Vanilla Leaf Bakery Café

We’ve been coming here for 27 years as kids growing up. The original bakery was the absolute best! But over the years it’s gone down hill for customer service and prices have gotten quite high. The lady at the front with the short hair it’s very rude. We’ve had several dealings with her . And she has zero customer service. If you are not a local. She has zero respect for you. We have a house here and have spent countless hours on the island supporting the bakery. But she needs some serious work with her attitude and none caring attitude

Service: 1

The lady upfront was shockingly rude. Food was average.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 1

Was really disappointed in our experience coming in yesterday afternoon. I always come to VL whenever I’m on island, and this time it was no different- however, our service and experience this time was incredibly disappointing and different from our past visits.

We came in and ordered 2 specialty/holiday beverages (they both ended up costing about $6.50-7.50 each) okay that’s fine I guess, if they’re good that’s no issue! The third beverage we ordered was a medium drip coffee with room. Once we got the coffee, I went to the coffee station to find plant based cold milk (I’m allergic to milk products) but there wasn’t any aside from milk and cream, so I went and politely asked for cold soy to add to my coffee. They wouldn’t allow me to pour it myself (a little weird but not a big deal) and then when it came to pay the tab, I found out I was charged properly for the specialty drinks, however when it came to the medium coffee, I saw I was charged for a large, plus an additional charge for the cold soy. My medium coffee ended up totaling to $4.50, verses the advertised $3. Now, I was a little disappointed with this but decided not to address it, as it wasn’t worth it, because while I had been seeing this overcharge on our bill, I also overheard one of our group politely ask about his drink to the barista, and her reaction/response to him was shockingly rude. So much so that all three of us in our group stopped and kind of just looked at her, while my friend who had asked the question just kindly replied “Thank you” to her and just left. All in all, all three of us were surprised and disappointed by the entire experience. It’s ultimately the combination of the whole experience that gives this cafe 1 star. Being overcharged, plus being treated poorly, wasn’t the best time at the cafe. Hopefully if we go back again, we don’t have the same disappointing experience, but for now I think we might be on the hunt for a new spot to visit for snacks next time we’re on island.

Made repeated stops at Vanilla Leaf during our stay. Consistently delicious. Homey atmosphere. Lovely staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Wow, wow, wow! This was a pleasant surprise. Everything seems to be homemade and it certainly tastes that way. The Chorizo Breakfast Wrap was devoured in seconds... it was so tasty. The cream of chicken soup has some flavor in there that was incredible; best cream of chicken soup I have ever had. And the cinnamon bun? Well, fresh and homemade tasting. What a great start to the day 😊

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cinnamon Bun with Icing on the Side, Breakfast Wrap

Of course I had to visit Vanilla Leaf Bakery Cafe when I was camping in Pender Island. I enjoyed breakfast, coffee and bakery items during my visits. Fresh baked goods and brewed coffee was perfect on stops between and after sightseeing. Recommended

Vegetarian options: I was able to satisfy my vegetarian guest

Parking: There is plenty of free parking available

Wheelchair accessibility: Wheelchair accessible

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best peanut butter and jelly doughnut I've ever had in my life. Sadly don't live on the island so it will now only be in my dream, already miss you doughnut and it's been 1 day.
Staff was very helpful and friendly.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I would have a picture of the food, but it was so good I ate it so fast

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The best cinnamon buns we have ever had so we went back again the next day!

Food: 5

Service: 5

The BEST - Great Bakery - Best Food - Awesome

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cinnamon Bun

Fun atmosphere. Accomodating server who was ready to customize my drink request. Deadly palmier and muffin. I wanted the spanakopita but didn't have room in my tummy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Their advertised website does not work.
Why advertise it?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Visiting Vanilla Leaf Bakery every day while vacationing on Pender Island is a must! Selection changes daily and everything is so fresh & delicious. Must-try’s are the individual cheesecakes, specifically the lemon cheesecake if available. Key lime tart is to die for. Haystack cookie melts in your mouth. And the palmier croissants are divine. Jamaican beef Pattie’s are also done extremely well (from someone who vacations in Jamaica)! Love this place & look forward to my next visit.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Felt like I was being annoying for buying something! Tacky branding too!

Great selection, and a beautiful sunny spot to sit. I loved the cinnamon rolls, but found the sticky date a little dry, and the brew coffee weak.