Some cafés are worth visiting for the building alone. Nemesis Great Northern Way is one of them. The curving, bright-red pavilion beside Emily Carr University, designed by Perkins&Will and nicknamed the “red petal” or “flower pavilion,” turned heads from the moment construction ended in 2019. When Nemesis opened inside on June 9, 2021, Vancouver got one of the most striking coffee rooms in North America.
At a glance
| Address | 555 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC |
| Neighbourhood | False Creek Flats, on the edge of Mount Pleasant |
| Type | Specialty café with kitchen |
| Known for | The red pavilion, coffee, pastries, brunch, events |
| Best for | Design lovers, brunch, coffee dates, photos |
| Price | $$–$$$ |
| Transit | Bus routes along Great Northern Way; the Broadway Subway’s Great Northern Way–Emily Carr station is scheduled to open nearby in late 2027 |
Location and getting there
The pavilion sits on the Great Northern Way campus, next to Emily Carr University and across the street from the Centre for Digital Media, where Kafka’s has a café. It’s a 10 to 15-minute walk east from Main Street, through the edge of Mount Pleasant and the False Creek Flats. When the Broadway Subway opens, a station will be steps away.
What Nemesis offers
- Coffee: Nemesis’s careful espresso and filter program, with rotating coffees.
- Pastries: The signature cookies and laminated pastries.
- Brunch: A kitchen turning out brunch plates and seasonal dishes; the space has also hosted visiting chefs and events.
The vibe
Inside, the curving walls and big windows create a bright, open room that feels part gallery, part café. Students and staff from Emily Carr mix with tech workers and weekend visitors who come specifically for the building. It’s lively at brunch and calmer mid-afternoon.
What to order
- Brunch: The seasonal brunch plate with a flat white.
- Quick visit: A cookie and a cortado.
- Coffee person: Ask what’s on filter.
Who it’s best for
Architecture and design fans, brunch groups, and anyone who wants a memorable café outing. It’s a little out of the way, so plan it as a destination rather than a quick stop.
How it compares
Compared with the original Nemesis in Gastown, this location is more spacious and architectural. For a quick, coffee-first stop nearby, Kafka’s across the street or Modus on Broadway are easier. Other Nemesis cafés include Polygon in North Vancouver and pavilions in Surrey and Coquitlam.
Photos
Find Nemesis Great Northern Way
- Address: 555 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, BC
- Neighbourhood: Mount Pleasant
- Map: Open Nemesis Great Northern Way in Google Maps
- Website: nemesis.coffee
- Instagram: @nemesis.coffee
Hours change seasonally, so confirm on the café’s own channels before you visit.
Nearby cafes
Explore more
See the Mount Pleasant cafe guide and the Vancouver cafe guide.
Frequently asked questions
When did Nemesis Great Northern Way open?
On June 9, 2021.
Who designed the Nemesis pavilion?
The red pavilion at 555 Great Northern Way was designed by Perkins&Will.
How do I get to Nemesis Great Northern Way?
By bus or a 10 to 15-minute walk from Main Street. A Broadway Subway station is scheduled to open nearby in late 2027.
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.
