Bistro Sakana Japanese Restaurant (web site, 1123 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC, phone 604-633-1280) is a popular lunch (and dinner) spot in Yaletown; it’s a more upscale version of the ubiquitous family-owned Vancouver sushi restaurant, but is not as wild as some of the higher-end Izakaya or fusion Japanese restaurants. At lunch, Bistro Sakana offers healthy Japanese box combos that are cleanly and attractively presented, such as the Lunch Box A (some of which is pictured below, around $14).

Falafel House (902 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, phone 604-806-0045) is a fast food restaurant that serves Lebanese cuisine. Choose from a chicken or beef donair, a chicken schwarma plate, a falafel plate, or a vegetarian plate (pictured below). The vegetarian plate comes with rice wrapped in grape leaves, a samosa, some falafel, humus and pita bread, as well as two kinds of salads. It is around $6.00 plus tax.

Falafel House is big enough to seat maybe around 10 to 15 people comfortably, but is also popular for take out. The restaurant is located near the many night clubs on the Granville Strip downtown, and is open late.

Update June 1st 2008: The Falafel House restaurant has changed to a pizza place, which is also open late.

Samurai Japanese Restaurant (1108 Davie Street, Vancouver, BC, phone 604-609-0078) is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants for fresh, high quality sushi creations and combinations at reasonable prices. Pictured below is the Chicken Teriyaki and sushi/sashimi combination that is also served with a bowl of rice, green salad, and tempura, all for $12.95.  View more photos: part 2, part 1