Newly opened in the Fairview neighbourhood is an impressive forward thinking cafe that is making everything from scratch, from baked goods, to the bread for the sandwiches, to the pastries, gelato and more! They serve coffee from one of the top local coffee roasters (Moving Coffee) along with matcha from nearby (Paragon Tea Room).

The team has vast knowledge in technology and have come out of the gate running so to speak. The cafe is bright, with wood paneling and a white ceiling; open daily from early until late, very soon they will launch their own app with a referral and a rewards program.

They also have global multi award gelato winner James Coleridge as part of the team and he is making his gelato on site using some of the best ingredients around for his classic and seasonal flavours. 

I tried a selection of items on my visit.

I tried these sandwiches, the Turkey onion sourdough (got it grilled), the Grilled Cheese, and the Vietnam sub (they also offer a vegan version).

I then tried these desserts; the Matcha Mousse —this was heavenly, it’s layered and matcha lovers will love it; the Coffee Basque cheesecake — absolutely divine (they also offer an original and matcha flavour); Matcha cookie – perfection with a soft filled center; Pistachio cookie — it’s gluten free and already popular and the Vanilla cream puff – another heavenly creation.

I tried some beverages: Cortado, Flat white, Cappuccino, and Orange cold brew.

I also tried these gelato flavours:

Santa’s Little Helper with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, adding the perfect amount of espresso shots, and 72% dark chocolate from @cluizelparis.

Who-ville a dance on your palate of dark and dangerous chocolate and layers of orange using Grand Marnier, a blend of cognac and orange flavoured liqueur, with a blend of dark 85% and 72% chocolate from @cluizelparis.

Van isle sea salt caramel – one of the classic flavours that isn’t too sweet, the salt really makes this flavour stand out.

Pistachio and this was my favourite of the flavours that I tried, I could easily eat a pint of this one. 

Took another cheesecake to go and this Original basque cheesecake was delightful.

Avik Café is located at 682 W Broadway in Vancouver. You can follow them on Instagram @avikcafe 

By: Richard Wolak