Vivantys

To be clear it’s really a 3.5 rating. I go here regularly since I work nearby. The salads are superb and best around the area IMO. However, the staff that is usually at the register can be nicer. She always seems to have attitude. I have tried the sandwiches (a bit dry and chewy), english muffins with egg (ok) and soups which seem to be only vegetarian. Salads are the way to go here. They also have the belly point system on here so you can collect points for free items

This place is lovely! I was looking for a quick bite before an appointment at VGH and spotted this café on the corner — so glad I popped in. Everything on the menu and displayed in the fridge looked really good, with lots of healthy options. I had a toasted smoked salmon and egg English muffin ($ 5) and a lemon meringue blueberry smoothie ($ 6). Both were generously sized and tasted delicious and fresh. The space is cool and the staff were super upbeat and friendly, even post-​lunchtime rush. A refreshing change to the the fast food joints selling beige food that dominate this stretch of Broadway. I’ll be back!

They have a fairly good selection of sandwiches, wraps and salads, and of course beverages. I wish they had more vegetarian options.
The interior is really nice, it’s fairly spacious considering it’s not the largest space.
The employees weren’t super friendly or enthusiastic, but they were fine.
Overall, the food is good and the ambiance is really nice.

Today I was in your establishment for the first time. I’d walked by a bunch of times and not once have I ever been in so I was excited to see what I was missing.
First impression… the feeling I got from the young female server was that she probably had somewhere better to be or maybe she was just timid (if the latter, then it begs the question why one is working in a customer service style job). I was there at about 3pm and there was hardly anyone in the place. Slow period = more focused attention, no?
Second impression… after I paid for coffee and a brownie, the young woman asked the young man she was working with to get my brownie for me. I could see the wheels turning in his head as he slid the glass back on the case and readied the paper bag only to realize there were no tongs anywhere in the vicinity. He paused. I could tell he wanted to pick the brownie up with his fingers and put it in the paper bag but he didn’t. Instead, he slid the tray of goodies out of the case and moved it to the countertop behind him, and with his back to me he picked the brownie up with his hand, put it in the paper bag and handed it to me as if I couldn’t possibly see what he just did.
I realize this is minor in the grand scheme of things but this is Food & Beverage 101 is it not? I have no idea if this guy handled money or washed toilets just prior to packing up my treat.
Also, napkins? There wasn’t a napkin in sight anywhere at the order counter, the coffee pick up counter or at the counter where you grab your lids. Again, slow period = replenished supplies, no?
Considering how many choices we have in this neighbourhood for treats and coffee, you had better pay closer attention to how your employees represent your brand because right now it seems like Vivanty’s could give a rat’s keester about customer service or safe food handling practices, although you have many great reviews on here so maybe I just got a bad shift or a newbie.
UPDATE (since management’s posted reply):
Thanks so much for your prompt reply. That’s rare. You are on the ball with customer concerns and that’s admirable.
I should clarify, I received no napkin whatsoever when your staff person handed me the brownie. While the napkins sound right up my alley (I love green products and I liked your compostable coffee cup too btw) I would have loved to have seen even one. Nary a napkin was offered. Also, I must clarify, despite having his back to me, your worker’s hands were in plain sight and I’ve been using my peepers for enough years to be able to say with clear conviction that he absolutely did not use tongs. No tongs. No napkin. There was more than one brownie on that tray so perhaps he used the tongs for the next customer or for the customer before me, but he certainly didn’t use them when I was there. I will try back again another time. I like to support small local businesses but in this day and age when there’s so much competition for business, it’s easy to look elsewhere especially when the first impression is lacklustre. Continued success with your eatery and thank you again for your response.

I was on my way to another coffee shop that was on my 100 coffee shops in 52 weeks challenge (I will get to that one eventually at some point), however, stumbled upon this place in passing. I guess my eye line was in the right direction.
The place is decent size, clean and has a sleek ambiance.
People working here were really nice.
I had something called the Vancouver Fog which was creamed earl grey tea, almond milk and maple syrup which was amazing. The latte with the milk substitution was $ 4.
FYI…They make all their own syrups in house.
So that that I found this place by accident.

I work at the hospital and this is just a short walk away. I’m usually a fan of their food — lots of options, fresh, healthy. Tried the First Date smoothie today and the vegetable breakfast wrap. The smoothie could have used a little more blending, it was full of chunky dates. Maybe even pre-​soak the dates to make it easier to blend? The vegetable breakfast wrap was also quite bland. Could’ve used some more salt, or maybe a side of fresh salsa? Just a few suggestions, thanks.

Great spot for a healthy lunch/​snack. I come here fairly often as I work nearby. The sandwiches and salads are delicious. Their pastry is a little hit or miss. They have a large list of smoothie options, which will be great in the summer.

If you work around, it is the best for a sandwich. You should try their tea as well. I really like this location close by work!

Probably the cleanest, nicest and modern sandwich/​healthy place here other than Freshii but a bit larger here.
Nicely furnished, like Martha Stewart but I digress.
Ordered their vegan mushroom soup, light and yummy, with olive oil and cilantro. Stylish plating too.
Their meats are roasted in-​house, nothing frozen.
Lots of seating option: window, communal and lounge in back, raised floor.
They deliver too.
Closed Sundays.

This place is fantastic!
Such amazing quality food and local produce/​meats. I only wish I had found it earlier, I always get hungry around the Cambie area while doing medical missions/​errands… either way, grateful.
The only thing is — my salad didn’t say it had cheese on it on the screen menu, and then it was full of cheese. They should really be aware of people having insensitivities/​allergies/​lack of desire and should list all ingredients… a no brainer.
Another thing… horrible radio pop top 40’s music blasting way too loud. Totally kills the mood a bit. Seeing as their food is so sophisticated I think their music could be a bit more as well. I’m in my 20’s so its not that I’m a frumpy old lady. Seriously, change the music!
Other than that, fantastic little spot!

High quality, healthy ingredients go into the soups and sandwiches at this place. Excellent service to boot. By far the best lunch spot on this stretch of Broadway.

I had a sandwich for lunch which was fresh and rivalled a lot of restaurants. Lunch options also include a side salad with heavy, but tasty dressing. This place will cost you a few dollars more than a fast food chain, but the difference in quality more than makes up for it. I highly recommend the daily soups which may be the best thing they offer. Very comfortable atmosphere and extremely clean. 4.5 stars.

This place serves some of the best tea I’ve ever had, and I’d especially recommend the double cream earl grey. The atmosphere here is good, they play music in the background and it’s quiet enough to hold a conversation.

A pleasant surprise along the VGH/​Broadway area. Enjoyed the Albacore Tuna with Avocado panini with a fresh side salad. Very flavorful, fresh and filling. The soup of the day (potato leek) completes the experience. While the «Wake Up» smoothie was a sure winner. I would definitely recommend this everyone to try. I’m sure you’ll love it here.

Vivanty’s is offering a very finely edited selection of top quality salads and fresh-​baked goodies, along with drip coffee (my favorite) and a broad range of teas.
Stopped in for my morning coffee break and had the apple crostada which was expertly crafted; perfect pastry, slightly tart apple, and wonderful spicing.
Food is the focus here. Now that I know they do a morning oatmeal, I will have that when I start an early morning shift. And that lovely smooth drip coffee!

real fresh
I just want a cheap and cheerful lunch. Really, is that a lot? It’s easier said than done, but for the past month I have been obsessed with the Spiced Chicken & Romaine Salad at Vivanty.
Vivanty is a bright spot on W Broadway. A bright, white open space serving fresh, healthy eats.
I’ve tried the spiced wild albacore tuna salad, and several of the grilled ciabattas — all food. Nothing has yet to disappoint. But the spiced chicken is my favourite — suey choy, pickled carrot, green onion, edamame, radish, ginger chili dressing
Last week I ate it three four times. Then I had it again yesterday. It’s a perfect salad for $ 9.98. That’s 50 percent more than what I would have to pay out east, but then again I’m here not there so why compare.
I agree with my coworkers that it is expensive if you put it in context — however freakishly fresh and tasty it is, you could easily make it yourself; it’d probably be better, it’d definitely be cheaper. But that requires effort I don’t yet have. So for now, I will spend $ 10 on this for lunch. That’s just how it is.

I don’t really get this place. It’s good enough, but I don’t get it.
They have a lot of teas, but no espresso. They have a lot of oatmeals and homemade soup, but a pretty bland breakfast wrap. They say hello when you come in, but the order taker /​server was really timid and awkward. There’s trash, recycling, and compost for various disposal, but no place to put dishes to be washed. I didn’t know whether to wait for my order or sit at a table and wait for it.
Seems like they’ve really thought through their vision, their offerings, their branding and their atmosphere, which is all awesome. What was lacking today was a presence and a workflow to complement those things (and a little salt for the breakfast wrap).