Where to Find the Best Lunch in Mount Pleasant

I’m going to lay it all bare: I don’t believe in the idea of the ‘most important meal of the day.’ Every single meal shares an equal part of my heart and yes, I look forward to each and every one. (Obviously, this includes snacks because I also don’t believe in ‘three square meals’ either, but that’s for a different article.) 

For too long lunch has been wedged beneath breakfast and dinner on the list of “I can’t wait to eat that”—I say it’s time to let our lunch flags fly. Gone are the days of limp salads and is-it-safe-to-eat leftovers when Mount Pleasant offers, shall we say, more-than-pleasant options for your midday break. 

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite when stepping away from your desk or an indulgent catch-up with friends, these six restaurants (and one bonus spot!) have you covered. 

Nuba

Nuba was the first restaurant hyped up to me when I moved to Vancouver four years ago. Let’s just say: my love and loyalty to its Lebanese cuisine has not shifted. Whether you’re catching up with friends over shared mezze or talking strategy with a pita wrap in hand (always the Najib’s special, thank you), Nuba remains at the top of the list for midday eats. 

Address: 146 E 3rd Ave.

Hours: 11:30 a.m to 9 p.m Sunday to Thursday; 11:30 a.m to 10 p.m Friday and Saturday

Tacofino Ocho 

As spring hints at its return, Tacofino Ocho calls to my heart. The Mount Pleasant location of the beloved chain is a sit-down lunch favorite not only because of its patio but also thanks to its many shareables (think esquites, ceviche, and nachos). Hot tip if you’re not the sharing type: this location has the asadero cheese taco and yes, a cheese taco is just as good as it sounds. 

Address: 8 E 5th Ave.

Hours: 11:30 a.m to 10 p.m Daily

Tractor

Tractor is an easy go-to when I’m craving something fresh, healthy and quick enough that I can wedge my lunch break between back-to-back Zoom seshes. The soups, stews, salads, and market sides (my forever fave is the curry cauliflower) is equally delicious in takeaway format as they are when indulging in counter service. This is technically called the Olympic Village location, but close enough that I’m forgiving myself for what might be considered a map-based faux-pas.

Address: 1751 Quebec St. 

Hours: 10:30 a.m to 8:30 p.m daily 

Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions

Yes, Vintage and Provisions’ cocktails are delicious and come with the best type of ice (obviously pellet, did you even have to ask?). Yes, the interior decoration transports you to the 1970s. (And don’t even get us started on the patio.) But, I’m here to tell you about the range of its food menu. From three-dollar hotdogs to smoked duck breast to my all-time fave charcoal-grilled PNW-style teriyaki, this spot has you covered whether you’re looking for a boozy, lazy afternoon or a quick-but-vibey power lunch. 

Address: 67 W 6th Ave.

Hours: 11:30 a.m to 2 a.m Monday to Wednesday; 11:30 a.m to 1 a.m Thursday; 11:30 a.m to 2 a.m Friday and Saturday

La Fabrique St. George

So, you’re right, Fabrique is technically a winery. But I’m not here to dictate what you do or don’t do during your lunch hour. Whether or not you’re planning to sip on their array of Georgian-style wines, they have an ample but ever-changing selection of market-style eats to help you build a charcuterie picnic with your besties. Think loaves of local bread, vegan cheeses, conservas, truffle chips and more. 

Address: 7 E 7th Ave.

Hours: 3 p.m to 10 p.m Monday; 11 a.m to 10 p.m Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday; 11 a.m to 12 a.m Thursday to Sunday

The Federal Store Luncheonette and Grocer

Sometimes (read: often) I want a sandwich for lunch. But not just any sandwich. I want something that makes me nod in joy at my lunch-mate. Enter: The Federal Store. Mount Pleasant’s chicest answer to “Wait, where did you get that condiment?” and also the ‘wich connoisseur of my dreams. Think roast chicken and apple (with grana padano, fig jam, and tarragon mayo) and seasonal roast veggie. Did I mention all the bread is made in-house? 

Address: 2601 Quebec St. 

Hours: 8 a.m to 6 p.m Daily

Bonus: Anh and Chi

Technically Anh and Chi isn’t in Mount Pleasant. But, this Vietnamese staple is close enough that I decided to cheat and throw it on this list because the menu is the right combination of fresh and hearty that it won’t have you napping under your desk. In colder months I’m partial to the bún bò huế (spicy noodle soup with beef and pork) but right about now I’m shifting to the gỏi xoài (a fresh and tangy mango salad). 

Address: 3388 Main St.

Hours: 11 a.m to 10 p.m Monday to Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m to 11 p.m Friday and Saturday

 

Have some big opinions about the best restaurants in Mount Pleasant? Vote in our 2024 Reader’s Choice awards now!