Cafe Crema

4.0 star rating
20 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

1495 Bellevue Ave
West Vancouver, BC V7V 3R6
Neighbourhood: Ambleside
(604) 922-2294
Hours:

Mon-Fri 6 am - 6 pm

Sat-Sun 7 am - 6 pm

Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "The baked goods looked nice also." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "Utilizing a JJ Bean for expresso, and a two other unique..." In 3 reviews
  • user photo
    "Just sigh quietly to yourself and enjoy your latte." In 4 reviews
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20 reviews in English

  • Review from Jana D.

    • 8 friends
    • 48 reviews

    Ottawa, ON

    4.0 star rating
    4/16/2012 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    This place makes truly beautiful coffees! Chris and I flew in from Ontario (she from Toronto, me from Ottawa) to surprise my sister - "Beandar", aka Roanna - for her upcoming birthday. Roanna's husband, Rhett, helped to coordinate this event, by inviting friends to meet them there, giving them a good excuse to dawdle over coffee. This also gave us time to arrive, as the Lion's Gate bridge was closed yesterday. Although this was a long way to go for a coffee, it was worth the trip! My sister was greatly surprised.

    The staff at the restaurant was very good about allowing us to use their premises for our boisterous get together. Meanwhile, we feasted on great coffee and sandwiches and beautiful sweet treats. It was enjoyable also watching a professional Barrista pour a gorgeous looking coffee! Kudeos to Cafe Crema, PS: I also love that neighbourhood. It was a gorgeous day to be out and about with mild temperature and plenty of sunshine. There's loads to see and do in West Vancouver. Can hardly wait to go back!

  • Review from Marc D.

    • 1118 friends
    • 1079 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    2.0 star rating
    3/9/2012 1 photo

    * Too long bitterness*

    When a very short line at a cafe takes TOO LONG, it makes me bitter.  

    When it seems like the staff at a cafe has been working TOO LONG, it makes them bitter, which in turn makes me bitter.  

    When a cafe is full, but customers are camping at tables TOO LONG after they have finished their purchases, it makes everyone bitter.  

    When an espresso shot is TOO LONG with a light stop, it makes the espresso bitter.  

    Sadly, all applied.  Photo:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  • Review from Yassir N.

    Burnaby, BC

    3.0 star rating
    1/27/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I came all the way from North Burnaby to West Van, with some friends, just to check the reputable 'Cafe Crema' out! And to be honest I was not very impressed with the experience! :S *sigh*

    Cafe Crema has a nice location within west van (of course), lots of regulars in the cafe, and the cafe's decore is rather relaxing. But the place doesn't stand out as a featured  attraction in the area!  Normal coffee ( I had a latte) and average brownies ( with zero twist) I'm not saying it was bad in any ways but nothing special. I think my high expectations about Crema ruined my whole review of the cafe! All of that made me wonder how some businesses gain their shiny reputation?

    The place was packed (at 10 am Thursday) with no sign that the place will get less busy with time. After looking around for a sitting spot inside the cafe, we had to have our coffee outside before it get really cold. Luckily, it was a sunny day (can you believe that, a sunny day in January :S) The temperature was just fine to sit for hours! So it was awesome!  but not sure that Crema should get any credit for the sunny day!

    So, sadly I'll give Crema 3 stars!  the good news is that I don't think I will feel like  traveling again to west van to have my coffee :D

  • Review from Elly K.

    • 0 friends
    • 8 reviews

    North Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    5/2/2012

    Wow....i cant live with out coffee and to this day i cant figure out what it is about crema that makes their lattes sooooo amazing!  honestly the best coffee i have ever had, ill keep going back for more hopefully they will stay open for the next 60 years :-)
    Almost forgot if your hungry try the turkey club sandwich very yummy

  • Review from Irena L.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here

    JJBean coffee?! You got me at J....
    Not only was their medium roast perfect. I thouroughly enjoyed my WARM berry coffee cake!
    Cool space inside, and if it's sunny, soak it up outside!
    Will be back for more creme de la creme

  • Review from M P.

    • 0 friends
    • 110 reviews

    Toronto, ON

    5.0 star rating
    1/5/2012

    Simply loved it!!

    My family and I went hiking on the last day of 2011 and ended our journey here at Crema!! This place was busy. Fortunately all eight of us were able to get a seat by the fireplace to enjoy a warm drink and a delightful sandwich (or two =p).

    The staff there were friendly. The kids had hot cocoa (good enough for them not to share their bev =P). The grown ups, coffee (who would have thought Canadian coffees rock!! Go JJ Beans!!!) We pretty much tried all the sandwiches they had that day. I tasted the turkey with arugula and brie (yumza!!) and the beef brisket (not too shabby). Sister enjoyed an eggs benny with prosciutto (whoa!) To top it off, a tiramisu for dessert (Mom's fave!!)

    This place rocks solid!! Not only are the food and bes great! The ambiance is fantabulous as well. Take time to admire the paintings on the wall... =)

  • Review from Haedis L.

    • 66 friends
    • 98 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    10/15/2011

    I'm not a latte, coffee tea or krumpet person but this place still rocks. It's like a hidden gem, where all the hip, rich & trendy people hang out and you got to eat good things and feel hip, rich & trendy too.

    So shiny, so new, so smooth, so suave, so yummy.

    Vegan muffins!

    sjakjalkjalsljask!

  • Review from Brian F.

    • 24 friends
    • 28 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    They had me at JJ Bean coffee beans...
    ...they won me over at a perfect Americano with a 14 second dwell time.

    PERFECTION!

  • Review from L M.

    • 1 friend
    • 50 reviews

    Los Angeles, CA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    3/22/2012

    Great coffee as always! I have to admit that the new, white ambiance diminishes the crema feel.

  • Review from Brendan M.

    • 7 friends
    • 10 reviews

    North Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    11/2/2010

    In the mood for a top shelf Coffee? This cafe delivers big time.
    Whether you're a Latte person, Espresso or Americano, they turn out a fine product - and there are not "better options in the area".
    The edibles are fresh and tasty - try the mini carrot cake cup cakes for the sweet factor.
    I notice that other reviewers like to dock points claiming this cafe to be expensive. Wake up. You get what you pay for in this world. Everyone wants the best coffee in the world and a delicious freshly made-to-order sandwich for $4.00. This is Earth. Get with the program. It's not that expensive for what you get. Go and treat yourself to a nice experience and you be the judge.

  • Review from Diesel Y.

    • 150 friends
    • 26 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    6/15/2009

    5 Stars
    I still remember how popular this location used to be when it was first built! Serving french pastry, coffee, etc. It was HIP! But that was the 80's BABY!! Times have changed! A few different places have gone through this place - the Crema seems like a SUCCESS!!

    The Latte -
    Extremely smooth!! One of the best I've had on the North Shore!

    The Crowd-
    Typical West Van Customers!  Older retired rich people with time to kill, Real Estate Agents signing off on their latest deals, 20 something girls with small dogs in their purses ordering half sweet Soy Chai Lattes!  30 somethings reviewing their trust fund balances! And 50 something females trying to look 35 with their latest botox injections and boob lifts!

    The Decor -  Casual, lots of room, Patio outside along Bellevue. Nice seating inside...lots of newspapers. Nice breeze blowing in with the ocean closeby!

    The Food - I didn't try any on this visit - but they were making homemade sandwiches that looked great! The baked goods looked nice also!

    To coffee drinkers - this place looks like the BEST on the North Shore!
    Give it a try!!

  • Review from Roanna Z.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 9/29/2009 2 photos 1 Check-in Here ROTD 9/14/2010

    Crema, got to bump you up a star. Overall, one of the best shops in north and west Van. with consistent quality of product.

    Still loving that you have non gluten peanut butter cookies. Most of the pastries look fabulous.

    Grab a table outside and enjoy the sun. The people are friendly over here and there's usually a canine tail- wagger or two.

    The proximity to West Ambleside beach is the bomb though. Sitting on the sea wall and watching the ginormous cruise ships pass under the Lions Gate and then onward toward Alaska feeds my wanderlust addiction.

    Listed in: Gluten Free/ Dairy free eats., Connect the dots on a coffee…, North shore businesses and…

    Was this review …?

    3 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      7/31/2009

      Just a note to other Lactose intolerant's,
      Beware, if the cute counter girls are talking and laughing… Read more »

  • Review from Ramon V.

    Vancouver, BC

    2.0 star rating
    11/1/2010

    People seem to love this place. It's usually busy. The sandwiches and treats look great, but I'm knocking off one star because all the espresso drinks are 2 shots and they charge more for a large americano, which is just more water. The cashier couldn't explain that one. The espresso itself is ok, not amazing, but probably one of the better options in this area.
    This shop was very busy when I visited on a Saturday morning, which left the milk and sugar counter in a mess. I'd blame some of that on the clients who could simply wipe up after themselves. Overall experience felt a bit like a fast food joint rather than a West Van cafe.

  • Review from Tara M.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    North Vancouver, BC

    1.0 star rating
    10/26/2011

    I absolutely love their egg salad sandwiches, but there are about three different female staff members that are extremely rude.  They do not know enough to even answer your "hello" or "thank you".
    So, if you want attitude from moody little girls, this is the place to go to.  
    These girls need to realize that if it weren't for us as their customers, they would be out of their jobs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Review from Ian D.

    • 3 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    8/24/2010

    Five stars, hands down. I eat everything and get fat. The shots are pulled with real skill and knowledge, and the food... is divine. Both the pastries and the sandwich-type fare are gourmet-quality.

    The staff are also incredibly friendly and engaged, and will treat you like a welcome regular when you get to that point.

    The only downside are the other customers. Just sigh quietly to yourself and enjoy your latte.

  • Review from Sarah O.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    4/2/2011

    This is a very popular spot for locals but I don't particularly care much for it. The location is very central and ideal for beautiful weather and the inside decor is charming. But their prices are too high and their selection of food is very particular (read: very sweet). It''s always too crowded in here and not the best place to come for a "relaxing" morning or afternoon break.

    Listed in: Quick Breakfast in West…

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    Comment from John G. of Cafe Crema 5/14/2011   
    Our busy times are generally from 9am - 1pm, and 3pm - 5pm… More »
  • Review from Vanessa G.

    London

    UK
    5.0 star rating
    5/17/2010 ROTD 5/26/2010

    I don't really know why i avoided this place for so long. Maybe because it kind of had a pretentious west vanny vibe.. but really the coffee was amazing. Utilizing a JJ Bean for expresso, and a two other unique tasty beans (one from Calgary and one from California) for there french roast and drip coffees. I am guessing they pick which beans they like best and pass it on to there customers. A sign in window where there foods sit on display says "all treats are baked in house and use real ingredients because they taste good".. and i am sure they do! They have these itty bitty 5 bite delicatable deserts. My friend and i shared a chocolate mouse one, and had a $1 deposit on the tiny jar.. i guess some people in West Van would steal them (figures,,haha).
    The location is great, right off the sea wall at Ambleside. Outdoor seating is limited, and indoor seating is very open and comfortable. Service was great, and it kind of felt like it was being run by young cool people. The boys working here were very cute!

  • Review from Victoria R.

    • 33 friends
    • 378 reviews

    BC

    5.0 star rating
    11/18/2008

    There is nothing better than their traditional cappuccinos!  Finally someone who cares to make it the way I'm used to drinking it in Europe.  My mom and I go almost every Sunday before our walk on the seawall in  West Vancouver. They have a very nice owner who always asks if everything is okay, they make fresh-baked goods and panini, coffee cakes and biscotti.  This is not for someone on any type of a diet.  The atmosphere is charming, it's right by the ocean -- really -- it's surprising this location has struggled to keep places like Bojangles and another Italian place open before this.  The only drawback?  It's not open very late.  It'd be nice to have a glass of wine after hours.

  • Review from Adam G.

    • 13 friends
    • 61 reviews

    Edmonton, AB

    2.0 star rating
    9/22/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    I've been here twice now, and while the espresso is decent, it's not all it was cracked up to be. Meanwhile, the food is expensive and trends towards the uber-indulgent; the seating areas are messy, dirty, and overrun; the menu board is a power-sucking projector display; the art on the walls is amateurish (irrelevant, maybe, but still annoying); and the place appears to be run by teenagers -a sort of West Van version of Lord of the Flies, only the flies in this case are buzzing around the dirty dishes, and Piggy already ate through all the good muffins.

  • Review from Erin I.

    • 27 friends
    • 30 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    3/13/2010 5 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    Fantastic morning spot - will give you all the energy you could need in a day.  I could stare at their selection of baked goods for an hour.  They are all beautiful, delicious, and house-made every day.  'It's All Good' muffin is one of my favorites - made with 'all good' ingredients.  Lots of gluten-free options, too.  Baking aside, Crema serves one of the best cups of coffee in the city and has been written up many times in 'Vancouver's Best' articles.

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