Deserts – The Falafel Oasis (reviews, map, 905 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-251-4171) is a very casual vegetarian / vegan restaurant that serves Indian-style food.

The restaurant appears to be under new ownership, and from what I can tell, the food has improved, but the place seems to be a bit messier than before. This is definitely not a place to take someone to impress them! However if you want to get full on tasty vegetarian food for $6.00, order their “Chef’s special” (pictured below) and if it’s a nice day, take your plate out to the small patio.

Chef's special from Deserts Restaurant on Commercial Drive.

The Templeton (web site, map, 1087 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-685-4612) is one of Vancouver’s oldest classic diners (with original furnishings and jukeboxes at tables dating from the 50’s). However, don’t let the classic decor fool you into thinking the food will be, well, typical 50’s greasy diner fare. The Templeton’s food has been modernized to fit the healthy lifestyle of many Vancouverites.

You’ll find good selections for vegetarians such as the Portobello Mushroom Burger (Marinated Portobello, grilled asiago cheese on multigrain bun, $8.50) and the Pesto Grilled Veggie Lasagna (with organic noodles, pesto, zucchini, red peppers, fresh tomatoes, ricotta, mozzarella, tangy tomato sauce, and side mixed organic greens, $11). Non-vegetarians will also find plenty of choices here too, such as the organic, free range chicken burger, or the free range New York Striploin steak.

I enjoyed The Med Quesadilla (pictured below, made with artichoke hearts, sun dried tomatoes, green olives, aged white cheddar, fresh tomato salsa and sour cream, $11). The gigantic portion and creative ingredients made the dish really satisfying, and I didn’t miss the meat. My friend ordered the Ahi Tuna Steak, $14, which I’ve had before too and liked.

The Templeton restaurant also serves great breakfasts (view Part 1 for a picture of their eggs).

Med Quesadilla ($11) from the Templeton restaurant in Vancouver

The Noodle Box (web site, map, 1-1867 4th Avenue West, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-734-1310) is a South East Asian noodle bar (near Burrard and 4th) that is popular with the young, hip student crowd for casual dining and drinks. The restaurant is cafeteria style in that there is no table service: you order and pay first, and then find a table yourself. When your food is ready one of the chefs will call out your name. The atmosphere is high-energy and lively, making this a great place for hanging out with friends and people watching. Prices for entrees are in the $10 to $14 range, such as the Thai Green Curry (pictured below, around $12), which I ordered with a chicken and prawns combination. Thai spices were simmered in coconut milk and lime juice, served with rice noodles, Asian greens, mushrooms, sprouts, and herbs. Yum!

The Noodle Box also has two locations in Victoria: Chinatown (626 Fisgard, Victoria, BC, Canada, phone: 250-360-1312) and downtown (818 Douglas, Victoria, BC, Canada, phone: 250-384-1314).

Thai Green Curry from the Noodle Box restaurant in Vancouver