East Café in Marpole (formerly Gigi Blin) — Restaurant in Vancouver

A lovely little shop... they have tasty menu items for both breakfast & lunch, and their Almond croissants are spectacular. They aren't too overfilled with almond, or too overly sweet, but just the right amount... They get busy and sell out fast, and some days their supplies are exhausted early... as a neighbour I've learned this and go early. Try their sandwiches grilled, they are to die for. Parking isn't very good, better to walk over and get you goodies. Staff are friendly enough and the gentleman who works the front counter is a gem. Unfortunately they have a custom, an older Asian lady, who is just nasty. After harrassing every customer who walks in the door, she gets just rude. Today she threatened to hit me over the head with a mop... and she was not joking! For her sake, I hope she suffers from mental issues, otherwise 1 day she will get herself into...

They make fairly decent coffee and treats, especially when you consider the alternative options for a proper cup of coffee in Marpole. Unfortunately, the coffee is not worth the exorbitant price - they know they can get away with higher prices because there are next to no good coffee competitors in the neighbourhood. But for the price you pay here, you're better off going to Bumb n' Grind cafe, or JJ Bean, or Matchstick because at least then you are getting a REALLY good coffee for the $$ you pay.

If you aren't willing to travel to find a good cafe, Gigi Blin will certainly do the trick. But I personally do not think the convenience is worth the cost and the quality.

I want to caveat my review by saying I have only been here 3 times, and that was just over a year ago (2017/18). Perhaps things have improved since then, but you'll have to test it out to...

Came for breakfast on a weekday. Not too busy. We got the breakfast sandwich, a latte and an affogato. Their prices are really affordable. Coffee is really good. The latte art never got destroyed even until when we got to the bottom. That's how you know it was a good latte. Their beans are from Umbria.

The croissant breakfast sandwich is very simple. Just ham and a little vegetable. Grilled to crispy perfection and the pickle is the perfect addition.

The affogato we got as a little reward for ourselves for breakfast. Ice cream wasn't too sweet and went really well with the espresso. The price is also unbeatable

Overall this is such a cute cafe. Staff is super nice. Great neighbourhood vibes. Price is good and the coffee...