There is almost certainly no more beautiful place to be on earth than in Vancouver in the sunshine, but where to go to soak up those rays? We asked Anya Levykh, restaurant critic for the Westender, as well as the weekly food columnist for CBC Radio's On the Coast to compile a list of her recommended patios across the city. From intimate secluded suntraps to family-friendly beach-side hang-outs, we've got the lot. May we present, in no particular order, Vancouver's 20 most awesome patios. Apply the sunblock, slip on your shades, order up a cold one and enjoy. Got beef with the list? Have we missed one of your sunshine patio favourites? State your case in the comments or on the tipline
Overlooking Burrard Inlet in Stanley Park, the patio and atrium of the iconic restaurant is the perfect summer hangout, especially after a day of sun and sand. Sip a Tintoretto while enjoying some classic eggs benny for brunch and allow the view to work its magic on that hangover.
Built specifically to take advantage of the stunning English Bay vista, this particular location of Cactus Club features a terraced patio that extends to the seawall’s edge, meaning every seat has a fantastic view. Enjoy steelhead and prawn ceviche with a glass or three of Cristalino.
A true West End gem, Adesso specializes in the cuisine of Liguria, in northwestern Italy. With an excellent wine list and authentic menu, you almost don’t need the enclosed and private patio with verdant hedges and lots of space that invites long and leisurely meals. Almost.
Definitely more of a place to see and be seen —and perhaps make some Friday night conquests— Lift boasts one of the city’s best rooftop patios. Its location on the waterfront adjacent to Stanley Park certainly helps, but the open-air rooftop setting also boasts a cozy firepit lounge and plentiful seating, with nary a bad view in the house on either level.
This second-floor tiled patio is one of the city’s hidden gems. Lush, green, cool and covered, it’s the perfect place to rest in between shopping binges. Indulge in Chef Andrew Richardson’s contemporary Italian cuisine, along with a few glasses from the serious wine list, and forget all about the busy hordes below in the calm oasis.
Spacious suntrap roof garden which gets packed out during the daily 4-6p.m. happy hour when bar food is 50% off and oysters are just $1. Come for the delicious mini-burgers, stay for the great service and location right in the heart of the downtown core.
It’s definitely a meat-centric menu here, and the enclosed patio is equally rich with luxury furnishings and classic cocktail offerings. Cozy up with a dirty martini and P.E.I. Blue Ribbon ribeye for a carnivorous and posh night out.
The selection of craft beers, ales, porters, lagers and stouts on tap (one of the largest collections in the city) will have your standard hops fanatic drooling, but the mountain and water view will leave them stunned. Comforting dishes like poutine with red wine gravy and beer-barbecued pork ribs match the drink list perfectly.
Since it took over the old Aqua Riva space at 200 Granville Street, Miku’s patio has become one of the hottest in the city, not just for the stunning waterfront location, but also for the signature aburi sushi that is served up all day and night. For the adventurous, the omakase menu (chef’s choice) is the way to go.
This seasonal, outdoor space is a fantastic nod to the serene spa next door, as well as Miami nightlife with its lush cabanas and contemporary sculptures (is that an Ogopogo in one corner?). A cocktail-centric menu focuses on tapas, charcuterie and grill items, as well as a fantastic ice cream sandwich.
Cosy little suntrap patio on the second floor of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Throughout summer they offer a very tempting three beers for $15 deal between 4-6p.m.
The small but perfectly formed patio outside the Keefer is one of the best people-watching spots in Chinatown; on long summer evenings you can sip award-winning craft cocktails, nibble on duck tacos and flick through their hefty cocktail menu and decide what to go for next.
This small, walled garden patio is one of the downtown core’s secret oasis spots. Get the full steakhouse experience en plein air and escape for a few hours from your financial wheelings and dealings. Order the grand porterhouse with a side of whiskey neat and imagine yourself as a character from Mad Men.
Not only is the breakfast/brunch menu fantastic, the waterfront setting, across the street from the seawall, is the perfect people-watching hangout. Knock back a few mimosas while enjoying the Mediterranean fare and imagine yourself on a boardwalk in Nice.
The rooftop patio is the perfect place for after-work drinks (they’re open at 4pm) or dinner in the summer months. People-watch to your heart’s content while sampling retro fare like mushrooms Neptune and the wedge salad.
Sister restaurant to Miku, the back walled garden patio is a large, yet cozy space that features lots of comfortable seating and the famed aburi sushi. Indulge in an afternoon of sake flights selected by expert Miki Ellis and pair with some truffled beef nigiri for extra oomph.
For cooler nights, or romantic dates, retreat to this English garden oasis hidden behind velvet curtains. Not only is it open year-round and completely enclosed, the contemporary Canadian menu and extensive wine list makes for a perfect night in any weather.
It doesn’t get closer to the beach than this. This second-floor restaurant patio spans the whole width of the building, and faces straight onto Kits Beach and the stunning backdrop of water and mountain views. Come before sunset for the perfect postcard experience, complete with fish and chips.
For a more casual experience, this hidden gem has been long known to locals and fronts beach, water, mountain, park, city and island views, and lets you enjoy a burger and sleeve in peace while the kids play in the sand below. The chowder is also worth a try.
Located in the newly developed River District in South Vancouver, this large glass-walled restaurant boasts riverfront seating year-round that overlooks the quiet end of the Fraser River against a backdrop of trees and fields. Tuck into the Righteous Rib Burger and a classic mojito and call it a day.
Overlooking Burrard Inlet in Stanley Park, the patio and atrium of the iconic restaurant is the perfect summer hangout, especially after a day of sun and sand. Sip a Tintoretto while enjoying some classic eggs benny for brunch and allow the view to work its magic on that hangover.
Built specifically to take advantage of the stunning English Bay vista, this particular location of Cactus Club features a terraced patio that extends to the seawall’s edge, meaning every seat has a fantastic view. Enjoy steelhead and prawn ceviche with a glass or three of Cristalino.
A true West End gem, Adesso specializes in the cuisine of Liguria, in northwestern Italy. With an excellent wine list and authentic menu, you almost don’t need the enclosed and private patio with verdant hedges and lots of space that invites long and leisurely meals. Almost.
Definitely more of a place to see and be seen —and perhaps make some Friday night conquests— Lift boasts one of the city’s best rooftop patios. Its location on the waterfront adjacent to Stanley Park certainly helps, but the open-air rooftop setting also boasts a cozy firepit lounge and plentiful seating, with nary a bad view in the house on either level.
This second-floor tiled patio is one of the city’s hidden gems. Lush, green, cool and covered, it’s the perfect place to rest in between shopping binges. Indulge in Chef Andrew Richardson’s contemporary Italian cuisine, along with a few glasses from the serious wine list, and forget all about the busy hordes below in the calm oasis.
Spacious suntrap roof garden which gets packed out during the daily 4-6p.m. happy hour when bar food is 50% off and oysters are just $1. Come for the delicious mini-burgers, stay for the great service and location right in the heart of the downtown core.
It’s definitely a meat-centric menu here, and the enclosed patio is equally rich with luxury furnishings and classic cocktail offerings. Cozy up with a dirty martini and P.E.I. Blue Ribbon ribeye for a carnivorous and posh night out.
The selection of craft beers, ales, porters, lagers and stouts on tap (one of the largest collections in the city) will have your standard hops fanatic drooling, but the mountain and water view will leave them stunned. Comforting dishes like poutine with red wine gravy and beer-barbecued pork ribs match the drink list perfectly.
Since it took over the old Aqua Riva space at 200 Granville Street, Miku’s patio has become one of the hottest in the city, not just for the stunning waterfront location, but also for the signature aburi sushi that is served up all day and night. For the adventurous, the omakase menu (chef’s choice) is the way to go.
This seasonal, outdoor space is a fantastic nod to the serene spa next door, as well as Miami nightlife with its lush cabanas and contemporary sculptures (is that an Ogopogo in one corner?). A cocktail-centric menu focuses on tapas, charcuterie and grill items, as well as a fantastic ice cream sandwich.
Cosy little suntrap patio on the second floor of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Throughout summer they offer a very tempting three beers for $15 deal between 4-6p.m.
The small but perfectly formed patio outside the Keefer is one of the best people-watching spots in Chinatown; on long summer evenings you can sip award-winning craft cocktails, nibble on duck tacos and flick through their hefty cocktail menu and decide what to go for next.
This small, walled garden patio is one of the downtown core’s secret oasis spots. Get the full steakhouse experience en plein air and escape for a few hours from your financial wheelings and dealings. Order the grand porterhouse with a side of whiskey neat and imagine yourself as a character from Mad Men.
Not only is the breakfast/brunch menu fantastic, the waterfront setting, across the street from the seawall, is the perfect people-watching hangout. Knock back a few mimosas while enjoying the Mediterranean fare and imagine yourself on a boardwalk in Nice.
The rooftop patio is the perfect place for after-work drinks (they’re open at 4pm) or dinner in the summer months. People-watch to your heart’s content while sampling retro fare like mushrooms Neptune and the wedge salad.
Sister restaurant to Miku, the back walled garden patio is a large, yet cozy space that features lots of comfortable seating and the famed aburi sushi. Indulge in an afternoon of sake flights selected by expert Miki Ellis and pair with some truffled beef nigiri for extra oomph.
For cooler nights, or romantic dates, retreat to this English garden oasis hidden behind velvet curtains. Not only is it open year-round and completely enclosed, the contemporary Canadian menu and extensive wine list makes for a perfect night in any weather.
It doesn’t get closer to the beach than this. This second-floor restaurant patio spans the whole width of the building, and faces straight onto Kits Beach and the stunning backdrop of water and mountain views. Come before sunset for the perfect postcard experience, complete with fish and chips.
For a more casual experience, this hidden gem has been long known to locals and fronts beach, water, mountain, park, city and island views, and lets you enjoy a burger and sleeve in peace while the kids play in the sand below. The chowder is also worth a try.
Located in the newly developed River District in South Vancouver, this large glass-walled restaurant boasts riverfront seating year-round that overlooks the quiet end of the Fraser River against a backdrop of trees and fields. Tuck into the Righteous Rib Burger and a classic mojito and call it a day.
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