Sometimes dinner is just too good to end early, but what happens when it’s time for dessert and the city’s bakeries are already closed for the day? Fear not sweet-toothed friends; this list includes late-night spots in Vancouver that stay open until at least 10:00 pm. These dessert destinations range from casual to upscale, so you're bound to find an appropriate place to satisfy your late night sugar cravings.
True Confections is known across the city for its impressive selection of large-scale cakes. These oversized creations are tall and multi-layered; kind of like the illustrated cakes you often see in children’s storybooks. The Denman Street bakeshop sells cakes by the slice in a range of flavours for those looking to dine in, as well as full-sized cakes that can be ordered for special events. Thankfully, this after-hours spot is open until 1:00 am on Saturdays and midnight on all other days of the week.
Waffles are all the rage these days, and Nero’s is a popular downtown spot to find sweet battered delights. The Belgian-style waffles are always beautifully plated (topped with everything from fresh fruit to Oreo crumble to espresso-infused whipped cream) and taste just as good as they look. Do be aware that this location is quite small and there are often line-ups in the later part of the evening. The Robson Street waffle bar is open until 11:00 pm throughout the week, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Open daily until midnight, this late-night patisserie is a must-try if you’re looking for authentic French pastries in Vancouver. The eye-catching sweets here are both visually pleasing and incredibly delicious. You’ll find artisanal mini cakes, pretty macarons and other assorted pastries on offer, as well as café style drinks like tea and espresso. Though the fancy interior makes it feel very high end, Thierry’s prices are comparable to the other dessert bars on this list, with all sorts of downtown wanderers stopping by for a quick bite.
Bella Gelateria specializes in world-class gelato (though they do offer other foods) and usually attracts extremely long line-ups in the summer months. They have some pretty amazing flavours ranging from classics like chocolate or salted caramel to out-of-the-ordinary options like black sesame or lavender and earl grey. If you’ve been dying to try this place, visit during the colder months to avoid the super long line-ups. The Coal Harbour location is open until 11:00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 10:00 pm on all other days of the week.
Yes there’s fluffy and light cheesecake to be found on Granville Street, and it exists at Cheesecake Etc. The signature cheesecakes at this Fairview cake shop are incredibly light and perfect for a late-night snack when you don’t want anything too heavy. The interior is also quite large and offers plenty of seating for larger groups. Did I mention that they’re open until 1:00 am all week long?
For the extreme night owls out there with no set sleep schedule, there’s always Breka Downtown Bakery Café, which is open 24 hours a day all week long. This popular study spot is a great place for coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner AND extremely late-night (or very early-morning) desserts. The interior is casual and comfortable, with ample seating for those who are on the lookout for a spontaneous snack.
Sweet Revenge is a great date-night location with a quaint interior that features dim lighting and tight seating to keep things cozy. The decor here is VERY cute and the space is full of old-fashioned teacups and delicate cutlery. In keeping with the café’s charming ambiance, the homemade desserts are also very pretty, and taste absolutely delicious. Visit this Main Street spot until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and 12:00 am on all other days of the week.
If you’re on the go but still want a snack, stop by Cafe Crepe on Robson Street. The convenient street-facing walk-up counter means you can order a hand-held dessert to take away without even having to enter the café itself. The French-inspired menu features a wide range of options, including chocolate and fruit-filled crepes and savoury snacks. This downtown location is open until 12:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 11:00 pm on all other days of the week.
If you’re feeling fancy, check out Mosquito – an upscale late-night spot in Gastown serving elegant desserts and drinks. The interior is dark, sleek and modern, and the menu features artistically plated desserts and inventive champagne cocktails. Mosquito is a perfect locale if you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just want to have a classy night out. It’s open until 12:00 am from Wednesdays to Saturdays, and 11:00 pm on Sundays.