Something special is brewing: Alimentaria Mexicana has expanded its culinary family with the opening of El Cafecito, a new and lively fast-casual café bringing Latin American coffee culture and authentic Mexican flavours to Granville Island. Known for upholding Mexican culinary traditions, Alimentaria Mexicana’s new quick-service café concept offers a convenient spot for locals and tourists to grab freshly brewed coffee and warm, hearty burritos.
Founded by the same team behind Vancouver’s premier destination for heirloom corn tortillas and artisanal Mexican products, El Cafecito continues to honour Latin American heritage. Nestled within Alimentaria Mexicana, the café debuted this September, transforming the restaurant’s retail space into a coffee haven.
“We are thrilled to introduce El Cafecito to Granville Island,” says Ernesto Gomez, Co-founder of Alimentaria Mexicana and El Cafecito. “This concept was born from our desire to bring authentic Latin American coffee and cuisine to Vancouver in a way that fits the busy lifestyle of Granville Island’s workers and visitors. We want our café to feel like an extension of the island’s creative community, where people can stop in for a quick pick-me-up or stay for a while and soak in the atmosphere.”
El Cafecito’s cozy 16-seat interior provides a welcoming refuge on Granville Island, plus an outdoor 16-seat patio for al fresco dining. Showcasing the talents of designer Scott Cohen, who “treats all his design spaces as pieces instead of spaces,” the bright mosaics on the exterior contrast with a lush, tropical-inspired interior, perfectly complementing the warm, inviting menu.
Partnering with Agro Roasters, a Vancouver-based supplier of organic, sustainably sourced coffee beans, El Cafecito delivers a premium artisanal brew experience. Signature beverages like the Nitro Cafe De Olla and the Horchatte – a playful take on latte using horchata, Mexico’s classic rice and cinnamon drink – have quickly emerged as crowd favourites since El Cafecito quietly opened its doors. The beverage selection also includes drip coffee, espresso drinks, and comforting hot chocolate.
El Cafecito’s food menu is anchored by its hearty, authentic Mexican burritos, inspired by flavours from northern Mexico and designed to accompany the coffee program. These grab-and-go delights, including options like Frijol Con Queso (beans and cheese), Huevo Con Chorizo (egg and chorizo), and Birria Con Frijol (beef and beans), wrapped in handmade 10-inch tortillas, are served warm and fresh all day, making them an ideal choice for a satisfying breakfast or lunch on the go.
“We wanted to create a space that blends convenience with authenticity,” explains Co-founder andChef Martín Vargas, “We craft our burritos with care and respect for Mexican culinary traditions, and our coffee program was designed to offer the highest quality in every cup.”
As a wonderful bonus for those who spend their days contributing to the area’s exciting and growing offerings, El Cafecito offers a 10% discount on food and drink to people who work on Granville Island. With a commitment to speed and quality, the café promises quick service in its grab-and-go food program.
“Granville Island is such a unique cultural hub, and we’re excited to contribute to its vibrant food scene,” adds Darragh McFeely, Co-founder. “El Cafecito is a place where locals and tourists can come together over great food and coffee in an inviting, accessible space.”
