There’s no shortage of outstanding patios—and patio aficionados—in this city. From outdoor dining spaces with waterfront views to secluded rooftop escapes to hidden courtyard gems, Vancouverites have plenty of options to enjoy alfresco meals.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, many of these spots have reopened with new health and safety measures, while others are still gearing up to welcome guests again. The City of Vancouver has also introduced a new temporary patio program to help restaurants recover revenue losses over the past few months, which means there are many new outdoor spaces that have popped up over the past few weeks.
Here’s where to find some of the best patios serving delicious fare around town this summer, including temporary, newly expanded, and reopened long-time favourites that we’ve missed visiting.
Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, this award-winning restaurant’s refined patio has reopened and features an expanded space. Its elegant outdoor seating with French-style bistro chairs and European tile flooring has been a long-time favourite for brunch and happy-hour goers who enjoy people-watching, and a new happy-hour menu has just launched—think truffle fries, meatballs, tacos, and more. The patio is currently open Tuesday to Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m., and reservations are available.
The Sandbar
Granville Island’s popular seafood restaurant reopened last month, which is good news for patio-goers since its rooftop deck has arguably one of the best views of the city, where diners can enjoy panoramic vistas of downtown, Burrard Bridge, False Creek, Stanley Park, and the mountains. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 4 to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and patio seating is first-come, first-served.
Photo courtesy of The Sandbar.
Giardino
Umberto Menghi’s Tuscan-inspired restaurant has been closed since mid-March but will officially reopen to guests on July 15. Reopening, too, are its sidewalk patio and Florentine-style courtyard, a hidden garden gem featuring fresh seasonal flowers and greenery that promises to transport you straight to Italy. The award-winning dining establishment will operate Tuesday to Saturday, and reservations will be available.
Photo by Mark Yuen.
Gotham Steakhouse & Bar
Home to one of downtown’s few garden patio escapes, the cozy outdoor space at this upscale restaurant doesn’t disappoint, with lush greenery and a giant fireplace. It’s a tranquil getaway for those who want a break from the city’s concrete-and-glass jungle. A social-hour menu featuring discounted bites and drinks is also served on this patio every day from 3 to 6 p.m., and reservations are available.
Italian Kitchen
Glowbal Group’s Italian flagship reopened its doors in May, but its newly expanded patio is the attention grabber. The restaurant follows health and safety guidelines very closely, and its outdoor tables are generously spaced apart, while its clean white table linens, comfortable wicker seats, and red patio umbrellas are reminiscent of our favourite resort towns. This dining spot is open Monday to Friday from 11:30 a.m. to late, and Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to late. Reservations are available.
Como Taperia (temporarily Como Chico)
Mount Pleasant’s tapas hot spot faced quite a few hurdles before it could finally obtain necessary permits from the City of Vancouver to open its temporary sidewalk patio, which will hopefully become permanent in the future. It currently operates as Como Chico from Wednesday to Sunday (2 to 9 p.m.), and the patio seats are first-come, first-served. Enjoy some patatas bravas, anchovy-stuffed olives, or some Iberico chorizo with a glass of Spanish wine in its outdoor dining area.
Photo courtesy of Como Taperia.
Burdock & Co
This well-loved Main Street eatery will be launching a new outdoor patio on July 9, which coincides with the reopening of its dine-in service after several months of closure due to the pandemic. Its new patio can accommodate 14 guests, with a four-course set menu featuring fresh and seasonal ingredients. The patio is open Thursday to Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m., and reservations are available.
Photo by Janis Nicolay.
Dachi Vancouver
This Hastings-Sunrise spot recently opened its new patio in the parking lot out front. Local residents can easily access the neighbourhood-friendly space by walking or biking, and there’s ample seating for the whole family. There’s even a patio-specific menu with items such as steak tartare, baby back pork ribs, a meat and cheese plate, and chocolate peanut butter bar for dessert. It operates Friday to Monday from noon until dark (weather permitting); reservations are not available.
Ladurée
Robson Street’s luxury macaron destination and French patisserie has reopened its boutique and added a whimsical patio space in front of its shop. Decked out with garden chairs and tables in its signature mint-green hue, and surrounded by pastel-coloured fences, it’s a cute streetside escape for sweet tooths taking a break from shopping. The boutique is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Fairmont Pacific Rim Patio Pop-Up
Coal Harbour’s luxury hotel has a new pop-up patio in its front plaza, where guests can enjoy burgers hot off the grill and sandwiches, as well as poke bowls and desserts. Cocktails, local craft beer, and wine are also available. Live entertainment makes it an easy environment to unwind, and food and drink tickets are purchased through contactless payment. Weather permitting, the pop-up patio is open Thursdays and Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from noon to 8 p.m.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chophouse
This iconic rooftop deck, always a popular seasonal spot for Vancouverites, features beach-style patio chairs and high-top tables, and a large horseshoe-shaped bar to make signature cocktails and other drinks. With an inviting ambience and a covered area, guests can enjoy the outdoor space rain or shine. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with happy hour daily from 3 to 6 p.m., and reservations are available.
Photo courtesy of Joe Fortes.
Teahouse in Stanley Park
Stanley Park’s legendary dining establishment recently reopened its doors after an uphill battle with the City of Vancouver regarding restricting vehicle access in the park. While we wait for regular roadway access to resume, that shouldn’t stop diners from visiting its well-loved dining room and patio that offers breathtaking views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains. Enjoy a nice weekend brunch or sunset dinner in its outdoor dining space, which is even more of a hot spot in the summer season. The restaurant is open Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to late, and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to late. Restaurant reservations are available, but patio seating is first-come, first-served.
Photo courtesy of The Teahouse.
Provence Marinaside
Lineups and wait-lists have long been common at this waterfront restaurant’s patio with views of False Creek. It was one of the first dining spots in the city to apply for a patio expansion, which was quickly approved. The newly built seating extends onto the street, providing guests ample space and even closer proximity to the water views. The restaurant opens daily from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and reservations are available.
Jules Bistro
Authentic French bistros aren’t really authentic without some outdoor seating, right? This quaint Gastown spot has reopened its patio with a refreshed look, adding some bright new patio chairs and umbrellas. It’s the perfect spot for indulging in cheese and charcuterie, moules marinières, and crème brûlée after strolling through the neighbourhood. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and reservations are available.
Tacofino
This West Coast-meets-Mexican restaurant group is home to several patios, but its latest addition is an expansive, licensed wrap-around patio at the Tacofino Ocho location. With an extra 24 seats in its new outdoor seating area, there’s plenty of room for guests to enjoy tacos, queso fundido, and guacamole and chips while maintaining safe social distances from other diners. The eatery operates daily from 11:30 a.m to 10 p.m., with limited walk-in seating in its dining room and patio. The Tacofino Oasis Burrito Bar and Yaletown Burrito Bar have also reopened their patio seating, with limited capacity.
Nuba
This Lebanese restaurant recently added a bright new patio to its Mount Pleasant location, where customers can enjoy the falafels or fan-favourite crispy cauliflower on picnic tables. Nuba’s Yaletown and Kitsilano spots also have patios, so there’s no shortage of options. Operating hours vary at each location, and reservations are available.
Minami
Like its sister restaurant, Miku, this Yaletown restaurant has been a go-to for sushi and Japanese-food-lovers. Minami is currently refreshing its look, but renovations will be completed shortly, and it’s expected to reopen on July 13. Its garden patio is tucked away at the back of the establishment, surrounded by hanging flowers and plants, and a beautiful tree arch at the entrance of the outdoor space. Stay tuned to its website and social media accounts for updated hours and reservation availability.
Photo by Cody Chan.
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