Northern Cafe
A nostalgic, family-run diner above a lumber yard, serving hearty Western and Chinese comfort food with a side of exceptional hospitality.
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Northern Cafe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A nostalgic, family-run diner above a lumber yard, serving hearty Western and Chinese comfort food with a side of exceptional hospitality.
Reservations & Wait Times
No reservations accepted. Expect wait times, especially during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Payment Methods
Credit cards may not be accepted. Bring local debit cards or Canadian currency; PayPal might be an option.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Diner, Chinese, Breakfast, Brunch
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+1 778-532-6240
Address
1640 East Kent Ave S, Vancouver, BC V5P 2S7, Canada
Website
northerncafeandgrill.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hidden Gem Diner
A charming, family-run diner located above a lumber yard, offering a unique dining experience with a blend of Western and Chinese comfort food.
Signature Wonton Soup
Mama's homemade wonton soup is a must-try, packed with flavor and considered a family recipe that delights diners.
Hearty Breakfast Classics
Enjoy fluffy pancakes, perfectly shredded hash browns, and classic diner fare made with high-quality ingredients.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations & Wait Times
No reservations accepted. Expect wait times, especially during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Payment Methods
Credit cards may not be accepted. Bring local debit cards or Canadian currency; PayPal might be an option.
Explore Diverse Flavors
Don't miss the blend of Western and Chinese dishes on the menu for a unique culinary adventure.
Wonton Soup Recommendation
The wonton soup is highly recommended, with many praising its flavor and homemade quality.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations & Wait Times
No reservations accepted. Expect wait times, especially during peak hours. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Payment Methods
Credit cards may not be accepted. Bring local debit cards or Canadian currency; PayPal might be an option.
Explore Diverse Flavors
Don't miss the blend of Western and Chinese dishes on the menu for a unique culinary adventure.
Wonton Soup Recommendation
The wonton soup is highly recommended, with many praising its flavor and homemade quality.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Northern Cafe is a beloved, long-standing diner known for its unique location above a lumber yard and its blend of Western comfort food and authentic Chinese dishes. Diners rave about the friendly, family-like service and the delicious, hearty portions, especially the signature wonton soup and classic breakfast items like pancakes and hash browns. While the wait times can be significant due to its popularity, most agree it's well worth the experience.
"People don’t just come to the Northern Cafe for a meal, they visit to experience a snippet of Vancouver city’s culinary history. This diner dates back to the 1950s and has been proudly run by a family who took over the business in 2008. The traditional diner menu has since been supplemented by various southern Chinese dishes, which covers an interestingly wide range of dietary preferences and is perhaps another reason for their continued popularity.
Situated along a nondescript industrial road on the northern bank of the Fraser River, visitors will first notice the more-than-usual number of parked cars near the entrance of a building supply depot. Once we figured out where we were going, we walked through the depot yard, trekked up a flight of stairs, and entered a narrow hallway. Within seconds, we could hear the buzz of a crowd in a full capacity dining space and knew we arrived at the right place.
This restaurant takes no reservations, has no spare seats, and runs an efficient, high-volume operation throughout the day. It is clear they could do all of this off the back of their local reputation. The goodwill of their customer base is obvious everywhere we looked: the seats are well worn but certainly well visited; there are old, handwritten reviews of past visitor experiences adorned all over the restaurant wall; the store manager makes every effort to mention that his mother continues to hand make the wontons in the soup we ordered.
The food, by the way, was great too. But that was not the point. To us, this diner earned our five stars for all the other reasons."
Leo Huang
"Is it worth the hype? Yes. A resounding yes. I was genuinely bewildered when I stumbled upon this place and saw the exceptional reviews paired with photos of extremely mundane looking breakfast foods. Well, I’m happy to report that it is as good as people say it is.
Northern Cafe is instantly charming and epitomizes the term “hole in the wall.” The staff members are naturally warm and friendly in a way that feels down to earth... an admittedly rare feel for the Vancouver service industry. And most importantly, the food is delicious.
Mama’s wonton is a must-have—I could eat a whole vat of it. This family recipe is packed with so much flavor, it made my heart absolutely leap with joy and I am salivating just thinking about it. Also, the chicken & french toast is delicious with every bite! I enjoyed the pancakes, however I was more impressed by the other two dishes we ordered.
We waited ~45 minutes for a table of 2 at 10:30am on a sunny Friday morning. There’s a nice walkway along the water right by the restaurant, so go for a walk while you wait!"
Katy Yang
"Great experience. The food was great. The vibe is good. The waiters were very friendly as well.
However. The Asian host with glasses. I don't know whats his issue. He was good with everyone but he never look at me when we speak...but extremely friendly with my friend."
cloud J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Northern Cafe is uniquely located above a lumber yard in South Vancouver, adding to its charm as a hidden gem.
No, Northern Cafe does not accept reservations. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours.
The signature wonton soup is a fan favorite, along with classic breakfast items like fluffy pancakes and crispy hash browns.
It's recommended to bring local debit cards or Canadian currency, as credit cards may not be accepted. PayPal might be an option.
Parking is available in the surrounding industrial area, though it can be busy. It's part of the adventure of finding this hidden gem.
Yes, Northern Cafe offers a diverse menu blending classic Western diner fare with authentic Chinese dishes.
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This family-run greasy spoon has been operating since 1949, but likely only in the last decade has it become a hipster haven bringing the eaters in droves. This industrial South Vancouver diner serves up western and Asian comfort food in its second-storey location. The all-day breakfast menu features favorites like Eggs Your Way for $12, which even offers a substitute for avocado instead of meat (fancy!), and the hearty Smoky “n” Eggs for $16, made with smoky sausage, two eggs, shredded fried onion hash, and toast.
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Why You Need to Go: Northern Cafe and Grill was ranked as the best place to eat in Canada in 2023, by Yelp, so it makes sense that it's beloved among locals. The classic diner setting offers up some nostalgia along with their Asian Fusion comfort food, and it's a good deal too. The menu is reasonably priced and full of family recipes made with locally sourced ingredients, and it's all topped off with the cozy setting.
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Located in South Vancouver, the charming family-run Northern Cafe and Grill is a hidden gem just waiting for you to discover. Serving up a blend of classic diner meals with a touch of Asian fusion, your taste buds are in for a treat!. Step into this greasy spoon and order their signature Northern Deluxe Burger and mouth watering wonton egg noodle soup.
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Past the train tracks, the metal chain fence, and piles of wooden beams is a non-discreet staircase…that will lead you to this local gem that looks like an old school diner. Owned and operated by the Mah family since 2008, you’ll find hearty brunch items (those hashbrown shreds were 👌), Chinese food, and good vibes here (they are so nice!).
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Where: South Vancouver (above an lumberyard) Address:1640 East Kent Ave S, Vancouver, BC V5P 2S7 What to Order: Eggs Benedict on crispy hash, housemade pork gyoza, blueberry pancakes. Let’s start with the quiet champion. Northern Cafe recently won Vancouver Magazine’s 2025 “Best Brunch” award, and it’s easy to see why.
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A post shared by northerncafeandgrill (@northerncafeandgrill). This family-run cafe & greasy spoon is the perfect spot to enjoy some all-day breakfast options. A classic breakfast of two eggs, hash browns, toast, and choice of two meats starts at $11, as do cheese omelets and three large pancakes.
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A post shared by Jill Yewell (@jillonjill) on Jul 26, 2017 at 12:11pm PDT. You’ll find this gem at Northern Building Supply Ltd, where the kitchen will be whipping up mom and pop diner classics (which they’ve been doing since the sixties). Address: 1640 East Kent Avenue, Vancouver
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Experience the warmth of home-cooked meals in a cozy atmosphere. Indulge in culinary delights amidst an ambiance that exudes warmth and comfort. Our family-friendly haven caters to every palate, offering a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
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The Northern Cafe offers various tasty foods to please everyone's appetite. Crunch on quality delicacies in a cozy atmosphere with your family. Also, this family-friendly restaurant features a kids' menu with succulent meals prepared with fresh ingredients.
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Dating back to 1949, Northern is one of the city's oldest restaurants still in operation, and judging by its enduring popularity, it's easy to see how it has sustained its reputation as a staple for "greasy spoon" eats (and a bit of Chinese fare, too).
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit