Here in the Lower Mainland, we love to eat out, but that doesn’t always mean linen tableclothes and fine flatware. This week’s listings pay special tribute to restaurants that offer food to be enjoyed on the go
Sun
Owner Lalit Sharma (left ) and Kiran Sharma display some Indian dishes at Mumbai Masala restaurant, which offers delivery for orders of $20 and more. 138 West 16th St., North Vancouver, 604-984-8888. Photograph by : Mark van Manen, Vancouver Sun
Victor Bouzide (left) and Jeramy Duckworth of Nuba restaurant, which sells felafel and Middle Eastern dishes to go. Locations at 322 West Hastings St., 604-688-1655 and 1206 Seymour St., 778-371-3266. Photograph by : Ian Lindsay, Vancouver Sun
House of Dosa chef Param Shnam (left) and owner Raja Kumar Muttavanchery with a specialty dosa, their house special. Takeout available from the restaurant at 1391 Kingsway, Vancouver, 604-875-1283. Photograph by : Ian Smith, Vancouver Sun
CHINESE
B.B.Q. Master Tiny, jam-packed, eat-in or takeout. Immense portions barbecued duck, pork, soy chicken and other goodies. (Under the Superstore.) No. 3 Road, Richmond, 604-272-6568.
Hawker’s Delight Humble Malaysian and Singaporean street food, dirt cheap. 4127 Main St., 604-709-8188.
Hon’s Venues vary in appearance (Robson location is the best). A huge menu on offer. 1339 Robson, 604-685-0871; 268 Keefer Street, 604-688-0871; 101 – 4600 No. 3 Rd., Richmond, 604-273-0871; 3025 Lougheed Hwy., Coquitlam, 604-468-0871.
New Hong Kong Kitchen Nothing fancy, but the couple who run it offer very good value Cantonese and Northern Chinese food. Free delivery to West End and Kitsilano. 917 Davie St., 604-688-6868.
New Town Bakery & Restaurant Bustling Chinatown destination. Great array of filled steamed buns as well as other savouries and baked goods. Famous for the apple tart. 158 East Pender St., 604-681-1828.
Toko Noodles are the specialty but much, much more. Free delivery ($20 or more) within 3 km., 10 per cent of total beyond that. 223 West Seventh Ave., 604-879-0701.
VIP’s Kitchen Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine, cooked in open kitchen. Free delivery in West Vancouver. 1487 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-925-1811.
Xian Cuisine So it’s a food court but you can’t beat watching a noodle maestro making your noodles right there. Richmond Public Market Food Court, 8260 Westminster Hwy.
YoPo Cafe A tome of a menu; nothing outstanding but it’s dependable fare. Free delivery downtown between 6 and 9 p.m. for orders of $20 or more. 1122 Homer Street, 604-609-9676.
INDIAN
Annapurna Longstanding vegetarian Indian restaurant. Free delivery in the neighbourhood. 1812 West Fourth Ave., 604-736-5959.
Handi Cuisine of India The only Indian restaurant with a fantastic rooftop ocean view. Specialties are tandoori dishes. Free delivery in West Vancouver. 1340 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-925-5262.
House of Dosa Stick to the expertly cooked dosas here. 1391 Kingsway, 604-875-1283.
Mumbai Masala Lovely food, including food from the tandoor. Delivery for orders of $20 and more. 138 West 16th St., North Vancouver, 604-984-8888.
Noor Mahal Dosas are the specialty. The new addition to the Indian menu are some Singaporean dishes. Free delivery within 15 km. 4354 Fraser, 604-873-9263.
Palki Delicious food, especially the butter chicken and naan. Free delivery within 2 km. 116 East 15th St., North Vancouver, 604-986-7555.
JAPANESE
Ajisai Sushi Bar Sushi and other dishes, cooked with flair. A hidden jewel. 2981 West 42nd Ave., 604-266-1428.
Bliss Asian Bistro Some izakaya, some sushi, and some detours to Korea. A sometimes over-inventive mind in the kitchen. 550 Denman St., 604-662-3044.
Fujiya All pre-made but you’ll find bento and deli goodies that you won’t see anywhere else. Pender Street is the smallest store. 912 Clark Drive, 604-251-3711; 1050 West Pender, 604-608-1050; 3086 St. Edwards Dr., Richmond, 604-270-3715.
Kadoya Japanese Restaurant Eat in or take out. Sushi, rice and noodle bowls, lots of special rolls. Can be a mad-house. 1063 Davie St., 604-608-1115.
Miko Even a sushi snob will find their bliss and it doesn’t stop at sushi. 1335 Robson St., 604-681-0339.
Shiro A standard Japanese restaurant, but one thing of note — they use fresh grated wasabi. 3096 Cambie Street, 604-874-002.
SushiBoy Nothing impressive, but the place is geared for fast turnover and takeout sushi. 409 West Broadway, 604-879-5236.
Nobu Japanese Sushi Some tables, lots of takeout and the sushi won’t disappoint. 3197 Edgemont Blvd., North Vancouver, 604-988-4553.
Opera Sushi Listen to opera, peruse the opera record sleeves on the wall while waiting for your sushi takeout. An oddity: black rice sushi. 1640 West Broadway, 604-737-1030.
Toshi A phone-ahead and takeout might save you the regular line-ups into this tiny tucked-away spot. Quality ingredients. 181 East 16th Ave., 604-874-5173.
Toyotomi Japanese Restaurant Big on special rolls but offers a complete roster of Japanese dishes. 4121 E. Hastings St., Burnaby, 604-676-1506.
Zipang Run by a young Japanese couple. Some inventive sushi as well as donburi and other dishes. Free delivery Broadway to 49th/Granville to Victoria Dr. for minimum $15 order. 3710 Main St., 604-708-1667.
VIETNAMESE/CAMBODIAN
Lan’s Restaurant Familiar Vietnamese fare — brochettes, spring rolls, pho. Free delivery within 5 km. for $20 or more orders. 1481 West Broadway, 604-738-2338.
Paradise Vietnamese Cuisine The owner is a meditation guru, the food is vegetarian, the place is tranquil. 8681-10th Ave., Burnaby, 604-527-8138.
Phnom Penh The Cambodian/Vietnamese food is the best in town. Try the butter beef, and “grandmother’s deep-fried calamari” with lemon pepper sauce. 244 East Georgia St., 604 682-5777.
THAI
Green Basil Standard The owner recommends coconut curry chicken. Free delivery within 5 km. 4623 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-439-1919.
Krua Thai Restaurant Colourful and lively joint, decked out in blue, yellow and red. Swimming rama (chicken with spinach and spicy peanut sauce) and chicken cashew are oft-requested. 1445 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 604-990-9349.
Montri One of the best Thai places and they do takeout. 3629 West Broadway, 604-738-9888.
O Thai Cuisine Restaurant Thai food with a modern twist — duck with tamarind sauce (ped lad prig) and steamed Thai dumplings are popular. 1626 West Broadway, 604-731-4888.
Simply Thai They don’t like to advertise it, but yes, they’ll do take out. High-end fare. 1171 Hamilton St., 604-642-0123.
Thai Away Home These outlets are designed more for takeout than eating in. Predominantly curries. The Cambie location does deliveries thanks to the Canada Line construction. 3315 Cambie St., 604-873-8424; 1206 Davie St., 604-253-8424; 43 East Fifth Ave., 604-781-8424.
Thai House Straight-ahead Thai food, no surprises. Delivery within 5 km. 1116 Robson Street, 604-683-3383; 1766 West Seventh Ave, 604-737-0088; 180 W. Esplanade, North Vancouver, 604-987-9911; 4940 No. 3 Road, Richmond, 604-278-7373; 4600 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-438-2288.
Urban Thai An offshoot of Thai House. It’s their upscale Yaletown spot. Shrimp cakes and coconut red curry are frequent requests. Free delivery within 5 km. 1119 Hamilton St., 604-408-7788.
NEPALESE
Cafe Kathmandu What’s Nepalese cuisine? A little bit Chinese, Indian and Tibetan. Try the goat curry or bhaatmas (toasted soybeans with ginger, garlic, chili). 2779 Commercial Dr., 604-879-9909.
KOREAN
Jang Mo Jib Ever-popular and ever-expanding into the suburbs, this is a favourite for spicy, casual Korean food. 1719 Robson, 604-642-0712; 395 Kingsway, 604-874-0712; 8320 Alexandra Street, Richmond, 604-233-0712.
Kimbo and Ramyun Popular with Asian language students; fast, casual fare. 423 Seymour St., 604-685-2877.
INDONESIAN
Sate Satu A modern take on Indonesian cuisine, particularly satays. And since they’re on torn-asunder Cambie, they deliver. 3488 Cambie St., 604-709-8150.
Spice Islands Family-run. A good handle on blending spices. 3592 West 41st Ave., 604-266-7355.
MALAYSIAN
Banana Leaf The three locations attest to its popularity. Rich flavours, fresh ingredients. 820 West Broadway, 604-731-6333; 1096 Denman St., 604-683-3333; 3005 Broadway West, 604-734-3005.
Orchid Delight Casual, friendly spot; tasty dishes. 2445 Burrard Street, 604-731-0221.
Cafe D’Lite Street hawker style food from Malaysia and Singapore. 3144 West Broadway, 604-733-8882.
Penang Szechuan Heavy demand on the crispy orange beef, Kung pao calamari and sambal string beans. Free delivery within 5 km. 33370 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, 604-557-9857; 15338 Russell Ave., White Rock, 604-538-1700.
Tamarind Hill Malaysian Cuisine Delicious food. Known for the papaya mango salad, spring roll calamari and roti canai with curry dip. Free delivery in neighbourhood. 628 6th Ave., New Westminster, 604-526-3000.
FILIPINO
Goldilocks A bustling enterprise of a huge array of Filipino food and baking. The big caramel-slathered rice balls for under $2 are yummy! 1606 West Broadway, 604-736-7744.
MEXICAN
Burrito Brothers Fast track to burritos, tacos, quesadillas and… Mexican poutine! 2209 West First Ave., 604-736-8222.
Budgies Burritos Quintessential hole-in-the-wall. Log-sized burritos for about $6. 44 Kingsway, 604 874-5408.
Dona Cato Lots of press, lots of people wanting tacos, quesadillas, burritos and combination plates. Cheap and cheerful. 5438 Victoria Dr., 604-436-2232.
Cilantro & Jalapeno Gourmet Mexican Foods Burritos, quesadillas, tamales, enchiladas and other dishes, nicely handled. 736 West Broadway, 604-872-7161.
La Mexicana Gourmet Foods Fresh ingredients — burritos, enchiladas, tacos, tamales. 1083 Marine Drive, North Vancouver, 604-986-1327.
Taco Shack Tacos , burritos and quesadillas. Daved Benefield and Noah Cantor, both former football players, are the reason for the football thematics. 3143 West Broadway, 604-737-8227; 1937 Cornwall St., 604-736-8226.
La Salsa Mexican Deli A store and a Mexican deli. The burritos are delish as is the guacamole. 4140 Hastings St., Burnaby, 604-299-6485.
El Taco Love the jackpot of veggies in the dishes here. Massive burritos. Fresh. 738 Davie St., 604-806-0300.
Ponchos Old-style Mexican restaurant with red-checked tablecloths. Pork with chipotle, steak with enchilada, burritos. Free delivery within downtown area. 827 Denman St, 604-683-7236.
SOUTHWEST
Delicado’s Enchiladas, roll-ups and an array of salads. 510 West Hastings, 604-682-7071.
GREEK
Apollonia Solid Greek fare. Free delivery within neighbourhood. 1830 Fir St., 604-736-9559.
Parthenon Store with a large hot deli section — lamb, chicken, casseroles, side dishes. The works. Cheap. 3080 West Broadway, 604-733-4191.
Minerva Another store with hot deli section. The pastitsio is wonderful. 3207 West Broadway, 604-733-3956.
FRENCH
Provence Marinaside Order takeout off the gourmet Provencal/Italian menu or order at the antipasto bar. 1177 Marinaside Crescent, 604-681-4144.
ITALIAN
Epicurean Deli Modern, for-real Italian caffe. Deli case holds regional pastas, as well as other famiglia specials. 898 West First Ave., 604-731-5370.
La Grotta del Formaggio Open wide for the mouthy panini constructed at the deli counter. 1791 Commercial Dr., 604-255-3911.
La Cucina del Diavolo Italian panini, soups, and don’t miss the delicious signature tarts. 1701 Powell St., 604-677-1119.
Incendio This, the first Incendio, still has the most character. Wood-burning oven, thin-crust pizza. 103 Columbia St, 604-688-8694.
Nat’s New York Pizza Order the Fifth Avenue with spinach, tomato, feta is the best seller. Free delivery in neighbourhood. 2684 West Broadway, 604-737-0707; 1080 Denman St., 604-642-0777.
Simpatico Italian and Greek food. Pizza, pasta, roast lamb, souvlaki, and the rest. Free delivery for orders $50 and up. 2222 West Fourth Ave., 604-733-6824.
Raviolini Gourmet Pasta And Foods The pasta is ready for a 10-minute cook, once you’re home. Pastas, sauces, empanadas, and the ricois, a frying pasta, is worth a try. 2822 West Fourth Ave., 604-736-0772.
Sciue Great panini, pizzas, pasta, fish dishes. Chic and busy downtown spot. 800 West Pender St., 604-602-7263.
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Mostly organic pizzas made in wood-burning oven. Deliveries through Gowaiters (604-438-4000) at $4.95 per delivery. 1876 West First Ave., 604-730-0321.
Marcello’s Thin-crust pizzas emerge from the Sungod wood-burning oven. Pick up or eat in. 1404 Commercial Dr., 604-215-7760.
IRANIAN
Arian Plates will be heaped with food — lamb shanks with lima beans, eggplant tomato beef stew, kebabs, stews and other home-style dishes. 1412 Marine Dr., West Vancouver, 604-922-9599.
Yaas Bakery Store, deli and bakery. 1860 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, 604-990-9006.
MIDDLE EAST
Nuba Felafel and other Middle Eastern dishes to go. 322 West Hastings St., 604-688-1655; 1206 Seymour St., 778-371-3266.
Victoria Park Cafe Delicious, inexpensive Palestinian food (like mjuardarak which is roasted eggplant with olive oil and garlic). Entree dishes, for $12, offer excellent value. 1904 Grant St., 604-875-8515.
EASTERN EUROPEAN
Acacia Filo Bar The specialty is banitzil, a Bulgarian filo pie with various fillings. Tripe soup, if you wish, too! 1103 Denman St., 604-633-3884.
Bernie’s Balkan Kitchen Robust homestyle cooing — homemade bread, cabbage rolls, beef stroganoff, pork and lamb roasts on weekends. 7340 Kingsway, Burnaby, 604-526-6580.
Budapest Hungarian food, from cabbage rolls and schnitzels to duck and tremes, one of their fancy pastries. 3250 Main St., 604-877-1949.
European Breads and Bakery Panini made with their lovely Georgian baguette, Georgian cheese pie, pyrogies, borscht, Napolean cake. 4324 Fraser St., 604-879-5177.
Red Square All manner of Russian and Eastern European foods with health bent. 8626 Joffre Ave., Burnaby, 604-451-0606.
Transylvania Flavour Restaurant Transylvanian (Romanian to you) cabbage rolls, potato salad, schnitzels, sausages, and for the adventurous — tripe soup. 2120 West Broadway, 604-730-0880.
NORTH AMERICAN
Cardero’s Seafood and meat dishes. Known for the wok fried squid. 1583 Coal Harbor Quay, 604-669-7666.
The Butler Did It Catering Comfort foods, salads, soups, panini. 340 West Second Ave., 604-739-3663.
Emelle’s Catering Burgers, entrees and daily specials, like kamut soba noodles with Szechuan dressing and sweet and sour chicken. 177 West Seventh Ave., 604-875-6551.
Memphis Blues BBQ House All of the juicy meats, slow-cooked in the pit barbecue are takeoutable. The Memphis Feast with ‘the works’ feeds three to four. 1342 Commercial Drive, 604-215-2599; 1465 West Broadway, 604-738-6806; 1629 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 604-929-3699.
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts A changing roster of light meals like salmon and chicken entrees, salads and a visual feast of French pastries. 1505 West Second Ave., 604-734-4488.
Tomahawk All the big-bruiser breakfast dishes and burgers can be ordered to go. 1550 Philip Ave., North Vancouver, 604-988-2612.
The Windjammer The fish and chips fly out the door. Pastas, seafood, entrees also available. 3079 Main St., 604-876-6646.
VEGETARIAN
East is East “Eastern Plates” with flavours of the Silk Road. Healthy, following ayurvedic principles. 4413 Main St., 604-879-2020.
SEAFOOD
Finest at Sea A deli case with ready-to-heat foods as well as cafe counter with entrees and fish and chips. Excellent quality. 4675 Arbutus St., 604-266-1904.
Go Fish A fish shack, yes. Mediocre food? No! Great fresh grilled fish, tacos, po’ boys, fish and chips. 1504 West First Ave., 604-730-5040.
Screaming Mimi’s Seafood And Steamer Steamer crab, lobster, oyster or mussels to take home as well as other seafood entrees. Lonsdale Quay, 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, 604-987-3466.
BITS ‘N’ BITES
Brioche Vibrant Italian food with a West Coast assist and lots of temptations in the dessert case. 401 West Cordova St., 604-682-4037.
Burgoo Stews and soups from around the world; salad additions in summer. 4434 West 10th Ave., 604 221-7839; 3 Lonsdale Ave., North Vancouver, 604-904-0933.
Capers Community Markets Appetizers, salads, soups, main dishes; all healthy and organic where possible. 2496 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, 604-925-3316; 2285 West Fourth Ave., 604-739-6676; 1675 Robson Street, 604-687-5288; 3277 Cambie Street, 604-909-2988.
Chef Claire Swish meals — osso bucco, pulled pork, Thai chicken curry, Moroccan braised chicken, beef bourguignon. 3610 Main St., 604-875-6400.
Gallery Cafe and Catering Great value — quiches, entrees, salads, panini. The gorgeous patio might change your mind about takeout. Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby St., 604-688-2233.
Hot Cuisine Gourmet take-away as well as sandwiches and wraps. Watch for the killer brownies. 2083 Alma St., 604-267-1132.
Les Amis du Fromage It’s frozen and you’ll need a microwave for an ASAP meal. Meals from mac and cheese to beef bourguignon. 518-2002 Park Royal South, West Vancouver, 604-925-4218; 752 Second Ave., West Vancouver, 604-732-4218.
Noodle Box Noodle and rice dishes from Asian countries in old-style Chinese takeout cartons. 1867 West Fourth Ave., 604-734-1310.
Pan-O-Pan High-end take-away. Duck confit, braised lamb shanks, beautiful choice of gnocchi, hors d’oeuvres. 235 East Broadway, 604-879-9146.
Meinhardt’s Along with gourmet grocery products, the deli counter offers a wide range of lunch and dinner possibilities. 3002 Granville Street, 604-732-4405.
Quince A fine food takeout. Includes cinnamon roasted duck breast, seared Sooke trout, Dungeness crab samosas. 1780 West Third Ave., 604-731-4645.
Red Door Pan Asian Grill Pan-Asian menu. Phone ahead and staff will deliver to takeout stalls in parking area. 2996 Granville St., 604-733-5699.
Upstarts Deli And Greengrocer Deli counter features salads, comfort foods, panini. Selections change. 1990- 152nd St., White Rock, 604-535-0023.
Urban Fare A long hot and cold food deli section includes carvery, seafood, salads, international dishes. 177 Davie St., 604-974-7550.
Whole Foods Market Incredible selection of prepared foods from from soup to nuts. Mostly organic. Village at Park Royal, 925 Main Street, West Vancouver, 604-678-0500.
