Hidden Gem Diner Vancouver: A Look into Northern Cafe in Vancouver’s Lumberyard

Where Real Still Matters

If you’ve ever wandered through an industrial yard on a weekend morning and caught a whiff of sizzling bacon or steaming wontons drifting through the air—you might have been closer to Vancouver’s best-kept secret than you realized.

Northern Cafe is perched above a working lumberyard in South Vancouver. It’s not just a diner. It’s a legacy. One that dates back to 1949, and still today, three generations of the Mah family continue to feed the city with heart.

Raymond Mah, Co-owner, brings years of experience making authentic dishes and guiding the family through decades of change. The cafe is recognized as one of Vancouver’s and Canada’s top hidden gem diners, with a high number #1 ranking on Yelp in 2023 and national recognition for its excellence. The affordable cuisine served here reflects the Mah family’s roots, blending classic Canadian diner fare with traditional Chinese flavors for a truly authentic experience. Over the years, countless tourists and people from Vancouver, Burnaby, and around the world have supported the business, and the way the Mah family runs the business has created a loyal community that keeps coming back. Reading reviews and articles has helped shape the cafe’s reputation and legacy, further cementing its place in Vancouver’s culinary scene. Read here why this is Comfort you can Afford.

Why Locals Call Us a Hidden Gem

1. You Have to Find Us to Believe Us: There’s no flashy neon sign on the street. No valet parking. Just a red sign, a creaky staircase, and the sound of laughter upstairs. First-timers often wonder if they’re in the right place—and then they taste the food. With only 11 tables in our small space, reserving a table is essential, especially since we’ll notify you as soon as your table is ready. Our big reputation means we draw big crowds, particularly on weekends, so making a reservation on a weekday is highly recommended. The menu features a variety of things to choose from, and we often offer special deals or seasonal items to keep the experience fresh.

2. A View of Stacked Lumber, Not Skyscrapers: While trendy cafes fight for waterfront views, ours overlooks something a little more honest: rows of 2x4s and forklifts humming below. It’s industrial, it’s gritty, and somehow—it feels like home.

The Ambiance and Setting

Step inside Northern Cafe and you’ll quickly realize why it’s considered a true hidden gem in Vancouver. Tucked away above a hardware store in an industrial pocket of the city, the journey begins with a walk past stacks of lumber and a modest red sign, then up a set of rickety stairs that hint at the decades of stories within. The moment you reach the dining room, you’re greeted by the classic black-and-white linoleum floor—a nod to the cafe’s Asian Canadian diner roots—and the gentle hum of conversation from locals who’ve made this spot their second home.

The space is small, with just 11 tables, but that’s part of its charm. Vintage booth seating and retro touches create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly real. It’s the kind of place where families gather for dinner, friends catch up over breakfast, and regulars are greeted by name. The Mah family—Connie, her husband Jimmy, and their sons Raymond and Richard—run the show, ensuring every dish is made with fresh, quality ingredients and served with genuine care. Their attention to detail and commitment to great food have made Northern Cafe a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.

Because the cafe is such a popular choice, especially on weekends, there is no reservations but coming early is a smart move. You can check hours and availability on Yelp or google or call ahead to plan your visit. While parking in the area can be a bit of an adventure, there are options nearby if you’re willing to look. Northern Cafe is open from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm on between Monday to Saturday(closed Sundays)—perfect for an early breakfast, a leisurely brunch, or a midday meal.

In 2025, Vancouver Magazine named Northern Cafe the Best Brunch in Vancouver—a huge honour for a quiet little diner tucked away in South Vancouver. . Northern Cafe’s reputation as one of Vancouver’s best restaurants is well-earned, with glowing reviews on Yelp and Google and features in The Guardian, CBC, Georgia Straight and other publications. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime regular, you’ll find that every experience here is marked by warm service, a welcoming atmosphere, and dishes that taste like home. For anyone searching for a truly unique restaurant in Vancouver, Northern Cafe is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

It’s not just the taste—it’s the feeling of comfort, care, and community that comes with every plate. 

What to Order (and Take Home)

Our menu offers a wide variety of things to try, from classic favorites to seasonal specials. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full meal, there are plenty of things to choose from, and we often feature special offers or menu highlights for you to enjoy.

Gyozas: Hand-folded with love, these pork gyozas are in big demand—we sell over 500 a day. To ensure you get some, we recommend calling ahead or pre-ordering. You can even buy our frozen gyozas to enjoy at home. Find them at the front counter.

Wontons in House-Made Broth: Soft, umami-rich, and comforting. These are mama’s handmade wontons—the same ones she’s been making and folding for decades. You’ll taste the care in every bite.

Smoked Salmon Benny: Golden yolks. Flaky salmon. A touch of lemon on our house-made bearnaise(hollandaise) sauce. It’s indulgent, but not heavy—and a brunch favourite for a reason.

Our Hours & Location

1640 East Kent Ave South, Vancouver, BC V5P 2S7, Open Monday to Saturday between 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Closed Sundays)

No Reservation and only walk-ins. Come in a drop your name and telephone number on the waitlist.

Just follow the red sign through the lumberyard entrance. Yes, you’re in the right place.

 

Why We Matter

Northern Cafe isn’t a polished, white-tablecloth brunch joint. It’s a place where families gather after hockey practice. Where truckers, students, and grandparents share booths. Over the years, countless people have made Northern Cafe a true community hub, creating memories and friendships that span generations.

In a city where restaurants come and go, Northern Cafe has stayed. For over 80 years, our business has welcomed generations of families, making a lasting impact on the people who call this neighborhood home. And maybe that’s because we never forgot what matters—serving food that feels like home, in a place that reminds you that real is still beautiful. Get here early — brunch lines are part of the story.

Take the Taste Home

Before you leave, ask about our Frozen Pork Gyozas. You’ll find them in homes all over the Lower Mainland—because when something’s made with love, it travels well.

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