The only thing better than a beautiful Vancouver summer’s day is spending it on the perfect patio with a glass of something delicious in hand. Here are a few of our favourite places to wine and dine outdoors.
Street Scenes
Havana
Order a plate of Ropa Vieja Pappardelle and their Hibiscus Mojito, then sit back and absorb the community and character that’s uniquely Commercial Drive; on Havana’s patio, you’ll see it all. What’s that woman doing with a snake wrapped around her arm, anyway? havanavancouver.com
Homer St Café and Bar
A patio more European in feel than others in the city, perched on a busy Yaletown street. Come for an exceptional handcrafted cocktail, stay for the maple butter pork belly. homerstreetcafebar.com
Out of Sight
The Arbor
Tucked behind a hip Main Street vegetarian restaurant, this secluded patio has a lovely garden feel that becomes more romantic at night with the help of twinkly lights. The kitchen sources produce from local farms and the bar boasts a rotating natural wine list. thearborrestaurant.ca
Reflections: The Garden Terrace
You wouldn’t know it from West Georgia Street, but the Rosewood Hotel Georgia’s rooftop patio really swings at night. Quieter during the day, it offers great food, comfortable seating, and excellent service. Try a plate of charred Catalan octopus washed down with a Green Thumb Margarita. rosewoodhotels.com
Dress-up Worthy
Chambar
Brick. Flora. Candlelight. An award-winning wine program. Chambar’s street-level terrace is high-class. Keep an eye out for one of their collaborative events with local distilleries, craft breweries, and vineyards. The filo-wrapped duck confit and Kingslayer cocktail are highlights. chambar.com
Elisa Steakhouse
Elisa is bringing back the white-tablecloth, old-school feel. Perched on the corner of Helmcken and Hamilton, this patio is one of the swankier retreats in Yaletown, where no one will bat an eye if you order a snifter of Louis XIII cognac to go with your wagyu striploin. elisasteak.com
Look Out
Popina Canteen
A structure made of shipping containers just west of Granville Island Public Market—with a priceless Vancouver waterfront view—Popina is the work of four of the city’s notable chefs—Angus An, Robert Belcham, Hamid Salimian, and Joël Watanabe. Order bubbles and a seafood platter, or a burger and beer—either way, you’ll remember exactly why you love this city. popinacanteen.com
Ancora False Creek
Directly across False Creek from Popina is Ancora, a fine-dining Peruvian-Japanese restaurant. Tucked away from seawall traffic, this patio offers a more intimate view of the harbour and its boats, perfect for a romantic summer evening. Try pairing a pisco-based Chilcano cocktail with the sablefish croquettes. ancoradining.com
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