Call us an old-fashioned donut, but if you’re looking to reset and recharge, you can’t do much better than a cozy afternoon of coffee, some freshly baked goods, and perhaps a good book. There’s just something cathartic about slowing down, finding a comfy spot and doing nothing in particular.
When there’s chill in the air, and people are moving a bit more briskly on the sidewalk, it helps to know of a few stress-free spots to duck into instead of dodging pedestrians. Thankfully, Metro Vancouver has plenty of these locales where you can savour a moment to yourself and leave your expectations for the day outside. Keep these cozy cafes and coffee shops in mind the next time you need a warm cup and a break from being productive.
Nomad Espresso Bar & Bakery | Vancouver’s North Shore
A Metro Vancouver pioneer of the BYOC (Bring Your Own Cup) movement, the vibes at Nomad are immediately boosted by knowing you’re doing a good deed for the environment. Not to say they don’t have their own cups for customers who are sitting in; order a piping-hot cortado in a cozy mug, accompanied by a cinnamon croffle, and enjoy your reward for thinking of the bigger picture.
Bisou Bakehouse | Vancouver
A beautiful French bakery and café, stepping inside Bisou is a true sensory experience. The smell of fresh croissants and brewed coffee fills the air, and settling into a corner table with a croissant and a latte in hand, you’ll feel like you’re taking a break along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. Step out with a loaf of bread under your arm to keep the experience going when you get home.
Cafe & Life Co. | Richmond
Bright, friendly, and boasting a robust menu of brunch and coffee favorites, this spot just might become your go-to reset spot after a long stretch of screen time. On a sunny day, when the light pours in, there’s nothing better than sipping from their impressive specialty drink list. A maple black tea latte, a hojicha mocha, or perhaps a Thai milk tea? Self-described as “comfort core,” Cafe & Life Co. lives up to the label impeccably.
Handworks Coffee Studio | Burnaby
Described as an “antique nano coffee studio”, that title alone sets the tone for serious cozy vibes. Rustic, unpretentious, and family-run, this spot is a true hidden gem in Burnaby’s coffee scene. With the welcoming feel of an unexpected outpost along a forest path, it feels less like a café and more like a tucked-away cottage, or a remote coffee-loving commune. Every cup is crafted with care and precision, and you can taste that dedication in every sip.
Veroni & Co. | Coquitlam
We don’t usually equate “sleek and stylish” with “cozy,” but this Coquitlam espresso bar is worthy of an exception. From the spotless silver gleam of the machinery behind the bar to the perfectly blended hues of the iced pour-overs, every detail feels intentional. If clean aesthetics make you feel right at home, consider this your new HQ. The display case is stocked with freshly baked treats (like glazed madeleines), perfect for a morning bite as you savour a cortado and enter your modern socialite era.
Islands Cafe | Surrey
A laid-back Hawaiian charm fills this popular coffee spot, where surrounding tables dig into açai bowls and sip on Ukulele Dark Roast. There’s a genuine sense of community, as Islands Cafe isn’t just for coffee snobs looking to flex their palate. You’ll find high schoolers doing homework, post-class yogis catching up with mats in hand, and then you, settled at a comfortable table, taking it all in. People-watching adds its own cozy charm, especially when paired with a freshly roasted espresso finished with a generous dusting of chocolate.
Twins Coffee | Langley City
Nestled in the heart of Langley City, this little spot is known for its greenery-filled main room and brightly colored, delicious drinks. The vibrant palette and warm atmosphere make it an ideal choice for creatives looking to sketch or scribble. Bring your notebook, order a sparkling espresso tonic (with a hint of lemon), and see where your unstructured musings take you.
Feature photo credit: nomadyvr.ca
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