Rosie’s on Robson (website, menu, map, 298 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-689-4499) is a casual British pub -style restaurant located in the heart of downtown Vancouver’s entertainment district. The establishment offers reasonably-priced, hearty North American and British fare. House favorites include the Shepherd’s Pie, stuffed Yorkshire Pudding, fish and chips, and chicken pot pie. For health-conscious Vancouverites looking for something a little lighter and “west coast”, Rosie’s also features delicious items such as the Thai Chicken Salad, Veggie or Salmon burger, and the chicken and mushroom penne.

At lunch time, most entrees are in the $10 to $14 range which is quite reasonable considering the restaurant’s convenient location and proximity to venues such as Rogers Arena, BC Place Stadium, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the Centre for Performing Arts. A 10 minute walk up Robson Street will bring you past the local library (book lovers unite!) to Vancouver’s famed upscale shopping district with the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, Le Chateau, and lululemon.

I ordered the Salmon Pesto Penne ($15, pictured below) which was served with diced tomatoes, broccoli, and walnuts in a pesto parmesan sauce. It tasted as good as it looked!

Stepping into Rosie’s and experiencing the comfort food and decor of a British Pub is a refreshing change from the mostly-similar and ultra-modern trendy places which seem to be popping up these days. Don’t expect to be wowed by super-slick staff sporting the latest in cosmetic enhancements – instead you’ll enjoy a down-to-earth dine on delicious and honestly good victuals.

Salmon Pesto Penne from Rosie's on Robson (British Pub-style restaurant in downtown Vancouver BC Canada)

Salmon pesto penne pasta from Rosie's on Robson, restaurant in downtown Vancouver BC Canada.

The Naam (map, website, 2724 West 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-738-7151) is one of Vancouver’s oldest vegetarian and natural foods restaurants – my aunt worked there in the 70’s. Open 24 hours, the Naam has great live music in the evenings and is also popular for breakfast and lunch. The dishes are varied with a selection of Enchilada platters, quesadillas, soups, salads, rice bowls, veggie burgers, and noodles.

Pictured below is the enchilada platter I ordered, which is presented in a totally appetizing way that reminds me of a purposeful chaos or even a cacophony of delectable ingredients. Prices at the Naam are quite reasonable with most dishes in the $9 to $15 range.

Enchilada platter from the Naam vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver BC Canada.

Tempeh Reuben veggie burger platter from the Naam restaurant in Kitsilano Vancouver BC Canada.

Interior of the Naam vegetarian restaurant in Kitsilano Vancouver BC Canada (open 24 hours).

No. 9 Restaurant in Richmond (web site, map, 5300 No.3 Road, Richmond BC, at Landsdowne Shopping Centre, phone: 604-278-7700 or 604-279-0002) is an Asian / Western restaurant that serves quality Chinese food and North American items.

It’s amazingly open (and busy) 24 hours!

I really enjoyed the spicy green beans, the Seafood Congee, and the silverfish, which I show in the video below. Total price for a large and satisfying meal for two people came out to around $23 dollars, which is a pretty good deal.

Video from No. 9 Restaurant

Congee Soup from No.9 Restaurant in Richmond BC Canada