7 New Restaurants to Switch Up Your Basic Takeout Order

Ahh, January. A much-needed reset and rebranding season. What exactly for, you may ask? Not for a side hustle, or a start-up gig, but instead for planning out my meals. Because what else can I really have a sense of control over in my life these days other than where I’ll be ordering takeout from? Instead of the same lunch of fried eggs over avocado toast that I’ve eaten consistently for the better half of 2020 (just kidding – there was no ‘better half’ of 2020) I’m challenging myself to branch out and treat myself to someone else’s cooking. Here are some new Vancouver restaurants to welcome in a change of culinary pace for the year.

1. Sula Indian Restaurant

This established Commercial Drive eatery has recently launched its second location on Main Street, with an enhanced menu that literally spices up their cocktails and entrée’s alike. Specialties on the menu include their Prawn Sukka (that’s shelled prawns in coconut and curry leaves) and chargrilled Tandoori Lobster. They’re also collaborating with Jeff Savage, winner of ‘Canada’s 100 Best’ Bartender of the Year, to create drinks like the Spice Trade—a drink made with Sortilege Maple Whisky—giving us warm and cozy feelings to combat the current state of seemingly endless rain forecasts.

4172 Main St.
sulaindianrestaurant.com

2. Anthem Pizza

If the idea of getting pizza wasn’t already a go-to option on your favourite food delivery app, you can now feel slightly better about your impulse decisions with Anthem’s ‘pizza with a purpose’ take-out restaurant, whether you decide to share a pie with your bubble or not. Anthem gives partial proceeds to charities like BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Unison Benevolent Fund. This new cloud kitchen pizzeria stands out with their punk rock-inspired menu with names like the ‘Hunky Dory,’ dedicated to Bowie, a cheesy ‘za complete with prosciutto and topped with banana peppers and pineapple jam. Each box top has edgy artwork from local artists, so you’ll want to save your pizza box after you’ve consumed the contents within minutes.

3124 Main St. & 1815 Commercial Dr.
anthempizza.ca  

3. Boba Run

If you’re a part of the population who refuses to drink actual milk anymore, yet you still have those cravings for authentic bubble tea, your prayers have been answered. Boba Run is giving all of us lactose-hating, oat-milk-drinking folks a place to enjoy some of the simpler things in life. They’ve got all the classic add-ins like crystal boba and lychee jelly, along with extras like espresso shots, matcha, or Hojicha (an authentic Japanese green tea) with the option of non-dairy milks like almond and oat. If you’re needing an energy-boosting concoction of goodness, they’ve also got all your matcha needs covered with flavours like black sugar, red bean and a chocolate ‘Mud Slush.’

102 West Hastings St.
bobarun.co

4. Field & Social Yaletown

I’m probably not the only one who’s a little unenthusiastic about salads…right? New year, same me, no more! A new location for the beloved salad eatery, Field & Social, is now open in Yaletown, and their menu is packed with veggie picks like their Smoked Chili Cauli, filled with greens, beans and avocado to complement their chili-roasted cauliflower. If you need a more protein-dense option to pair with your reinvigorated cardio routine, Field & Social has five different chicken salads to choose from. The Yaletown location has spacious COVID-friendly indoor dining as well as takeout options through online ordering or delivery apps.

1030 Mainland St.
fieldandsocial.com

5. Yasma

We’ve all been feeling that travel bug growing day by day, perusing the archives of your ‘gram while reminiscing on what it was like to experience another culture and feel like your own world was truly 1,000’s of miles away. The Dark Table Restaurant’s newest pop-up, Yasma, might just be the culinary experience to replicate those faraway feels, no flight required. Their specialty Levantine dish, Kibbeh (a bulgur meatball stuffed with lamb, nuts and spices) or their assortment of Syrian and Lebanese vegetarian/vegan options could be just what the doctor ordered to soothe that stuck-at-home syndrome.

2611 West 4th Ave.
yasma.ca

6. The Red Wagon

The Red Wagon, an East Van staple, has moved to a new location. They’ve brought some menu inspiration from their former sister restaurant, Bistro Wagon Rogue, while still keeping their comfort specialities like the bistro burger and their pulled pork pancakes. Whether you’re needing a new breakfast spot or just craving some nostalgic vibes, you can now enjoy feasting at this Fieri-approved spot.

2128 E. Hastings St.
redwagoncafe.com

7. Arc Iberico Imports

The Richmond Wholesaler is now complete with a Jamoneria and Bocadillo Shop. They launched this addition in late 2020, and have a full sandwich menu to complement their product selection for all your ham and cheese needs (antipasti boards everywhere rejoice). They’ve been closed for the holidays, but are re-opening their doors mid-January.  

 1020-12471 Horseshoe Way
Jamoneria by Arc