Maple Ridge calls itself a city with “small-town charm and big-city flavours,” which certainly applies to its rich dining culture. This community-oriented town has a lot to offer its people when it comes to food and drink. Aside from its excellent restaurants, Maple Ridge is also dotted with numerous cafes that provide guests and locals a comforting respite from their busy everyday lives.
Here are our five favourite cafés in Maple Ridge:
Humble Roots
Humble Roots prides itself on using the freshest local ingredients around to create their handcrafted dishes. They source ingredients consciously, making sure to choose top quality and ethical suppliers in the area. They also change their menus to match the season to highlight the best harvests of the moment. Food choices are quite varied, which includes vegan and gluten-free options. Enjoy your food at their lovely outdoor patio, where you can enjoy the delicious fare while taking in the beautiful BC weather.
Kanaka Creek Coffee
Kanaka Creek is a well-loved neighbourhood café located in Albion on the 102nd. Many locals come for the delicious coffee and a quaint, countryside atmosphere. Many regulars – and even tourists – have praised the staff’s customer service. Owners Sabrina, Alysha, and Jessica Wheeler have been known to offer help and a friendly smile to anyone who walks through the doors. The café also hosts special events every once in a while, including open mic sessions to showcase local talent. Fair warning: Kanaka Creek Coffee is a trendy spot, so it might be hard to find a seat. Try to visit during off-peak hours to be able to find a good table.
Cremino Gelato & Caffe
Cremino is known to create handcrafted gelato and pastries in-house, ensuring optimum taste and authenticity in everything they serve. But don’t take our word for it — their Insalata Sundae, an organic avocado concoction topped with pecans, pistachio, lemon, and dried cranberries, won the Vancouver Sundae Challenge by Vancouver Foodster. Regulars also love their simple coffee menu, which contains all-time favourites like Americano, Cappuccino, Espresso, and the like. Some have called it a great reminder of Italy, with a satisfied customer saying he visited to satiate his post-Italian vacation cravings.
Gratia Bakery & Café
Gratia on Dewdney Trunk Rd is a warm, brick-walled space with long wooden tables meant for intimate gatherings. The owners named it “gratia” to signify the way of life they want to lead – a life of thankfulness and grace. Indeed, regulars are very thankful for Gratia’s impressive bread selection, which is baked fresh and stays light for days. Their massive bread and pastry display are one of the most striking things you’ll see upon entering the place, a long counter with baskets upon baskets of delicious bakes that’s sure to taste as good as they look.
Golden Ears Cheesecrafters
Don’t be fooled by the name – Golden Ears Cheesecrafters is more than just cheese. This family-owned cheesemaker business also runs a Country Kitchen, a homey space that serves locally-sourced products, coffee, tea, and pastries. Golden Ears cheese is used to create farm-style soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, and slow-cooked poutine, among others. Diners can enjoy organic, locally-roasted coffee blends and fresh-baked pastries, as well. Feel free to take advantage of the spacious outdoor dining area that looks out onto the vast grassy area for that farmhouse feel.