Jamie RamsayWhat started as a casual caffeine crawl quickly turned into a full-blown obsession. One café pulled me in with its perfectly velvety flat whites, while another had me swooning over its chocolatey single-origin pour-over.
By the end of the weekend, I was jittery, broke, and deeply in love with the city’s coffee scene.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just looking for the best cup of Joe to fuel your adventures, this list will guide you to Vancouver’s finest. Ready to sip your way through the city? Let’s get started!
How we chose the Top Coffee Roasters in Vancouver
1. Propaganda Coffee
Propaganda Coffee is all about high-quality, ethically sourced beans brewed into smooth, balanced cups that steer clear of bitterness. Each sip showcases the care that goes into their craft.
The space itself is modern and comfortable, striking a nice balance between trendy decor and a welcoming vibe. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick coffee or planning to hang out for a while, it’s a great spot to unwind.
Their menu covers the essentials—Americanos, lattes, and cappuccinos—but the cherry coffee stands out as a unique and refreshing option. Fans of pour-overs will appreciate the curated selection available at the counter.
While they do offer some coffee gear like grinders, expanding their range of beans and brewing tools would be a welcome addition. That said, the drinks and tea options are already impressive.
With free WiFi and expertly brewed beverages, it’s a great place to relax, get some work done, or simply enjoy a good cup of coffee. If you’re in Chinatown, it’s worth checking out.
Warm vibe
“My go-to coffee place. Their coffee really perks me up til the end of the day. The place has a warm vibe to it. I usually get latte with oat milk and vanilla.”
-Ms. Tiara, Google Review
Perfectly textured milk
“Great spot. Two choices of espresso for milk drinks. Perfectly textured milk. Overall awesome. Note: this side of town is a little rough.”
-Mr. Lobdell, Google Review
2. cowdog
Cowdog is a fresh addition to the Douglas Park community, offering a no-tipping model that reflects their commitment to fair wages for their staff.
The space has a welcoming vibe and features a carefully chosen lineup of roasters for retail. The menu sticks to the essentials but includes standout drinks like hojicha, matcha, and their eye-catching strawberry matcha latte, which has become a favorite both for its look and flavor.
The star of the menu is the cookie butter latte, made with spiced syrup from blended speculoos cookie crumbs. It’s a rich, perfectly balanced treat that feels like a warm hug in a cup.
Although the menu is on the smaller side, it’s clear that they focus on doing a few things exceptionally well. You can pair your drink with a fresh pastry for a simple yet satisfying experience.
Keep in mind that popular drinks tend to sell out early, often before 10 a.m., and there might be a line. Still, their carefully crafted offerings are well worth the wait.
Combination of outstanding coffee
“The combination of outstanding coffee, delicious pastries, and friendly service makes this place a gem. Plus, the simple, no-tipping menu is a nice touch. Here’s hoping Vancouver gets more spots like this.”
-Ms. Le, Google Review
Amiable staff
” The staff were amiable and explained the details of their items to me as a first-time visitor. I’ll definitely come back to have more of their delicious strawberry matcha.”
-Ms. Irene, Google Review
3. KAHVE
KAHVE is a bright and cozy spot, ideal for a quiet coffee break or a relaxed chat with a friend. With its small tables and calm atmosphere, it’s a space that feels more personal than crowded—a great place to unwind.
Situated near Burrard and 1st Ave, the café is bathed in natural light, giving it a warm and inviting feel.
Their coffee selection stands out, featuring beans from Timor-Leste, Honduras, and Guatemala, alongside collaborations with respected roasters like Phil and Sebastian, The Barn, and Detour.
Espresso enthusiasts will appreciate the nutty, lightly roasted flavors that rival those from local favorites like Elysian and Matchstick. The latte is a particular highlight and well worth trying.
The food menu offers a thoughtful mix of options, including soups, salads, avocado toast, and Korean-style pulled pork. With in-house baking and treats from Gastown’s Cadeaux Bakery, there’s always something tempting to pair with your coffee.
KAHVE’s charm lies in the little extras, like loyalty card storage for regulars and a selection of quirky items for sale.
Whether you’re stopping in for a drink or a bite, KAHVE’s welcoming vibe and quality offerings make it a spot to remember.
Great food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere
“This cafe has it all—great food, excellent service, and a wonderful atmosphere. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a top-notch cafe experience.”
-Mr. Badra, Google Review
Top-notch coffee program
“Amazingly good food, a top notch coffee program and a stunning venue. I’ve been coming here for years and it’s one of my favourite coffee shops in the city.”
-Vancouver Coffee Snob, Google Review
4. Oidé Coffee
Oidé Coffee is a minimalist spot that delivers exceptional coffee in a thoughtfully designed setting. From its smooth textures to rich flavors, it’s a go-to for coffee lovers in the neighborhood.
The espresso is consistently well-balanced and velvety, while the DAK pour-over stands out with its bright, fruity notes and crisp finish.
The café’s simple design makes the most of natural light, with a standing table along a glass wall that’s perfect for catching up on work or just enjoying the sunshine.
The space flows seamlessly, with light streaming in from both ends—a rare and refreshing touch for a coffee shop.
A small staircase leads to an open seating area with exposed concrete floors and movable benches and stools, giving the space a raw, flexible vibe.
It’s functional, minimalist, and reminiscent of Tokyo’s understated aesthetics, all within walking distance of Granville Island.
The atmosphere is calm yet energetic, offering just the right balance for a laid-back coffee break. Overall, the standout coffee and minimalist ambiance makes us confident in recommending Oidé Coffee.
Simple menu
“The menu simplicity of “black, white, or green” is refreshing. Makes you feel like you can breathe..”
-Mr. Jones, Google Review
Cool ambiance
“They clearly source the highest quality ingredients and feature some top notch merch. Cool ambiance in a raw concrete space and great location.”
-Mr. CP, Google Review
5. Nemesis
Café Nemesis has gained a well-deserved reputation for its Mortadella Supreme, and it lives up to the buzz. Perfectly savory with a satisfying crunch, it’s a dish that keeps people coming back.
The café’s ordering system is a smart touch: you order at the counter, and a table is assigned to you. It’s a simple way to avoid the usual scramble for seats and makes the experience more seamless.
When it comes to coffee, they’ve got it down to an art. With beans sourced from Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ethiopia, every cup offers a distinct and authentic flavor profile. The espresso is perfectly balanced and served at just the right temperature.
A piccolo or cortado to-go is worth trying. The milk is expertly steamed and poured, creating a smooth complement to the slightly acidic notes of the coffee—a pleasant contrast to the espresso but equally well-crafted.
Their pastries are equally impressive. The Blueberry Pavlova and Apricot Rosemary Cruffin stand out with their unique, bold flavors and are not to be missed.
Café Nemesis blends excellent coffee, delicious food, and a thoughtful setup, making it a spot worth visiting again and again.
Great and relaxing atmosphere
“Atmosphere is always great. It is relaxing in there. It is clean and seems very organized. The music is always with a good tone.”
-Mr. Santos, Google Review
Delicious coffee shop
“This is the most delicious coffee shop in the area, from the pastries to the drinks everything is phenomenal.”
-Mr. McP, Google Review
