Marulilu Cafe

4.0 star rating
34 reviews Rating Details

Categories: Japanese, Breakfast & Brunch  [Edit]

451 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Y
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
(604) 568-4211
Hours:

Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm

Sat-Sun 9:30 am - 6 pm

Good for Kids:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Good for Groups:
No
Price Range:
$
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take Away:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Wi-Fi:
Free
Good For:
Lunch, Breakfast
Alcohol:
No
Noise Level:
Average
Has TV:
No
Caters:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Review Highlights   

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34 reviews in English

  • Review from Diana L.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    4/2/2012 1 photo 3 Check-ins Here

    I've been here on multiple occasions and every time has been more than satisfying.  I would love to try more of the menus, but I can't seem to get away from the katsu sandwich and the okonomiyaki.  

    The pork in the katsu sandwich is always juicy and crispy.  I like their choice of focaccia bread as a bun because it is thick enough for the tomatoes and the sauce; it doesn't get soggy.  I also like how they use cabbage instead of lettuce.  It is filling and extremely reasonable at $6.99.

    The okonomiyaki is my fav! I am always sad when they run out, which is sometimes really early.  It is a Japanese style seafood pancake with green onion.  Topped with Japanese mayo, a form of teriyaki sauce, and pickled ginger as a garnish.  The best part is that it is topped with benito flakes: dried, smoked tuna that is thinly shaved.

    Now, I'm not much of a tea drinker.  I actually don't often partake in hot beverages, but whenever I come here, I can't leave without having one.  I love the royal milk tea latte and London fog.  The presentation for both is beautiful.  They use loose tea, as well.

    This place is real quality.  Even the Western breakfasts are extremely reasonable in price, huge in portion, and great in taste!

  • Review from Edward L.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    3/18/2012 12 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Marulilu is a Japanese-style cafe that reminds me a lot of Cafe L'Orangerie, except less greasy and salty.

    Parking is available on the side streets if you're lucky.  Look for the 2h zones.

    The cafe was pretty brightly lit thanks to the sun.  The cafe feels older thanks to all the painted surfaces, but this is not a complaint.

    The staff are fully Japanese, but are fine in terms of English comprehension.

    Maybe it's because this is a cafe, but while they served our food, they didn't give us enough napkins or check up on us.  My friends and I had to run to the counter to get stuff such as utensils, napkins, and plates.

    Their coffee was actually pretty tasty, so this would be a good place to sit and chat.

    I also tried their katsu (pork chop) sandwich.  It had slices of tomatoes and had coleslaw wedged in.  Fortunately it also wasn't gooey or squisy.  The bread was one of those Italian deli-types and not the regular toast variety.  The pricing here was very cheap indeed.

    I will be back to try their other items.  Recommended.

  • Review from Yvonne C.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    2/24/2012 1 photo

    This Japanese cafe offers both western and Japanese style breakfast and snacks for a decent price. This place has about less than 10 tables that can hold about 20 people, so I do not recommend coming here with a group over 4 people.

    I've came here with my boyfriend a couples times for brunch and I enjoyed my food every time I was here. I've had the breakfast plate with waffles and  the Okonomiyaki.

    The breakfast plate with waffles is pretty typical, but tasty. It comes with two pieces of hash browns, your choice of meat (ham, sausage, bacon), 2 eggs, 2 slices of tomatoes, and a big piece of waffle. So let me break it down how delicious it was. The hash browns were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside; kind of reminds me on MC Donald's hash brown. For all I know they could have went across the street and got it from there; but regardless, the hash brown is made how I like it. The eggs were made over-easy and the bacons were thinly sliced and was cooked soft. And the best part is the waffle! The waffle came with maple syrup, chocolate whip cream and regular whip cream. I love their waffle! It is fluffy and not dense and the whip creams are so airy and light, makes me feel less guilty eating it.

    So the okonomiyaki is like a pancake mixed with different types of seafood and vegetables, topped with onkonomiyaki sauce, japanese mayo, pickled ginger and bonito flakes. It wasn't memorable and it's not the best I've ever had, but the flavour and presentation was decent.

    Overall the food was good, the staffs are super friendly, and the place is definitely cozy and welcoming.

  • Review from Nicolb T.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    1/31/2012 1 Check-in Here

    I've been here on two very different occasions. Once, after a very very ridiculous industry night, and once, after a long day of cleaning.

    This tiny little cafe gave me the little bit of Japan that I missed. From the quaint decor, to the extensive menu of Japanese/Western fusion, it's everything I want on a rainy, dreary weekend.

    Try the oyakodon if you're not feeling adventurous. I'm just glad I found a place that makes a decent omuraisu.

  • Review from Larry L.

    Richmond, BC

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/30/2011 5 photos 4 Check-ins Here

    Try the buta (pork) kimchee rice burger

    Back for more Okinawan Taco rice

    Visa, MC, debit cards accepted.

    Still rated high on my list for things quaint, cafe's al la Japonais!

    written by iphone

    Listed in: Le petit déjeuner pour grande…

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    3 Previous Reviews: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      10/20/2011

      Yes yes yes yes yes!!!  Each yes interspersed with a thump of fists on the table and facial… Read more »

  • Review from Beau K.

    • 10 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/18/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Did I order the wrong thing?

    I got the special which was a ham and cheese sandwich and the tomato soup.  Maybe I should have stuck with Japanese food?  It was just okay.  I like that they're very polite and they did explain to me that there would be a 15 minute wait for my take out order because there was one table's order in front of me.  I had already paid so I just waited.

    When my food came, I was happy and took it back to the office to eat.  The tomato soup is Campbell's canned soup, to which they add pieces of chicken breast.  The sandwich was good since they have a panini press but there's a slight hint of something strange smelling coming from it.  

    2 stars seemed a bit extreme for what could just be bad timing and ordering the wrong food.  Maybe I should have ordered a waffle instead.  They were very polite but I just can't see myself spending $8 for this again.  I will try again and have a sit down japanese meal there on another day when time is not an issue.

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    • 3.0 star rating
      12/16/2010

      Did I order the wrong thing?

      I got the special which was a ham and cheese sandwich and the tomato… Read more »

  • Review from Ly H.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/9/2011

    The secret manga lover in me jumped up and down with joy when I discovered this cute Japanese cafe. The secret part has to do with being a bit embarrassed in admitting that I love Japanese things, I feel lumped into a category with single straight men over 40 and teenage boys, which somehow feels icky.

    But there is nothing icky about this cafe. The decor is cute and tidy, there is always very nice jazz playing overhead. They serve both Japanese style cafe food like omurice and western style diner food like pancakes.

    I've been twice and had the Japanese style breakfast, which is simple but yummy. I grew up with rice meals for breakfast so I love that I can have that here.

    I'm definitely coming back to check out their lunch menu. Come join me, I'll be there with a well-worn manga, looking awkward but happy at the same time.

  • Review from Jacqueline T.

    Bellevue, WA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    11/29/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    Cute hole in the wall Japanese cafe. Known for their breakfast and lunch, but I was able to sneak in a quick early dinner at 5:30pm, before they shortly close at 6pm. How unfortunate, because parking is a lot easier to locate after 6pm.

    But nonetheless, lets get to the food aspect:
    Ordered the simple basic omurice. Was good. Egg was nicely pan fried, but was still left moist. I guess I would've prefered it if it was a tad bit more fluffy. Taste was there, but of course a bit bland, but thats where you have fun with your ketchup! Omurice, isn't omurice without your ketchup design :) Underneath the nice plain egg, is your lightly fried and flavored rice, with edamame beans. I think the mixture of the rice and plain omurice goes well together. And what an omurice should be like :)

    Portions are a bit small for us, greedy westernized folks. But really.. thats the portion we should eat on a regular basis. Plus its only ~$7. :)

    Ordered the Macha Latte. Its literally.. Warm milk with macha powder. Very strong macha flavor. Not sweet, wish they added a whee bit of sugar or honey (maybe i'm just too accustomed to the overly sweet green tea latte at starbucks).

    Overall: Cute and delicious! Just like a Japanese cafe that emphasizes on brekkie and lunchies should be like :)

    Photo included with my review ;D

  • Review from Marc D.

    • 1119 friends
    • 1079 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/10/2011 1 photo

    * Okonomiyaki too! *

    This pleasant little cafe really still feels like it could be near a train station in Japan (and it is right across the street from the Canada Line conveniently).  

    Today I had the okonomiyaki.  They make it fresh after you order (as it should be), and bring it to your table.  They don't provide you with the little okonomiyaki paddles, but give you chopsticks instead.  

    It was a nice preparation, with a bit of a twist by having a few red peppers and zucchini pieces thrown in on top of the more usual seafood suspects like mussels, shrimp, and octopus.  They crisped up the edges just a bit more than it normally is served, but it was a nice version.  It came with the typical generous topping of okonomiyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, pickled ginger, and bonito shavings which were wiggling around like they should be when the okonomiyaki is hot.  Nice!  Photo:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Service was as friendly and attentive as ever.

    Listed in: Dentists' Dreams in Vancouver, Which wich is which?, Vancouver Japanese Food, Free Vancouver Wifi

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      2/5/2010 First to Review

      * A Japanese run cafe very similar to what you find in Japan *

      This spot could easily be near a train… Read more »

  • Review from Denise R.

    • 9 friends
    • 5 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    8/31/2011

    Mmmm the Ebi katsu wrap is DELICIOUS! i had it two days in a row. I love that everything here is homecooked, and they use organic eggs that are super orange. Today i had the half eggs benny with smoked salmon which tasted AMAZING.

    .this place is just super cute

  • Review from Jessica C.

    • 23 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    6/24/2011

    I love this little Japanese cafe. Here's why:

    First: Out of all the places I've had matcha lattes, Marulilu does it the best. Both cold and hot.

    Second: They have a Japanese breakfast set that includes... Natto! Natto is fermented soybeans. It's really really sticky, some think its smelly and cheese like, and others say it's an acquired taste. I love this stuff. The set comes with an omelet, grilled salmon, rice and miso soup as well and all that for only 7 dollars. Also if you don't like natto you can choose cold tofu instead.

    Overall it's authentic, feels like the cute cafes in Japan, and food/drinks are well done.

  • Review from Quan H.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    10/29/2011

    I'm such a sucker for outer decor, and so I was excited to try this place when I saw it.  

    I was equally excited to see that omurice was on the menu.  (Totally irrelevant, I was determined to find the best omurice around after I watched "Lunch Queen", a Japanese drama.)  My friend ordered the Japanese breakfast, and my sister ordered chocolate syrup waffles.

    The omurice was disappointing, as it lacked any taste apart from the egg covering and the ketchup that was squeezed on top.  If only the Yoshokuya didn't go away (now replaced by Shibuya Nuts on Denman, close to Kintaro.) They had really good omurice!  

    The Japanese breakfast had salmon & rice, miso soup, and a box of natto.  It was interesting seeing him eat natto for the first time, if you know what i mean ;)  It was "different" for him, so he liked it.

    The waffles were standard; I'm sure everyone else talked about it already so I won't.

    Haven't tried their other stuff, but reading about the drinks and dessert, I may pop by again!

    p.s. Anyone know a good place in Vancouver for Good omurice??

  • Review from Jeff F.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here

    Only had a chocomatcha latte... so can't comment too much about it.  It was good...  service was ok...  the fiance really likes the place, so I'll be back, and maybe eat something that time.

  • Review from Trudi C.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    9/24/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    Such  a cute little place! I got in just before the lunch rush, ordered a nice big latte, and had it brought over to my table :) Had what I can only describe as possibly the 'cleanest' latte art I've seen on foam, does that make sense? Lovely wide cup, creamy smooth latte, mm.

    I sat near the window, people-watching and writing my first ever Thanksgiving cards (gotta get them out early!). I brought the cup back (I think it's only fair, really, and makes it nicer for the next person to sit down), and the lady serving seemed very pleased and shocked.  So yes, a very nice little place!

    Side note - they do rice burgers. Rice burgers? Sounds very interesting!

  • Review from David W.

    • 0 friends
    • 11 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    1/7/2012

    This is a small unique Japanese style cafe. It is cozy and cute. There is only 2 pretty girls running the place but the service was GREAT. The food is delicate, delicious, and the price is fair. I like it alot and would definitely go again to try the other stuff on the menu. Their Mutcha Latte is one I would recommand.

  • Review from Angela L.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/2/2010 ROTD 8/5/2011

    My dining companion and I have a major point of contention in our relationship...he likes going out for greasy, cheap breakfasts, and I don't. North American style breakfasts are just so foreign to me: I'm not a meat eater, I dislike pancakes, and I dislike juice, rendering most breakfast menus entirely unappealing. Plus, I grew up with a Korean mother, meaning I'm used to eating spicy stews and rice for breakfast. Waffles and milk? Pah!

    Enter Marulilu. Their Japanese style breakfast was right up my alley. Okay, yes, the salmon was dry, but dry salmon has its time and place, and it all contributed to the true Asian breakfast feel. Perhaps mine was slightly less authentic given that I chose tofu over natto, but it was a close enough approximation. Surprisingly, breakfast boy sprung for the okonomiyaki instead of the usual 2 egg/mystery meat/toast deal, which was proclaimed to be tasty and filling. I also had a matcha latte, which was delicious (and decorated with latte art!) but a bit lukewarm. Breakfast boy had an Americano which was deemed satisfactory.

    Service was super friendly and prices are reasonable. Ambiance is bright, clean, and pleasant. There are "specials" every day, which are written up on one of the many sandwich boards parked outside the cafe. If you sit by the window, the sandwich boards make for excellent people watching as it's almost guaranteed that people will stop to peruse (I don't mean this in a creepy way...or do I?).

    The last time I was there, I remember seeing a sign that they're having some sort of celebration for their one year anniversary, which I believe is happening this week. If my memory serves me correctly, all menu items are 10% off for a limited time! But don't quote me on that one.

  • Review from Sachi M.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/31/2010 8 photos 13 Check-ins Here ROTD 4/12/2011

    Can I give them more stars??

    First, I met the Pumpkin Soup of my dreams. I just happened to ask what the soup of the day was. It was more tasteful than I've ever imagined, but not too sweet and not too salty overpowering the taste of the pumpkin.
    Yum!!!!!!

    Since their two soups change daily, I called Marulilu later that week, asking if they had the pumpkin soup that day.
    "No," she said, "but if you know when you'll be coming by, we'll have it ready for you that day."
    ! ! ! ! ! Now that's what I call customer service!

    I named the day, and sure enough, there it was. I got the Large soup this time :)

    Try any of the fresh fruit smoothies! This is my favourite place to get them.

    I've been disappointed by only one item here: the Omu-Rice. However, I had that one to go, so that may be part of it.

    It still has a laid-back atmosphere. Yay :)

    Listed in: Free Wifi in Vancouver, a non-Coffee Perspective

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    • 5.0 star rating
      6/21/2010 ROTD 7/8/2010

      Genuinely prepared-after-ordering food! ...So don't expect it to be as quick as the microwaved… Read more »

  • Review from Martijn S.

    • 6 friends
    • 12 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    8/1/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Went to this place cause we were looking for brunch in the area, and Yelp told me so. I may have just been expecting too much based on the other reviews on here.

    Place is not bad - the food is just a bit, how do I say this right: "simple". And I don't mean it in a nostalgic way, like a diner, but more in a Japanese structured way. The presentation is almost structured in simplicity. Like they 'built' the contents on the plate according to specifications.

    Sorry to you enthousiasts, but to me the overall experience just did not have the appeal I was hoping for.

  • Review from Michael C.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    3/10/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    Damn good waffles!  Syrup and chocolate whipped cream??  May I please have more?

    Never been to Japanese style cafe before, but one thing we can depend on the Japanese for is taking one thing and perfecting it!  It is the way of the warrior... or chef :)

    Service is great and very polite.  Really enjoyed our breakfast here.

    Street parking starts at 930 lol

    Definitely will be back :)

  • Review from Raffy E.

    • 60 friends
    • 78 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    2/2/2011 1 Check-in Here

    I likey Marulilu. Embarrassingly, it appeals to the wannabe otaku poser in me since it exudes so much Japanese cafe coolness. What also helps this joint's appeal is their super friendly service that manages to not only be warm and approachable, but strangely not local in a thank-God-this-area-isn't-completely-lame way.

    Feh, I'm rambling! Bottom line is, the hot food is pretty decent, and their pastries are a nice worth-it break from the brown-bagged stuff at the Starbucks down the street. The place may not be out-of-this-world enough to justify a car or bus ride here for lunch, but if you're in the area, you could find yourself a nice go-to spot.

  • Review from steff c.

    • 18 friends
    • 37 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/4/2010

    You'd be forgiven for overlooking this little hidden jewel off Cambie, on Broadway

    It's a great little breakfast joint with very happy, gracious Japanese owners who are keen to see you leave satisfied. They don't take clientele for granted, and try very hard.

    The eggs benny was great, didn't come with anything on the side, I could leave the dill sprinkles too, but it's a really well-made benny for a fraction of what others charge... and, really, it's a benny. Do you need potatoes? Honestly?

    Clean, comfortable, great service, and a nice place to take a moment out of your day.

    I'm gonna regret telling you about this place, for real.

  • Review from Jenna L.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    2/21/2012 1 Check-in Here

    A cute place off of the busy cambie and Broadway cross. It is very small with cramped tables and chairs, but a very much home cafe feel to it. The price I gotta say is very reasonable, and a plenty of menu choices. The Japanese breakfast has a homey feel to it, comes with rice, miso, egg roll, grilled salmon and natto or tofu. The price to quantity is great, for $6.99 this is a steal. But for the food.. It was only ok. It reminded me of the airline meals. The salmon is very bland, the egg roll is only what it is. The rice was nicely cooked but that's hatd to go wrong. I wasn't too impressed about the set. The soup of the day, organic chicken noodle soup was good, and the okonomiyaki is good too. The sandwiches and paninis other tables were having were very large! I think this place delivers exactly what the menu calls for, but without the wow factor. Judging from other reviews I still have hopes up for waffles though. Perhaps the pumpkin soup will change my mind...

  • Review from Annie M.

    • 17 friends
    • 241 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    1/13/2011 4 photos 1 Check-in Here

    The is a small and clean Cafe run by Japanese Couple.  When we walked in, the decor and atmosphere so nice and warm.

    It was great and delicious breakfast that I haven't had for long time.

    Waffle - I loved it served with chocolate whipped cream and light syrup.
    Breakfast A - Bacon/Ham/Pork sausage with eggs, hard brown and brown toast. The pork sausage was lean and tasty.
    Egg Benedict - The guy was nice to tell me that I could ordered 1 egg benedict instead of 2.  The Hollandaise sauce was very light and delicious. However, the ham it served as 2 slices of cold ham instead of thin ham steak.

    Matcha latte was very good - Tasted strong green tea with milk, so smooth and hot.

  • Review from Mark H.

    BC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 8/27/2010 1 photo 4 Check-ins Here ROTD 10/1/2010

    Try their waffles. Seriously. They are absolutely stellar! Super fresh, perfectly cooked (or is it baked?), not too soft, not too hard, just damn awesome.

    They come with freshly made regular whip cream and chocolate whip cream.

    The best waffle I've ever had, and it came from a Japanese cafe. Is there anything the Japanese can't make?

    Listed in: Real Japanese Eats, Brunch Happiness

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    • 4.0 star rating
      2/6/2010

      Went with a friend for breakfast. It's truly an authentic Japanese cafe. Before I get to the food, I… Read more »

  • Review from Amanda L.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    4/24/2011 1 photo 1 Check-in Here

    I popped in here this morning for some breakfast and was initially confused. It has seating so I assumed it would be like any other restaurant where they seat you and you order at the table. Apparently you seat yourself and go to order at the counter. Weird little system but now I know for next time!

    I ordered up some Eggs Benedict and coffee, the rest of their menu seemed well priced but an Eggs Benedict with a pressed hash brown with tomato instead of meat still ran me a hefty $7! Fortunately I hadn't had dinner the night before and it was damn good!

    I really look forward to going back and trying their waffles and home made soups and hope to be able to upgrade my rating cause this place is too darn cute for only 3 stars but I wasn't overly impressed this time around.

  • Review from Anita C.

    • 39 friends
    • 73 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    8/18/2010 2 photos 6 Check-ins Here ROTD 1/18/2011

    I haven't found too many places that make nom-monster worthy okonomi-yaki's in Vancouver but this is definitely one of them.

    What is an okonomi-yaki? It's a Japanese-style pancake that is pan-fried then topped with chopped cabbage, green onion, dried bonito flakes and topped with the tasty mayo.

    Another one of my faves is the Katsu Sandwich. Its a deep-fried chicken cutlet (real chicken..) .. in a sandwich! Simple yet very tasty.

    The one thing that stands out with this place is that, other than the baked pastries, everything is cooked fresh. Made to order as you order which is the way I like it.

    THe service is phenomenol.

    One downside is that.. there is no a/c in here...

  • Review from Kristina C.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/28/2010

    What a cozy little restaurant!

    I've always wanted to try this place because I always think it looks so cute when I pass by, and I finally got a chance to try it today.

    The menu, which is pretty long for a small restaurant such as this, are written neatly on hanging chalkboards behind the counter where you order your food. I chose the oyako don, my dad got the Japanese breakfast, and my sister had the soup of the day which was tomato and chicken.

    There were only 2 people working the counter, so we had to clear our table off ourselves (as did another family). We had to wait a while for our food, but I suppose that's just because it's made fresh right when you order.

    My oyako don was pretty good, but nothing extraordinary. The tomato soup was made of fresh tomatoes, not the canned stuff.

    I would come back because I like the concept, and there's a lot of stuff on the menu that I would like to try. On our way out, I noticed some Japanese pastries that reminded me of something I had in Hong Kong, with the Japanese mayo on it, and I definitely would've gotten one had I seen it earlier. I must come back to try them!

    Menu: lots of breakfast items (both Western and Japanese), sandwiches, salads, rice bowls, pastries; assorted teas and specialty coffees
    Price: Everything under $10
    Service: very friendly, authentic Japanese. Order at the counter and they bring the food to your table
    Ambiance: small, cozy

  • Review from Michelle R.

    • 3 friends
    • 29 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/2/2010

    Great little Japanese Cafe.  You get the best of both worlds- great full bodied coffee, black, do what you want with it, or a coffee jelly drink that's sinful to even look at, topped with a healthy helping of whipping cream and beautiful to look at.

    I had the breakfast combo 2- eggs, toast, hashbrowns, and yoghurt and granola.  It was a good value for the cost- $6.50- I didn't like how they prepared the scramble egg or the not so toasty toast, but everything else was great.  My friend had the Japanese style breakfast- the scrambled egg looked much better there.  It came with miso soup, tofu with a bit of grated ginger on top, a small piece of salmon, egg and rice.

    Lovely place- comfortable.  Service was prompt.  They gave us a little gift token 'cause they are celebrating their first anniversary.

    I'm trying the matcha latte next time.  Can't wait to go back.  I've had the waffles there before- and it comes with both chocolate and plain whipped cream.  I'm thinking waffles, 'cause that'll be the perfect complement to a matcha latte.

  • Review from jailook l.

    • 8 friends
    • 9 reviews

    Victoria, BC

    4.0 star rating
    3/1/2010

    I only just discovered this place this weekend .... Even though I live in the neighbourhood, for some reason I rarely walk down that side of Broadway. However, I noticed it on my way to Menya Noodle one night and vowed to try it for breakfast the next day.

    So glad I did. Forgive me if I gush a bit, but this place is fantastic. The service is amazing. We were greeted with sincerity and warmth by the 3 women working behind the counter. They were very patient while we hummed and hawed over the menu and they cheerfully explained some of the options to our 12-year-old.

    I ordered the Japanese breakfast, my partner ordered the regular North American breakfast with a waffle and my daughter ordered just the waffles.

    Nothing cost over $8 and the portions were generous. The Japanese breakfast was fantastic. An organic egg omelet, salmon steak, miso soup, rice and natto - truly a powerhouse breakfast - all for $6.99. I mean, come on! How good is that?

    The North American breakfast special included 2 organic eggs (ordered soft poached & perfectly done),.3 or 4 pork sausages (can't remember how many - but more than 2. bacon or ham are the other options) & hashbrowns + waffle for $7-something. It was a lot of food.

    The waffles were lovely. Crisp, big & dusted with powdered sugar and served with chocolate & vanilla whipped cream and syrup. Under $5 and my daughter was stuffed.

    And one more thing to note - the bathroom was immaculate. I tend to judge a kitchen by how clean the loo is and this bathroom was spic and span.

    We'll be making this a regular breakfast stop and well be sure to try it for lunch... The katsu-sando sounds very appealing.

    Cheap, tasty, good service and family-friendly. Nicely done.

  • Review from Yoony P.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    5/31/2010

    Sueymangsehn!

    This is a cute little joint serving western and japanese food and drinks.

    I had the matcha latte which had a cute heart happy face on it made from milk foam.  It was quite large for the 'regular' size.  

    The Okonomiyaki at the table next to us was beckoning me, so I will have to go back soon for grub this time.   I'm a big fan of rice for breakfast so I can't wait to try their all day Japanese breakfast also (only $5.99!)

  • Review from Simon K.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    5/18/2010 6 photos 4 Check-ins Here

    I've noticed this place out of the corner of my eye, and always wanted to go try it out, and I was surprised. With what you ask, the decor of this small place on Broadway and Cambie. A nice little breakfast house with nothing over $9.

    The prices are low, and the portions are beautifully prepared. I would definately recommend this place. Nice slow music, bright atmosphere, and delicious dishes. I would definately go again.

  • Review from Kim L.

    • 46 friends
    • 154 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    5/16/2011 3 Check-ins Here

    I love the vibe of this little cafe.  Rain or shine, the jazz music with soothe you from the time you walk in.  It's a small space, but I like how the tables are big and the chairs spacious so that you don't feel like there isn't enough room.  Even if you have to wait for a table, there are plenty of current magazines and newspapers to browse through while waiting for a table to free up.  Since I always have trouble deciding between eastern and western food, Marulili gives me the best of both worlds.  I also love the fact that their lattes lightly sweetened--white choco macha latte, all the way!  Good price, good portions, good atmosphere if you're not opposed to cozy spaces.

  • Review from Mike P.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    5/29/2010 2 Check-ins Here

    Dropped by here just for a coffee and immediately felt at home.  We already had lunch plans but contemplated breaking them after seeing the delicious looking food everyone else was eating.  I can't wait to go back here for breakfast.  The prices look extremely reasonable!

    UPDATE - Came back here for breakfast and it was delicious.  I went for the Japanese breakfast and even though it wasn't something i would normally have it was very very good.  Will definitely be back!

  • Review from Amanda L.

    • 0 friends
    • 3 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    4/1/2011

    Best chai lattes I've ever had and delicious eggs benny.  It does take ~10-15 minutes to get your food which may not work for the working crowd in the neighbourhood, but plan ahead to visit this place.

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