Robert WebbAside from the surge of people walking and biking around the city, what I love about strolling through the streets of Vancouver is the aroma of freshly baked pastries.
There’s the aroma of melting butter in one corner and the alluring smell of loaves baking in ovens elsewhere.
If this brings you as much joy as it does to me, you’ve got to check out our handy list of the best bakeries in Vancouver below! Let’s dive into our top 14 and explore the city’s sweetest spots together.
What makes a good bakery?
Great bakers, fresh supplies, and cleanliness are some of the most important factors that make for a good bakery.
Before we jump into discussing Vancouver’s best bakeries, it’s important to highlight how these factors truly shape a good bakery. Let’s start…
At the heart of a top-tier bakery is, of course, the talent of its bakers. Great bakers are the true artisans breathing life into dough and batter, turning them into delicious works of edible art.
Their skill, experience, and passion for their craft are essential ingredients that elevate a bakery from merely good to extraordinary.
Freshness is equally pivotal. A bakery worth its reputation ensures that their offerings are always made with the freshest ingredients, resulting in pastries with irresistible flavors.
Cleanliness is another critical factor. A bakery should be a haven of hygiene, where customers can trust that the environment is not only aesthetically pleasing but also sanitary.
Clean premises also reflect a commitment to quality. That makes patrons feel great as they savor their chosen pastries in the bakery cafe or at home.
These three, among other qualities, can help a bakery stand out, leave a mark on their patrons, and of course, earn a well-deserved reputation as a good bakery worth checking out.
Best Bakeries in Vancouver
Vancouver is home to a number of bakeries, new and old, that deserve some love. To narrow down your options and highlight the must-visit spots, we present our curated list of the top 14 bakeries in the city!
Purebread
Address: 159 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 4 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 563 8060
Website
What started off as a vendor at a Christmas Market in Whistler has spread across Vancouver with seven locations across the city and has earned accolades from the Food Network, Goop, the Washington Post, and others.
Their menu has also grown to include bread, savouries, cakes, and other treats, making up a repertoire that offers something fantastic for any time of the day. The sight of their pastries and cakes on display will leave you in awe (and maybe drooling a little).
Aside from their talented bakers and focus on fresh ingredients, the friendly and helpful staff at this bakery deserves a special mention.
Pro tip: Be sure to try their peach rosemary tart, blueberry lemon jacks, or coconut cake. For something savory, consider their ciabatta with olive oil and dukkah, or the grilled cheese with cheddar jalapeno.
See what I’m doing there? Purebread’s commitment to creating an extensive selection of sensational flavors means there’s a lot of tempting options to discover and enjoy.
Livia
Address:1399 Commercial Drive, Vancouver BC
Hours:
- Brunch and lunch: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM- 3 PM
- Bakery takeout: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM or until sold out
- Takeout hot food: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM – 3 PM
Livia is a family and community business. And you know how much love those two kinds of businesses put into the work that they produce.
That’s exactly what we saw in this bakery right in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It draws crowds daily, with long lines forming in anticipation of their delectable baked goods, sandwiches, and coffee drinks.
If you’re in search of remarkable bread, you simply can’t miss their daily feature sourdough. The classic sourdough remains a simple yet satisfying option, but the interesting flavors just elevates the experience beyond the usual.
Our favorites include the Currant & Cinnamon Sourdough and the Potato Rosemary Sourdough. But, for those seeking even more variety, their menu is ready to show more mouthwatering options.
Pro tip: Livia is also an Italian cafe, so it’s a great stop if you’re looking for great pasta. Their passion for quality shows in their fresh and amazingly cooked pasta.
Their breakfast offerings are also phenomenal. Top of our list? Their Breakfast Sandwich with soft scramble, pickled onion, and scamorza.
Batard Bakery
Address: 3958 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5V 4E4, Canada
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 8 AM – 4 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 506 3958
Website
If you find yourself on Vancouver’s East side, you can make a pit stop at Batard Bakery, a place with a well-deserved reputation that precedes itself. Various publications, including Vancouver Magazine, have hailed it as one of the city’s finest bakeries.
Batard Bakery is the brainchild of the Born family, celebrated for their culinary contributions for over four decades. Today, this establishment proudly identifies itself as a French-style neighborhood bakery and cafe.
And that’s precisely what it is—a go-to spot for a bunch of items like tarte au citron and almond croissants, and a nice place where you can grab a table and enjoy a delicious treat.
Expect bustling crowds, especially on weekends, but rest assured, their bread and pastries never disappoint.
Whether you opt for their Honeycomb with honey custard filling or take home a Spelt Loaf, the quality of their ingredients shines through.
Pro tip: While the store accommodates walk-in orders, securing your first choice might be uncertain until you’re through the doors.
For a more convenient experience, you can place an order online and schedule a pick-up from Thursday to Sunday between 11 AM and 3:30 PM.
La Bise Bakery
Address: 1689 Johnston St Kiosk 150, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM
Phone: +1 (604)345-8474
Website
Canelés – those fancy bites of crisped crusts and moist, custardy centers. La Bise Bakery on Granville Island has earned awards for their heavenly canelés freshly baked on the daily.
Situated in a popular location, La Bise Bakery benefits from the constant flow of patrons because that means the pastries are always fresh and don’t sit around too long before being consumed.
The passion fruit flavor is a standout for us – it’s citrusy as expected, but the sweetness of the caramel exterior provides a perfect balance.
The traditional plain canelé is also a delightful choice, especially when paired with a soothing cup of tea.
Pro tip: Not a lot of bakeries in Vancouver offer canelés, let alone exceptional ones. If you’ve yet to try these treats but you’re now getting more curious, consider dropping by the stall to see if they’re offering free samples.
Flourist
Address: 3433 Commercial St, Vancouver, BC V5N 4E8, Canada
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 6 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 336-9423
Website
Don’t we love a bakery with a well-defined, well-intentioned ethos? Flourist not only bakes delicious goods but also aims to provide full transparency by sourcing premium grains from Canadian farmers and milling them in-house.
If you’re one of our readers who want to understand the origins of their food, then Flourist is the bakery for you.
Here, you can enjoy their freshly baked bread, or you can take it a step further and purchase a bag of their high-quality flour to whip up your own culinary delights at home.
If you want to sample their exceptional and traceable flours, grab their Best Ever Chocolate Chip Cookie or Sourdough Pan Loaf.
Pro tip: Otherwise, If you’re a home baker eager to make the most of Flourist’s premium flours, you can check out the recipes that they’ve generously shared on their page.
Some of the eye-catching recipes include the Summer Berry Yoghurt Cake, Date Squares, and Sourdough Donuts with Cinnamon Sugar.
Breka Bakery & Cafe
Address: 6533 Fraser St, Vancouver, BC V5X 3T4, Canada
Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Phone: +1 (604) 559-0900
Website
A bakery that keeps its doors open round the clock is a rarity in Vancouver (or any other city). You might be expecting a sleepy atmosphere in a bakery that runs overnight, but here, the energy is nothing short of invigorating, and it shines through in their offerings.
So whether you’re struck by a late-night craving or in need of an early morning pick-me-up, you can drop by at Breka for a satisfying selection.
Some of our top picks include the pistachio cream-filled donut and the indulgent Kahlua chocolate mousse cake.
And if you’re looking for something more substantial, their sandwiches pair wonderfully with their Hedgehog Mocha.
Pro tip: The place is quite small, so it’s not unusual to find all four tables and the bar occupied. If you’re eager to grab their bread or pastries, explore their other locations, with their most recent store located on Main St.
Thomas Haas
Address: 2539 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9, Canada
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 736-1848
Website
Now, this one is probably known to most as one of the top chocolate stores in the city. We won’t argue with that – their chocolate desserts and heavenly hot chocolate are a soothing balm for us on our less-than-perfect days.
But there’s more to this place than just chocolate. A visit to any of their locations will unveil the artistic flair they infuse into their offerings, and you’ll be equally charmed by their delectable pastries.
Take, for instance, their croissants – delicate, buttery, and available in tempting varieties like double-baked almond and ham and cheese.
Their cakes are also a true showstopper, crafted with rich, decadent chocolate and adorned with vibrant colors and meticulously arranged elements. They’re a great choice for special celebrations.
Pro tip: This is a French-style café, so make the most of it by enjoying your coffee on the terrace or patio. Close your eyes, sip your brew, and let your imagination transport you to the charming streets of Montreal or Paris.
Small Victory Bakery
Address: 1088 Homer St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W9, Canada
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 4 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 899-8892
Website
Small Victory Bakery tops the list of bakeries recommended for cinnamon bun in the city. We think it’s well-deserved – whether you want something sweet after having a morning bun, or a complement to your coffee, this cinnamon bun is a memorable treat.
Beyond the cinnamon bun, they offer a delightful selection of bread and cake slices. Looking for a spot to grab your baguette? They offer that right here.
They also serve brunch all day. If you’re more of a toast or quiche person, their short but impressive menu is also worth checking out.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for a place to get a quick lunch, they also serve that from 11 AM to 4 PM. Then, you follow it up with some cheesecake, tart, tiramisu.
Beaucoup Bakery
Address: 2150 Fir St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3B5, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 4 PM
- Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM – 5 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 732-4222
Website
Beaucoup Bakery offers a delightful marriage of the owners’ Asian heritage and their expertise in French pastry.
This bakery has garnered recognition over the years. It made appearances in travel guides and esteemed lists by USA Today, Forbes Travel Guide, and CBC Vancouver, among others.
Some of their interesting offerings include the almond double baked croissant with almond frangipane and slivered almonds, and their vegan peanut butter jelly cookie sandwich with raspberry currant jam.
They also have an extensive menu for beverages. Their Matcha Latte and Shizuoka Matcha Blanc are intriguing options, and if you’re looking for something versatile, you can get their hot chocolate!
Pro tip: If you find yourself wandering along Robson Street, take a short 6-minute walk to their new flagship location in St. Regis Hotel. Here, you’ll encounter the same exceptional menu in Kitsilano and a touch of Parisian charm right in downtown Vancouver.
Terra Breads
Address: 1605 Manitoba St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3B7, Canada
Hours:
- Daily, 7:30 AM – 5 PM
- Bakery takeout: 8:30 AM–4 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 877-1183
Website
Since 1993, Terra Breads has been a familiar sight for the locals. Other than this location in Granville Island, they have established bakery cafes in Olympic Village and Mount Pleasant that also draw a lot of people in.
What truly sets this bakery apart is their confidence in the traditional method of baking. Their willingness to wait up to three days for a loaf to ferment suggests not only a deep understanding of techniques but also a passion for the craft.
If you’re seeking recommendations, aside from their loaves, you can grab their blueberry bread or explore their all-day breakfast offerings.
Pro tip: Terra Breads is one of the many bakeries participating in the Metro Vancouver Croissant Crawl. Their featured offering for this self-guided tour is the Pumpkin Pie Double Baked Croissant.
L’Atelier Patisserie
Address: 599 E Broadway, Vancouver, BC V5T 1X4, Canada
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8 AM – 5 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 329-6153
Website
L’Atelier Patisserie is a hole-in-the-wall spot known for crafting lovely, fresh croissants. The owner is also trained in the French tradition and it shows really well in the quality of their pastries.
Alongside the classics like Pain au Chocolat and laminated brioche, they offer unique treats such as the Pistachio Rocher and a variety of savory toasts.
Their offerings aren’t cheap, to be honest. But the meticulous craftsmanship in their pastries more than justifies the price.
What’s more is, this bakery cafe has a welcoming ambiance. Their minimalist design is perfect for those looking for something to feature on their social media feed, and the service is attentive and friendly.
Pro tip: If you’re arriving by car, take advantage of the free two-hour parking available on Broadway Street.
Stuart’s Bakery
Address: 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 685-8816
Website
Like Terra Breads, Stuart’s Bakery also takes pride in baking artisan breads through traditional baking methods. Their breads are handcrafted and baked in a Winkler Stone Deck Oven, which means heaps of time and effort but wonderful taste and quality.
Stuart’s Bakery has been a fixture in the city since 1949. So aside from tradition, it brings staying power and sweet commitment to the table.
You’ll get a taste of that through their wide range of offerings. We love their chocolate chunk cookie and Nanaimo bars, but take a good look at their display shelf yourself!
Pro tip: If you’re staying over on the other side, though, closer to Queen Elizabeth Park, you can visit their location at Oakridge Centre food court.
New Town Bakery
Address: 148 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada
Hours: Daily, 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 689-7835
Website
If you’ve watched “Always Be My Maybe” starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, you’ve actually glimpsed New Town Bakery without even realizing it.
Remember the eatery “Best Luck Dim Sum?” That’s none other than New Town!
Since the 1980s, New Town Bakery has been a fixture on East Pender. They have since produced homemade steam buns that have gotten the bakery a lot of attention, not only from film producers but CNN Travel and some award-giving bodies as well.
Their apple tart has also once clinched the Chinese Restaurant Critic’s Choice.
Beyond their Chinese delicacies, the store also specializes in Filipino food. So you’ll see homemade steam bun flavors like Bola Bola and Asado, as well as the beloved beverage Mais con Yelo, which most Filipinos grew up loving.
Pro tip: For a taste of both Chinese and Filipino cuisine, consider dining at New Town Bakery. Just remember to bring cash as they don’t accept cards yet.
Merci Boulangerie
Address: Unit 150 1507 Powell St #150, Vancouver, BC V5L 5C3, Canada
Hours:
- Tuesday and Saturday, 8 AM – 11 AM
- Friday, 12 PM – 4 PM
Phone: +1 (604) 875-1424
Website
Roulé Jambon Fromage – that’s the showstopper here at Merci Boulangerie. Its buttery croissant, honey ham, and gruyere cheese combine in a perfect harmony to deliver one of the most remarkable savory pastries out there.
The local owner of this bakery is steeped in French tradition, so there’s so much credibility, heart, and finesse to see in their work.
Beyond the Roulé Jambon Fromage, you’ll see it shines through in their other offerings, including the Bergamot Madeleines and the morning buns.
Here’s the catch: they don’t operate from a physical location. But hear us out – they’re based in Vancouver; in fact, you can collect your orders every Friday afternoon or opt for delivery every Tuesday morning.
Pro tip: Catch them at different times by following their schedule at the Riley Park Farmers Market. They will be among the many vendors setting up shop outside Nat Bailey Stadium this winter.
