Chez Nous: Feels Just Like Home at this French-inspired Yaletown Cafe!

Eeek, it's been almost a year since I last posted, ooooops! Life, ya know? (AKA I've been terrible at making blog posts.) These days, I get a lot of targeted ads on Instagram for cafes (I wonder why), and by fluke, I stumbled across one for Chez Nous: Bakery & Coffee, a French-inspired cafe in Yaletown close to the train station. I went to their profile, and coincidentally, they were opening the next morning!

Of course, I HAD to go check it out, on its Grand Opening Day. They were doing a cute deal, too--the first ten customers would get their drinks free. (I'm jealous of those first ten customers, but good for them anyway.) That morning, Derrick and I had breakfast at Craffles, just a short walk from Chez Nous. The entire time at Craffles, I was looking forward to trying out a drink at Chez Nous instead--classic me. However, I ended up feeling too full to get a drink, but we headed to the new cafe regardless.

Grand Opening Day! Bright and early.

We opened the door, and OH MY GOSH, it was PACKED. There was a long line to the counter, all the seats were taken, and people were standing, waiting for their orders. This sight, this crowdedness, made me feel so happy. I was thrilled for Chez Nous for garnering so much community support.

Derrick got a cappuccino, which he described as "really good". He hasn't had a chance to go back, but you bet I have!

In my subsequent visits to Chez Nous, I have ordered oat milk mochas, oat milk cappuccinos, the vegan flourless chocolate chip cookie and the veggie Croque-monsieur. I have mostly gone there solo and once with my friends, Celena and Emma.

Chez Nous--French for "at our place" or "at our home"--truly emanates cozy, home vibes. It's got a woodsy interior, with small round tables, black, wooden chairs, and some benched areas. The walls boast funny paintings, intriguing black-and-white photographs, and decorative dishes. There are some shelves with coffee beans, tea, and...pottery! I asked one of the baristas about this pottery--turns out Valentin, another barista/baker, actually makes these smooth, beautiful cups! These are the very same ones that drinks are served in, too, which I find SUPER COOL.

What a cute sign!

Decorative dishes! Love the croissant one.

Their kitchen, behind a glass window, is visible for customers to see and admire how the baked goods are being prepared. This further creates a welcoming atmosphere.

Upon entering, you're met with a buttery scent and a delightful selection of baked goods, ranging from croissants, swirls, cookies, marble cake loaves, quiches, and sandwiches. You're also met with the hospitality of the kind baristas and bakers. There's the pleasant sound of chitter chatter--I've noticed that many customers come to catch up and relax, which is exactly what Chez Nous wants their visitors to do. (I'm unfortuNOUStely often the odd one out, working away on my laptop!)

Delightful selection of baked goods and sandwiches!

Of the menu items I've tried so far, I love their oat milk mocha and vegan flourless chocolate chip cookie. When I was there with my friends, Celena wasn't the biggest fan of the matcha latte, but it could be a one-off instance. I find their oat cappuccino to be okay.

Oat cappuccino & vegan flourless choc chip cookie!

Back to the oat mocha--consistently great every time! And it's not too sweet, which is exactly how I like my mochas. I've purchased the vegan flourless chocolate chip cookie twice now...hits both times! I think if they ever choose to expand their menu, it would be a good idea for them to add more vegan and gluten-free options.

Delish mochas in stunning cups crafted by Valentin!

More mochas! Plus another vegan, gluten-free choc chip cookie, teehee...

Now, about their veggie Croque-monsieur...it is to DIE for! If you're in Yaletown looking for lunch, and you're content with having sandwiches, then look no further! The veggie Croque-monsieur is loaded with veggies, including juicy eggplant, zucchini, and onion, with a mouth-watering (secret?) sauce and cheeeese (or should I say Chez...pronounced incorrectly...?). The sandwich is paired with some leafy greens topped with ranch. I CRAVE the veggie Croque-monsieur.

Veggie Croque-monsieur w/salad!

One thing I've noticed when I've been at Chez Nous is how friendly the baristas and owners are. They have plenty of people they know coming in, and hugs are usually in order. I find this heart-warming! So, this led me to really punder about community and supporting local shops and businesses. Sometimes, support can honestly look like going to your local coffee shop, saying "hi" to the hard-working individuals behind the counter, and asking them, "How are you?" I consciously try to do this every time I'm at a cafe, because connection is important! My new goal, specific to Chez Nous, is to strike up a real conversation with the friendly baristas! I would love to learn about their inspirations and the history behind the cafe a bit more. And who knows? Maybe, later, I'll even add to this post what I learned!