Espresso Yourself: Thirteen Local Vancouver Coffee Shops I Adore
A good coffee shop has a kind of energy that feels even more exciting than a bar.
Maybe it’s the cozy atmosphere, the slower vibe, or just the comforting smell of fresh coffee in the air. Lately, I’ve been leaning mostly on decaf (shoutout to my fellow anxiety-prone friends), but my love for good cafés hasn’t gone anywhere. Whether it’s a full-caf treat or a slow, easy decaf kind of day, coffee shop hopping is still one of my favourite ways to spend time—and lucky for me, Vancouver is full of amazing spots to discover.
Marché Mon Pitou
One of my absolute favourites. This charming French café has a beautiful atmosphere, with select grocer items for purchase, like unique olive oils and breads, and serves delicious food as well. Tables are limited indoors and outdoors.
Marché Mon Pitou - 1387 W 7th Ave
To Live For Bakery
The name truly says it all. Erin Ireland’s vegan café is a fantastic place to grab a coffee and an in-house treat. Her baked goods are so popular, you’ll find them in cafés and grocery stores all over the city—and for good reason. If you go, don’t miss the peanut butter balls. They’re a must-try.
To Live For - 1508 Nanaimo St
Milano Coffee Roasters
Perhaps my favourite of all the Milano locations, this café has a laid-back vibe, with an inviting outdoor space and an indoor/outdoor feel tucked behind the trees across from Jonathon Rogers Park. It’s a popular spot for a reason, featuring some of the city’s best roasts and delicious treats.
Milano - 156 W 8th Ave
Just Another
Located on West Broadway, this café offers a whimsical modern, cozy interior and is laptop-friendly during the week. A great spot to catch up on work or enjoy a quiet coffee.
Just Another - 3040 W Broadway
Cowdog
Small but mighty, and always worth the line. I also appreciate that they have built a no-tipping model into their service—something more cafés should consider. It removes the awkwardness of tipping before service.
Cowdog - 3720 Oak St
Beaucoup Bakery & Café
Lovely staff and even better french-inspired coffee and pastries. This spot has built a strong local following—and you may catch Owen Wilson there when he’s in town.
Beaucoup - 2150 Fir St
Foglifter Coffee Roasters
A solid choice on Main Street. There’s always a steady crowd, and for good reason. The owners are genuinely friendly, and the space has a welcoming, relaxed feel. Their beans are roasted in Shawnigan Lake on Vancouver Island.
3590 Main St
Petit Ami
Located inside the Granville Island Public Market, this café is a must-visit for its outstanding roasts. It’s the perfect stop if you’re spending the day browsing the market or exploring the island.
Petit Ami - 1689 Johnston St
Be Fresh Local Market
Hidden away on West 1st in Kitsilano, this small café inside a local market is a true gem. Their Americanos are just $2 and $3, making it one of the best deals in the area without compromising on quality. Oh, and they have a lovely snack and flower selection if you are in the market for a fresh bouquet.
Be Fresh - 1900 W 1st Ave
Tall Shadow Bakery
I’ve only been here once, but let me tell you—it was such a lovely experience. The staff were incredibly welcoming, the food was delicious, and I grabbed a loaf of bread to go that quickly became my favourite in Vancouver.
Tall Shadow - 2474 E Hastings St
MOJA Coffee
A busy and beloved spot on Commercial Drive with their original location and roastry on the North Shore. The coffee is excellent, the location is lively, and it remains a staple for locals and visitors alike.
1102 Commercial Dr
Arbutus Coffee
A charming neighbourhood favourite, always bustling with locals on a weekend morning. Tucked on the corner of 6th and Arbutus in a cozy building, it’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee and soak in the local vibe.
Arbutus Coffee - 2200 Arbutus St
This list was trickier to put together than I expected—I started with my top eight, and it just kept growing. They aren’t listed in any particular order, just a handful of my favourites. I’m always on the lookout for new spots to explore, so tell me: what are your favourite coffee shops in Vancouver? Where should we go next? Share below!