Photo via Isabelle Vauclair / Curiocity
If there’s one thing we know and love, it’s cafes, and fall is a beautiful time of year to check out a couple of new ones in Vancouver. Whether you’re on the go or looking for a place to settle in with your journal or a good book, these neighbourhood coffee shops and bakeries offer a prime spot to slow down and romanticize the little things, like cute, textured mugs, flaky pastries, unique local artwork, cozy seating, and great coffee. Need we say more?
Known for their amazing sourdough sandwiches, pastries, and weekend brunch options, Tall Shadow Bakery is a prime spot for a bite, and it’s decorated to feel like you’re sitting in someone’s colourful living room.
Where: 2474 East Hastings St.
What began as a small coffee window has blossomed into two Oidé cafes, each with its own distinct vibe. The OG location on West 2nd Avenue is a minimalist heaven, with comfy seating and some of the best espresso and matcha beverages in Vancouver. The newly opened coffee lab, Oidé Labo, joins Mount Pleasant’s legendary coffee roaster rotation, complete with a new house-roasted coffee sourced from an eco-friendly farm in Brazil.
Where: 1548 West 2nd Ave. and 1886 Scotia St.
LIVIA is not just a staple for fresh sourdough, pastries, pasta, espresso, and negronis; it’s a cornerstone of the East Van community, hosting pop-up barbecues, piazza movie nights, and lasagna and lambrusco nights on the patio.
Oh, and their $13 breakfast sandwich + americano deal (Tuesday to Friday) is one of the best we’ve found in the city.
Where: 1399 Commercial Dr.
This one’s perfect if you’re on the hunt for truly authentic French pastries. L’Atelier Patisserie is situated in a warm-toned building with a variety of seating sizes to choose from, beloved for its array of specialty croissants, bread, and desserts.
Where: 599 East Broadway
Situated on South Main, Liberty is an adorable cafe and bakery right next to an outdoor plaza for crisp, sunny fall days, and cozy indoor seating surrounded by quirky portraits for those colder days ahead. Their menu is adorned with sweet and savoury danishes, fresh pizza slices, and espresso beverages.
Where: 3699 Main St.
If you manage to find a spot, Cafe Portrait is truly the epitome of cozy. The Turkish-owned and operated cafe is located just minutes away from English Bay, but once you head inside, you enter a whole other world. A vibrant art show meets breakfast with a view.
Where: 1120 Denman St.
The incredibly charming Cafe Lokal on West 4th. The European-inspired eatery not only has a comfy garden patio on the side, but also has a bunch of mismatched vintage furniture to lounge on with your favourite comfort beverage. They also have a full brunch menu to choose from if you’re craving a fuller meal.
Where: 2610 West 4th Ave.
A quaint luncheonette and grocer-slash-cafe, The Federal Store really does it all. The plant-adorned spot nestled between Quebec and Main is known for its amazing selection of house-baked cakes, pastries, and a selection of espresso beverages.
Where: 2601 Quebec St.
If you find yourself in Yaletown or on a walk around False Creek, Chez nous is another French bakery worth adding to your rotation. Inside, cozy seating offers visitors the chance to unwind with a book or a friend, treat themselves to a flaky pastry, and sip on coffee out of fun pottery mugs.
Where: 1262 Homer St.
Another spot that has nailed its mug selection is Annabelle’s, situated on the edge of Chinatown on Quebec Street. Known for its array of seasonal sweet and savoury danishes, scrolls, and double-baked croissants, you’re sure to find your next fave pastry here.
They also have incredible rotating gelato flavours like the popular milky oolong Okanagan peach ripple.
Where: 620 Quebec St.
Originally starting off in North Vancouver, this bring-your-own-cup cafe in Kits is housed in a 1912 landmark building, which was restored to bring its heritage back to life. Cafe-goers can enjoy an extensive pour-over menu, seasonal espresso bevies like a classic PSL and Cardamom Latte, and staple pastries.
Where: 2143 Yew St.
Serving up authentic Turkish breakfast, pastries, and bagels, Simit is a go-to for a satisfying meal and Turkish coffee with friends. Its extensive menu includes its award-winning San Sebastian cheesecake, Simit Breakfast Plates, and simit bagel sandwiches that will have you dreaming of a vacation to Türkiye.
Where: 2268 West 4th Ave.
With a vibrant, community-oriented space and warm, nourishing meals like Jerk Chicken Mac and Cheese and Jamaican Patties, Rise Up is the perfect place to get cozy and slow down for a bit. Their sandwiches, coffee, and locally-made goods are always a hit, as is their vintage Pac-Man machine.
Where: 704 Vernon Dr.
Situated in Chinatown, Tommy’s is Vancouver’s first and only whole grain bakery, with all breads and pastries made from scratch using Canadian-grown organic whole grains, milled in-house daily. Among their bestsellers are the vegan and gluten-free Anzac cookie, carrot walnut muffin, and sourdough sandwiches. It’s a must-visit for passionate bread lovers!
Where: 338 Powell St.
Cafe Portrait is probably one of the most unique finds you’ll stumble across in Vancouver. The Turkish-owned and operated cafe is located just minutes away from English Bay, but once you head inside, you enter a whole other world. A vibrant art show meets breakfast with a view.
Where: 1120 Denman St.
For delicious berry and pistachio cakes, mosaic cake, flan, baklava, and more, Bahar Bakery & Cafe stands as a testament to the life of a beloved PS752 victim, Bahareh Karami Moghadam. Each crafted latte and sweet treat honours Bahareh’s legacy and passion for baking, with a space where kindness and community come in spades.
Where: 579 Robson St.
This West End spot doubles as a ‘Latin snackery,’ serving up a slew of delicious soups, sandwiches, and specialty drinks, including the Dulce de Leche Macchiato and the Fruta de la Pasión from Brazil. Come to try the Latin-inspired fare and stay for the “homey” vibes. Plus, they have tons of traditional snacks from a variety of Latin American countries that are likely tough to track down anywhere else in Vancouver!
Where: 1016 Cardero St.
With a plethora of tables and nooks, Foglifter is a great place to settle in for an hour or two of reading, journalling, or working(so long as you’re okay without wifi!) Recently spotlighted by the New York Times’ “36 hours in Vancouver,” the cafe boasts incredible focaccia, sandwiches, and sweet pastries, a surprising handful of which are vegan-friendly as well.
Plus, their seasonal specialty beverages are always a hit.
Where: 3590 Main St.
Don’t sleep on Sooyo just because of its location. Residents of Hastings-Sunrise already know and love this East Van gem, but it’s high time it gets its flowers from the rest of the city. Beloved for its croissant sandwiches, pasta dishes, tea lattes, and weekend brunch, it’s a great spot to pop in while on a neighbourhood walk. Service is always friendly, seating is cozy, and there’s even a corner with books and games for kids.
Where: 985 Windermere St.
While technically known for their incredible baguette sandwiches, Finch’s has always had the feel of a cozy neighbourhood coffee/tea shop to us. Maybe it’s the exposed brick and vintage furnishings, or high ceilings, or large tables, but it’s a fantastic spot for reflecting, reading, journalling, or chit-chatting.
Where: 501 East Georgia St.
This adorable Chinatown cafe imports its matcha directly from Kyoto, which means every sip is top-tier here. They also serve a variety of veggie-friendly and vegan meals, including mouthwatering ramen and wanpaku sandwiches.
Where: 425 Carrall St.
The quintessential Vancouver spot for traditional French pastries, Croque Monsieur, and other comfort bites. Le Marché St. George is probably one of the most aesthetic neighbourhood cafes on this list, tucked away behind Fraser Street on St. George with books and board games to keep you company!
Where: 4393 St. George St.
A hidden gem that sells coffee, warm bites, and vintage clothing. This quiet spot is perfect for those who want to leave their house but don’t want to compromise on a “homey” feel.
Where: 2173 Dundas St.
Loved for their amazing coffee, biscotti, cinnamon buns, and adjacent vintage store, Honest to Pete is a must-visit if you’re in search of a sweet treat. Housed in Beaumont Studios, this spot offers those stopping in a refuge from the rain and a place to get their creative juices flowing, and there’s a new location now open downtown as well.
Where: 2109 Alberta St. and 740 Hamilton St.
Union Market sets the curve when it comes to coziness, amazing espresso beverages, and community spirit. Its front patio has tons of overhead heaters, so it’s the perfect neighbourhood spot heading into the colder and wetter seasons. Make sure to grab their signature pastel de nata!
Where: 810 Union St.
Situated in Hastings-Sunrise, this two-storey cafe is one of the coziest spaces ever, perfect for grabbing a warm beverage and journaling, catching up with a friend, or joining an open mic night, writing workshops, or jazz night. The newly opened location in Marpole (formerly Gigi Blin) is also a hotspot for weekly community events and tasty treats out on their spacious back patio.
Where: 2401 East Hastings St. and 1400 West 70th Ave.
Best known for being “that one cafe by the Greenway,” Arbutus Coffee has become a celebrated spot for fresh bagels, pastries, and even gelato on West 6th and Arbutus. Come rain or shine, or snow — this local favourite is always there when you need it.
Where: 2200 Arbutus St.
Speaking of French-inspired fare, March Mon Pitou offers guests a deeper look into the Parisian cafe experience in Vancouver. The South Granville spot has several cute outdoor tables with heaters overhead during the colder months, offering the perfect place to enjoy a croissant or Croque Madame and people-watch.
Where: 1387 West 7th Ave.
Toña might have limited seating, but don’t let that stop you from visiting. The highly-rated Dunbar cafe is well-loved for its chocolate-filled concha, Basque cheesecake, specialty pies, and classic espresso drinks. It’s the perfect space to pop into for a sweet treat while exploring the tree-lined neighbourhood and Balaclava Park.
Where: 4321 Dunbar St.
This hidden gem is a traditional Mexican bakery by day, and a speakeasy by night (Wednesday through Saturday), beloved for its pan dulce (sweet breads) like conchas and rollos de canela, and tamales, tortas, and Mexican-style coffees.
Where: 2447 East Hastings St.
This tiny Italian cafe is a downtown gem, rated highly for its classic espresso beverages, pour-overs, and fun latte art. You can’t always count on a seat during peak hours, but you can always depend on their quality sips and warm service.
Where: 336 West Pender St.
Organic coffees, sandwiches, snacks, and groceries. What more could you need from your local neighbourhood cafe? Wilder Snail is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9 a.m. on weekends, and has all the cozy vibes you need this season.
Where: 799 Keefer St.
Chances are if you live between South Cambie and Main, you’ve already passed by this adorable neighbourhood cafe and grocer hundreds of times. Patio seating, hanging plants, fresh pastries, and delicious espresso beverages for every palate – what more could we ask for?!
Where: 198 West 18th Ave.
This is a great pick if you’re on Oak Street and looking for somewhere warm and delightful to hole yourself up in for an hour or two. The friendly service, espresso beverages, and board games stand out, as does their popular “beer bread.”
Where: 3208 Oak St.
This pet-friendly cafe actually doubles as a bike shop — perfect if you’re cycling through the area and need a quick pick-me-up in the form of a breakfast sandwich, coffee, bike tune-up, or a combination of the three.
Where: 3195 Heather St.
This one’s for true coffee aficionados. For a slower, quieter cafe experience that’s rooted in good coffee, consider adding Hiyori to your list. Their special roasts are served in handcrafted mugs from Japan, and their space is minimally decorated to encourage reflection and rest.
Where: 279 East 6th Ave.
With over 70 loose-leaf teas, Ele Cafe is a go-to for some of the best tea lattes and fine tea in the city. The space is cozy and has tables for co-working, and they have a happy tea hour every day from 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: 895 West Broadway
Prototype has two locations to offer: A cozy East Village cafe and a larger space in Mount Pleasant that doubles as Please Beverage Co. The micro-roastery serves up highly traceable, specialty-grade coffees with some of the neatest palates we’ve ever seen. The Mount Pleasant tasting room is not only a great place to stop in for a waffle and new coffee; it fully feels like a giant group co-working session on weekdays.
Where: 883 East Hastings St. and 222 West 5th Ave.
Doe Coffee is a no-tip cafe with a tasty lineup of sweet and savoury pastries, filling croissant sandwiches, and espresso and matcha sips that offers a quiet, cozy atmosphere for getting work done or catching up with a friend. They’re also the only cafe we know of that offers a monthly coffee pass.
Breaking down to $3.60 per day, passholders get unlimited drinks (with unlimited add-ons and free alternative milks), 20 percent off all baked goods and sandwiches, and 20 percent off drinks for any guests they bring with them.
Where: 2263 East Hastings St. and 828 Clark St.
This multi-level bistro is situated in a late 19th-century heritage house, complete with character archways and large windows overlooking the neighbourhood streets. Perfect for a quiet afternoon of laptop work and coffee or a cozy lunch.
Where: 2310 Ash St.
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