Viva Java's your textbook definition of hole-in-the-wall / hidden gem of an establishment. It's tucked away in an industrial area on the intersection of Smith St and Douglas St. If you're not actively searching, you'd probably miss it. As others mentioned, the owner can be a little eccentric, but behind the rough exterior, you can tell he's just a passionate coffee lover. He said he roasts his beans every morning and swears it's the best coffee ever. He said "every cup of coffee you drank before this is crap. Just taste." You know what? At least for Vancouver, it's the best latte I've had during my last six trips here, visiting from the States. It's smooth, dark, robust, aromatic, and very comforting. I'll definitely buy a few bags of beans on my next trip. Richmond/Vancouver coffee, for the most part, has been leaning towards fruitier and sour notes from what I've tried (Nemesis, R Ki, Moving Coffee, Grounds Coffee), but this is more my cup of... coffee. 5/5 no notes. Maybe I've been looking in the wrong places. Maybe it really was that good. Will be back. Fantastic latte, my friend. read more

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Coffee was very good in this non-typical coffee house. Ordered iced coffees and machiato. Both were very good and the staff was great. One knock is I gave them $20 US for a $20.50 CA and they didn't give me change. They only take cash. So this was a little disappointing - and I decided to not make a big deal. read more

Viva Java - Good coffee - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

A little hole in the wall spot with amazing coffee and really sweet owners!! Asked if I wanted to add or sweeten anything but it was so amazing. read more

Very eclectic owner who is not a fan of pourovers and gave us grief for asking. We got a latte and it was too hot to drink and took at least an hour until it was sipping temperature. However the strangest thing was the sleeves that they used which had the address and phone number of a similar sounding Viva Fine Foods & Bakery in Kitsilano that was crossed out.... ‍ read more

Viva Java - Latte with the name of a similar sounding cafe - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

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The best coffee in Vancouver, you definitely need to try it. Even though it's far away from my home, but I always think about it. Worth to drive read more

Very good coffee Take cash only They roast and sell coffee beans Only had a late Will go again for beans as well I didn't have enough cash on me at the time to get beans. read more

Viva Java has the best of coffee and beans with quality and consistency ! Arturo provides exceptional cappuccino and personality while filling your order - always excellent! read more

The coffee is amazing I heard about it from a friend and wanted to try it. The owner is sure a character. He is funny about rough around the edges but passionate about his product. I highly recommend the coffee. It's amazing read more

Viva Java - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

Just discovered this little java cafe that's also a custom roasting house in a tiny industrial area off a very busy area of Bridgeport very near to the Costco. I think I had the best cappuccino since Italy long ago. There's a tiny seating area and the order counter area is wonderfully adorned with colorful decor from around the world. A must visit stop in Richmond! read more

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The very best coffee that you can find anywhere. I am a long time customer & can't say enough about the coffee. The beans are organic & fresh roasted daily. The taste & quality is beyond words. If you are a coffee lover, you must try Viva Java to purchase a bag of coffee beans or a cup of the best coffee in town! The owner & uniqueness of this coffee shop is worth the trip to check it out. read more

This is an awesome Italian cafe that is hidden in Richmond! How come I did not know it earlier?! I thought there was no good coffee shops in Richmond, but I realized this one located at the opposite side of Costco was excellent! This coffee shop is running by an Italian guy. He is doing a one man show running the coffee shop by himself. He roasts coffee beans every morning and makes coffee for his customers with humour. People come here to buy roasted coffee beans. The blue mountain coffee beans are so good that people don't care how much they pay for them. They just pay and buy the good quality of the blue mountain coffee beans. Anyhow, it was my first time to come here for a "real" coffee in Richmond. This coffee shop has "real" coffee unlike Starbucks and Timmy Hortons. If you know how to drink coffee and what is good coffee, this is the best one I have found in Richmond so far. I bought a cup of latte. Mama Mia! It was so good! The coffee was in golden colour (showing by the owner of the coffee shop). After adding the milk into the coffee, I had a sip tasting the coffee/latte without sugar (always!), it was so good! The coffee/latte was hotter than usual because the owner knew that the coffee/latte could cool down quickly, so he made extra hot for me. In the end, he added a little bit more of coffee to make the latte a little bit stronger. That tasted SO GOOD! read more

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I came here after seeing all the raving reviews. It's tucked away in the industrial side of Richmond, extremely close to Costco and the casino. The cafe itself was quite cute but not a lot of seating spaces. They brew their own beans. My friend and I decided to meet up here in the morning and ordered a latte each. Please note they take cash only. I've heard quite a bit of (negative) rumors about the owner himself but...WOW. When we were both buying, paying and waiting for our drink, the entire time he was so rude. He responded in all curt answers and had a HUGE frown on his face. There were a few customers in and out of the cafe. All of a sudden, the owner jacked up the music SO loud. Few seconds later, he turned it up even louder to an UNBEARABLE volume. I looked back from my seat and there was a customer right at the cashier with him. My friend and I were in a total "what the heck" mode. Because the volume was seriously damaging to our ears, we decided to leave. Good thing there was a bench right by the big garbage bin and we sat there and continued our chatting. Seriously, this owner's demeanor reminded me of Scrooge. Good thing it isn't Christmas yet. After a very short while, the music was back to normal volume. It was, however, getting way too warm outside and we weren't done catching up. When we came back inside, we were seated across from this room labeled "Office. Employees Only." This woman (probably his wife or someone he knew) went in and I saw a toilet in there. LOL. Based on this, i don't they don't lend their washroom out. Therefore, if you are like me whose body produces quite a bit of internal liquid after drinking coffee, you'd better take your business elsewhere. read more

It is tucked away in the industrial corner of Bridgeport area. This little coffee roaster has a small list of coffee beverages and a large roasting list. The decor has an island feel, and the owner has quite a sense of humour. The large cappuccino ($4.75) we tried was big and flavourful. It is too bad the hours in the weekend is very limited so we only get to enjoy this place when we get to Richmond before 2pm on a Saturday. read more

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Owner is a lunatic. He kicked me out for asking questions about the differences between his three dark roasts. He didn't want to answer any of my questions and started yelling and swearing at me just for trying to get an idea of which dark roast bean I should go home with. At $25/lb and a short-tempered, sensitive egomaniac behind the counter, pretty sure it's just not worth it. read more

Ever have that craving for a perfect cup of coffee? Roasted the right amount, and made just for your tastebuds? That craving can only be satisfied with a cup of Arti' s coffee. His freshly roasted beans excites your tastebuds and leaves you wanting more. There's no going back. You'll be hooked with just one sip. Trust me, his coffee is soul-filling. read more

Viva Java - Best mocha ever - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

First time I had tried Viva Java coffee was 22 years ago and it's definitely 2nd to none. The owner, Arty, is a riot and makes me laugh during every visit. You must try the Mocha (hot or cold). It's delicious. read more

There is no better coffee than Viva Java in all of BC. Trust me, I've been as far north as you can go and back, and nothing has even come close to Artie's fresh roasted coffee. I drive all the way from Burnaby every few weeks to stock up on beans because there is no other coffee roaster that I can trust to do what Artie does. Seriously good stuff. read more

I met Artie almost twenty years ago and have been a fan ever since. The best coffee I have ever tasted, bar none and each cup has nuances of flavour that are just slightly, ever so different than the last. Artie has forgotten more about coffee roasting than most roasters ever learn and it definitely shows up in the myriad of flavours he can conjure up in a moments notice. Take the plunge and visit him and you will be forever changed in how you view a cup of coffee. Artie may seem a bit rough around the edges but he has an absolutely wonderful sense of humour if you just smile and dig a little. He's a great guy and a passionate lover of superb coffee. VIVA - VIVA JAVA!! Jim H. read more

Excellent coffee, great service. I only drink coffee "straight-up" (no milk, cream, sugar, etc) so I appreciate any place that takes the time to select and craft roast their own coffee beans. Added bonus - they also roast and season peanuts on some days. read more

I'm a coffee lover and usually drink Starbucks for the convenience. The first time we visited with our friend who recommended Viva Java. It was definitely a vibe I didn't expect. The owner was a bit intimidating with his strong personality. We both ordered just black coffee so we could taste the true flavours. It was one of the nicest cups of coffee I've ever had. I pop in occasionally, would recommend for sure! read more

If you're tired of the regular coffee shops brewing their stale foil pouched coffee. If you want a real cup of espresso, a real Americano, or if you're looking for the best Mocha Cafe in BC get out of the mall, leave Main Street, and try Viva Java. You will not be disappointed. He doesn't sell disappointment, only excellent espresso based drinks and the freshest roasted beans from all over the world. Mild, medium, or strong - its the only decision you have to make. Leave the rest to BC's only master roaster. You don't have to take my word for it, let his coffee do the talking. read more

Viva Java - A warm May afternoon with the proprietor and a few regulars. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

Saw this reviewed on the front page of yelp on May 22nd and decided to give this place a go. It's for sure a coffee house with a unique personality. A nice change from all the other hipster places that I've been to. This was a suggested place by another Yelper for my100 coffee shops in 52 weeks challenge. This cafe is close to Bridgeport station on the Canada Line and is only a 10 minute walk from the station. They operate regular business hours during the day, therefore, it was a little bit of a challenge to get here during the regular 9 - 5 pm. They are open on Saturday's but only until 2 pm, therefore, I felt that it was a race against time to get here before they closed. Thankfully I only had to take the Canada Line and the 100 bus. I needed you a motivator to get out of bed anyway and this was it. There's a difference between a barista and this guy, what commercial roasters should inspire to be. The minute you walk in your greated by not only the lovely gentleman behind the counter but the smell of beans. Cash only. read more

Best coffee in town hands down! Fresh beans, friendly service...what else can you ask for? read more

Viva Java - The coffee artist himself! - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

ABSOLUTE BEST coffee in town! From the moment you park and smell the coffee from the other end of the lot, to walking in and getting afreshly brewed cup of coffee, to the first sip... It's AMAZING! So just head over there now b/c I promise you won't be disappointed. read more

So good. I've had coffee at so many places in the lower mainland over the years. I thought there was nothing more to add to the coffee experience here. And then I come here. Holy cow. Why didn't I come here earlier? This is real coffee. I can't figure it out. The taste is more substantial and lingers on your tongue and nose like a lover's first kiss. What is this stuff. Have I ever had coffee before this? It's bitter and sweet and sour. It's like chocolate and tea. Amazing. read more

Viva Java - Cafe Brava is so good - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

Freshly roasted this morning, beans still warm. Given strict instructions on how to let it cool and store the beans. Love this place! It's right by Costco in Richmond, BC. Worth searching out, Great little hidden gem in Richmond. read more

Viva Java - Coffee & Tea Near Me - Richmond, British Columbia

Best coffee beans I was able to find in this town. Artie, with his long experience in roasting, knows how to make great coffee beans. Don't offend him asking to add sweet syrup or other stuff in a coffee. read more

The consistency Arti has with his brewing and roasting is impressive. He'll ask you how you like your coffee beans (strong? smooth? medium?) Then make a mix like a chef would make a meal. He can even do this for cups of coffee. No other roaster has such an excellent long term consistency that Arti can pull off. If you are looking for more of a sit down casual atmosphere go elsewhere. This is a coffee shop for aficionados! read more

Don't come here if you want trendy surroundings but if you are looking for quality coffee expertly roasted, this is the place for you - this is by far the best coffee in Greater Vancouver - the owner is quirky but he offers a variety of coffees from all over the world and he knows how to roast it to perfection - I'll say it again, this is the best espresso I've had in Greater Vancouver, strongly recommend this place to all coffee connoisseurs. read more

This has to be the best coffee I know anywhere. There is nothing like a good cup of coffee in the morning for me, the quality of the beans, the smell, the taste it is amazing!! I love this place, the atmosphere and the services. This coffee shop is running by one person and I can say, he is very passionate about coffee beans and very loyal to his costumers. read more

So glad to have found this gem and gotten "a real latte" for a change! Nice and hot, and a good size. If you're looking for a cafe with real character and soul, look no further. read more

What a great coffee house... a hidden gem in Richmond, just around the corner from Costco. It smells M-A-R-V-E-L-L-O-U-S as you approach since Arti roasts the coffee beans on premises. read more

The best coffee I've ever had!! I've lived in Richmond all my life & I am so happy this place is so close. It's very close to the Canada Line & easily accessible. It's such an amazing coffee shop. Try the Cafe Brava it will change your life! Love it. Seriously do yourself a favour and try out Viva Java. You'll be so so happy you tried it! read more

You can drink franchise coffee, and then you can drink Arti's coffee. The difference is massive. Visit him once, you will never look back!

This place is FANTASTIC!!! Freshly roasted coffee... Can't get any better than this. Double Yum!!!

Been coming here since I was a baby. Travelled around the world and best coffee I have ever had. Always a memorable experience when you stop by. I encourage everyone to come and try the coffee! read more

After trying most roasters in the lower mainland Viva is by far the best. I can't leave town without taking Arti along. Keep up the good work! read more

This is real coffee, not many people know how to do coffee anymore, but ask Arturo, he'll show you!

I am so impressed with the quality of the coffee beans that I make the trip out from Maple Ridge just to pick them up. An upbeat conversation with the owner adds to the experience. He can recall conversations from previous visits and has a unique way of making his customers feel like the trip to Viva Java was worthwhile. I will be back... often. read more

Viva Java specializes roasting 30 varieties of organic beans & decaf flavouring. I have been a customer for over 10 years. The coffee tastes amazing! It has a bold unique taste that cannot be found elsewhere. This coffee house is worth the trip from wherever you live. You won't be disappointed when you find this treasure! read more