Vancouver is not just known for its stunning natural beauty; it’s also a coffee lover’s paradise. The city boasts a diverse coffee culture, with cafes emphasizing everything from top-notch brews to cozy atmospheres. Here’s a look at some of the best cafes in Vancouver, their popular items, and what makes each one stand out.
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Nemesis Coffee GNW
- Address: 555 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 1E1, Canada
- Open hours: 8:00 – 16:00 weekdays | 9:00 – 17:00 weekends
- Website: nemesis.coffee
Nemesis Coffee is available in various locations around Vancouver, but the branch along the Central Valley Greenway is the most striking. Opened in 2021, this café features a stunning rose-petal design next to Emily Carr University of Art + Design. The cozy interior, with birch plywood and nice lighting, is a great place to relax, while the big outdoor plaza is perfect for sunny days.
The coffee here is top-notch, with expertly roasted beans from farms in Colombia, Brazil, and more. Their most popular items are pour-overs and lattes. They also have pastries such as cookies and flavorful croissants made fresh daily.
Revolver
- Address: 325 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4, Canada
- Open hours: 7:30 – 17:00 Monday to Saturday | closed on Sunday
- Contact: +1 604-558-4444
- Website: revolvercoffee.ca
Revolver is one of the most popular cafes in Vancouver, and for good reason. Right in the heart of Gastown, this place offers a chill industrial space with exposed brick and wooden touches. It’s got that cool, laid-back vibe where you can relax or people-watch.
The menu changes with beans from top roasters around the world, so there’s always something new to try. They’ve got all kinds of brews and pour-overs, and the vegan lemon loaf from To Live For is a must-try with your coffee.
Prototype Coffee
- Address: 883 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1R8, Canada
- Open hours: 8:00 – 16:00 weekdays | 9:00 – 16:00 weekends
- Contact: +1 604-251-6451
- Website: prototypecoffee.ca
In Vancouver’s hip Strathcona neighborhood, Prototype Coffee is a micro-roaster and café that focuses on coffee innovation. The place has a chill, open vibe, high ceilings, and a simple setup that keeps the focus on the coffee.
They serve a diverse menu with over 12 single-origin coffees and four different espressos, all roasted right behind the bar. And if you’re craving something sweet, their waffle donuts are made fresh daily. You can even grab bottled coffee and tea drinks crafted by the baristas.
Breka Bakery & Café – Davie
- Address: 855 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B7, Canada
- Open hours: 24/7
- Contact: +1 604-428-8080
- Website: www.breka.ca/#goodies-line-up
If you need a late-night coffee fix, Breka Bakery & Café on Davie Street has you covered—it’s open 24/7. A local favorite since it started in 2006, Breka isn’t just about great coffee; it’s also packed with all kinds of tasty treats. From cakes and pastries to donuts and sandwiches, there’s always something good to munch on.
The café has a welcoming, community vibe and is regularly voted one of Vancouver’s top spots for baked goods. Plus, with their high-quality coffee and wallet-friendly prices, it’s easy to see why people keep returning.
49th Parallel Café & Lucky’s Doughnuts – Main Street
- Address: 2902 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G3, Canada
- Open hours: 7:00 – 19:00 daily
- Contact: +1 604-872-4901
- Website: luckysdoughnuts.com
49th Parallel Café on Main Street is a local favorite for coffee and doughnuts. The place is lively and spacious, perfect for catching up with friends or chilling.
The coffee here is top-notch, with beans roasted to perfection and a menu full of espresso drinks and pour-overs. And you can’t miss the doughnuts from Lucky’s. They’re seriously delicious and come in all kinds of fun flavors. It’s the perfect place to treat yourself and enjoy a relaxed vibe.
Cafe Medina
- Address: 780 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3A4, Canada
- Open hours: 9:00 – 15:00 daily
- Contact: +1 604-879-3114
- Website: www.medinacafe.com
Cafe Medina is a favorite spot for locals and tourists and has the best brunch in Vancouver. Since it opened in 2008, Café Medina has become a go-to spot for breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch. It’s known for mixing unique bistro dishes, great coffee, and some of the best Belgian waffles in the city.
If you want to book a table, they offer a cool “Reservation by Donation” option. You can donate $10 per person to a local charity. They partner with a new cause every quarter, making it easy to enjoy a great meal while giving back.
Coffee Roastery Modus
- Address: 112 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1P1, Canada
- Open hours: 8:00 – 16:00 weekdays | 9:00 – 17:00 weekends
- Website: www.moduscoffee.com
A hidden gem in Mount Pleasant, Coffee Roastery Modus focuses on quality and craftsmanship. This BIPOC-owned café and roastery was started by Jessica and Sharif back in 2015. With two decades of combined experience, they’re dedicated to serving up honest, high-quality brews that highlight the unique flavors of each region.
At Modus, you won’t find blends or dark roasts—just sweet, balanced, single-origin coffees. Whether you’re into filter coffee or espresso, every cup is crafted to be full-flavored and satisfying.
Nelson the Seagull Cafe
- Address: 315 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J4, Canada
- Open hours: 8:00 – 16:00 daily
- Contact: +1 604-681-5776
- Website: www.nelsontheseagull.com
With a rustic charm and a focus on quality, Nelson the Seagull Cafe in Gastown offers more than just good coffee. The café prides itself on its house-made sourdough bread, which forms the foundation of many food offerings. The interior is cozy, featuring wood accents and a communal vibe.
The flat white is a favorite here; it is creamy and perfectly balanced. Their avocado toast, served on freshly baked sourdough, is a standout dish that keeps customers returning.
Isetta Cafe Bistro
- Address: 4360 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1P1, Canada
- Open hours: 7:00 – 17:00 daily
- Contact: +1 778-279-8299
- Website: www.isetta.ca
Isetta Cafe Bistro is a cozy spot near Lighthouse Park, one of the top cafes in Vancouver, for a serene escape. Once a Chevron gas station, the cafe has been beautifully transformed, complete with a mini car gallery. Inside, you can choose from various seating options, like high tables, comfy booths, and outdoor tables for those sunny days.
The long communal table is great for studying or hanging out with friends. Isetta knows how to create a welcoming vibe at any time of day. They offer coffee and brunch, with signatures such as Pork Schnitzel Sando and a cortado.
Kafka’s Coffee Roasting and Bakery
- Address: 577 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC V5T 1E1, Canada
- Open hours: Mon – Fri • 7:30 am – 5 pm | Sat – Sun • 8 am – 5 pm | Closed for Stat Holidays
- Contact: +1 604-829-2220
- Website: kafkascoffee.ca
Kafka’s is a cozy café that opened in 2018, known for its inviting wood-slat exterior. Inside, you’ll find a striking black-and-white mural created by local artists Steve and Sandy Pell, inspired by latte art. The café has plenty of seating on the main floor, with rotating artworks on display. If you want a quieter spot, the loft upstairs offers more tables and a long counter ideal for studying or working.
Kafka sources single-origin beans from various countries, focusing on small farms. Their signature espresso has rich chocolate notes with a nice balance of acidity. Try their pour-over with Ethiopia Yirgacheffe Kochere for floral and citrus flavors. They also serve tasty sandwiches and salads, but be sure to grab a chocolate chip cookie—their best-seller!
There are hundreds of cafes in Vancouver. Whether you want something unique, a comfy place to chill, or a sweet pastry with your coffee, there’s a café for you. If you know of any great cafes, share them with us in the comments!
