Mel’s Coffee and Diner, or Melriches (1043 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC, phone (604) 681-2120) is a comfortable, warm, and well-kept place to have a casual lunch downtown. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s upscale Yaletown district, Mel’s is perfect for those times you don’t feel like shelling out the big bucks for a lunch on the town. Order your food from up front, picking from their tempting selection of sandwiches, panini’s, and all day breakfast items. I quite enjoyed the Perogies which were served with a chick pea salad (pictured below, $9.49 including tax).

I went back to the Hamilton Street Grill (1009 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, phone 604.331.1511) and enjoyed the Chicken Quesadillas ($10, pictured below). For more info about this restaurant read my original review.

Ebisu on Robson (827 Bute Street, Vancouver, phone 604-689-8266) serves Japanese tapas and Asian-western fusion food, appealing to the younger, hip Asian crowd as well as food enthusiasts seeking a taste above the ordinary. Recently taking over from “Hooters” in this spacious 2nd floor room overlooking Robson street, Ebisu has a varied menu that ranges from delectable sushi concoctions such as the “Crunch ‘n Munch” roll ($12.97, pictured below) to Rack of Lamb and even pumpkin soup and fish tacos. The Oyster Blowout ($12.78, pictured below) has got to be my favorite item. It’s a huge platter of 12 fresh raw oysters served with a variety of sauces and toppings. We ordered some more inspired Japanese items, such as the Ika Meshi (stuffed squid rolls, pictured below, $11.11), the Deluxe Tempura ($14.77, pictured below), and the Sashimi Salad ($9.57, pictured below).

Crunch ‘n Munch Roll

Ika Meshi (Squid roll sushi)

Oyster Blowout (fresh raw oysters)

Sashimi Salad

Deluxe Tempura