Coffee and Tea



In Vancouver:

Downtown
East Side
West Side

Regional:

North Shore
Vancouver Island

DOWNTOWN

CAFFE ARTIGIANO
Coffee is treated like an art form at this Vancouver-born chainlet. Lineups out the door for lattes with intricate patterns. Grilled sandwiches, pasta, and pastries (muffins, cookies, cakes) make this café a great lunch option. 763 Hornby St., 604-694-7737; 1101 W. Pender St., 604-685-5333; 740 W. Hastings St., 604-915-7200; 2154 W. 41st Ave., Kerrisdale, 604-267-1008; J-5 925 Main St.–Park Royal Village, West Van, 604-913-1400. Caffeartigiano.com

MURCHIE'S TEA & COFFEE
The selection of coffees is competitive, while that of teas is extraordinary. Look for commemorative blends such as Empress Afternoon, created for the Empress Hotel, and the flavoured Cinnamon Roast coffee blend loaded with antioxidants. Various locations. 800-663-0400.

MUZI TEA BAR
Where “teatenders” understand the specific brewing methods for every varietal in the bar. Matcha is still the number one pick here, but there are over 50 choices on hand, along with tea-infused products. 870 W. Cordova St., 604-689-3188.

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EAST SIDE

CONTINENTAL COFFEE
Three generations have percolated here, producing the best dark roast and organic coffee on the Drive. Jordan Allan and family also have their own roasting plant in town—most popular is the Famiglia blend. 1806 Commercial Dr., 604-255-0712.

PRADO CAFE
Soaring ceilings. Rustic beams. An Ingo Maurer chandelier. It’s all about the details, and Amy York has created an oasis of minimalist cool at Prado Café. There’s a selection of in-house baked treats—like Nutella chocolate-chip cookies—but the custom-blended organic fair-trade coffee from 49th Parallel Roasters takes centre stage. 1938 Commercial Dr., 604-255-5537.

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WEST SIDE

THE ELYSIAN ROOM
With both a Synesso Cyncra and a Clover at the ready, Alistair Durie and crew offer the finest coffees from select roasters. Purchase whole-bean coffee and brewing supplies here. Sandwiches and wraps are made in-house there’s also chocolate almond torte and spelt-pastry Okanagan fruit pie. 1778 W. 5th Ave., 604-734-1778.

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NORTH SHORE

BEAN AROUND THE WORLD
Independently owned coffee shops bound only by the coffee they brew; try Pete’s signature blend. The West Van shop does in-house baking. 17 locations throughout B.C. including 1522 Marine Dr., West Van, 604-925-9600.

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VANCOUVER ISLAND

SILK ROAD
Atmospheric heritage space in Chinatown offers single-origin, high-grown and 100-percent organic teas with many exclusive and rare varietals. New tasting bar offers side-by-side comparisons of varietals from India, China and Japan. They’ve also got a skincare line and full-service spa where green tea works its magic in facials and scrubs. 1624 Government St., 250-704 2688.

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