Vancouver is a haven for coffee enthusiasts, offering a range of shops perfect for everything from a quick caffeine fix to remote work or social gatherings.
Quick recommendations: visit Prototype Coffee for its unique blends and inviting ambiance, or Revolver Coffee for its quality selection and vibrant atmosphere.
Dive into our curated list of the 10 best coffee shops in downtown Vancouver to discover your ideal spot!
1. Prototype Coffee
Prototype Coffee in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighborhood is quickly gaining acclaim for its quality coffee and unique decor featuring dark hues, mirrors, and moss walls. They offer a wide selection of over a dozen coffees, including the Codex Guatemala Candeleria with macadamia nut, vanilla, and fruity flavors. Co-Owner Matt and his team are always available to help you choose the perfect coffee.
Address: 883 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6A
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2. Nemesis Coffee
Nemesis Coffee, located in Gastown, is celebrated for its special coffee made from a rotating selection of beans. Enhance your coffee experience with their scrumptious chocolate cookie or choose from heartier options like salads and French toast. It’s a go-to spot for both coffee aficionados and those seeking a tasty treat.
What to order: pour overs, espresso, chocolate cookie, salad, avo or french toast
Address: 302 W Hastings Street
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3. Revolver Coffee
Revolver Coffee is a favorite in Vancouver, famed for its superb coffee and rotating bean selection sourced from top North American roasters. Known for its latte with immaculate micro-foam and a flight of espresso options, Revolver is a bustling spot with quick, friendly service, even during peak hours.
What to order: latte, espresso
Address: 325 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2N4
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4. Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
Timbertrain in Gastown serves some of Gastown’s finest coffee in a jubilant heritage building atmosphere. Their brewing process is a spectacle, and the offerings, like smooth almond milk lattes and rich nitro cold brew, are a treat. Their marshmallow cookie is a must-try, complementing the excellent coffee selections.
What to order: almond milk latte, nitro cold brew, marshmallow cookie
Address: 311 W Cordova St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4K2
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5. Nelson the Seagull
Nelson the Seagull offers a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying top-notch coffee, oat milk, and iced americanos. Their open kitchen serves fresh bread and tasty baked goods, with the avocado toast being a standout. The café’s unique name is inspired by an old English folksong and Nelson Mandela, adding to its charm.
What to order: avocado toast, chocolate chunk macadamia nut oatmeal cookie, croissants
Address: 315 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6A 0A7
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6. Small Victory Bakery
In Yaletown, Small Victory Bakery is an upscale café renowned for its inviting aroma of freshly baked goods. Offering light snacks and exquisite meals, the café’s highlights include the Chicken Pot Pie and Eggplant Parmesan. For breakfast enthusiasts, the Apple Danish is an irresistible treat that perfectly complements their coffee offerings.
What to order: Chicken Pot Pie, Eggplant Parmesan, Apple Danish
Address: 1088 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W9, Canada
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7. Propaganda Coffee
Propaganda Coffee in Chinatown is celebrated for its contemporary ambiance and coffee variety from multiple roasters. Savor their expertly prepared cappuccino, latte, or iced matcha, all featuring beautifully crafted foam and artistic presentation. The café is a perfect spot for those seeking a modern setting to enjoy their favorite coffee.
What to order: cappuccino, latte, iced matcha
Address: 209 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T8, Canada
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8. The Birds & The Beets
The Birds & The Beets is a charming café nestled in Gastown, ideal for a refreshing break with a cappuccino or oat milk latte. It offers a vegan-friendly menu, including a hearty avocado toast and a delicious vegan tofu banh mi.
What to order: avocado toast, vegan tofu banh mi, grape juice
Address: 55 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9
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9. Milano Espresso Lounge
Milano Espresso Lounge in Gastown is unique for its variety of roasts, including the La Futura blend. The spacious, modern-industrial café has plenty of seating and a relaxed vibe. Visitors can select their espresso beans, with options like dark roast pour over and distinctive mochas, including Hedgehog and Lavender white chocolate.
What to order: La Futura blend, dark roast pour over, Hedgehog mocha, Lavender white chocolate
Address:
-36 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E7
-849 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L9
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10. Café Portrait
Café Portrait is an art and coffee enthusiast’s dream in the West End, offering unique Turkish coffee brewed over hot sand, a centuries-old tradition. Their breakfast menu includes favorites like Shakshuka with hearty bread, pastries, and a fried egg skillet with spiced beef sausage, creating a perfect blend of art and culinary delight.
What to order: Turkish coffee, Shakshuka, stuffed pastries, fried egg skillet
Address: 1120 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1T2
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Now that’s it if you’re looking to get a good cup of joe in downtown Vancouver. And it if you’re looking for some brunch to fill your stomach, consider these 10 best brunch restaurants in Vancouver.
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.