Bustling bars, well trodden restaurants, and luxury stores define Vancouver’s downtown, which encompasses the financial district all the way to the ocean front. Within its boundaries, you can grab a streetside hot dog or a slice of ‘za on almost every block—and for those with more bitter tastes, a really delicious cup of java at any of the spots below.

Small Victory

The Yaletown locale of this high-end coffee shop serves up fine artisanal pastries, breads, and sandwiches among bright, modern decor and its signature milk taps.

Address: 1088 Homer Street, Vancouver

Caffè Super Veloce

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For a super-charged working lunch, this spot is a quick service cafe-bar experience at the edge of Coal Harbour. Coffee, espresso, seasonal salads, macro-friendly power pastries, and performance-enhancing snacks are on order here.

Address: 1067 West Cordova Street #150, Vancouver

Deville Coffee

Another sweet spot for the office worker, Deville serves up direct-trade coffee beans in its espresso drinks. The cafe (with three downtown locations) boasts fine flavours like organic vanilla and a house-made chocolate ganache, among other locally-sourced pastries and made-to-order sandwiches.

Address: 745 Thurlow Street, Vancouver; 325 Seymour Street, Vancouver; Unit 1B, 550 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Kafka’s

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Known for its fine espresso drinks and selection of fresh treats (bowls of yogurt with honey, small sandwiches, and pastries) across the city, this particular Kafka’s location downtown offers up an ambiance just as exciting as its fare. Aptly named Kafka’s in the Park, it sits amid a playground in a dynamic urban play zone.

Address: 860 Richards Street, Vancouver

Elysian

Elysian started as a roastery and tasting room, but has expanded to several locations (including this Burrard Street cafe, at the bottom of the Burrard Hotel) that boast its own roasts and pastries.

Address: 102-1100 Burrard Street, Vancouver

Pallet Coffee Roasters

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This Pallet cafe in the centre of downtown offers up house-roasted coffees and breakfast until 2pm daily. Opt for a build-your-own breakfast sandwich or try out one of their signature versions. The beef brisket is not to be missed.

Address: 980 Howe Street, Vancouver

Milano

A family legacy lives here, with Italian-style Milano Coffee Roasters recently celebrating its 20th anniversary. This coffee lounge is one of three Milano spots in the city, serving up fresh pastries and gluten-free treats in the heart of the West End.

Address: 849 Denman Street, Vancouver

Greenhorn Cafe

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Tucked away in a residential part of the West End, this espresso bar offers up casual eats with an elevated twist—think: the Eggs In Purgatory, made with two poached eggs, spicy puttanesca sauce, basil, braised greens, aged white cheddar, parmesan, breadcrumbs, and sourdough. Enjoy it inside, or on the sidewalk patio seats (if the weather allows).

Address: 994 Nicola Street, Vancouver 

Black Echo Coffee

This Yaletown spot promises “the most unique cup of coffee in town,” and that just might be true. It’s a hidden gem serving up beans that were born in butter—literally. A must-try.

Address: 1144 Mainland Street, Vancouver