Northern Cafe — Restaurant in Vancouver

Northern Cafe: A Vancouver Treasure, Generations in the Making

In a city celebrated for its culinary scene, the greatest treasures are often the ones you have to seek out. Tucked away in a South Vancouver lumberyard, just across the train tracks, lies Northern Cafe and Grill, a true hidden gem in every sense of the word. It's not just the location that's hidden; the food, the atmosphere, and the family behind it are all precious parts of Vancouver's soul.

The adventure begins the moment you arrive. Try to park in the lumberyard, and you might get a friendly warning from Rusty Jack, the foreman and unofficial parking enforcer. From there, you'll climb a set of weathered wooden stairs, as old as the building itself, that lead you to the entrance.

Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. A wave of nostalgia hits you immediately, as the classic decor, vinyl booths, and background music transport you to the days of Pop's Diner. It's a feeling of comfort and authenticity that can't be manufactured.

But what truly makes this place special is the Mah family. For over 60 years, Jimmy and Connie Mah have been the warm, welcoming faces behind this institution. Today, the legacy is proudly carried on by their sons, Raymond and his brother. After an impressive 18-year culinary journey, earning his Red Seal and managing large restaurant teams—Raymond returned to bring his world-class expertise back to the family business. It’s now a true multi-generational affair; don’t be surprised to spot their own children pitching in and learning the ropes during school breaks.

This spirit of family extends to the entire team. You’ll notice that about half of the staff are Japanese students. The Mahs provide them not just with a job, but with an extended family and a supportive environment where they can hone their English language skills. It adds another layer of warmth to the cafe's welcoming atmosphere.

Of course, a restaurant's heart is its food, and Northern Cafe delivers. While it excels at diner classics, the perfectly crispy hash browns are a must and the burger is to die for, don't overlook the excellent Asian cuisine on the menu. Whatever you order, be sure to ask for a side of their legendary house-made hot sauce. It’s an insider secret that takes every dish to the next level.

I’m not the only one who feels this way. The community's love is reflected in the stellar online ratings: a near-perfect 4.9 on Google from over 950 reviews and a flawless 5 stars on Yelp. I've become good friends with Raymond, and it's been incredible to see them thrive. I wear my Northern Cafe hat everywhere, and people constantly stop me to comment on how great it is.

The spot is a magnet for those who appreciate good food. I recently bumped into the creators of Holy Duck Crispy Chili Oil and the owners of Lee's Donuts grabbing a bite here. When you see the city's top foodies on the scene, you know you've found something special.

I come here as often as I can and will continue to proudly support the Mahs. Northern Cafe and Grill isn't just a restaurant; it's a piece of Vancouver's history and a testament to family, hard work, and great food. It is, without a doubt, a gem worth...

Northern Cafe is nothing short of theatrical—it’s the kind of place that feels like it belongs in a movie.

Just getting there sparks curiosity. You drive all the way down SE Marine Drive, turn onto East Kent Avenue, and all you see are endless rows of lumber yards. You start to wonder: Is there really a restaurant here? But sure enough, there’s a big, hand-painted sign at the corner pointing left: “Northern Cafe.” Still—no restaurant in sight, just more industrial buildings.

Eventually, tucked inside a lumber yard, you spot a slightly rickety-looking wooden structure that seems like it’s been standing on willpower alone. The cafe is on the second floor. As you climb the creaky wooden stairs, it feels like stepping into a time capsule—something you’d expect to find in East London, not Vancouver. You push open the wooden door with its tiny 2x3-foot glass pane, and a narrow hallway greets you, with restrooms quietly stationed to the left.

Then you step inside. The slanted wooden floors feel like they’re sinking ever so slightly, giving the place a quirky charm reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. A cheerful young server leads us to a booth at the far end of the room, where we could take in the entire space. The walls are plastered with thank-you notes from diners all over the world, like a love letter to the cafe itself.

The whole experience of finding the place could be summed up in one word: fun.

As for the food? Though it’s run by the second generation of a Hong Kong immigrant family, this is not your typical Hong Kong–style cafe （港式茶餐廳）. They serve classic Western breakfasts—done with a unique flair and, frankly, absolutely delicious. The one nod to their roots is the wonton soup, and it’s outstanding—easily on par with what you’d find in an authentic noodle shop.

As we enjoyed our breakfast, it was impossible not to wonder: What was life like for the original owner back in the 1960s? How many workers from the lumber yard did he serve? Did this place offer warmth in the dead of winter, a breakroom filled with laughter and hot meals? You can’t help but feel a quiet admiration for that first-generation immigrant—someone who turned a humble corner of a lumber yard into a little sanctuary of courage and resilience.

Northern Cafe isn’t just a restaurant. It’s a living tribute to perseverance, and one of Vancouver’s...

I've always found it difficult to find some personality in my travels through the restaurant scene in Vancouver. This place is the definition of "character" and "personality" with a touch of sprezzatura - they seem to create a wonderful, relaxing dining experience with ease and little effort. I couldn't thank Richard and the rest of the staff enough over the excellent food I shared with my friend. We ordered the Northern Cafe deluxe burger which was one of the best burgers I've had in the city, and it came with fries and a small side of potato salad. We also ordered corn beef hash with toast and scrambled eggs and I did not disappoint. Lastly, we shared an amazing bowl of the house special wor wonton soup, certainly one of the best bowls of wonton soup I've ever had. Every part of the soup was unique in itself - the shrimp, BBQ pork, broccoli, the broth, and of course the wonton which is made in-house. Yet, they blended together to create a warm, cozy, delicious collection of tastes, textures and flavours that warmed the soul and made me sip and scrape every last drop of broth from the bowl. Everything was flavourful, not too salty. Service was personable, genuine, and it felt like we were eating with other close friends and family.

A few things to keep in mind. We went on a Saturday. It gets really busy - arrived at 11:30am to put our name on the list and didn't get a table until about 1:45pm. You can call and make a reservation between Monday-Friday. Parking is available outside the works yard. The restaurant itself is behind a gate in a lumber yard but there wasn't an issue finding parking nearby along Kent Street. While the wait was long, it was well worth it. Will definitely come back regardless of the wait.

Thank you for an unforgettable first visit. I look forward to the next meal...