Price: 💸
Why you should go: The Dime, which is part of the Warehouse Group, offers all its dishes for just $5.95.
Bon's off Broadway
Where: 2451 Nanaimo St // East Vancouver
Type: Breakfast
Most popular item: All Day breakfast special
Price: 💸
Why you should go: This eclectic, grungy breakfast joint offers all-day breakfast for just $2.95!!! Yes, you read that right. A meal costs just $2.95 here.
Euro Bagel Cafe
Where: 1468 Commercial Drive // Grandview
Type: Bagels, Breakfast & Brunch
Most popular item: The Sweet Drive Crepe
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Looking for a cheap breakfast? Euro Bagel Cafe has bagels, crepes, omelettes, smoothies and all day breakfast! Their bagelwiches start from just $5.69.
For $10 meals, click "Next".
$10 meals
Marulilu Cafe
Where: 451 W Broadway // Mount Pleasant
Type: Japanese
Most popular item: Japanese Style Breakfast
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Looking for brunch but on a budget? Try a traditional Japanese breakfast for just $7.99! They also have all day breakfast options.
Lucy's Eastside Diner
Where: 2708 Main Street // Mount Pleasant
Most popular item: Turkey Lurkey Boozy Milkshake
Price: 💸 💸
Why you should go: If you love comfort food and late-night eats, hit up this diner. They're open 24/7 and can satisfy all your cravings for cheap. Most food items on their menu are $10 or under!
Gringo
Where: 27 Blood Alley Square // Gastown
Type: Mexican
Most popular item: Thai Buckets
Price: 💸
Why you should go: Taco Tuesday everyday! You can get 3 tacos for $8 or for $2.75 each at this fun taco bar. All their entrees, like quesadillas and burritos are under $10 as well.
Save On Meats
Where: 43 W Hastings St // Gastown
Most popular item: S.O.M Classic Milkshakes
Price: 💸💸
Why you should go: If you love diner food, you will love this retro-style diner. Most of their menu items are $10 and under! Save On Meats also has a token program which has provided 88,000 meals to residents in the Downtown Eastside.
For $15 meals, click "Next".
$15 meals
Sen Pad Thai
Where: Unit 7-1666 Johnston St // Granville Island
Type: Thai
Price: 💸💸
Most popular item: Crispy Wings with Thai Garlic and Pad Thai
Why you should go: For good valued Thai food, head on over to Sen Pad Thai for your pad thai and fried chicken cravings. The pad thai's range from $12 to $15 and the daily curry with rice is $12.
Rhinofish
Where: 550 Main St // Chinatown
Type: Taiwanese Noodle Bar
Price: 💸💸
Most popular item: Nui Rou Mian
Why you should go: Enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of Taiwanese beef noodle soup for $12 to $14.50 at this modern restaurant in Chinatown.
The Arbor
Where: 3941 Main St // South Main
Type: Casual, Multi-cuisine
Price: 💸💸
Most popular item: Broccoli Popcorn and Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich
Why you should go: Looking to stay healthy on a budget? Feel good with The Arbor's delicious healthy foods. They also have a super cute patio.