Austin Avenue’s best-kept secret

The Little Butcher Café sits at 1020 Austin Ave, combining a butcher shop with a breakfast café in a way that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. We’ve watched this true hidden gem win over everyone who discovers it, from contractors grabbing breakfast sandwiches made with house-cured bacon to families ordering the Butcher’s Special with signature meats and fresh-baked bread. Their avocado toast gets a twist with feta, poached eggs, and microgreens that’ll make you forget every other avocado toast you’ve tried. Open Monday to Saturday until 3 PM, so plan accordingly.

coffee roasting done right

C Market Coffee on Schoolhouse Street near Lafarge Lake deserves way more attention than it gets. This place runs their own roastery right in the café, plus a full open kitchen that turns out Korean-fusion brunch dishes alongside perfect espresso. We’ve seen food bloggers make the trip from Vancouver just for their aesthetic interiors and that Instagram-famous Lemon Blue Butterfly drink. The spacious layout makes it perfect for catching up with friends or settling in with your laptop after a morning walk around the lake.

strIp mall treasures

Coffee Bun Bakery tucked inside Henderson Place Mall proves that the best food often hides in the most unexpected places. They bake everything fresh throughout the day using top-quality ingredients, and locals swear by their surprisingly simple Korean-style buns that taste way better than they look. It’s the kind of spot where regulars know exactly what time the fresh batches come out.

Brisk Café on Pinetree Way brings Persian-inspired baking to Coquitlam with outdoor seating surrounded by hanging baskets that make you feel like you’re dining in someone’s garden. Their creative non-alcoholic cocktails pair perfectly with Persian pastries, and owners Laleh and Nader have created the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes this neighbourhood gem feel like home.

SUSHI SPOTS WE’VE BEEN GATEKEEPING

Takahashi at 1196 Lansdowne Dr is the sushi spot we almost don’t want to share. Their high-quality sashimi and omakase sets use ingredients that rival downtown Vancouver spots, but without the pretension or parking hassles. The Toro Nigiri melts in your mouth, and their omakase sets let the chef showcase whatever’s exceptional that day. It’s perfect for when you want to impress someone without leaving Coquitlam.

Shio Japanese Kitchen on The High Street has quickly become the go-to Japanese spot for locals near Coquitlam Centre. Since opening, they’ve built a solid reputation with both traditional sushi and inspired menu items like their famous Katsu Burger. Being close to Douglas College means they keep prices reasonable while maintaining quality that keeps everyone coming back.

Fine dining that actually deserves the hype

Lumière Bistro on Austin Avenue brings French-inspired cuisine to our neighbourhood without the Vancouver attitude. Their duck confit and steak frites have become legendary among locals who know where to find proper fine dining. The crème brûlée alone makes this hidden gem worth seeking out for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself.

The Wild Fig inside the Executive Plaza Hotel on North Road offers modern fusion dishes and an excellent wine selection that rivals any downtown establishment. The stylish atmosphere works for everything from business dinners to romantic dates, and being hotel-based means they maintain consistently high standards.

faq

Do these hidden gem eateries offer vegetarian or vegan options?

Absolutely. Most of these spots create plant-based meals that satisfy. Places like Brisk Café incorporate Persian vegetarian dishes into their menu.

What are the typical price ranges for meals at these restaurants?

Most charge $15-25 for mains, though spots like Coffee Bun Bakery offer excellent value with dishes under $15. Fine dining spots like Lumière Bistro and The Wild Fig run higher but remain reasonable compared to Vancouver prices.

Do Any of These Eateries Provide Takeout or Delivery Services?

Yes, most offer takeout, and several use delivery apps. The Little Butcher Café and C Market Coffee are particularly good for grab-and-go options.

Are reservations required or recommended?

Weekend evenings get busy, especially at Lumière Bistro and The Wild Fig. We recommend calling ahead for dinner reservations, though most breakfast and lunch spots accept walk-ins. Takahashi fills up quickly on weekends, so booking ahead saves disappointment.

What about parking and accessibility?

Most locations offer decent parking, with spots like Henderson Place Mall providing covered parking. The Schoolhouse Street area near Lafarge Lake has good street parking, and hotel restaurants like The Wild Fig include valet options.