10 Best Cafes in Vancouver
Here, we’ll highlight the 5 best coffee shops in Vancouver and leave the remaining spots open for you to share your favorites in the comments. Feel free to suggest your picks, and we’ll select five from your recommendations to complete the list. Our selections are based on the following criteria: staff and customer service, atmosphere and vibe, cleanliness, coffee and drinks, food and bakery, and location.
1- Blenz Cafe at Davie and Bute
Blenz Cafe, located at the bustling corner of Davie and Bute, stands out as one of Vancouver's top coffee spots. Recently renovated with a significant investment in furniture and interior design, the cafe offers a fresh and inviting ambiance. The tall, expansive windows provide excellent views of the lively streets, making it a great spot to relax or people-watch.
The owner and staff are exceptionally friendly, contributing to the cafe's warm and welcoming vibe. A highlight of this location is the chess club nights, held four times a week (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on statutory holidays, from 6 pm to 10 pm). It’s a wonderful way to connect with a vibrant community and meet new friends.
For those seeking a cozy nook, the cafe offers comfortable couch seating at both the front and back of the store, perfect for casual hangouts or quiet reading sessions. The space caters to a diverse range of age groups, ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Additionally, the washrooms are impeccably clean, adding to the overall pleasant experience.
Ratings:
- Staff and Customer Service: 5/5
- Atmosphere and Vibe: 4.7/5
- Cleanliness: 5/5
- Coffee and Drinks: 4.5/5
- Food and Bakery: 3.2/5
- Location: 5/5
Whether you're a chess enthusiast, a coffee lover, or just looking for a relaxing spot to unwind, Blenz Cafe at Davie and Bute is a fantastic choice.
2- Breka Bakery & Café - Bute
Another excellent spot for a café and bakery experience is Breka, located on Bute Street (Bute and Robson Streets). Known more for its extensive selection of baked goods and food items than its coffee, this location offers both indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The outdoor seating is equipped with heaters for colder days, while the indoor space features tables for two or three people. You can also combine tables to accommodate groups of four or more. Additionally, there is a large communal table, often used by students or individuals working on their laptops or iPads. However, this section lacks charging outlets, so be sure to arrive with a fully charged device.
If you need to charge your device, the only available plug is at the high chair seating area, which is less comfortable. Despite this, Breka’s cozy atmosphere and delicious offerings make it a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to enjoy quality baked goods in a relaxed setting.
- Staff and Customer Service: 4/5 (Need to wait about 5 minutes to get your order)
- Atmosphere and Vibe: 4/5 (It's a bit busy)
- Cleanliness: 4/5
- Coffee and Drinks: 3.8/5
- Food and Bakery: 4.5/5
- Location: 5/5
3- Starbucks Downtown Vancouver, 700 West Pender Street
Canada’s largest Starbucks, located at Granville and West Pender, offers a unique experience with its 4,000-square-foot space and Reserve Bar. This immersive coffee bar features coffee masters who craft small-batch coffee using uncommon brewing methods and the Black Eagle manual espresso machine, showcasing barista artistry.
The spacious interior includes cozy couches, a large communal table for working or studying, and outdoor seating without heaters. Whether you're here for premium coffee or a relaxing space, this Starbucks is a must-visit in Vancouver.
- Staff and Customer Service: 4/5
- Atmosphere and Vibe: 4/5
- Cleanliness: 4.4/5
- Coffee and Drinks: 4.3/5
- Food and Bakery: 4/5
- Location: 5/5
4- JJ Bean Café UBC
If you're visiting the UBC campus and looking for a cozy spot to enjoy delicious coffee and fresh scones, JJ Bean Café is a must-visit. One of the highlights of this location is the expansive, double-height ceiling with large windows that let in plenty of sunshine, warming up the space on cool mornings.
The café also features an upstairs seating area, offering a quieter ambiance—perfect for studying, catching up with friends, or even a casual date. The crowd here is mostly UBC students and visitors to the campus, making it a relaxed and welcoming spot to unwind or focus on your work.
- Staff and Customer Service: 4/5 (Friendly)
- Atmosphere and Vibe: 4.2/5 (Second-floor vibe)
- Cleanliness: 4.3/5 (Clean and multiple washrooms are available)
- Coffee and Drinks: 4.3/5 (Hot latte)
- Food and Bakery: 4.5/5 (Love their fresh blueberry scones at 8 am)
- Location: 5/5 (It's located just at the entrance of the UBC campus)
5- Pallet Coffee Roastery HQ – Vancouver
Pallet Coffee Roastery HQ in Vancouver is a go-to spot for coffee lovers seeking expertly roasted beans and a cozy atmosphere. Located in the heart of the city, this café stands out with its industrial-chic design and warm, inviting ambiance.
The café’s large windows let in ample natural light, creating a bright and comfortable space to enjoy your coffee. For those looking for a quieter setting, the spacious seating area offers plenty of room to work, study, or have a casual meeting with friends.
What sets Pallet apart is its dedication to quality—serving expertly brewed coffee made from beans roasted in-house. Pair your drink with one of their freshly made pastries for the perfect café experience. Popular among locals and coffee enthusiasts, Pallet Coffee Roastery HQ is the ideal place to relax or get some work done in Vancouver.
- Staff and Customer Service: 4.2/5
- Atmosphere and Vibe: 4.5/5
- Cleanliness: 4.3/5
- Coffee and Drinks: 4.5/5
- Food and Bakery: 4.5/5
- Location: 4/5
6- Share your favorite coffee shop in the comments, and we’ll include it in the updated list for this post.
