Livia is the life’s work of a baker and a bartender: Claire Livia Lassam, who named it after her nonna, and her partner Jordan Pires. It opened on the corner of Commercial and Kitchener in January 2019 and quickly became one of the Drive’s best-loved rooms, airy and cozy by day with expertly made coffee, bread and pastry, and an intimate pasta spot at night. The Georgia Straight has named it the best café on Commercial Drive.
At a glance
| Address | 1399 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC (at Kitchener) |
| Neighbourhood | Commercial Drive / Little Italy |
| Type | Bakery café by day, restaurant by night |
| Known for | Pastries, bread, coffee, daytime plates, evening pasta |
| Best for | A lovely breakfast, pastry runs, date nights |
| Price | $$ |
| Transit | The 20 bus along the Drive; Commercial–Broadway Station about 12 minutes on foot |
What Livia offers
- Pastries and bread: The heart of the day menu, baked in house with real attention to detail.
- Coffee: Carefully made espresso drinks and filter.
- Daytime food: Seasonal breakfast and lunch plates.
- Evenings: Fresh pasta and Italian-inspired dishes in a more intimate setting; check current hours and reservations.
The vibe
Light, warm and considered. Every corner feels intentional, from the counter to the plates. Mornings bring locals and pastry hunters; evenings feel like a neighbourhood trattoria.
What to order
- Morning: A pastry from the case and a cappuccino.
- Weekend: A seasonal daytime plate.
- Evening: Fresh pasta and a glass of wine.
Who it’s best for
Food lovers, couples and anyone who wants the Drive’s most charming bakery café. Popular items sell out, so go early.
How it compares
For a laptop-friendly modern café, Prado is better; for old-school espresso, Calabria; for a roaster, Moja. Livia wins for pastry and atmosphere.
Find Livia
- Address: 1399 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, BC
- Neighbourhood: Commercial Drive
- Map: Open Livia in Google Maps
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby cafes
Explore more
See the Commercial Drive cafe guide and the Vancouver cafe guide.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs Livia?
Baker Claire Livia Lassam and Jordan Pires.
Is Livia open for dinner?
Yes, it becomes a pasta-focused restaurant in the evening. Check current hours.
When did Livia open?
January 2019.
Last checked November 2026. Hours and menus change, so check the cafe’s own website or Instagram before you go. Spot something out of date? Let us know.
