Best Lunch Spots in Gastown and Railtown

47 W Hastings St | 778-379-7377 $$ | Vegan & Gluten Free Cafe

A locally-owned bakery, sandwich shop and retail space featuring mainly vegan, 100% gluten free products. Their mini-market features rare vegan ingredients like plant-based bacon grease, smoked salmon and frozen pie crusts. Nine sandwiches grace the menu - try the BBQ tofu. Decadent vegan and gluten free cakes, pies, krispy squares, cupcakes, cookies and muffins and more are also on offer.

315 Carrall St | 604-681-5776 $ | Lunch

A truly epic space decorated with vintage tables and chairs, festive bunting and other eclectic collector pieces. The house-made bread, made daily by self-taught baker and co-owner Jonathan Snelgar, is a highlight -- try it thick-cut in sandwich form or keep it simple with avocado on toast.

55 Powell St | 604-893-7832 $$ | West Coast

A beautiful space with plenty of seating, decorated with floral bouquets (which are for sale) open from 7-6 on weekdays and 9-5 on weekends. House-made bread, baked daily, is the highlight. Try the charred veggie sandwich.

33 W Hastings St | 604-559-7444 $ | Restaurant Cafe

A warehouse-style restaurant cafe dedicated to philanthropy, art, travel and homemade cooking. Owners Kane and Salomeh Ryan, a husband and wife team, serve organic Republica coffee, hearty salads, sandwiches and baking made with Kane's grandma's bread dough recipe.

397 Railway St | 604-568-8811 $$ | Lunch

One of our very favourite salad spots where the "build-your-own" salad concept is taken to the next level with gourmet ingredients like pickled cauliflower, crispy kabocha squash and roasted yams. House-made baked goods (chia bars, muffins, sticky buns etc.) are also especially good.

51 W. Hastings St. | 604-569-1022 $$ | Bakery

Diner-style with a menu full of sandwiches (choose from ten), salads, soups and comforting classics like mac and cheese, shepherd's pie, etc. Save room for pie -- they have a few flavours to choose from every day.

370 Cambie St | 604-566-9003 $$ | Lunch

Abbott & Water | 604-719-8861 $$ | Juice Bar

Looking for a light lunch? Try a thick, fruit-and-veg smoothie and a Culver City Salad at this beloved Gastown food truck.

305 Alexander St | 604-428-2544 $$ | Italian

A simple, one-room eatery where food is king. Chef and owner JC Poirier makes all pastas from scratch and sources high quality olive oils and local produce. His "less is more" attitude lets flavours shine. Try the Spaghetti Nero with octopus and grilled jalapeno.

55 Dunlevy Ave | 604-566-1989 $$ | Fusion