When you’re just not ready for your date night to end, it can be a challenge to know what exactly to do next. Rather than simply head home, take your special someone to indulge in their sweet tooth at one of these yummy dessert spots in Vancouver. [Image courtesy of Thierry; photo credit: Leila Kwok]
If you find yourself downtown and in need of late-night desserts, Thierry is a fantastic option. This Alberni Street sweet shop and café is a must-try for gourmet foodies. Menu highlights include artisanal chocolates, macarons, cakes, and a deliciously rich drinking chocolate that can be ordered straight up or spiked with a drop of booze. Open until midnight throughout the week, Thierry is the perfect spot to take your special someone to for a decadent and romantic dessert date.
Located on Main Street, this dessert-only restaurant specializes in hand-made cakes, pies and all things sweet. If your special someone fancies a slice of apple pie with whipped cream or a warm and moist chocolate pudding cake just like Grandma used to make, then this deliciously decadent menu is sure to impress. The late-night spot is open until midnight throughout the week and 1:00 am on Friday and Saturday nights, making it the ideal locale for an after-dinner treat with your sweetie.
Nero is the perfect spot to indulge in authentic Belgian-style waffles without leaving Vancouver. This Robson Street hotspot (open until 11:00 pm weekdays and ’til midnight on weekends) serves up waffles two ways: soft and sweet Liege style treats and light and crispy Brussels style waffles – I suggest sharing one of each with your date. With decadent toppings ranging from fresh fruit and whipped cream to Oreo cookie crumble with vanilla ice cream, be sure to bring your sweet tooth!
One of my favourite locations for a frozen treat, Earnest Ice Cream scoops a variety of unique and delicious flavour that simply cannot be found anywhere else! Be sure to stop by one of their locations after dinner (Fraser Street and Quebec Street are both open until 10:00 pm), or try to hunt down their Scoop Truck to try out their one-of-a-kind flavours. Options include whiskey hazelnut, London Fog, oatmeal brown sugar, peanut butter and jam, and strawberry balsamic.
At Crackle Crème, you’ll find beautiful and delicious small-batch desserts served in a cozy environment. The menu features more than 15 flavours of delicious artisan crème brûlée served in delightfully cute little jars. Other options include sweet Liege waffles drizzled with Nutella or salted caramel, hand crafted ice cream, or sweet-and-simple hot cocoa. Located just a few doors down from The Union and within walking distance from many of Chinatown’s cool eateries, Crackle Crème is a charming choice if you need a sweet treat after an early dinner.
Cartems Donuterie is not your average doughnut shop! With locations downtown and in Mount Pleasant, this local favourite stocks incredible one-of-a-kind desserts that are sure to have you coming back for more. From maple bacon whiskey to a cakey Earl Grey flavour sprinkled with rose petals, these doughnuts will have you swooning. Doughy treats are available a la carte or by the dozen in case you and your date want to sample a variety of different flavours.
If your sweet tooth is looking for something a bit more traditional, then it’s time to head to True Confections. Offering yummy cheesecakes, tasty tarts, and pretty much everything in between, this West End dessert spot has something to satiate everyone’s sweet tooth. This location (open until midnight or later) is perfect for indecisive duos who are looking for a little bit of everything.
Have a hankering for cheesecake? Then you must go to Cheesecake Etc. Specializing in light, smooth and creamy cheesecakes that’ll melt in your mouth, this downtown dessert destination is the perfect spot to sit down, indulge and enjoy a bit of jazz. The dimly lit café has a romantic ambiance and is open until 1:00 am every night of the week.
If you LOVE ice cream then Rain or Shine is a place you need to add to your “must try” list. This delicious and fresh homemade ice cream is sure to delight your sweet tooth, no matter what the weather. Choose from a variety of different classic and seasonal flavours: honey lavender, salted caramel, toasted coconut and crackled mint are just a few of the options. Garnish your scoops with crunchy toppings or blend it all up for a easy-to-drink milkshake. Both locations (Kits and Cambie Village) are open until 10:00 pm daily.
Not all dates happen in the evening. If you’re heading out for a Saturday afternoon stroll along the Seawall with your sweetheart, this Olympic Village café is the perfect spot to stop for a quick lunch, or simply for a sweet treat. Fresh-baked chocolate croissants, fruit-filled muffins, bite-sized macarons and creamy parfaits are just a few of the delightful desserts on offer.