Northern Cafe Vancouver: Named Finalist in Three Vancouver Magazine Awards

Recognition means the most when it comes from the people who actually show up.

We’re honoured that Northern Cafe has been named a finalist in three categories at the Vancouver Magazine 37th Restaurant Awards:

• Readers’ Choice: Best Brunch
• Readers’ Choice: Best Neighbourhood Wildcard
• Judged Division Finalist: Best Casual

To stay informed about the excitement of this prestigious event, read the full list of finalists or learn more about the awards.

Northern Cafe is proud to be among the finalists at this prestigious event.

We didn’t expect all three. But we’re grateful for every one.

What These Nominations Represent

Awards aren’t the goal at Northern Cafe. Consistency is.

Being recognized in these categories reflects years of showing up the same way — for regulars, first-timers, families, and neighbours who’ve made this place part of their routine.

These nominations represent:

• Guests who return week after week
• A neighbourhood that continues to support us
• A team that does things the right way, quietly and consistently

They are also a testament to the dedication and hard work that goes into running a family-owned restaurant business, and the important role Northern Cafe plays in the local food scene.

Readers’ Choice: Best Brunch

Being a Readers’ Choice finalist for Best Brunch matters because it’s shaped by lived experience — not one visit, not one plate, but many.

People searching “Where is the best brunch or breakfast in Vancouver?” are usually looking for:

• Comfort
• Reliability
• Familiar food done well

Popular brunch options at Northern Cafe include dishes with cheese, a flavorful ingredient that adds to the appeal of items like gyozas and wontons.

This nomination tells us that what we focus on every day is resonating.

Readers’ Choice: Best Neighbourhood Wildcard

This category feels personal.

Northern Cafe has always been a neighbourhood place first — located above a hardware store, tucked upstairs, a little out of the way, and discovered through word of mouth.

Being recognized as a Best Neighbourhood Wildcard reinforces what many locals already know:

• Not every great restaurant is on a main strip
• Not every staple advertises itself
• Some places earn loyalty simply by being there
  

Judged Division Category: Best Casual 

The Best Casual nomination caught us off guard — in the best way. This is a Judged Division Category by Vancouver Magazine Editors.

Northern Cafe has never tried to define itself beyond being approachable, welcoming, and grounded. This recognition suggests that simplicity, comfort, and consistency still matter in a city full of trends.

It’s a reminder that casual doesn’t mean careless — it means considered.

History and Background

Northern Café is more than just a place to eat—it’s a piece of Vancouver’s history. This family-owned and operated café first opened its doors in 1949, quietly serving locals and workers from its hidden spot above a hardware store in East Vancouver. Over the years, the café has evolved, but its roots in quality food and community remain unchanged.

What started as a primarily local hangout has blossomed into a must-visit destination for food lovers across Canada. After Jimmy Mah revived the café, Northern Café became known for its unique East-meets-West twist, blending Asian-inspired flavors with classic comfort food. The menu reflects decades of experience and a commitment to serving dishes that feel like home.

Northern Café’s dedication to quality and community has not gone unnoticed. The café has earned accolades such as Yelp’s #1 Best Places to Eat in Canada for 2023 and a spot in Vancouver’s Top 25 Best Places to Eat in 2022. Through all the changes, Northern Café remains a welcoming place where family, locals, and visitors gather to enjoy great food and create lasting memories.

What Northern Cafe Is Known For

When people ask “What is Northern Cafe known for?”, the answer usually isn’t a single dish or moment.

It’s:

• Classic brunch and breakfast
• Comfort food without pretense
• A welcoming, neighbourhood diner feel
• Familiar faces and familiar plates

Northern Cafe also features daily or seasonal specials that keep the menu fresh and exciting.

These nominations don’t change that — they simply reflect it.

Ambiance and Service

Step into Northern Café and you’re greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels like a comforting embrace. The retro decor—complete with a low ceiling, slanted roof, and classic black-and-white parquetry flooring—sets the stage for a nostalgic dining experience. Sun-faded notes and testimonials from visitors around the world line the walls, each one a reminder of the café’s far-reaching community and the memories made here.

Perched above the Fraser River, the café offers a unique vantage point, with views of the bustling industrial waterfront adding to its charm. But it’s the sense of belonging that truly sets Northern Café apart. The staff treat every guest like family, ensuring that everyone who walks through the door feels at home. This isn’t just customer service—it’s genuine hospitality, rooted in years of tradition and a deep connection to the community.

Team and Staff

At the heart of Northern Café is a true family business, where passion for food and service runs deep. Jimmy Mah and his wife Connie have steered the café with care, drawing on years of experience running restaurants from Saskatchewan to Vancouver. Their dedication to the craft is evident in every detail, from the menu to the warm welcome guests receive.

Their son Raymond joined the family business seven years ago, bringing a wealth of culinary expertise from renowned restaurants like Sutton Place and Hard Rock Casino. Raymond’s influence can be seen in the thoughtful updates to the menu and the smooth operation of the café.

In 2022, Richard—the older brother—returned from Asia, where he spent over two decades working in advertising and hospitality, primarily in Japan. Richard’s global perspective and commitment to service have helped elevate the Northern Café experience, making it a standout among Vancouver’s family-run restaurants. Together, the Mah family continues to build on years of experience, ensuring that every visit feels special.

Customer Reviews

Northern Café’s reputation as a hidden gem is echoed in the glowing reviews from customers near and far. Diners consistently praise the café’s warm atmosphere, friendly service, and creative menu. Many visitors discover the café tucked away above a hardware store, only to find themselves returning again and again for the best brunch in Vancouver.

On platforms like Yelp, Northern Café has earned top marks, with guests raving about the brunch readers choice menu, craft beers, and the inviting ambiance that makes every meal memorable. The café’s recognition at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards is a testament to its popularity and the loyalty of its community. Whether it’s a leisurely brunch, a quick lunch, or a comforting dinner, Northern Café delivers quality and service that keep people coming back.

Named Vancouver Magazine’s “Best Brunch” (2025), and Yelp’s #1 Top Eat in Canada (2023), Northern Cafe has comfort-food classics that keep guests—and food writers—coming back. Here are some dishes that showcase what makes Northern Cafe a top brunch spot. These are the top picks everyone raves about, starting with the dumplings that built a cult following.

Gratitude for the Community Behind It

We’re grateful to:

• Our team, front and back of house
• Our regulars, who treat this place like their own
• First-time guests who become repeat ones
• The community that continues to support local restaurants—thanks to your enthusiasm, special events and limited-time meals at Northern Cafe often sell out quickly.

Recognition like this doesn’t happen in isolation. It’s shared.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, Northern Café is committed to building on its legacy of quality, family, and community. The team is excited to expand the menu, introducing new twists on comfort food while staying true to the classics that locals love. Plans are also in the works to host community events and partner with local organizations, further strengthening the café’s role as a gathering place in Vancouver.

As the café continues to grow, the Mah family remains dedicated to providing the same warm service and inviting atmosphere that have made Northern Café a beloved institution for years. Whether you’re planning brunch, lunch, or dinner, you can count on Northern Café to deliver great food, genuine hospitality, and a sense of home—right here in Vancouver, Canada.

Northern Cafe is honoured to be named a finalist in three Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards categories, including Best Brunch and Best Casual.

Visit Northern Cafe

Northern Cafe
1640 East Kent Ave South, Vancouver
Northern Cafe is conveniently accessible for those arriving by car, located just off East Kent Ave S drive.
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Closed Sundays

Still the same place. Still grateful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Northern Cafe an award-winning restaurant in Vancouver?

Northern Cafe has been named a finalist in multiple categories at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards, including Best Brunch, Best Neighbourhood Wildcard, and Best Casual.

What is Northern Cafe known for?

Northern Cafe is known for comforting brunch and breakfast, a welcoming diner atmosphere, and being a trusted neighbourhood staple in Vancouver.

Where can I find a great brunch in Vancouver?

Many locals point to Northern Cafe for consistent, classic brunch served in a relaxed, neighbourhood setting.