Vancouver’s Retro Restaurant: Northern Cafe

When it comes to Vancouver’s most mysterious hidden breakfast gems, Northern Cafe definitely makes the list. This family-run restaurant has long been famous online—not just for its delicious brunch, but also for its infamously long wait times!

On the day we visited, it was pouring rain. We figured the bad weather would keep the crowds away… but we couldn’t have been more wrong. Once we arrived, we were told it would be a two-hour wait! Although we hesitated at first, we figured since we’d come all this way, we might as well wait. So we headed to the nearby Starbucks to stay dry and sip some coffee until our turn.

Two hours later, we finally received the text: “Your table is ready!” With excitement, we made our way into the restaurant. Inside, Northern Cafe has a cozy, old-school charm. The space feels like a blast from the past—slightly worn but warmly nostalgic, like stepping into someone’s home kitchen from decades ago.

The owner was incredibly friendly and talkative. He took the time to walk us through the menu and even shared the history of the cafe. Turns out, it’s been around for many years, tucked away on the second floor of a lumber store. It was once a well-kept secret among locals, but thanks to the internet, it’s now a hotspot for foodies all over the city.

Here are the highlights of what we ordered:

Smoked Salmon Benny: A toasted English muffin layered with avocado spread, topped with smoked salmon and perfectly poached eggs, then drizzled with their special Béarnaise sauce and finished with capers. The sauce had a unique tangy-savoury twist, and once you cut into the egg, the yolk flows beautifully and mixes perfectly with the soft hashbrowns—absolutely delicious!
Northern Deluxe Burger: The burger arrived hot and mouth-watering. The bun was toasted to a golden crisp, the patty juicy and tender, and the smoky bacon brought everything together. The lettuce and tomato added a refreshing touch, making the burger feel balanced and not overly greasy. The fries were fresh, crispy, and so satisfying.
Wonton Soup: The wantons are house-made, generously sized, with thin skin and flavourful fillings. The broth wasn’t quite to my personal taste, but the wontons alone were definitely worth ordering.
Chocolate Chips Pancake: I’m not a big fan of chocolate, so this one was a bit too sweet for me—but the pancake itself was fluffy and well-made.
Blueberry Pancake: The sweet-tart blueberries balanced out the pancake’s sweetness just right. One bite and the berries burst in your mouth—super juicy and full of flavour!

The cafe may look rough around the edges, and it’s so hidden that you might wonder if you’re in the right place—but that’s exactly what makes Northern Cafe so charming. It’s like an old friend—humble, comforting, and impossible to forget once you’ve experienced it.

According to the owner, you can make reservations on weekdays, but weekends are walk-in only. It’s so popular that even getting a reservation can be tricky, but if you’ve got the time, it’s well worth the visit to experience this beloved local treasure.

📍Northern Cafe
1640 East Kent Ave S, Vancouver, BC V5P 2S7 Canada