I went to O Five Tea Bar with the plan to have a quick cup of tea while I waited for my dinner reservation but I got so much more. My tea was selected, prepared and served by a tea sommelier - I didn't even know that professional tea sommeliers existed. From the first taste to the final cup, the tea that was chosen took me on a journey.
Talking with the sommelier I discovered that all of the tea at O5 has been sourced through the owner, who travels around the world building close relationships with family owned tea farms. Before any tea is purchased the owner travels to the tea farm and shares a meal with the farmer. It is a very personal transaction and there are no intermediaries. This allows O5 to provide tea that offers quality based not on a normalized taste but on a dynamic and ever changing flavor profile. This embraces the true spirit of tea, it will change with the elements and become something slightly different each time it grows.
I became so engrossed in this new dimension of tea that my quick cup of tea turned into a three hour tea adventure. O5 Tea provided me with an authentic eye-opening experience in tea and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
Local's Tip: Ask when the next Tales of the Road activity is if you stop by. The owner shares tales of his travels through Asia.
Find your way with 192 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
La Grotta del Formaggio, a Vancouver classic, offers hefty custom sandwiches, unique pastas, and diverse cheeses in Little Italy since the 1970s. Enjoy!
by
While they are a cafe selling coffee and various baked goods, the main reason people come through the doors is to get one of their delicious cinnamon buns.
by
The "Fraser River Trail" in Vancouver is a super relaxing walk with a view of boats in the distance and some planes flying in and out of YVR Airport.
by
"Vancouver Story Slam" runs the second-longest-running story slam in the world! It's very unexpected and underrated treat. Grab a drink, sit back & enjoy!
by
A popular but out of the way park, Rocky Point Park and its surroundings are a gathering place for families, friends, and couples alike.
by
"Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie" is one of the finest Chinese restaurants in Vancouver. I have a whole list of favorites there. Come prepared to share!
by
"Granville Island Public Market" in Vancouver is very close to where I love, so I come here mostly to get veggies, some good meat and sweet treats!
by
"CRAFT Beer Market" in Vancouver is my favourite place to sip a beer, relax and hang out with friends with one of the 140 beers on tap and some Maui ribs.
by
"Steamworks Brewing Co" Vancouver (est 1995) is Canada's only steam-powered brewery! I don't know if it's the steam but the beers are fresh and tasty here.
by
"Green Leaf Brewing Co." in Vancouver is a small brewery located in a cozy, waterfront market. It was the perfect cure after I came back from Bavaria...
by
"The Roxy Cabaret" in Vancouver is my favorite club to dance to live music. Every Friday and Saturday there is always a good band playing...
by
"Library Square Public House" in Vancouver is a great place to catch some soccer action on their big screens. They also have good specials on draft beers!
by
192 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 192 Insider Tips