Cafe Ricotta has become a Burnaby favourite for its bright, Italian-inspired breakfasts and house-made ricotta, served daily since opening in 2018. Walk in and you’ll first notice the open kitchen, where staff hand-whip ricotta in small 10-litre batches every morning, then use it across their menu. They’re known for that fresh cheese and for a focused menu that hits every meal of the day with confidence.

On the menu you’ll find ricotta toast with seasonal preserves, a signature mushroom and ricotta omelette, and a popular ricotta pancakes stack that routinely sells out on weekends. They also roast their own small-batch espresso blend, the Ricotta Roast, brewed on a Slayer espresso machine for precise extraction. For savoury options there’s a smoked salmon tartine, house-made focaccia sandwiches, and a rotating selection of three salads. Pastries are baked in-house, about 20 items daily, including ricotta-filled croissants and a lemon-ricotta scone that locals ask for by name.

The team is a close-knit group of eight baristas and cooks, many with culinary certificates from local schools and hands-on experience at Vancouver kitchens. Service is friendly and practical; staff will explain menu items, suggest pairings like the single-origin pour-over with ricotta pancakes, and accommodate dietary needs including vegan and gluten-reduced options. Seating is comfortable for about 40 people, with a sunny window bench and a communal table for remote workers.

Cafe Ricotta values being part of the Burnaby community, hosting a monthly neighbourhood open-mic and sourcing eggs and milk from nearby Fraser Valley farms. People choose Cafe Ricotta when they want breakfast that tastes of care and craft, not a rush. Call to order or ask about special events: 604-558-1631. Find photos and updates on Instagram: @cafericotta.