Best cafés in Vancouver

64 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver, r/britishcolumbia

Most people recommend JJ Bean, and many praise its cookies, with a few naming the caramel crackle in particular. Several praise its muffins, including the cheese jalapeño one, and several rate the coffee itself well. Two commenters say the Main Street and Commercial Drive branches stay open late. On taste, a few commenters find the coffee sour, one of them saying the drip is more sour than the espresso and that other places do much better, and one former regular is unsure it is still as good. People recommend the JJ Bean brand across its outlets; the map shows the Commercial Drive branch, which commenters name alongside Main Street.

Commercial Drive

63 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan, r/burnaby, X

Most people recommend Revolver, and several name it as their top or favourite pick for coffee. A few praise its beans from several roasters, a few like its espresso flights and a few its pour-overs. One commenter notes it does not roast its own beans, and one diner who tried it found the coffee too mild and watery. One commenter recommending the Gastown spot says lines can form but it is well worth a visit.

Gastown

62 people recommend, 8 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan, r/burnaby

Most people recommend Nemesis, and many praise the baked goods, including the croissants and other pastries. Several call the coffee very good or great, and several like the distinctive interior. On the downside, several commenters find the coffee the weaker side (one finds it regularly sour and acidic, one says it was better before in-house roasting, one thinks its appeal is the bakery), a few doubt it is the best in the world, one lists it among overhyped spots to skip, and one finds it too busy to be worth the visit. People recommend Nemesis across its outlets; the map shows the Gastown cafe, and one commenter likes the location beside Emily Carr.

Gastown

45 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Prototype is widely recommended, and a few commenters describe it as a specialty coffee shop for enthusiasts. Several point to its lighter roasts, a few to its wide range of beans, and a few name it a top pick for pour overs. Two commenters recommend its cold brew, one of them calling it seasonal. One suggests a tasting session where you can meet the roasters, and one places it on a Mount Pleasant coffee tour.

Mount Pleasant

44 people recommend, 7 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most diners recommend Beaucoup Bakery & Cafe, and several praise its croissants, with a few singling out the peanut butter cookie. A couple of diners see it as more of a bakery than a coffee spot, and one says the matcha pastries can be great but vary. Two diners find some pastries dry or overbaked, a couple are not convinced by the hype, and one says quality has dropped over time.

4th Fir

39 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Oide, in Kits, is a cafe that most commenters recommend, and several rate it very highly, with one calling it the best in town. A couple recommend its iced coffee or iced latte, and one suggests it for light single-origin beans. One commenter says it no longer serves matcha, one visitor found pastries and a pourover sold out during a long holiday line though they enjoyed the Ethiopian coffee, and a few others call it overrated or found little coffee taste.

Kits

36 people recommend, 9 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most commenters recommend Breka, many name it as a late-night option, and a few say every location is open around the clock. A few praise the donuts, one calls the Bienenstich a great bargain, and a few others like the chocolate cake, the mousse or the almond croissant. Criticism is worth knowing: one commenter says it falls well short of comparable bakeries, one says they disliked everything except the cheesecake brownie, one tried three times without finding a seat, and one suggests Elysian is nicer. People discuss Breka's several downtown locations; the map shows the Davie Street one.

Downtown

34 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver, r/burnaby

Most people recommend Milano, an Italian-style espresso cafe with more than one location around Vancouver. Across its locations, a few people point to the darker roasts, a couple mention the pour over, and one rates its americano the best in the city. At the West 8th branch, a few praise the view of the nearby park and the patio, one calls it a favourite work base and one suggests it for a date. A few commenters note it is a dark-roast spot, not a light-roast one, one visitor found the espresso weak on an older visit, another was served a latte after ordering a flat white, and one notes the branch gets busy.

W 8th

34 people recommend, 14 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver, r/britishcolumbia

Most people recommend Elysian, a few praising its espresso drinks and coffee, and a few its cookies and shortbread. Drip gets a more mixed reception, with a few diners finding it bitter, hit-or-miss or very acidic. A few people feel the shop has slipped over time, and several call it overrated, mediocre or not the top choice. One visitor didn't care for the taste after a single visit. Commenters mention more than one Elysian outlet; the map shows the downtown Burrard Street one, which one commenter names.

31 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/burnaby, r/vancouver

Many people recommend Timbertrain, and several like its coffee; one diner says it was the first place they came to love modern espresso. Several point to its baked goods, including an almond croissant, a popcorn cookie and cookies in general, and a few mention the McLean location, where one commenter calls it the branch to visit. One commenter calls it fairly decent, a more reserved take.

Mclean

31 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Small Victory is a cafe that most commenters recommend, and a few praise its croissants and several its cookies, including the chocolate chip, peanut butter and oatmeal. One visitor says the raisin pastry and baguette are a clear yes, one calls the celebration cake a go-to, and one loves the donuts. Another diner found the cinnamon bun middling, one feels the beverage side would need to improve, and one feels its plain croissants fall short of their top picks. People recommend Small Victory across its outlets; the map shows the Yaletown one.

Yaletown

29 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver, r/burnaby

Most people recommend Grounds for Coffee, and many rank its cinnamon buns at or near the top. Two people are less keen: one finds the cream cheese not rich enough and another prefers softer buns from elsewhere. One person finds the icing portions light, another disliked getting the berry topping and icing separately, and one diner calls the coffee unremarkable. Commenters mention more than one branch; most name the Commercial Drive shop.

Commercial Drive

27 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/burnaby, r/britishcolumbia

Most commenters recommend Pallet Coffee which has several locations around Vancouver; commenters mention Melville, Kingsway, Semlin Drive, West Hastings and 2nd Avenue, and the map shows the Melville Street one, which one commenter calls a top stop near Waterfront station. A few call it their favourite, one finds its lattes smooth enough to skip sugar, and one notes it roasts its own beans. Taste splits opinions: a couple of commenters would rather go to Yuan, one calls it more of a chain, and a few say they disliked the coffee or never saw the hype.

26 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Diners recommend Fife Bakery overall, and many single out the bread, including its seasonal loaves. Several praise the sausage rolls, a few rate the coffee highly, and two praise the canelés. One commenter describes it as a small bakery with coffee. One diner calls it a regular go-to but finds the approach fussy, and another jokes that the sausage rolls sell out whenever they go.

3rd

26 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/burnaby, r/vancouver

Most people recommend Yuan Coffee, a specialty shop on Clark Drive, and many praise its coffee, with several calling it the top pick among the cafes discussed. Several point to its bean selection, which stocks beans from a range of roasters. One visitor found no website or online menu and an email went unanswered, though they still planned to stop by.

Clark Drive

23 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people recommend Lumine, and many diners praise its baked goods, including croissants. A few praise its espresso and pour-overs, one praises an oat milk flat white at the West 4th cafe, and one mentions the tiramisu latte, saying it comes with a generous scoop of mascarpone cream. One commenter says many people use the cafe as a workspace. The main caveat is seating: one diner says the covered outdoor seats at West 4th are tight and may not suit a business meeting, and another says finding a seat can be hard.

West 4th

23 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most diners recommend Aperture Coffee Bar on Main Street, and many mention its back room, which one commenter calls a known study spot. One diner describes the espresso as darker and bolder than typical cafes, and another thinks the affogato may be the best in town. One diner says it gets busy but a seat can usually be found, while another advises arriving early since seating is scarce. Two commenters say it stays open late. Separately, one visitor to an Aperture location found it too quiet and felt they disturbed laptop users.

Main Street

23 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most diners recommend Purebread, and many point to the butter tarts, which one diner says taste close to Ontario-style ones. One diner calls the carrot cake excellent, another recommends a gooey cookie bar, and one praises the cheddar sourdough toast. One diner finds the cake too sweet, like the bakery's other items, and another says the cakes are only worth buying the same day. One rates the baked goods highly overall but finds the croissants lacking, and one calls the overall quality poor.

21 people recommendvia r/askvan

49th Parallel Coffee Roasters is a Vancouver roaster with more than one cafe that people recommend; commenters mention its downtown and Main Street cafes, and the map shows the Main Street one, which shares its site with Lucky's Doughnuts. Several people rate the coffee highly and several single out the donuts, one says the croissants are great, and one suggests it for a first date over coffee and shared donuts. A few commenters buy beans there, and one calls the coffee decent.

21 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Modus Coffee is a specialty coffee shop in Vancouver that many people recommend, and a few people point to it as a roaster worth trying. One diner says its drinks are consistently good in-store, another praises its pour overs, and one more says the baked goods are a strength. One visitor would skip it after a visit that left them underwhelmed, and another says the food is good but has stopped going.

20 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/burnaby, r/vancouver

Most people recommend this cafe on St. George Street, and several describe it as cozy or distinctive. One visitor sees it as a good date pick over bigger chains, and a few name it for coffee. A few mention the croissants, with one visitor calling them outstanding and another finding the plain butter version less crisp, though still buttery. If coffee is the main draw, one visitor finds it falls short of other cafes they compare it with.

20 people recommend, 5 warn against itcounted across its outletsvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most commenters recommend Bean Around The World; recommendations cover the brand across its outlets, and the map shows the Main and Broadway one. A few call it cozy; one finds the Americano strong and one says its hours let them study all day through university. One says it is open until midnight, though another says the hours changed about two months ago and it no longer stays open late. Criticism focuses on changes over time: one says a new owner changed the feel and raised prices, one that the piano was removed, and a couple say it has gone downhill or been ruined.

Main and Broadway

18 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Commenters recommend Moja, and many praise its coffee, with a few saying they love it or call it a favourite. Several name the Commercial Drive branch, where one commenter says it is always busy in an older brick building. A couple praise the croissants at that branch, and one says the pastries may not be made in-house.

The Drive

17 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Flourist on Commercial Street is recommended by many people, and several single out its cookies, with a couple calling the chocolate chip cookie the best they have had. A few name its sourdough, one praises the sourdough cinnamon bun, and two point to the cardamom bun. One diner finds the sourdough and pastries decent but says quality is hit or miss, and another who likes it says it may not suit every taste.

Commercial St

16 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people recommend Greenhorn Cafe, a West End spot on Nicola Street in a residential area, with the beach a short walk away. A couple call it a West End gem or a great suggestion, and one calls it a cute cafe with solid coffee and food. One recommends it for brunch, saying it is busy but less so than some other popular spots, one suggests it as a fallback if Medina is full, and one lists it among picks for a date.

West End

16 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people recommend Annabelle's, and several praise its pastries, including the kouign amann one visitor names. A couple of commenters say it serves Luna coffee, and one strongly recommends it for light-roast coffee and interesting pastries. In Chinatown, one diner says the savory and sweet pastries are consistently good and suggests arriving early for more choice.

Chinatown

16 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Many commenters recommend Foglifter Coffee, and a few praise its cookies, including the ranger cookie. Two diners rave about a bun from the Main Street shop, though one of them says it looks plain. On coffee, one commenter finds the Main Street coffee far from sour, one buys its espresso beans for home brewing, one likes its Peruvian dark roast and one loves a favourite bean. A couple of commenters just name the cafe.

Main Street

15 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Most people recommend Cowdog, and many praise its drinks, with a few calling the matcha slushie a standout or good and one finding the espresso memorable. Two say the space is small: one warns you may not stay long on busy days, and the other finds it uncomfortable for a first date. On the other side, one finds the matcha weak and lists it among overhyped places, one found the strawberry matcha good but small and pricey, and one thinks the drinks look overpriced.

14 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people recommend Wicked Cafe and Bakery, and a few commenters praise its cookies. Hemlock Street is the branch people mention most, where one diner finds the space cozy and intimate and another says its drizzled chocolate chip cookie is excellent. A couple of people find the place mediocre or bland, one of them calling it unique but saying they won't go back, and one says it has become worse than it used to be. One visitor who went once wasn't a fan.

Hemlock Location

13 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people recommend East Cafe at Hastings and Nanaimo, and a few call it cozy or cute. A few mention its patio, one diner calls the plain scones excellent, and another praises the coffee, food after a chance visit. On the downside, one diner finds the cortados poorly made, and another says mic nights make it a poor spot for quiet relaxing.

Hastings and Nanaimo

13 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people list The Federal Store at Quebec and 10th among cafes they recommend. One diner calls its chocolate chip cookie really tasty, one calls it a favourite stop with outdoor seating, and one suggests it as a date pick over bigger chains. One diner likes it but says it can get loud from nearby Broadway construction and trucks.

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver, r/burnaby

Most people who weigh in recommend Platform 7. A few praise the coffee, one saying the West Broadway branch's is probably the best they have had in Vancouver so far, and a few mention the train-station decor. Two mention a back garden, and a few commenters name Hastings-area branches. One diner who enjoyed the coffee found the loud music on every visit off-putting and has not gone back.

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Many commenters recommend Slo, and two name it among specialty and high-end coffee spots. Two call it great, one calls it lovely and another says it was good on a recent visit. Locations mentioned include Fraser Street, Granville and Pacific Centre; one commenter says the Fraser Street shop recently opened. One commenter warns against it for a quiet visit, saying the interior echoes badly.

12 people recommendvia r/askvan

People recommend Mah Milk Bar, especially for its coffee, and a couple point to its flat white. One diner loves its Australian-style iced coffee with ice cream, and another calls the Victoria Drive shop very cozy with good coffee. One visitor who went before liked the beans, though they may change over time.

Victoria Dr

12 people recommendvia r/britishcolumbia, r/askvan, r/burnaby

Most commenters recommend Matchstick Coffee, naming it a good option for coffee in Vancouver. One diner says its almond croissant is on par with Bad Dog Bread's, and another says its seasonal drinks are tasty. One diner finds it decent rather than great, saying the darker drip roast is disappointing and the range one-dimensional. People recommend Matchstick across its outlets; the map shows the Fraser Street one.

12 people recommendvia r/askvan

Arbutus Coffee is a cafe in Kitsilano that many people recommend for its cozy feel. One person says it is especially cozy on rainy days, when the glass fogs over. Two diners say it is a favourite or regular stop, and a couple of people also call it cute.

12 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people recommend Trees Organic Coffee, mostly in answer to late-night cafe questions. Several say its branches stay open late, including Kingsway and Knight (two commenters, and the map's pick), Joyce Station and Broadway and Kingsway, and one lists a Burrard Street branch among evening options. One suggests the Broadway location as a place to work, one reports a decent espresso on a visit, and a couple point to it for large cup sizes.

11 people recommendvia r/askvan

Turk's on Commercial Drive is recommended by many people, and some of them praise its coffee. Two commenters note the shop serves Milano coffee, and one diner feels its single-shot cortado is among the city's best. One commenter calls the shop excellent and underrated, and another says it is a good spot for socializing.

Commercial Drive

11 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/askvan

Most people who weigh in recommend this old-school Italian-style cafe on Commercial Drive, and several praise its coffee, with one diner describing the espresso as strong and rich with heavy crema. One commenter praises the sandwiches and another recommends the cannoli. It is cash only, as commenters note; one has not found the coffee exceptional. Commenters note it is not the modern specialty style.

Commercial Drive

10 people recommendvia r/askvan

Renzullo's Italian Family Market on Nanaimo Street is an Italian market that people recommend, and several name its coffee. Two diners single out the cappuccinos, one calls it the best espresso spot around, and one calls it a long-running favourite with good products.

10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Most people recommend FUNK, and several praise the coffee. One diner says the downtown bar's featured roasts are consistently excellent, another finds its comfy, bright space good for working, and one calls the Bentall Centre location the best option for adventurous drinkers. A visitor finds the roasts fruity with a dry finish, and a couple say they are third-wave rather than strong or bold. One diner loves the coffee bar but finds the brand off-putting.

Downtown

10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Many people recommend Saunter Cafe, in Gastown near Revolver. One visitor describes the back patio as quiet and cozy, another recommends its charming back reading corner, and one says the courtyard would suit family time. Another person finds the coffee pricey.

10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan

Many people recommend The Mighty Oak, a cafe on West 18th Avenue, and two suggest it for anyone wanting a side-street cafe. One person praises the coffee, sweets and sandwiches and calls its setting within a neighbourhood unusual, and another lists it among spots worth checking for a good vibe and people-watching. One person warned others off after a bad experience.

9 people recommendvia r/vancouver, r/askvan

Overall, people recommend The Garden Cafe, and several name the Strathcona location. A few single out its chocolate chip cookies, with one diner calling a chewy salted version a must-try. One diner says the coffee is pretty good, and a few recommend it for its look or as a cozy cafe.

Strathcona

9 people recommendvia r/askvan

People recommend Estratto for coffee. One diner at the Gastown location says its flat white is the best they have tasted in the city, and two others call it their favourite or the best coffee they have had in Vancouver. Several others simply name it as a good option for coffee.

Gastown

8 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/burnaby

Commenters recommend Bump n Grind on Commercial Drive, and several simply name it as a place to try. One commenter mentions fun flavours and a wheel to spin for a random pick, while another points to its pay-it-forward option. Two others describe it as cozy or a favourite, though comments say little about the coffee or food itself.

Commercial Drive

8 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many commenters recommend Finch's market and coffee shop on East Georgia in Strathcona, and a couple point to its atmosphere: one says it is the only spot they can think of with character, and another lists it among cafes to try for good people-watching. One diner says its baguettes are the best they have had in Vancouver, and another lists it as a quirky antique store and coffee shop worth finding. Several others simply name it as a suggestion.

Strathcona

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Analog Coffee in Vancouver is a coffee shop several people name among their coffee picks, and one diner names it among cookie spots they like. At the Yaletown location, one diner describes a lively atmosphere that suits a busy social crowd, while another says it isn't quiet, but sitting at the outdoor picnic tables is fine in early afternoons. Overall it is recommended, though one diner finds the background indie and folk rock music irritating, and a different diner notes there is no wifi on weekends.

Yaletown

7 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people recommend Honest to Pete, a cafe in Vancouver. A couple of commenters suggest it in Olympic Village, and one diner counts it among their two favourite cafes. The mentions are short recommendations, so beyond the praise there is little detail on drinks, food or the space itself.

Olympic Village

7 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many people recommend Aiyaohno Cafe, calling it a delightful Japanese cafe near Carrall and Hastings. One visitor calls it a solid choice with good matcha drinks and quality matcha sold on site, another calls its iced caramel miso drink incredible, and one diner finds the cafe cozy and budget-friendly and reports repeatedly good visits.

7 people recommendvia r/askvan

Many commenters recommend Avik, a coffee shop with branches on Broadway and West Broadway, so details may vary by location. One diner calls it their regular spot and praises the coffee, the pastries. One diner finds the space cute and modern with a lovely atmosphere, and another finds it pleasant and only lightly busy in the afternoon and early evening, but has not been there late in the day. Several diners say it stays open late, and one commenter calls it a hidden gem.

7 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Diners recommend Perfecto Cafe, and several call it good. One diner on Davie found the flat white very good, and another says that branch has charging stations, enough space to work, and gelato.

Davie

7 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Many commenters recommend Prado, which has several locations; the map shows the Commercial Drive one. One diner says it sells excellent beans, another found the coffee excellent at the Kits location though the atmosphere there was only average, and one counts a cookie among their favourites. Not everyone agrees: one commenter finds the design stark and modern box-style, one visitor was disappointed by the Dunbar location, and another says the espresso is dark-roast and Italian-style rather than light-roast.

Commercial Drive

6 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/vancouver

Caffè Cittadella is recommended by most commenters who mention it, and a couple call it cozy; one notes it occupies an older vintage house. One diner calls the coffee excellent, and another suggests it as a charming, small community hangout for writing. One diner finds the offerings weak and says it lacks comfy seating, and one says it was once a favourite for dates and reading but feels less appealing now.

6 people recommendvia r/askvan

Mercato di Luigi is a coffee shop at 12th and Carolina that several people recommend, in several lists of cafes. One diner praises the food very highly, another says the pastries are excellent, and one commenter lists it among spots worth checking for a good vibe and people-watching. Another describes it positively alongside Milano.

6 people recommendvia r/askvan

Several people recommend Wilder Snail. One diner, who places it in Strathcona at Keefer and Hawks, says every visit leaves them happy and describes a strong neighbourhood feel. Another commenter calls the food good. Someone else places it near Union, so confirm the exact spot before you go.

6 people recommendvia r/askvan

Union Market is a cafe on Union Street that several people name as a good cafe to try. One commenter lists it among cozy neighbourhood cafes, and another places it in the Strathcona, Grandview Woodland and Hastings Sunrise area. Its menu and coffee are not described in detail.

6 people recommendvia r/askvan, r/britishcolumbia, r/vancouver

Kafka's is recommended by several commenters, two of them as a coffee shop to look up. One diner says they like the atmosphere at the downtown branch, one suggests it as a date spot over larger chains, and one has heard the downtown building is attractive. One diner praised the cortado at the Great Northern Way branch rather than the downtown one. Recommendations cover the Kafka's brand across its outlets; the map shows the downtown branch.

Downtown

5 people recommendvia r/askvan

Most people who mention Mum's the Word on Commercial Drive recommend it. One diner likes its quirky, homey feel and often sees solo people working there, and another says the vegan sandwiches are good and calls it very cute. Two commenters give it as a short suggestion for a character-filled cafe, and a few note that it also operates a bar, so the vibe can vary.

Commercial Drive

5 people recommendvia r/askvan

Several commenters recommend Peace & Culture. One commenter points to its innovative drinks and a lightly sweetened matcha, while another praises its unusual beans alongside excellent drinks. Another suggests it to anyone mainly after good coffee, and two others give brief endorsements.

5 people recommendvia r/askvan

Kranky Cafe is recommended by several people, including a few commenters who simply name it as a pick for Vancouver cafes. One commenter rates its flat white highly. One diner who visited the Mount Pleasant branch says the vegan cakes, muffins and lunch items there have been consistently enjoyable, even for someone who isn't vegan.

5 people recommendvia r/askvan

Propaganda is a specialty coffee cafe that several people name in lists of coffee picks. One commenter names the Pender location as a pick, and the overall verdict is a recommendation. Commenters say little about the drinks, food or atmosphere.

Pender