Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Vault Café

    4.1 (52 reviews)
    ModerateCoffee & Tea

    The Vault Café Coffee & Tea Photos

    THE VAULT CAFÉ ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Good for kids
    Dogs allowed
    Good for working

    Recommended Reviews - The Vault Café

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Interesting wall art.
    John B.

    As this cafe seems to pop up on any tourist searches in Nanaimo, we decided to try it out as we were in the vicinity. When we arrived at about 3 pm, on a Friday, the place was packed. Only one open table and a couple of spaces at the counter. The line was short and we were able to order quickly. We ordered a soy latte, a chai tea latte with oat milk and a Nanaimo bar. When our drinks were made a second table opened up and we grabbed it as it actually had chairs! Our drinks were excellent and the Nanaimo bar was just as we expected it to be. Very tasty. Parking may be a problem here as there aren't a lot of spaces. I think all parking is on the street. The whole cafe experience made me think of the 60's in San Francisco (not that I experienced that!) Everyone there seemed quite laid back and enjoying a good experience. They do have live music on many evenings. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Nanaimo.

    Scone and latte.
    John D.

    Needed a little caffeine fix after all the Nanaimo bars. Stopped due to cute interior decor. Staff looked miserable. Latte and scone was average.

    Armita P.

    Brunching at this adorable café in downtown Nanaimo, where cozy vibes and charming memorabilia make you feel right at home. The Double B was a perfect choice, and their iced latte hit the spot! With both indoor and outdoor seating, it's the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal. Can't wait to come back and explore more of their menu! Vault Cafe 99 Wallace St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B7 Mon-Tue 8am-6pm, Wed 8am - 11pm, Thu-Fri 8am-midnight, Sat 9am-midnight, Sun 10am-midnight Food 5/5 Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5

    The exterior welcomes you in.
    Norm W.

    Looking for a late breakfast, or lunch, or a combination of both I came upon The Coffee Vault, which offered both and most everything else. It's an eclectic and cluttered place in a good way, that is a good thing. My breakfast wrap was really good, but also quite different from anything I have had before, again in a good way. My London Fog also very good, and picked up from the counter after it was made. The wrap was delivered to my table, identified by the playing card on the stand I was given after paying for my order. The interior has a stage in the corner with tables and chairs on it, to be removed later in the day for live music. There are park benches outside for nice afternoon sitting and a fair amount of inside seating as well. It's a unique place to check out in Nanaimo, be sure to do so, you may never come across a place such as this again.

    Zach J.

    GIRLS! Grab your flannel, backwards caps, and doc martens & strut your way over to the Vault. like us, the Vault REFUSES to conform- she's a thrift shop, cafe, and all around good time. Decorated with our favorite icons, this breakfast spot knows how to lick all our secret spots. #WLW -- we LOVE the wraps! The breakfast wrap made all of my lips tingle

    Vinyl records for sale!
    Robimus P.

    Great interior decor, delicious oat milk chai latté, sweet & scrumptious vegan strawberry muffin, CD's, tapes & vinyl by local bands for sale, they have events such as open mic comedy, drag shows & local bands. Very cool place! Vancouver needs a spot like this.

    Excellent atmosphere
    Emily S.

    Atmosphere is lived in antique eclectic. Staff so friendly and well informed. Food is to die for. What else could you want? Vegan strawberry muffin was heavenly and the vegan breakfast wrap was the best I have ever had. We will be going back for seconds thirds and fourths.

    Snickerdoodle & Ginger Cookies
    Allie G.

    Loved The Vault Cafe! We visited on a Friday morning and found it very busy. The decor inside was fun and eclectic, with green walls covered in mismatched art. Part of the seating area also doubled as a stage for live music and other events. I ordered a Matcha Latte, which was as pretty as it was tasty. I also loved that it could be made unsweetened. For food, I got the Apple & Brie Sandwich and a Date Square. Both were so delicious! The sandwich was filling and overall savory, despite the sweet flavors. I was also obsessed with the aoli they used. The Date Square was also fantastic - perfect texture. My boyfriend got the Breakfast Wrap, which had egg, cheddar, roasted vegetables, avocado, and bacon. The cheese was somehow on the outside of the wrap, and he said it was incredible. He also loved the Snickerdoodle and Ginger Cookies. Overall, this was my favorite coffee shop I've visited in Nanaimo. Would return for the great food and cool vibes!

    Vegan Breakfast Wrap
    juan g.

    Had a great experience at this coffee shop. The decoration, music and ambience is really fun and a great way to start a morning. As vegans you always appreciate when a place really tries to put an actually good plant based option on their menu, we tried the vegan breakfast wrap and it was delicious, make sure you ask to pair it with their Marie Sharps smokey hot habanero sauce which they sell at their bazar, the sauce was so good we took home like 6 of them. Great attitude from the staff and great food/drinks.

    Chai tea latte
    N L.

    Best chai tea latte I ever had. Forgot to take a picture of the mac and cheese I ordered - it was so good! Great place to bring your laptop/study too.

    Bacon eggs Benny very delicious
    Tracey S.

    First of all this place is now called The Vault Cafe. Great cafe and amazing decor and vibes! You go up and order and then they bring it to you. We had the bacon eggs Bennie and rueben sandwich. Both are recommended. The hollandaise sauce cud use a bit more lemon but overall very tasty. Bacon was cooked spot on (crispy but not over cooked). Rueben was delish but for the price shud have those tasty potato wedges. Had 3 beers on tap.

    Alyssa S.

    Awesome corner café in downtown Nanaimo - wish we had more spaces like this on the mainland in Vancouver! Staff was really friendly and quick considering we were there during the Sunday brunch rush. Decor and environment is great - all the attention to detail in the cozy corners. Wanting a Nanaimo bar from Nanaimo, we got their Nanaimo bar, a chai latte, and salad to go. Nanaimo bar was awesome! Thick n' chunky homemade layers of everything. The salad came with a nice tahini dressing and the chai had a good amount of spice and sweetness to it. The crowd that early afternoon was pretty hipster and kind of cliquey and pretentious. Still, would love to sit down for a bigger meal and catch a show at this place someday.

    Everything is clean and ready to go in the morning.  This is the coffee crowd on a Friday morning.
    Kameshwari K.

    I like to call this place, "Nanaimo's Living Room." The staff makes your visit more like coming over to a friend's and having a place to sit for awhile. With weekday openings of 7am, you can come in for coffee and breakfast. Weekends, I believe it is brunch all day. Most every evening there is live music. Usually, Thursday, Friday and Saturday there is a cover. Wednesday is their famed open mic. This is just a cool place to hang and enjoy a slice of Nanaimo. Breakfast, desserts, burgers, and salads served here. If I'm having something to eat, I order a bowl of soup. Never been disappointed at The Vault Cafe. I've been coming here since June 2015.

    Menu

    See all

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Gayl B.
    471
    916
    1518

    7 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of John B.
    469
    817
    1311

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark A.
    0
    12
    13

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Zach J.
    324
    8
    5

    3 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 2
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0
    Photo of juan g.
    70
    10
    5

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of N L.
    73
    13
    25

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of K C.
    2
    9
    7

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dee S.
    1
    54
    3

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    This is a very cute cafe with big personality! Definitely a great corner to finish a book here. Highly recommended:)

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Staff was very helpful and great, food was excellent. I had a awesome sandwich, and my iced mocha was delicious! Will be back

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mike V.
    104
    43
    1

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Bocca Cafe - Nanaimo Bar

    Bocca Cafe

    3.9(33 reviews)
    0.4 km
    $

    We visited Bocca Cafe as our second stop out of three for Nainaimo Bars. This is a pretty cozy…read morecafe, with only a couple of tables and seats for people to relax in. When we visited on a rainy Monday afternoon and there were a couple of people inside, sipping on coffee and working. Traditional Nanaimo ($5.99) - This Nanaimo Bar is very thin, about half the height as compared to Bar 1. It shears while cutting, causing pieces to break off in chunks rather than cleaning going through. This happens to both the icing in the middle and the top and I'm not sure what causes it. The top layer has a nice rich chocolatety taste. The bottom layer has finer coconut shreds and a nice cocoa flavor, mixed with crushed silvered almonds for nuttiness and crunch. The layer is able to easily shatter. It's dry and almost powdery in texture. The middle icing isn't that noteworthy other than being sweet. As a whole, the bar is hefty, hard and very dense. It's very sweet. (3/5) Salted Caramel Nanaimo ($5.99) - This is similar in texture to the traditional with the same shattering grittiness. The middle layer is caramel icing and top layer has some flaky salt sprinkled on top. Otherwise again it's very sweet and crumbly. (3/5) I can't say I was a huge fan of these Nanaimo bars. They are definitely higher quality than the last bakery we visited, but they are a bit too dry, gritty, and powdery for my tastes. Based on my enjoyment of the food, I would normally give Bocca Cafe a 3 star rating, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and raise them to a 4, especially because the employees were very nice. Maybe i just don't like Nanaimo bars that much! Washrooms - One unisex room.

    Bocca Cafe was pretty empty when we stopped in, but the ambiance was cozy. The interior had…read morecolorful walls, covered in art for sale. They also had some cute holiday decorations. I ordered a Matcha Latte and my boyfriend got a Dirty Chai Latte, which were both tasty and came in large mugs. We also ordered a Caramel Brownie to share. The brownie was super decadent and rich, but delicious. I was glad we only ordered one for two people. Service was friendly and reasonably fast. Overall, cute cafe - would return!

    Photos
    Bocca Cafe - Inside

    Inside

    Bocca Cafe - Matcha Latte & Caramel Brownie

    Matcha Latte & Caramel Brownie

    Bocca Cafe - Matcha Latte & Dirty Chai Latte

    See all

    Matcha Latte & Dirty Chai Latte

    Mon Petit Choux - chocolate croissant and matcha latte with oat milk at mon petite choux cafe

    Mon Petit Choux

    4.0(93 reviews)
    0.3 km
    $$

    Didn't expect much from the food here as the servers seem hot and annoyed... BUT…read moreOrdered tomato soup which was absolutely fantastic tasty spicy beautiful served with great baquette. Ordered salad Nicole's - another rave! Lovingly chopped potatoes,cucumber,boiled egg,tuna, with a lovely lemon dressing. Best food ate all weekend in Nanaimo.

    arriving at mon petit choux around 2:30 pm, i noticed a handwritten note on the front door: the…read morekitchen was closed for the day, but drinks and pastries were still available. exactly what i wanted anyway. stepping inside, the comforting scent of freshly baked bread wrapped around me like a warm hug. the interior immediately draws you in, robin's egg blue banquettes curve around small marble tables, paired with dark wood chairs and deep red flooring. charcoal walls trimmed with subtle gold details give the space a slightly vintage, old world charm feel, softened by leafy plants and framed artwork. it's cozy without being fussy, elegant without ever feeling stiff. the barista greeted me with a genuinely warm smile, answering my questions with patience and ease. there was no rush, no performative cheer, just the kind of friendly, attentive presence that makes you feel comfortable settling in. it's a small thing, but it set the tone for the entire visit. by mid afternoon, the pastry case was understandably a little sparse, with the almond croissants already gone. i grabbed the last chocolate croissant and ordered a matcha latte with oat milk. after paying, the barista offered to warm the croissant and bring it over to my table, a thoughtful, relaxed touch that matched the gentle pace of the room. when my order arrived, the matcha latte carried a subtle, unexpected peachy note, light and refreshing, though not quite to my taste. the chocolate croissant, lightly warmed, had a slight crunch exterior that gave way to soft layers, and a rich dark chocolate filling. it wasn't ultra flaky, nor chewy, but it was baked in house with care. as i prepared to leave, i was offered a baguette or focaccia to take home, another generous gesture that left a lasting impression. even though the latte wasn't a personal favourite, mon petit choux is a genuinely welcoming, quietly charming spot i'm already looking forward to returning to, especially for brunch. it's the kind of café where you linger a little longer than planned, where the space itself encourages you to slow down, and where the city outside feels momentarily hushed.

    Photos
    Mon Petit Choux
    Mon Petit Choux - Salmon on scrambled eggs, hash browns, baguette, house preserves and a bit of fruit - $13

    Salmon on scrambled eggs, hash browns, baguette, house preserves and a bit of fruit - $13

    Mon Petit Choux

    See all

    Red's Bakery - Nanaimo Bar

    Red's Bakery

    4.4(49 reviews)
    0.2 km

    The best Nanaimo Bar we ever had. It was delicious and to die for!…read moreMy sister bought some extra take back home (Toronoto). They are still delish after couple of days.

    I heard from multiple sources that Red's Bakery serves the most mediocre Nanaimo Bars in Nanaimo,…read morebut since we were in the area (and a couple of other places were closed the day we were in town), we decided to walk on over. Red's has a kind of small town bakery feel, with old-fashioned almost eclectic decor, perhaps 60s/70s retro. Unlike some of the other bakeries, they prepackage some of their desserts in plastic, so it's difficult to tell how fresh they are. I suppose Nanaimo Bars keep well in the first place. We ended up trying Nanaimo bars from three different places, with my notes for Red's as below: Nanaimo Bar ($6) - This Nanaimo bar is much taller than the other two, probably around 50% taller than bar 3 and a full double of bar 2. It cuts very smoothly without much flaking off. The crumb base underneath is smooth, indicating that the coconut fibers are well blended to reduce strand length. It's almost like an Oreo base, with heavy Dutch processed cocoa flavor. There should be nuts mixed in, but they are crushed so finely that I can't really tell what nut is used. People on social media complain about the bottom layer, but I actually love it. For the other layers, the top icing is really sweet. It has a heavily roasted chocolate flavor and by far the darkest in color. The middle layer just tastes like standard icing. It's sweet but I think less so than the other bars. (4/5) Interestingly enough, I enjoyed the Nanaimo Bar from Red's more than both other bakeries. I think it's pretty good in quality and while sweet, has the heavy cocoa elements of the cookie base to help balance things out a bit. Washroom - I didn't see any available for customers.

    Photos
    Red's Bakery - 2023 first place awards

    2023 first place awards

    Red's Bakery
    Red's Bakery - Exterior

    See all

    Exterior

    Serious Coffee Vancouver Island Conference Centre - black sesame matcha latte with oat milk, and strawberry iced chai with oat milk

    Serious Coffee Vancouver Island Conference Centre

    3.3(18 reviews)
    0.1 km
    $

    i made a point to stop in at serious coffee after spotting their chalkboard advertising a black…read moresesame matcha latte, because curiosity absolutely won. i arrived before noon on a friday and the café was nearly empty, with only one table occupied, which gave the visit a calm, unhurried feel. the space itself is cozy, relaxed, and slightly mysterious, with high ceilings, exposed beams, chandeliers, and warm lighting paired with dark wood. it feels very much like a place that had a previous life, likely as a pub, and that history adds character. at the same time, the room feels visually busy. the walls are lined with menus, chalkboards, printed signs, and notices, and the pastry case is packed with labels and options. it all creates a sense of abundance and activity, even when the café is quiet, almost like there is a lot competing for your attention at once. i ordered the black sesame matcha latte with oat milk, unsweetened, along with a strawberry iced chai with oat milk, also unsweetened. the black sesame completely overpowered the matcha. the matcha was there, but very subtle, more of a background note than a distinct presence. if you love black sesame, this drink might work well for you, but matcha lovers may find it lacking balance. the strawberry iced chai, even without sweetener, it somehow tasted too sweet for my preference, and the flavour combination felt slightly off. it was not terrible, just not something i would order again. overall, this was a fun stop with creative drinks and a distinctive atmosphere. the chalkboard outside definitely did its job getting me through the door, and the café feels like a solid place to sit and hang out, especially if you enjoy trying something a little different.

    Nice Nanaimo Bars (but not the best in town-- try Reds). Very nice atmosphere and friendly staff.read more

    Photos
    Serious Coffee Vancouver Island Conference Centre
    Serious Coffee Vancouver Island Conference Centre
    Serious Coffee Vancouver Island Conference Centre

    See all

    The Vault Café - coffee - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...