Where to find the best dessert in Vancouver: so soft, so melty, so irresistible
- LFR Team
- Aug 16
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 16
If happiness had a flavor, I think it would taste like dessert in Vancouver.
This city is full of little gems where sugar meets artistry, where every bite feels like a tiny celebration.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been hopping from café to café, spoon in hand, determined to find the sweetest, most photo-worthy treats in town.
And let me tell you… I didn’t just find desserts, I found experiences.
From dreamy strawberry parfaits in pink-hued cafés to chewy mochi donuts that made me smile with every bite, each spot had its own personality — its own little magic.
Some were perfect for cozy catch-ups, others for solo indulgence, and a few? They practically begged to be on your Instagram feed.
So grab your sweet tooth (and maybe a friend who won’t judge your dessert-first lifestyle), because here are 5 dessert spots in Vancouver that completely stole my heart.
1. Thierry Chocolates, Patisserie & Café 🥐🍫✨
Thierry feels like a little slice of Paris in downtown Vancouver.
Walking into Thierry feels like stepping into a European café where every dessert has been dressed up for a special occasion.
The air smells of warm butter, roasted coffee beans, and cocoa — the kind of aroma that makes you stop talking mid-sentence.
The star here is the Chocolate Chestnut Cake,
The Chestnut Cake is already one of the shop’s best-sellers — and I’ve tried it.
Honestly…
I don’t think anything on this planet can beat it.
Warning: it’s insanely delicious.
It’s made with hazelnut sponge, chestnut bavarois, candied chestnuts, and rich chocolate ganache.
For me, a small slice is just perfect if you’re eating it alone.
It’s a little sweet, but oh-so worth it.
If you want something playful and colorful, go for their macarons.
Salted caramel has a perfect balance of sweet and salty, pistachio offers a delicate nuttiness, and raspberry bursts with tart fruitiness.
They’re crisp at first bite, then soft and chewy — exactly how a macaron should be.
I just tried the mango flavor – sweet and tangy, every bite feels like a little sunshine. Pair it with a cup of matcha and… oh my, pure happiness!
And guess what?
Thierry has even more flavors waiting for you: Salted Caramel, Vanilla, Lemon, Pistachio, Strawberry, Mango, and Raspberry.
Best part?
These macarons are made fresh every single day, using only the finest ingredients.
Yummy from the first bite to the last!
Are you a matcha fan? Then you cannot skip this one — the Matcha Blackberry Éclair.
What makes it special is the filling: matcha whipped ganache, blackberry compote, plus fresh blueberries and blackberries.
I never thought they could come up with such a perfect combo.
The gentle bitterness of matcha meets the light sweetness of the berries…
Wow, it just melts in your mouth.
The pastry shell is slightly crisp on the outside, adding the perfect texture.
Honestly, besides chocolate, this is the one you must try here — or you’ll regret it.
If you’re in the mood for something tropical and refreshing, the Mango Tart is a must.
It comes with a crisp coconut sable base, silky lime sabayon, and juicy fresh mango on top.
I love how the coconut gives it a subtle sweetness, while the lime adds that tangy kick — it’s like sunshine in dessert form.
It’s light, fragrant, and perfect for those days when you want something sweet without feeling too heavy.
The seating inside feels cozy but sophisticated, with the soft hum of conversation and the clinking of coffee cups.
If you’re lucky enough to grab a patio table, you get a front-row seat to Vancouver’s downtown fashion parade.
Yes, prices are on the higher side, but this is not just dessert — it’s an experience, an edible piece of art.
Thierry is where you go when you want to slow down, indulge, and let every bite remind you that life can be deliciously beautiful.
📍 Location: 1059 Alberni St, Vancouver (right downtown, near luxury shops)
💰 Price: $$–$$$ (desserts $7–$12, drinks $5–$8)
🚗 Parking: Paid parkade nearby, street parking is limited
🪑 Seating: Indoor tables + small outdoor patio, often busy afternoons
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thierrychocolat/
2. La Fraise Rose – Vancouver’s Sweetheart for Chocolate & Strawberries 🍓🍫
Oh my gosh… if you’re a strawberry lover, this place will steal your heart
…and maybe your wallet too, but in the best way possible.
La Fraise Rose is famous for their Chocolate-Covered Strawberries — hands down, the star of the show.
These aren’t just any strawberries.
They’re dipped in silky Belgian milk or pretty pink chocolate, topped with elegant dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and sometimes even coconut or mini hearts.
The presentation?
Stunning!!!
Every order comes in a gorgeous gift box, so pretty you’ll want to take a hundred photos before even eating.
Honestly, it’s the kind of gift that makes people go “WOW” when they open it.
Price-wise, it’s a little on the higher side, from a few dozen dollars to over $100 for premium boxes.
But for special occasions? Totally worth it.
If you want to go extra fancy, try their Chocolate Fruit Platter — a mix of chocolate-dipped strawberries, chewy dates stuffed and coated in milk chocolate, and creamy banana slices dipped in chocolate for that nostalgic, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
I swear, the Lemon Lilac Box is pure romance in a package.
When I opened it for the first time, it felt like unboxing a little piece of spring.
Inside, you’ll find perfectly plump strawberries, each one dressed up in either dreamy pink chocolate or elegant white chocolate, sprinkled with coconut flakes, tiny hearts, and even fresh raspberries for a pop of tartness.
The colors alone are enough to make your heart skip a beat — pinks, whites, reds, all arranged so neatly in an elegant box that honestly looks too pretty to open.
I love how every detail feels intentional, like they’re not just giving you dessert, they’re giving you a moment.
And yes, I took at least 10 photos before taking the first bite… because how could I not?
The chocolate melts gently as you bite in, giving way to that juicy, sweet strawberry burst.
For something indulgent yet bite-sized, get their Chocolate Truffles.
Ohhh, the truffles.
I didn’t think I’d fall in love again so quickly after the strawberries, but here we are.
Each one is like a tiny jewel, smooth, glossy, and just waiting to be tasted.
I tried Lavender first (because I’m dramatic like that)
And wow… The floral aroma hits you before the chocolate even touches your tongue.
Then there’s Peanut Butter Crunch for that salty-sweet magic, Mango for a tropical surprise, Champagne for that boujee vibe, and of course, Dark Chocolate Ganache for the purists who believe life should be intensely chocolatey.
I honestly think truffles are the kind of thing you can eat slowly and savor… but me?
I inhaled three in a row without a single regret.
Right now, they’re in a temporary space while their new location is under renovation (back in Fall 2025). So you can’t dine in at the moment, but honestly, their treats are made for gifting, picnics, and cozy nights in any way.
📍 1820 Pandora St, Vancouver, BC
💰 Price: Premium ($30–$100+) depending on the box size/type
📦 Best For: Gifts, celebrations, anniversaries, “I’m sorry” moments, or “I love you” moments.
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafraise.rose
3.Beta5 Chocolates 🍫✨
So first things first… just wow.
If you’ve never had a Beta5 cream puff, you don’t know what you’re missing.
The Salted Caramel Cream Puff is the one that hooked me.
Big, round, and golden, with a crunchy top and a soft, airy shell that’s packed with caramel cream so smooth it’s almost illegal.
And when that salty caramel hits your tongue? You just stand there for a second like, “Okay… this is dangerous.”
I have to tell you — the Vietnamese Coffee Cream Puff was love at first bite for me.
The choux pastry shell is so light and delicate, almost like it’s giving you a little hug before it breaks apart in your mouth.
Then comes the filling… oh my goodness.
It’s a smooth, velvety coffee cream that tastes exactly like a strong, freshly brewed Vietnamese cà phê sữa đá — bold, slightly bitter, but perfectly balanced with sweet, creamy milkiness.
I love how every bite gives you that gentle coffee kick without being overwhelming, so you just keep going back for more.
And honestly?
I was shameless.
I had one, then another, and then started plotting how I could “accidentally” order a box to take home.
It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel warm, cozy, and just a tiny bit hyper from all the coffee magic.
Now let’s talk about the Signature Chocolates.
They are like the elegant, well-dressed guests at a fancy party.
Each piece is crafted so beautifully that I almost didn’t want to eat them… almost.
I picked one up, admired its glossy finish and delicate design, and then took a bite — instant happiness.
There’s a mix of flavors in the collection: some are deep and intense with pure dark chocolate richness, others are silky milk chocolate with soft ganache centers, and a few hide fun surprises like caramel, raspberry, or nutty praline.
I love how each piece feels like opening a tiny present.
You never quite know what you’re going to get, but you know it’s going to be delightful.
The texture, the snap of the chocolate shell, the way it melts so gracefully…
I swear I could sit by the window on a rainy Vancouver day with a box of these and call it self-care.
Oh, and if you’re up for something totally fun and over-the-top?
Beta5 has The Halo-Halo Split — a gorgeous, tropical dream in a bowl.
Imagine scoops of creamy ube ice cream, refreshing coconut sorbet, and fragrant pandan ice cream all snuggled together.
Then, it gets even better with silky banana flan, chewy sago pearls, bouncy nata de coco, and wobbly pandan jellies.
They drizzle on a cloud of condensed milk chantilly, sprinkle with crunchy toasted pinipig, and crown it all with a bright maraschino cherry.
I love how every spoonful is a surprise — sweet, chewy, creamy, icy — like a little party in your mouth that keeps changing with every bite.
The shop itself isn’t fancy or Instagram-pretty inside, but honestly, the desserts are the main characters here.
Prices are definitely in the “special treat” zone, but the quality? Totally worth it.
It’s the kind of place you stop by when you want to surprise someone with a gift… and accidentally buy extra for yourself (because, trust me, you will).
📍 Location: 409 Industrial Ave, Vancouver
💰 Price: $$–$$$ (most cream puffs $8–$10, chocolate boxes $20–$40)
🚗 Parking: Free street parking right outside — no circling forever like downtown
🪑 Seating: Minimal — this is more of a grab-and-go spot, but they have a couple of benches outside if you can’t wait to dig in
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beta5chocolates/
4.Rain or Shine 🍦✨
“Rain or shine!! My fave by far, much better than Earnest imo. And my 2 favourites are peach raspberry swirl and taco tuesday"
Okay, let me tell you — Rain or Shine is that ice cream place you think you’ll just pop into for one scoop, but suddenly you’re holding a double cone, a milkshake, and wondering if it’s socially acceptable to come back tomorrow.
Their menu is the definition of “dangerous in the best way.”
Peach Raspberry Swirl is the ice cream that takes me straight back to hot summer days when I’d run barefoot in the backyard and eat fruit so sweet it dripped down my chin.
The peach is like a big sunny hug,
And then…Surprise!
The raspberry jumps in with a tangy “hello!” that makes your tongue do a happy dance.
Every bite is creamy and smooth, with little swirls of jam that pop up like tiny treasure maps for your spoon.
I couldn’t stop smiling — it’s sunshine you can eat.
Taco Tuesday is like the birthday party your mouth’s been waiting for.
Imagine a crunchy waffle shell that’s stuffed with scoops of your favorite ice cream, then covered in sprinkles, sauces, and other fun surprises.
You bite in and — CRUNCH — the shell cracks like a piñata, and all the sweet goodness comes spilling out.
It’s messy, it’s silly, and it made me feel like a kid sneaking dessert before dinner.
I laughed the whole way through and didn’t even care that I had ice cream on my nose.
You know that feeling when you take a bite and it’s soft, smooth, crunchy, and nutty all at the same time?
That’s exactly what this Vegan Chocolate Peanut Crunch ice cream feels like.
The chocolate base is silky and creamy, melting the second it touches your tongue.
But the fun part?
Hidden inside and sprinkled on top are golden roasted peanuts that go crunch crunch with every spoonful.
What I love most is how the rich chocolate flavor isn’t too sweet.
it blends perfectly with the warm, toasty peanut taste.
Every bite feels like a warm hug… but a cold one (yep, that’s a thing).
It’s the kind of ice cream that makes you giggle while you eat because it’s just that good.
And since it’s vegan, everyone can join in without worrying about dairy.
Honestly, it’s the kind of dessert you start chatting over, and before you know it… the bowl’s empty.
The vibe is cheerful and local, with staff who genuinely seem as excited about your flavor choices as you are.
Whether you’re grabbing a cone for a sunny-day walk or making ice cream the main event (which, I fully support), Rain or Shine will 100% have you plotting your next visit before you’ve even finished the first bite.
📍 Location: Multiple in Vancouver (West 4th, Cambie, UBC)
💰 Price: $5–$8 for cones, $7–$9 for sundaes, seasonal specials vary
✨ Best For: Creative flavors, fresh waffle cones, and a “why didn’t I come here sooner?” moment
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainorshineyvr/
5.Passion8 Dessert Café – My Go-To Bingsoo Fix in Vancouver 🍧
If you’ve ever stepped outside on a hot Vancouver afternoon and thought like…
“I need something icy, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent”, Passion8 is exactly where you should end up.
This cozy spot on Cambie and 14th serves mostly Korean-style bingsoo (milk shaved ice), a few drinks, and the occasional toast.
But honestly, I’m here for the bingsoo, every time.
Over my visits, I’ve sampled my way through their menu: from the mango snow (fresh mango, cheesecake bites, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream) to the tiramisu shaved ice that’s so massive it could double as a group challenge.
The tiramisu shaved ice — which is so massive it could double as a group challenge.
It comes only in a large size, a fluffy mountain of milk snow crowned with a full slice of tiramisu on top.
Think creamy mascarpone layers, cocoa-dusted sweetness, and soft, coffee-soaked sponge all melting together with the icy base.
If you’re a dessert lover, it’s basically two indulgences in one — bingsoo and cake.
The strawberry and mango flavours are crowd-pleasers.
But…I think the Injeolmi snow deserves a shout-out — soft, creamy shaved ice topped with nutty soybean powder, chewy mochi (big ones and hidden little ones), and sweet red beans.
They’re generous with toppings, so every bite feels complete.
Do I have a favourite?
Absolutely. It’s a tie between the Mango Bongo (shaved ice + fresh mango + ice cream + mini cheesecake cubes) and the taro bingsoo — both big enough to share or to hoard for yourself if you’re feeling ambitious.
However, not everything’s perfect.
The drinks, in my opinion, don’t match the quality of the desserts.
The strawberry matcha latte I once tried was grainy and bitter (matcha lovers, you might be let down), and the chocolate strawberry latte was so sweet we had to let the ice melt before sipping.
My advice: skip the drinks, save the room for shaved ice.
The café itself is clean, bright, and welcoming, with friendly staff who are happy to recommend flavours based on your mood.
The seating is surprisingly spacious for a dessert place in the city, and if you’re lucky, you’ll snag a spot in the small free parking lot out front.
Yes, you can find Korean shaved ice in plenty of places in Vancouver.
But Passion8 has that perfect mix of generous portions, central location, and late-night hours that keeps me coming back — especially during summer.
On hot days, a large bingsoo here feels less like a dessert and more like an event.
Life hack: get a large to-go, stash it in the freezer, and enjoy round two the next day.
📍 Location:3010 Cambie Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 2V9
💰 Price: ~$15–$17 for large bingsoo (shareable), drinks ~$6–$7
✨ Best For: Huge portions of Korean shaved ice, fresh fruit toppings, and that “I can’t believe this is just one dessert” moment
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passion8dessertcafe/
Final Thought
So now it’s your turn. Which one of these desserts are you running to first? 🍨 Are you team mango bingsoo, team vegan chocolate peanut crunch, or do you also secretly want to inhale an entire tiramisu shaved ice like me?
Go grab a friend, pick a spot from this list, and let yourself have that sugar rush. Then come back and tell me which one made you go, “yep, this is worth every single calorie.” Because honestly, I’m always looking for an excuse to go back for “research.” 😉
Comments