Milano Coffee Roasting Company

4.5 star rating
23 reviews Rating Details

Category: Coffee & Tea  [Edit]

156 8th Ave W
Vancouver, BC V5Y 1N2
Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
(604) 879-4468
Price Range:
$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Wi-Fi:
Free
Wheelchair Accessible:
No

Review Highlights   

  • user photo
    "and a spectacular, clean and smooth espresso." In 7 reviews
  • user photo
    "...porch overlooking a park with mountains off to the north..." In 6 reviews
  • user photo
    "Their americano is so much better than Starbucks." In 4 reviews
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23 reviews in English

  • Review from Lisa A.

    • 1 friend
    • 4 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    4/19/2012

    I absolutely love this place.  The cafe is on a quiet street where I have always been able to find parking and it overlooks a big green field with the Northshore Mountains in the background.  Feels like a step away from the rush of the city, even though it is right in an awesome 'city' location.  Anyways, on to the coffee.  The coffee at Milano is so very yummy.  I just want to mention that the raspberry mocha is SO delicious.  I really need to try more drinks off of the menu but it is hard when I go there craving the raspberry mocha!

  • Review from Annie M.

    • 17 friends
    • 241 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    3/10/2012 2 photos 2 Check-ins Here

    I went to Gastown for dinner a month ago, and I saw a nice and upscale coffee shop there.  However, it closed.  Therefore, I planned to try it out when I get a chance.

    Of coz, the 8th ave one more causal but it has a nice view if you sit at patio.

    The service was a bit slow, the coffee dipping is cool.

    I loved the banana mocha, it's so favorable!!

  • Review from Louise G.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    3/8/2012

    *THREE AND A HALF STARS*

    Four stars for the coffee.  Delicious.  Worth the wait.  Wasn't exactly as ordered - service seemed distracted and made a few errors.  

    This place is not somewhere you want to come when you are in a rush.  But if you are there for a decent coffee, and have some time to enjoy it, this is your place.

  • Review from Trish L.

    • 0 friends
    • 33 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    4/12/2012

    Two words: raspberry mocha.

  • Review from Robin M.

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/27/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    Sigh. Do you ever have those moments when you're *sure* there are hidden cameras around? At any second, the producers will pop out of a secret space and the people around you will begin to laugh and point in all directions to what presumably are the hidden cameras?

    That didn't happen here.

    After a series of fairly bizarre experiences at this particular Milano location, I don't know that I'll be back. No, I don't think I will be. Sure, it's still a pretty good cup of coffee -- I stand by my Americano makers here -- but somehow the staff always seem a bit... stunned. Do you need to take the orders of the three people behind that last person *before* making their dry cappuccino? Is there an order to the orders? Will I get my Americano soon, or should I sit for awhile? Did dudeman with the Dockers and long dreads just get a second espresso before I got my first? Are we in a parallel small-town 90s Washington-state universe?

    I still appreciate their espresso choices, and I still think their Americano is pretty effing great, but after leaving with a distinct what. the. hell. feeling too many times, I just can't justify going again.

    Well... maybe. The view is still pretty fantastic.

    Listed in: 30-Day Yelp Challenge, For the Love of Coffee!…

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    • 4.0 star rating
      9/25/2011

      I  don't quite understand what's going with the interior (strange tiny chandeliers combined with… Read more »

  • Review from Marc D.

    • 1118 friends
    • 1079 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    2.0 star rating
    7/29/2011 1 photo

    * Great, in theory *

    Ok, I love the idea of what they are trying to do here.  An espresso tasting bar with 8 different types of espresso "on tap"  is a wonderful idea.  Particularly one that roasts the beans on site for maximum freshness.  Great concept.  

    Add in a comfortable modern decor with a view of the park across the street and the skyline and mountains behind it, and you have a winning concept.  

    For coffee addicts/people in need of a lot of stimulation, the flight of 3 different espressos sounds like a great idea too.  

    I tried the "La Futura" blend espresso, which was touted as having a caramel finish.  Sounded good.

    Sadly what I received was an espresso that had not been properly made.  I'm guessing they didn't tamper the coffee correctly, as it had a strong aftertaste of grounds instead of caramel.  There were coffee grounds throughout the espresso, making for a very unpleasant taste and texture.  Very disappointing for a place that claims to specialize in espresso.  Here is a photo:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    I much prefer the espresso at the Elysian Room, where they always seem to serve perfect shots:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    P.S.  I went back again today (8/1) to give it another chance.  Same issue with the espresso.  Grounds.  I don't get it.  I think they really just aren't tampering it correctly.  Oh well.  I won't be going back anytime soon now.

  • Review from Trudi C.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    7/8/2011 1 photo 4 Check-ins Here

    Cycled here on my way back from Downtown - the cafe faces out onto a nice open field, which makes a refreshing change from the crazy bustle of the city! No where to park up my bike - it's currently chained up to the lamppost down the street, so I sip my latte in slight terror that it won't be there when I return!

    Do not order a small latte, it really is tiny, like for a little child ;) I panicked upon seeing the size of the cup, and hurriedly upgraded to a medium! It's a nice latte, a little bitter for my taste as usual. Maybe I have strange tastes, huh? "I don't want it tasting too much like coffee!!"
    Friendly guy serving, said hello and asked how i was the moment I entered :) "Sweaty and tired from cycling!" would have been the honest response, hehe.

    Nice and open, mix of hard and soft seats, with outdoor seating too.
    Now to check if my bike's still there!!

  • Review from Kristen M.

    • 11 friends
    • 31 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    10/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here

    We absolutely love Milano Coffee. Haven't yet hit up any of the other locations, as we find the one on 8th so cute & cozy. It's a great place to bike to from downtown on a sunny day.
    The staff really knows their stuff, and they will recommend espresso blends that may be new to the menu based on what you order.
    Happy to see new locations popping up!

  • Review from Chris K.

    • 1 friend
    • 14 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 12/17/2011

    I went in for an American misto and also had a slice of banana loaf.  The loaf was nice and moist, with a certain spice I couldn't place that made it tastily unique--nice.  The coffee was, a pleasure.  It reminded me of a nice warm kiss, with the warm foam softly touching my upper lip and the drink lovingly arousing my taste buds.  Let's just say it was an enjoyable drink.  I believe the owner was also behind the counter and was heard describing the various coffees to other customers.  He is clearly passionate about the coffee he sells.

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    • 4.0 star rating
      6/5/2011

      I stumbled upon this cafe on a random walk after visiting the nearby PhotoHaus Gallery.  It is a… Read more »

  • Review from Roanna Z.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    Updated - 6/4/2011 7 photos 3 Check-ins Here

    Did a little bit of a cafe crawl of our own today, stopping by Milano to enjoy the perfect patio view. Milano coffee is rich and sweet like the space and my EightFold Eats gluten free treat.
    Yum! Love this place.

    Listed in: It's raining... get inside…

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    • 5.0 star rating
      3/12/2011

      I've been wanting to get over to Milano for a long while, and today I finally had an opportunity to… Read more »

  • Review from Cyndi H.

    • 404 friends
    • 274 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/12/2010

    Lemme break it down for you, rap style (minus the rap):

    Atmosphere: 15/5 - Gorgeous view of a park and the city skyline, nice decor, spacious.
    Paninis: 2/5 Both the turkey and the ham were cold in the middle, not impressive in taste either.
    Staff: 4/5 - One (my fav) plays indie folk off her ipod. So fabulous. The others are ok. The owner seems really friendly and passionate about his java.
    Coffee: 2.5/5 - So far I've had the ying yang mocha 2/5 (too sweet) the reg mocha 3/5 (not enough coffee flavour) and the decaf soy latte 2/5 (weak coffee flavour).
    Latte art: 0/5 No art. I know it's meant to go down the pie hole, but it adds to the experience... for me anyway.

    So why the 4 star review? I love it here! So pretty and a great place to get work done... or to play on Yelp!

  • Review from Tinella T.

    • 1 friend
    • 52 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    4/1/2011

    I have tried Milano coffee a few times, and was always pleased with the taste of coffee and wide coffee selection. It is a very pleasant place to sit down for a coffee on a sunny day, with views of mountains and beautiful coffee smell :*
    Whenever I am around Broadway in that area, it is my preferred place to stop by for a good coffee. Worthy trying & coming back.

  • Review from karen c.

    • 16 friends
    • 84 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/28/2010

    My usual trip will be a quick 30 second walk to Starbucks, but today I decided to go to Milano's. I'm so glad that I did!

    As I am typing this review, I am slowly enjoying my americano and turkey panini. Milano's americano is soothing to the throat and the smell is full of fragrance. It smells light, but the taste is powerful. Their americano is so much better than Starbucks!

    Turkey panini is smothered with cheese and layers of turkey meat! Just purely good stuff!

    Atmosphere - very clean! It has a nice homey feeling to it. Their menu board does take a little time to look at it. And their little sweets selection looks delicious!

    As for the price - well it's your average Starbucks price.

    And just a little tip for those who do decide to walk around the corner and half a block down 8th Avenue towards Milano...the door is a little tricky. Just enter the door that looks like you're entering into an office building. The coffee shop is directly to your right. The patio door does not open from the outside.

  • Review from Anita C.

    • 39 friends
    • 73 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    8/18/2010 2 photos 7 Check-ins Here

    Small little patio that is dog-friendly
    Fresh roasters
    New simple decor
    Friendly staff
    Casual indie music
    Free wi-fi
    Iced raspberry mocha on my first visit
    South facing in the shade with a nice view.

    Really. Does it get any better than this?

  • Review from Josh W.

    • 10 friends
    • 16 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    11/1/2009

    I can't believe there's not more reviews for this lively place.

    A friend recommended it for the decor, vibe, and most of all; the fantastic espresso. I was not let down. Immediately upon entering the cafe, I was treated to the brilliant menu design. (As a graphic designer, it's definitely the best I've seen in Vancouver).

    It clearly describes the process of picking the best espresso drink for you. They've made it unique by allowing you to choose the specific type of espresso beans you would like in your drink (from six different roasts available). I tried a specialty blend with tones of vanilla and cocoa in my americano. Brilliant. I'll be back to try the remainder; which are roasted in the back.

    To bring it all together, I got to enjoy my drink while looking out over a green park with downtown Vancouver and the mountains in the background. Your weekend coffee doesn't get much better than this.

  • Review from Ken E.

    • 35 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Lakewood, WA

    USA
    4.0 star rating
    8/11/2011

    The americano I had here was great.  Luckily I went on a sunny clear day and was able to enjoy the great view of the mountains because the window/doors were open.  A really unique space with interesting decor and furniture, off the beaten path of busy Vancouver.  Please see the user photos!

  • Review from Brigitte G.

    • 5 friends
    • 27 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    3/6/2011 1 Check-in Here

    Certainly the best view from a coffeeshop in Mount Pleasant - and the coffee is up there amongst the best as well. (Which one is *the* best is a matter of taste.) I had a good bowl of soup with some Georgian Baguette (yum!) and a spectacular, clean and smooth espresso. Lively but not overly busy on a Saturday...

  • Review from Silvia C.

    • 10 friends
    • 60 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    5/12/2010

    The only reason I'm not here at Milano often is because I live within walking distance of their Commercial Drive location - Turks Coffee. When I'm in the area, I certainly stop by. It doesn't offer the eclectic vibe, but rather a quiet and serene view of cityscape where I literally sip and exhale a sigh of satisfaction.

    This is the coffee place where I meet with friends. It's a little quieter, the view is spectacular, the room is spacious and comfortable. It's exactly how I would like my living room to look....coffee bar included.

    Splurge for the fresh premium coffee beans. They'll grind and vacuum seal it for you too.

  • Review from Jon S.

    • 6 friends
    • 46 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    9/1/2009

    This place is a hidden gem. Modern and open decor. A beautiful wide porch overlooking a park with mountains off to the north and just a block away from busy Broadway! The coffee is quite good, although 49th Parallel and the Elysian Room will still win there. Definitely give this place a try!

  • Review from Ken T.

    • 22 friends
    • 25 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 11/20/2010

    I've been here a bunch of times now and I still think it's fantastic but I now have to give the place a four star review...

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    • 5.0 star rating
      11/3/2010

      I don't really think I'm a coffee snob but my friends always tell me I am.  Just in case they're… Read more »

  • Review from Andy K.

    • 4 friends
    • 6 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/22/2010

    This place has some of the best coffee in the city period! Probably because they roast their own beans. My only beef is that they rotate the coffees too much so they are not allways consistent. Where's my Blue?

  • Review from Susanne J.

    • 182 friends
    • 253 reviews

    Hope, BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/17/2009 2 photos 1 Check-in Here

    Great place to start the morning.  Everything just feels so fresh and alive. The place is beautiful, overlooking a nice stretch of fresh green grass, and staff offer a fresh smile with your order of fresh and tasty dark roast.  I could sink in here for hours and still feel...well...fresh.

  • Review from Eva H.

    • 0 friends
    • 24 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    4.0 star rating
    11/2/2009

    A friend recommended this modern coffee shop so I went and checked out when I was in the neighbourhood.

    The espresso is quite good, they offer a nice selection of tea for non-coffee drinkers out there and the decor and atmosphere are comfortable and welcoming.

    I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a new coffee spot.

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