My list // Top 7 Coffee shops in the Vancouver area

Hi Everyone!

It's been a good 8 months since I've written a blog-post. I've been sticking more to Instagram stories and posts, but am really going to put the effort into writing on here as well. I have a few days off of work between Christmas and New Years, and have been taking full advantage! Binging on Friends, YOU and various movies on Netflix and Disney +, while also doing a ton of baking (I currently have a chocolate chip banana bread in the oven).

With 2019 ending so soon (We're on the second to last day, which is crazy!!), I decided to do a wrap up of my favorite coffee shops in the lower mainland. This is based on atmosphere, taste, location and of course - general aesthetic. If you know me, you know I love white marble, lots of light and an open atmosphere. Take note that they're not in any specific order, but I highly recommend visiting these great spots, whether it be solo or with friends and family! Enjoy!

Beaucoup Bakery - 2150 Fir Street, Vancouver

Tucked away just under the Granville St. Bridge in South Granville is Beaucoup Bakery. This locally owned bakery is one of a kind with delicious croissants, treats and my favorite - the peanut butter cookie sandwich. They serve 49th parallel espresso and make the yummiest vanilla lattes (pictured below). Their location is on the smaller side making it that more cozy! Another bonus - they're a short walk away from Granville Island and the shops on South Granville.

Small Victory - 1088 Homer St / Granville & West 15th

Small Victory has two locations in Vancouver, one downtown and one situated in one of my favorite neighbourhoods - South Granville. The aesthetic for both spots is full of white marble, rose gold and plenty of seating! Their Spanish latte is phenomenal, and so are their butter croissants (I usually have to get two because are THAT good, comparable to the ones in Paris).

Cafe Medina - 780 Richards St, Vancouver

Medina is known for their top rated Brunch! For the most part, it is a brunch spot but I love a quick stop for a to-go lavender mocha (hot or cold) and a waffle! I don't know what they do, but the milk chocolate lavender mocha is DIVINE, and cannot be made anywhere this good (except their sister restaurant Chambar, just down the street). It's a great place to sit down, but make sure to get their before 3 as they close in the early afternoon. If you can grab a seat, try any of their delicious breakfast dishes and you won't be disappointed!

Cafe La Foret - 6848 Jubliee Ave, Burnaby

This well known and highly instagrammed spot is tucked away near Metropolis at Metrotown. They have delicious platters, including the two pictured below (Waffle and Chicken), and serve the smooth and delicious Timbertrain coffee roasters. The atmosphere is super open, almost like a warehouse. It's full of natural light, beautiful oversized plants and plenty of white marble tables! Often packed, I'd suggest visiting La Foret on your next weekday off!

Honolulu Coffee - 888 Nelson St / West 41st & West Blvd, Vancouver

Honolulu Coffee isn't talked about much in the coffee scene and I truly believe it's one of the best tasting coffee in the city! Originating in Honolulu (obviously), this Hawaiian themed shop is adorable! Ihave only visited the downtown location, but always love walking in as it feels like I've stepped off the beach and into a Hawaiian bungalow. Full of cute Hawaiian details, there's palm trees, surfboards and plenty of seats to relax like you're on vacation!

Funny story - the first time I had Honolulu coffee was on a trip to Hawaii with my best friend. She got an iced matcha latte, and I had an iced vanilla latte. She wasn't feeling well so we walked to the nearest bench at the beach, and sat her down. I had just finished my iced latte and said to her "Girl, I NEED to get another one of these, it was so delish and I can't stop thinking about it". So I left her sitting on the bench, in pain to grab my second coffee. She absolutely hates shopping, so I also decided to sneak into a few shops on the way back... 25 minutes later I am back at the bench and she's crouched over asking me where I went. All she wanted was to go back to the hotel and lay down. I'll never live this down - and we're constantly laughing about it.

49th Parallel & Lucky's Donuts - Main & 13th / West Georgia & Thurlow / West 4th I'm sure many of you have seen my many posts about 49th parallel. They're my favorite donuts in town, and my favorite coffee in town! The quality is always outstanding and the atmospheres are all varying. I'm usually at the Thurlow location since it's close to work, but it's always nice to visit the other two outside of downtown. I am always urging my out of town visitors to try 49th as it never disappoints. I love how it's local and always has a great variety of donuts to chose from! My top picks are the french crueller (so moist and light), sprinkle donut, chocolate old fashion, and of course - the vanilla latte.

Cafe Orso - 4316 Gallant Ave, Deep Cove in North Vancouver

Deep Cove is one of my favorite spots in the Vancouver area. It's so moody, cozy and west coast! Cafe Orso is on the Main Street (near the famous Honeys Donuts) and easy to find as they have a beautiful wooden carved bear. The interior of Cafe Orso feels like you're in a cozy cabin in the mountains. It's open, light and full of west coast touches (think lots of grizzly bears). They have plenty of yummy eats, included waffles, treats and of course, yummy coffee! If you're ever in Deep Cove or hiking Quarry Rock, I highly suggest stopping into Cafe Orso for a snack! (They use Nelson the seagull bread, which is DIVINE!)