Get Cozy at These Vancouver Cafes and Tea Shops

October 28, 2019
DV
By Destination Vancouver
5 min read
Person holding umbrella and using phone outside a tea shop with sign reading finest organic teas on the window.

Autumn is an especially nice time to explore Vancouver. And when you need a break, a cozy cafe is the best place to get off your feet and warm up with your hot beverage of choice. A cafe is also a nice place to escape to when you have hotel room fever, but still need to get some stuff done or want to enjoy your book. Get cozy at these Vancouver cafes.

Two cups of tea, a teapot, a slice of bread, a cookie, and two muffins on white plates on a wooden table next to a closed laptop.

Having travelled solo a fair amount, I’m very happy in my own company. Wherever I go, I seek out a cozy cafe where I can settle in with a hot mug of tea and whatever book I’m reading at the time. It’s the perfect break from exploring a city, and the best way to people watch. And lucky for us Vancouverites and visitors alike, Vancouver is no exception with its vast selection of cozy cafes. (Or people watching.)

As there are so many, how to choose?? I’ve rounded up a list of six, each in a different neighbourhood of Vancouver—both some personal favourites plus a couple on my list. Let’s get cozy!

Person using a laptop and mouse at a wooden table with a cup of tea, smartphone, and plate of snacks nearby.

Dalina Cafe

Located in the heart of Chinatown, just a short walk from the Main Street Skytrain Station, Dalina Cafe is serving up house-made Italian inspired food and hot beverages. The clean and bright indoor aesthetic and covered (and heated!) outdoor patio make for an oasis from the brisk autumn breeze and rain. Be sure to try a soup or hearty salad to go with your cappuccino or tea.

Address: 687 Main Street | Website

Person with glasses and long dark hair wearing a maroon top, drinking from a white cup and reading a book titled 'The Soul of Money'.

TEAJA Lab

TEAJA Lab features over 50 organic, rare to find loose leaf teas, and snug window seating with a prime street view of trendy Yaletown. As a testing ground for launching new blends and signature drinks, it’s not uncommon for visitors to have the opportunity to try something unique. This writer’s personal favourite is the Lavender Earl Grey.

Address: 1072 Mainland Street | Website

Brown dog lying on a wooden bench outside a window with papers clipped on a string and the text Greenhorn Espresso Bar.

Greenhorn Espresso Bar

Right at the heart of vancouver’s West End, this hygge coffee shop is a hipster favourite—or anyone with a discerning coffee palate. There’s an upper level with additional seating and records (remember those?) for purchase. Food is also on offer, but if you’re looking to get some work done or upload photos, consider visiting before or after lunchtime—they apparently shut off the wi-fi to encourage human interaction.

Address: 994 Nicola Street | Website

White teapot on a wooden surface by a rain-covered window with blurred city lights and silhouettes outside.

Lost + Found

On my list of places to explore in my city, I can’t wait to get lost (ha) in a comfy corner of what looks to be a vast bohemian space. Located in Gastown, Lost + Found has created a niche in the downtown Vancouver community—providing good food and great coffee, where philanthropy and creativity meet. This cafe also doubles as a space for evening events.

Address: 33 West Hastings Street | Website

Baked pastries including butter croissants, cinnamon scrolls, and other breads displayed on shelves and under a glass dome in a bakery.

Beaucoup Bakery

Another on my list of to-visits! On the border of South Granville and Kitsilano sits the charming bakery with a big heart that is Beaucoup Bakery & Café. With French-inspired pastries—including the (I’m told) to-die-for croissants—Beaucoup is a taste of France in Vancouver. Their Acts of Kindness points program is a refreshing take on a rewards initiative and it looks so very very French. I can’t wait.

Address: 2150 Fir Street | Website

A person holding a floral teacup filled with tea, with a teapot in a blue cozy, a plate with two small desserts, and a tiered tray of sandwiches on a wooden table.

Secret Garden Tea Company

No, this isn’t a cafe. But it’s one of the coziest places in the city. And I’ve been going for high tea at historic Kerrisdale‘s Secret Garden Tea Company for longer than I care to admit. Each teacup and saucer pair is unique, and their scones and chocolate sweets are my kryptonite. They also recently launched their vegan high tea to complement their traditional, gluten-free, and vegetarian offerings.

Address: 2138 W. 40th Avenue | Website

For some more cozy cafe suggestions, visit the Coffee Culture page on the Tourism Vancouver website.

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