During the holidays, there are so many reasons to meet up and enjoy a delicious lunch, whether its with office-mates, shopping companions, or relatives. What’s extra-special about this time of year is that several outstanding Vancouver restaurants put on special lunches, or open up for lunch for just a few days or weeks, making lunching out just a little more exciting.

Here is a look at a few great spots where you will find Christmas lunches this season in Vancouver.

CinCin Ristorante

The wood-fired grill has been lit for the midday crowd at CinCin for the season. The typically dinner-only spot is serving up a beautiful à la carte Christmas Lunch menu showcasing the talents of Chef Andrew Richardson and the flavours of Italy. Look for appetizers like a Caesar salad with kale and brussels sprouts and rosemary wood-grilled prawns, and mains like a wild mushroom and winter squash risotto, or a hearty pasta Bolognese. Lunch at CinCin runs weekdays in December until the 23rd, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Address: 1154 Robson Street
Phone: 604-688-7338
Twitter: @cincinvan

ORU Cuisine

ORU, the beautiful restaurant at Fairmont Pacific Rim, is celebrating Christmas all month long with a holiday prix-fixe lunch option. From now until December 24, their Festive lunch is aimed at groups, and is ideal for shoppers, families, or work teams. With a $39 two course option, choose from soup or salad to start, then two entrées for the group. A $47 option adds a dessert course.

Address: 1038 Canada Place
Phone: 604-695-5300

Twitter: @FairmontPacific

West Restaurant

South Granville’s lovely West Restaurant is celebrating the season with a three-course tasting menu by Chef Quang Dang. Come in from the rain or cold and enjoy elegant, seasonal fare like a Roasted Apple and Squash Salad and a Ricotta and Herb Cannelloni. This option is $45 per person, and lunch at West is served weekdays 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Address: 2881 Granville Street
Phone: 604-738-8938
Twitter: @westrestaurant

Blue Water Cafe

The acclaimed Blue Water Cafe isn’t usually open for lunch, so heading there during December is a real treat. Guests can select their meal from Chef Frank Pabst’s à la carte lunch menu featuring classic dishes and seasonal specialties. Lunch at Blue Water is served December 10 to 23, weekdays Noon to 2:30 p.m.

Address: 1095 Hamilton Street
Phone: 604-688-8078
Twitter: @bluewatercafe

Forage

This year Forage will open for holiday lunch Monday to Friday (with two seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m), beginning December 9 and running until December 23. Chef Chris Whittaker offers a four-course menu for $35 (plus tax and gratuity) but there’s one catch, you must bring friends, minimum reservation is for four people and reservations are absolutely required. Menu highlights include grilled kale salad with caramelized apples, roasted hazelnuts, Golden Ears brie and honey dressing; a charcuterie board with cured meats and salmon, house-made pickles and IPA mustard; Roasted Fraser Valley turkey with all the festive trimmings or Hay-smoked Pork Rack Roast with maple apple chutney, and a Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Address: 1300 Robson Street
Phone: 604-661-1400
Twitter: @forageVancouver 

Perch Restaurant

Available until December 18, Vancouver’s newest non-profit restaurant, Perch Restaurant, is offering a holiday menu comprised of local and sustainable ingredients. Diners who chose to enjoy a four-course feast will also be supporting AMS student programs at UBC, including the Safewalk, Sexual Assault Support Centre, Food Bank and more. For $35 (tax included, gratuity excluded), diners will be presented with the option to choose from Slow Roasted Turkey Breast and Confit Leg with Stuffing or a B.C. Belgian Endive Salad with Apples and Hazelnuts. Vegetarian options are available. A wine pairing can also be added to each course for $19.

Address: 6133 University Boulevard
Phone: 604-827-3564
Twitter: @PerchRestaurant