We, in the land of fresh mountain air and salty sea breezes, LOVE OUR JAVA. And apparently it is no longer a club secret. Recently smartertravel.com named Vancouver as one of the world’s top 10 best cities for coffee.
With the sophistication of our beautiful, world-class city has come a revolution in what we expect from our coffee experiences. Appeal is not determined by brew alone. True coffee culture aficionados seek decor & design, ambiance, ethical sourcing, unique brewing techniques, quality baked goods, and of course basics like cleanliness and good service.
The following exclusive selections include ONLY spots that hit the mark high in each category. Artigiano and JJ Bean are also solid options for great coffee, but aren’t listed below because of their vast number of locations. View Artigiano’s locations here, and JJ’s here.
With so many java options at our fingertips, here’s a list of downtown Vancouver's very best coffee shops.
Nemesis Coffee
302 W Hastings St | $$ | Coffee House and Kitchen
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Visit websiteIt's tough to find great food and coffee under the same roof in Vancouver's downtown core, unless you're at Nemesis, the newest coffee house and kitchen in town. This bright, 40-seater space is run by a passionate young crew of espresso lovers, seven of them to be exact. Their beans are sourced from high-ranking roasters around the world and they make almond milk in-house. Vegan food options are slim, but the muesli (made with cashew milk) is seriously on point. Nemesis is as close to a Melbourne-style cafe as they get here in Vancouver.
Elysian (Burrard)
102-1100 Burrard St | $$ | Coffee House
@elysiancoffee |
Visit websiteElysian's newest location at Burrard and Helmcken offers their usual award-winning espresso, Nuez Almond Cashew milk (for arguably the best dairy-free latte in the city), house-made baking and neutral-toned minimalist decor. A small brunch menu is an added offering, featuring avocado toast plus your choice of toppings.
Bel Café
801 W Georgia St | 604-673-7000 $ | Coffee Shop
@bel_cafe |
Visit websiteThe sister cafe to Hawksworth Restaurant (named after Chef David's wife Annabel), Bel Cafe serves 49th parallel espresso, house-baked pastries (croissants, Valrhona cookies etc.) and gourmet sandwiches (try the Roasted Eggplant with spiced chickpea, almond and gouda) and more. Full table service is in effect, alongside a slew of to-go items.
Thierry
1059 Alberni St | 604-608-6780 $$ | Bakery
@thierrychocolat |
Visit websiteThierry is best known for their fine French pastries, but expert baristas and an organic, fair trade espresso blend, designed by Casa del Caffe’s Vincent Gentile, ensure consistently good coffee, too. Their beans are dry roasted to ensure freshness and a unique taste profile that’s strong and smooth with hints of chocolate, cinnamon and spice. Late night coffee drinkers will appreciate Thierry’s close time of 12am, and spiked drinks are available, too.
Café Medina
780 Richards St | 604-879-3114 $$ | Belgian
@cafemedina |
Visit websiteConsistently great espresso is one Cafe Medina’s secrets to success. With a coffee bar dedicated to lattes, waffles, and a to-go counter, skip the 20-person queue for quick access to caffeine. A top-of-the-line La Marzocco FB/80 can be credited for their perfect 49th Parallel coffees, as can their talented, coffee-obsessed baristas. Owner Robbie Kane says ultra-frequent bean deliveries and an “off-gassing” period (so the carbon dioxide can disperse from the beans) is another reason behind their extra special espresso.
Looking for the best cafes in Gastown, Crosstown or Chinatown? Here’s where you’ll find thoughtfully poured coffee served in well-designed spaces that reflect these funky 'hoods.
Buro Coffee
346 Water St | $$ | Coffee Shop
@buro_coffee |
Visit websiteBuro's iconic location at the entrance to Gastown is overflowing with natural light, raw wooden tables and some of the most carefully poured espresso drinks in the neighbourhood. This beautiful new concept comes to us from the owners of Coffee Bar (another Gastown hot spot), who use 49th Parallel beans at all their three locations. French pastries, banana bread, house-baked muffins and more are served, as well.
Coffeebar (Gastown)
10 Water St | 604-566-9693 $$ | Coffee Shop
@icoffeebar |
Visit websiteOne of Gastown's most popular cafes serving properly pulled 49th Parallel espresso. Much of their baking is done in-house daily; other high-end items are sourced locally. Enjoy savouring your latte? You won't be hard-pressed to find a seat here, nor will you feel pressure to free up your spot quickly. And a wide variety of sandwiches, healthy snacks and free wifi mean it's a great spot to lounge all day long.
Milano (Gastown)
36 Powell St | 604-558-0999 $ | Coffee Shop
@milanoroasters |
Visit websiteWhere Italians go for coffee. This is Milano's biggest and most stunning location serving master roaster Brian Turko's award-winning Italian espresso. He's a cream-of-the-crop artisan who's been perfecting his craft of blending espresso for decades.
East Van Roasters
319 Carrall St | 604-629-7562 $ | Coffee Shop
@eastvanroasters |
Visit websiteA charming coffee and chocolate cafe with a purpose: to provide training and employment to the female residents of the Downtown Eastside’s Rainer Hotel. One taste of their organic bean-to-bar chocolate and house-roasted beans, however, and you’d guess these were the utmost focus. Choose from drinking chocolate, hand-rolled truffles, single-origin chocolate bars, Faubourg pastries and more. And the space? Totally to die for.
Nelson the Seagull
315 Carrall St | 604-681-5776 $ | Lunch
@gastownseagull |
Visit websiteBeloved brother-and-sister-run cafe and sandwich shop decorated eclectically with vintage items. Jono and Lee’s huge, funky space is a regular spot to all walks of life who appreciate character. House-made almond mylk and locally-roasted Elysian beans are used to produce deliciously nutty lattes, and toast, croissants and chocolate peanut butter cups are just a handful of your snack options. Light lunch menu available too.
The Message Cafe
75 E Pender St | 604-681-3115 $ | Coffee Shop
@musettecaffe |
Visit websiteA licensed, bike-friendly coffee bar decorated with the cycling memorabilia of owner Thomas Eleizegui. The menu features quality 49th Parallel espresso, lots of pastries, yogurt & granola, soups, a small European beer list and more.
Revolver Coffee
325 Cambie St | 604-558-4444 $$ | Coffee Shop
@revolver_coffee |
Visit websiteThe Giannakos brothers love coffee in a mad scientist kind of way. They spend lots of time tweaking, sipping, tasting and evaluating to ensure great tasting coffee every time. Though simple, this coffee program is precise, consistent and always using beans from world class roasters.
Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
311 W Cordova St | 604-361-3223 $$ | Coffee Shop
@timbertrain |
Visit websiteA venture from three old friends who are passionate about the science of brewing perfection into each cup of coffee. Using their own beans roasted at a separate facility in Langley, Peter, Jeff and Min focus on slow bar brewing with a methodical and measured technique. This meticulous process is their labour of love. Snack-wise, they serve waffles and par-baked croissants that are finished in their modern, stylish space. Note: seating can be tricky to nab.
Matchstick (Chinatown)
213 E Georgia St | 604-336-0213 $ | Coffee Shop
@matchstickyvr |
Visit websiteOne of Vancouver's favourite local coffee roasters with a stunning space and an admirable goal: "to serve the absolute highest quality coffee that they can imagine." It's less of a focus, but I say their in-house baking is as delicious as their hand-crafted, single-origin coffees. As their cafe is often packed, seats can be hard to snag.
Prado Cafe (Gastown)
100 W Hastings St - OPENING SOON | $$ | Coffee Shop
@pradocafevan |
Visit websiteFour-time Canadian barista champion Sammy Piccolo's second Prado location is a go-to for the discerning coffee drinker. To ensure a perfect cup every time, he weighs the dry mass of the freshly ground espresso, times shots and uses an extract mojo refractometer regularly. A Fetco brewer is used for drip and almost all food items are made daily in-house. The gluten-free berry muffin is really decent.
Looking for the best coffee shops on Main Street? This funky area is home to an abundance of cafes, but these three spots outshine the rest with their beautiful spaces and dedication to perfectly crafted espresso beverages.
49th Parallel Roasters Cafe (Main St)
2902 Main St | 604-872-4901 $$ | Coffee Shop
@49thparallel |
Visit websiteWhere "every coffee is meticulously cupped and carefully evaluated. No exceptions". This is 49th's pledge. Vince and Michael Piccolo endeavor to source the world's finest coffee beans and roast them to satisfy discerning palates. With house made, date-sweetened almond milk and dozens of Lucky's Doughnut flavours also on offer, 49th is one of Vancouver's most beloved cafes.
Kafka's
2525 Main St | 604-569-2967 $ | Coffee Shop
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Visit websiteAaron Kafka and his team are serious about coffee and not much else. Three different brew methods are available: pour over, syphon and espresso. While you sip, enjoy the many art installations gracing the walls.
Momento (Great Northern Way)
577 Great Northern Way | 604-736-9900 $$ | Coffee Shop
@momentocoffee |
Visit websiteThe Martin family loves coffee. They’re absorbed in all aspects of making it, from sourcing, playing with the grind, exploring brewing methods and developing their techniques. Their typical beans are roasted in Victoria by Bows & Arrows and the Hario pour-over coffee is their preferred method (though a full espresso based menu is available). This is their second location, just off Main Street, finished in 100 year old barn wood and hand made flooring.
Gene
2404 Main St | 604-568-5501 $ | Coffee Shop
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Visit websiteThe hipster cafe of all hipster cafes (although new ownership has the place feeling a teensy bit more mainstream). Two of Gene's walls form an acute angle, creating one of the coolest shaped coffee house you've seen. Dogs are welcome inside, chill people hang out here all day long and the coffee is good.
Cambie Village and Mount Pleasant may not be coffee "hot spots" per se, but these joints are sure to satisfy the most discerning of espresso connoisseurs.
Caffè Cittadella
2310 Ash St | 604-568-5909 $ | Coffee Shop
@caffecittadella |
Visit websiteRun by industry veterans, Caffe Cittadella is a surefire spot for that "perfect rendition" of your drink of choice...every single time. And regulars know this, hence the morning line-up. Gluten-free Eightfold Eats and To Die For loaves are two of the quality baked goods on offer.
Milano (Mount Pleasant)
156 W 8th Ave | 604-879-4468 $ | Coffee Shop
@milanocoffeeroasters |
Visit websiteThis is home-base for master roaster Brian Turko, who's been perfecting his craft for decades. He's a cream-of-the-crop coffee artisan who can take up to 12 coffee bean varietals and blend them into world class Italian espresso. With eight different espressos on-tap daily, Milano on 8th Avenue offers a tasting bar experience unlike any other in Vancouver.
Matchstick (Mount Pleasant)
639 E 15th Ave | 604-558-0639 $ | Coffee Shop
@matchstickyvr |
Visit websiteOne of Vancouver's favourite local coffee roasters with a stunning space and an admirable goal: "to serve the absolute highest quality coffee that they can imaging." It's less of a focus, but I say their in-house vegan baked goods options are as delicious as their hand-crafted, single-origin coffees. As their cafe is often packed, seats can be hard to snag.
Elysian (Mount Pleasant)
2301 Ontario St | $$ | Coffee Shop
@elysiancoffee |
Visit websiteThis third cafe location from the folks of Elysian is also home base for their roasting and bakery operations.
The Federal Store
2601 Quebec St | $$ | Cafe and Market
@federalstorevan |
Visit websiteDaily house-made almond milk means these guys make a mean latte served in their absolutely adorable corner store/cafe.
Looking for the best coffee shops in East Vancouver? These cafes aren't only strong in the espresso department, they're beloved by their tight-knit community.
Agro Roasters
550 Clark Dr | $$ | Cafe / Roastery
@agroroasters |
Visit websiteHidden gem of a cafe located off-the-beaten-path on Clark Drive. High ceilings, whitewashed concrete floors and tons of light make Agro a dream spot to enjoy a delicious latte made with beans roasted on the spot, by owner Dusty himself. As for snacks, enjoy treats from small 'home-made style' bakeries East Village (gluten free) and To Die For Fine Foods (vegan options).
Pallet Coffee
323 Semlin Dr | 604-255-2014 $$ | Cafe / Roastery
@palletcoffee |
Visit websiteBorn in 2014, this industrial-chic roastery cafe is focused on the quality and traceability of their beans. Before adding a new coffee to their line-up, it must pass the taste test through multiple cuppings. A small breakfast menu is available until 12pm on weekdays.
East Cafe
2401 E Hastings St | 604-559-6400 $ | Coffee Shop
It feels great to support local, and even better support a duo as lovely as Eric and Tomo, the community-focused, coffee-connoisseurs behind East Cafe. Tomo does the baking in-house daily (aside from their banana bread, which comes from To Die for) and beans are sourced from West End Roasters. Light lunch options include soup and panini.
Ethical Bean (Hastings-Sunrise)
1315 Kootenay St | 604-431-3830 $ | Coffee Shop
@ethicalbeancafe |
Visit websiteOne-time guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, this local roaster is the fav of many and found at most grocery stores. The cafe (tucked away next to Bosa Foods off Boundary) is an coffee and snack oasis, serving La Grotta sandwiches, soup and more on the edge of East Vancouver.
Small Victory
1088 Homer St | 604-899-8892 $$ | Bakery Cafe
@sv_bakery |
Visit websiteThe only cafe in town offering coffee cream on tap...on "gold" tap, that is. This sparkly new space is home to a serious coffee program resulting in consistently awesome beverages that are made using a variety of beans from top roasters. Nuez Nut Mylk is a non-dairy option and cold pressed juice from Nectar is available on tap.
Some of Vancouver’s most famous cafes are found in Kitsilano. Naturally, the city’s best baristas gravitate to this neighbourhood. Here are some of the best coffee shops in Vancouver.
Thomas Haas (Kitsilano)
2539 W. Broadway | 604-736-1844 $$ | Bakery
@thaaschocolates |
Visit websiteDesserts found here are the work of perfectionists, trained by local pastry chef legend, Thomas Haas. Expect to be blown away -- and to wait in line.
49th Parallel Roasters Cafe (Kitsilano)
2152 W 4th Ave | 604-420-4901 $$ | Coffee Shop
@49thparallel |
Visit websiteThe coffee is fantastic but so is their house-made almond milk sweetened with dates. Try a sip by itself -- you may want to buy it by the bottle (which unfortunately isn't available).
Elysian (West 5th)
1778 W 5th Ave | 604-734-1778 $$ | Coffee Shop
@elysiancoffee |
Visit websiteTrue experts at their craft. People who know good coffee come here. House made baking is nice, too.
Be Fresh Local Market by SPUD
1900 W 1st Ave | 604-568-7783 $$ | Market / Cafe
@befreshlocal |
Visit websiteHome of The Juice Box Almond Milk latte - heaven in a mug!
Craving good coffee in the South Granville or Granville Island areas? Here's where you'll find the best espresso, poured by the most thoughtful baristas.
Beaucoup Bakery
2150 Fir St. | 604-732-4222 $ | Bakery
@beaucoupbakery |
Visit websiteWith Jackie Kai Ellis at the helm, you can rest assured her coffee will be perfectly crafted like her desserts. She offers 49th Parallel in an intimate, French setting.
Cafe Bica
1809 Fir St | 604-733-8818 $ | Coffee Shop
@cafebicaCharming spot serving Intelligentsia Coffee and made-from-scratch soups, salads and sandwiches. Organic and local is a focus. Eggs are organic, free-range from Maple Hill Farms.
Bump N Grind (South Granville)
3010 Granville St | 604-569-3362 $ | Coffee Shop
@bumpngrindcafe |
Visit websiteBump N Grind is an independent coffee shop that uses beans from small roasters.
Craving espresso on Commercial Drive? Here's a list of this iconic, coffee-loving street's best cafes.
Prado Cafe (Commercial Drive)
1938 Commercial Dr | 604-255-5537 $ | Coffee Shop
@pradocafevan |
Visit websiteOwned and run by four-time Canadian barista champion, Sammy Piccolo, Prado is a go-to for many discerning coffee drinkers. Here, the dry mass of the freshly ground espresso is weighed, shots are timed and and an extract mojo refractometer is used regularly to ensure espresso shots are perfect. A Fetco brewer is used for drip, which is never over 30 minutes old, and almost all food items served are made daily in-house.
Bump N Grind (Commercial Drive)
916 Commercial Dr | 604-569-3362 $ | Coffee Shop
@bumpngrindcafe |
Visit websiteBump N Grind is an independent coffee shop that uses beans from small roasters.
Turks
1276 Commercial Dr | 604-255-5805 $ | Coffee Shop
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Visit websiteTurks Coffee House was the first Indie Coffee Bar on Commercial Drive. They serve local Milano Coffee.
Moja Coffee (Commercial Drive)
Milano (West End)
849 Denman St | 604-681-1500 $ | Coffee Shop
@milanodenman |
Visit websiteThe Milano taste was developed from the skill of the 'torrefazzioni' - a secret method of roasting and blending, handed down from generation to generation.
Greenhorn Espresso Bar
994 Nicola St | 604-428-2912 $ | Coffee Shop
@greenhorncafe |
Visit websiteReminiscent of the soulful, hip cafes of Commercial Drive, this West Ender favourite has you thinking you've ventured far from busy downtown as you sip on artisanally-crafted Moja coffee. Perfection destination for Cappuccino lovers.
If you're looking for the best coffee shops in North or West Vancouver, head to one of these five glorious cafes and prepare to be delighted.
Coffeebar's spacious second location is an ideal work environment with free wifi and plenty of well-lit seating. Thanks to 49th Parallel beans and well-trained baristas, you'll be one happy, caffeinated customer.
Crema
1495 Bellevue Ave | 604-922-2294 $$ | Coffee Shop
@cremawestvan |
Visit websiteThe Giannakos family loves coffee in a mad scientist kind of way. At their seaside space, they spend lots of time tweaking, sipping, tasting and evaluating to ensure great tasting coffee every time. With six single-origin coffees from three world-class roasters (JJ Bean, Phil & Sebastian and Ecco Caffe), you simply can't not love Crema. Visit their downtown sister location, Revolver, for more of the same good stuff.
Moja Coffee (North Van)
1412 Rupert St | 604-983-6652 $ | Coffee Shop
This is Moja's home-base with a roastery in the back (expect that knee-weakening "fresh espresso' aroma) and a small cafe front. Since opening, this independently-owned roastery has made waves, earning themselves a reputation as one of the city's top roasters. And as the only cafe Thomas Haas will wholesale his famous croissants to, Moja's quality obviously extends to their baked goods selection, too.
Thomas Haas (North Van)
128-998 Harbourside Drive | 604-924-1847 $$ | Patisserie / Chocolaterie
@thaaschocolates |
Visit websiteDespite being off-the-beaten-path, this tiny bakery cafe is packed just about every hour of every day they're open -- and expectedly so with a pastry chef like Thomas Haas at the helm. Try a double baked almond croissant with a smooth Moja latte. Heaven.
Temper Chocolate and Pastry
2409 Marine Dr | 604-281-1152 $$ | Bakery Cafe
@temperpastry |
Visit websiteFinally a truly excellent cafe and patisserie for West Van. With a patio out front, this is Dundarave's summer hot spot. Serving Stumptown Coffee and Pastry Chef Steven Hodge's high-quality creations, Temper is easily one of the city's most delicious cafe-style destinations.
On the hunt for Burnaby's best coffee? These cafes on the Hastings strip will certainly fit the bill.
Caffe Artigiano (Burnaby)
4359 Hastings St | 604-473-2180 $ | Coffee Shop
Residents of Burnaby rejoiced when Artigiano opened its doors on the Hastings strip. This trusted local coffee company sources beans for quality and character from reputable, unique farms around the world, and when roasting, impeccable attention is focused on achieving smoothness, acidity, complexity and sweetness. Above all, Artigiano’s goal is to serve coffees seasonally to boast their freshness.
Caffe Divano
4568 Hastings St | 604-558-3011 $ | Coffee Shop
@caffedivano |
Visit websiteLocal, independent cafe serving artisan coffee & fresh baked goods.
Caffe Garibaldi
38551 Loggers Ln | 844-427-4225 $ | Coffee Shop
@caffegaribaldi |
Visit websiteWithin the Squamish Adventure Center, Caffe Garibaldi is an oasis for expertly-poured lattes (made with Moja Coffee beans), well-sourced baked goods (from To Die For and Faubourg) and gelato. Whether you're en route to Whistler or simply craving a relaxing morning breathing in crisp mountain air, spacious Garibaldi is an ideal spot.
Cedar Cottage is home to one of the cutest cafes in town. Here's where to find the best coffee in this charming, artsy, up-and-coming neighbourhood...
Le Marché St. George
4393 Saint George St | 604-565-5107 $ | Coffee Shop
Arguably Vancouver's most beloved independent cafe and general store owned and run by the talented Larsen family. Other than strong coffee, fresh-made crepes and well-sourced pastries, this French-inspired coffee shop sells a small selection of Janaki Larsen ceramics, textiles, locally-made edibles and more. Marble tables, dried hydrangeas and all the little details make Le Marche the most photogenic cafe in town.
Stir Coffee House
5085 48th Avenue | 604-940-8005 $ | Coffee Shop