A short walk east of the busiest stretch of Commercial Drive, Livia has settled into the neighbourhood with the quiet confidence of a place that quickly becomes part of daily routine. The bakery began with sourdough and that patient process still defines the room. Loaves ferment slowly before baking, emerging with dark crusts and open crumb. Regulars arrive early to secure one before the shelves thin out.

The space itself feels bright and pared back. A long counter carries croissants, seasonal pastries, and cakes that shift with the kitchen’s rhythm. The influence leans gently Italian. Olive oil cakes sit beside cornetti. Espresso moves steadily across the counter as neighbours drift in for coffee, bread, and the first conversation of the morning.

By late morning the café settles into brunch. Plates are simple and thoughtful. Eggs, greens, house bread, and fresh pasta appear depending on the day. The menu changes often, though the tone remains consistent. Careful cooking, good ingredients, nothing overworked.

What makes Livia distinct on the Drive is the way the room evolves as the day stretches on. On select evenings the lights soften and the bakery shifts into something closer to a neighbourhood trattoria. Wine and cocktails appear. Lasagna comes out of the kitchen. Tables linger longer. The same space that began with espresso and sourdough becomes a relaxed place for dinner and a late glass of wine.

The crowd reflects the surrounding blocks. Young families picking up bread. Cyclists stopping for coffee. Longtime residents greeting one another at the counter. Livia sits comfortably between the old and the new Commercial Drive. A bakery rooted in tradition, with a rhythm that carries easily from morning bread to late evening wine.