Coffee + Vanilla Café — Restaurant in Coquitlam

2023 Edit: This review is from 3 years ago. I have updated it from 4 stars to 5 stars (their wonderful quality returned and has remained consistent) but left my original review below.

4.5 stars actually, I cannot stress how much I highly recommend this place.

I would like to start with the positives, and not the one very minor (recent) negative. My boyfriend and I fell in love with this place about six months ago. We were new to the Coquitlam area and everything from the decor to the friendliness of the staff to the quality of the coffee just blew us away. It became a weekly ritual to pop in and get our coffees from here.

Only once was a mistake ever made (and it was so miniscule I can't even remember what it was) and one of the staff (I believe it may have been the owner, a dark haired middle aged gentleman) compensated me ridiculously. I mean ridiculously in the best possible way. I worked for many, many years in customer service and stuff happens. He went above and beyond to be kind to me when I wasn't even upset. Many times it's the belligerent customers that get such above and beyond service. To be treated so wonderfully when I said I didn't mind at all was absolutely unreal and a testament to the quality of service this business delivers.

However, recently there is a new staff member who isn't quite upholding the coffee standard. What was once a constant perfect cup has become less than sub-par over the past few weeks. Today the new staff member made my coffee while the gentleman I believe to be the owner made my boyfriend's. The espresso grind had been too fine and the owner corrected this but the new employee seemed to be defensive over the gentle constructive criticism.

My coffee was burnt, which was unfortunate but has been quite the norm lately. My boyfriend's cup was perfection once again. The difference was so striking he took a sip and immediately commented: "This is the first time in a while since I've had a good coffee from here."

We love this place and we want to support it but our weekly, weekend visits have turned into a "will it be good or will it not be good?" game of coffee roulette. Perhaps it's just the weekends that have gone downhill?

I would highly recommend this place in every single facet except for our recent weekend experiences. Perhaps visit during the week? It's such a gem of a place I'd hate for someone else to be disappointed when I know the real standard Coffee + Vanilla...

I’ve visited this cafe several times and I like the decor and simplicity of the interior. Their menu is also pretty diverse with plenty of options available.

Out of all my visits, I’ve always felt that service was average, and sometimes the staff seemed unfriendly. Their pastries are S mediocre taste wise, but I buy them once in a while because they have a good selection and prices are reasonable. I recently pre-ordered some pastries a few days ago for pick up and was surprised when I arrived and was told my pick up hasn’t been prepared. It turned out one of the items I ordered is not available. I’m not sure why I wasn’t notified and also question the purpose of preordering when some items might not be available. I was offered to choose something else instead, which I declined because there wasn’t anything else I wanted, and was given a cash refund. Despite using my credit card to pay, my cash refund was short due to the tax not being fully refunded. I didn’t bring this up since it was a small amount, but I also haven’t come across a business that has done this before. I also came across a review commenting that their Belgium waffles resembled those sold in supermarkets. I did some quick research (out of curiosity) and noticed a few of the items I bought looked quite similar to frozen pastries being sold at some retailers. I don’t know whether all the baked goods are homemade nor am I implying anything, but I think I’ll skip this little cafe...

Coffee+Vanilla Café is an absolute gem that stands out for its remarkable ambience and delectable offerings. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The decor is a perfect blend of cozy and chic, with comfortable seating and beautiful lighting that creates a relaxing environment ideal for catching up with friends, reading a book, or getting some work done.

The coffee here is simply outstanding. Each cup is brewed to perfection, with rich flavors that delight the palate. Whether you're a fan of a classic espresso, a frothy cappuccino, or one of their signature blends, you'll find something to love. The baristas are clearly passionate about their craft, and it shows in every sip.

But it's not just the coffee that impresses. The café also offers a variety of savory items that are equally delicious. The pastries are fresh and flavorful, with just the right balance of sweetness. For something more substantial, their sandwiches and salads are top-notch, made with high-quality ingredients and attention to detail.

Overall, Coffee+Vanilla Café is a fantastic spot that excels in both ambience and cuisine. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy some of the best coffee and savory treats around. Highly...