Viva Java

Best coffee beans I was able to find in this town. Artie, with his long experience in roasting, knows how to make great coffee beans.
Don’t offend him asking to add sweet syrup or other stuff in a coffee.

This place is great, best tasting coffee. But when you have a full time job 9 – 5 and are unavailable on Saturdays… it’s impossible to drop by as the shop is only open from 9_​5pm :(I’ve been wanting to stop by for a few months already

After trying most roasters in the lower mainland Viva is by far the best. I can’t leave town without taking Arti along. Keep up the good work!

Saw this reviewed on the front page of Unilocal on May 22^nd and decided to give this place a go. It’s for sure a coffee house with a unique personality. A nice change from all the other hipster places that I’ve been to.
This was a suggested place by another Unilocaler for my100 coffee shops in 52 weeks challenge.
This café is close to Bridgeport station on the Canada Line and is only a 10 minute walk from the station.
They operate regular business hours during the day, therefore, it was a little bit of a challenge to get here during the regular 9 — 5 pm. They are open on Saturday’s but only until 2 pm, therefore, I felt that it was a race against time to get here before they closed. Thankfully I only had to take the Canada Line and the 100 bus. I needed you a motivator to get out of bed anyway and this was it.
There’s a difference between a barista and this guy, what commercial roasters should inspire to be.
The minute you walk in your greated by not only the lovely gentleman behind the counter but the smell of beans.
Cash only.

This is the best place in Richmond! The owner will brew your personalized cup of coffee. It is hard to find a local coffee shop that brews organic coffee beans that smells absolutely amazing. I like my coffee every day and any chance I got, this is the place I visit. You will not regret it :) it’s truly a little gem in Richmond and a nice change from the big chains that could care less about your day. Not here!

The consistency Arti has with his brewing and roasting is impressive. He’ll ask you how you like your coffee beans (strong? smooth? medium?) Then make a mix like a chef would make a meal. He can even do this for cups of coffee. No other roaster has such an excellent long term consistency that Arti can pull off.
If you are looking for more of a sit down casual atmosphere go elsewhere. This is a coffee shop for aficionados!

What a spot! What a COFFEE! After living in Richmond for nearly two years, I finally discovered that Viva Java is not just a roasting place, but rather a beautiful little coffee shop with an amazing owner.
Upon walking in for the first time, Arti, the owner, immediately recognised that I had not been there before. He is the kind of person that wants to check you out, per se, before giving you his service. Respect and personality is a must! I guess my boyfriend and I passed his test because he made us drinks and it changed my coffee life forever. Have you ever had a coffee so smooth you could drink it like iced tea? I hadn’t, before that day. Then the mocha came. I don’t know what he does with this but Holy goodness it kicked the crap out of any mocha I’ve ever had.
Between my boyfriend and I, we’ve gone there about 6 times in the last two weeks and each time it becomes apparent that Arti is someone who will be your friend for life if you appreciate him and his business.
His prices on beans are more than reasonable at $ 9 for half a pound and $ 18 a pound. He roasts them fresh daily, and will make sure you get what you like if you talk to him about your preference.
I’m so glad I went here and I’m even more glad it’s only a 10 minute walk from my house. Move on over, every other place on the planet. Viva Java is where it’s at.

Best coffee ever! Must come try! Especially The caramel machiato!
The taste is so rich with coffee and the flavor is just heavenly awsome. If you are a coffee lover and you haven’t been here, you are missing out.

I’ve been to this hidden gem many times. Today I have decided to finally write about my experience! I didn’t know what to order today, but I knew I want something cold and refreshing for this hot summer day… Arty made me a special drink and OMG it was soooooooooo delicious! He wouldn’t tell me what he made and he named this Artouro’s Special! Order it next time! You will LOVE it!!!

This place is FANTASTIC!!! Freshly roasted coffee… Can’t get any better than this. Double Yum!!!

You can drink franchise coffee, and then you can drink Arti’s coffee. The difference is massive. Visit him once, you will never look back!

I have been a customer of Viva Java for over 10 years. When I was first introduced to Viva Java, my new work colleagues at the time told me they would introduce me to «The Coffee Nazi». When I asked about the monicker, the reply was this, «He’s just like The Soup Nazi!!» Needless to say that he is nothing of the sort… Though he is undoubtably a character.
The owner, Arti, produces the best coffee I have ever tasted. He roasts his own beans and always strives for perfection. He roasts numerous types of coffee and caters for all tastes and strengths. I have yet to have a bad drink at Viva Java. I like an espresso when I go in and I usually take a longer drink, when leaving the shop.
I take home his beans for the week, as I live an hour away from the shop. I take home the Swiss Water Decaf and Espresso beans. The better half swears by his dark Costa Rica beans. Again, all his beans are great. These are just my favourites. The Jamaican Blue Mountain, although expensive, is so smooth, it’s like the feel of chocolate melting on the tongue.
A word of caution anyone new wanting to try the best coffee.
1. Cash only.
2. Show Arti some respect. You are going into his shop and he treats it like home. Arti is one of the most genuine people that I have had the fortune to meet. That said, Arti detests any rudeness. Treat him right and he will always be good to you. The only time I have seen Arti get upset is when people have been rude to him in the first place. Arti has never been the instigator, but he will call you on any disrespect shown.
3. He will make any drink to your needs. Just ask!
4. Enjoy the experience. You will not be disappointed.

If you’re tired of the regular coffee shops brewing their stale foil pouched coffee.
If you want a real cup of espresso, a real Americano, or if you’re looking for the best Mocha Café in BC get out of mall, leave Main Street, and try Viva Java. You will not be disappointed. He doesn’t sell disappointment, only excellent espresso based drinks and the freshest roasted beans from all over the world.
Mild, medium, or strong — its the only decision you have to make. Leave the rest to BC’s only master roaster.
You don’t have to take my word for it, let his coffee do the talking.

ABSOLUTE BEST coffee in town!
From the moment you park and smell the coffee from the other end of the lot, to walking in and getting afreshly brewed cup of coffee, to the first sip… It’s AMAZING! So just head over there now b/​c I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Coffee lovers! This is the place for you. Are you sick and tired of all those Starbucks and Tim Hortons serving just lousy coffee? Ask this owner to make you your favorite café and you’ll be a customer for life. Disregard a lot of these negative comments, most of the ones are just passerby with no respect for small business owners. My favorite is the Café Mocha… wow!

Best coffee in town hands down! Fresh beans, friendly service… what else can you ask for?