The Best Patio Views in Vancouver.
August 02 2023, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
Longer days and more sunshine mean that it is time to expand your patio repertoire. Whether you prefer gazing at oceanfront vistas, plane-spotting at YVR, or admiring lush garden views, we’ve got your al fresco dining recommendations covered.
West Coast Classics
Ancora
Fine dining fusion restaurant Ancora melds Peruvian and Japanese flavours at both waterfront dining locations, False Creek and Ambleside. This is the place to order fresh seafood, and the pièce de résistance is the Ancora Glacier, a platter of freshly shucked oysters, ceviche, sashimi, poached prawns, tuna tartare, dungeness crab causas, and mussels a la chalaca.
Seasons in the Park
The heated patio at Queen Elizabeth Park’s restaurant, Seasons in the Park, is one of the best places to take in the Vancouver skyline, set against the lush, ever-changing greenery. Feast on the finest of West Coast regional fare, like local salmon from their wood-fired grill, and don’t forget to order the signature crab, shrimp, and cream cheese stuffed mushroom appetizer.
The Boathouse Kitsilano
A Kits Beach classic. The open-air patio at The Boathouse sets you high above the bustling, buff beach crowds, where you can feast and drink with front-row seats for games of beach volleyball below and watch hardy ocean swimmers getting their lengths in, too.
Provence Marinaside
If the South of France is not on your travel list for this year, the next best thing could well be brunch on Provence Marinaside’s patio. What’s better than seafood crepes, a French Spritz in hand, and the warm ocean breeze on your face? If you close your eyes, it almost feels Mediterranean — promise.
Pub-Style Specialties
The Wicklow
After biking or walking the False Creek seawall, there's nothing better than a classic pub meal at this casual waterfront tavern. Locals flock to The Wicklow for cold brews and classic chicken wings—if you’re feeling like something more refined, go for the coconut-almond crusted Tropical Chicken Burger, another all-star choice.
Milltown Bar & Grill
When you’ve had enough ocean views, set your sights on this hidden gem near the Fraser River. While Milltown is technically in Richmond, it’s only accessible from Vancouver’s Marpole area, and there are two waterfront patio views to choose from when you arrive. North-facing gives a marina-and-mountains view, while south-facing overlooks the river and YVR runway—plane-watching perfection.
The Galley Patio & Grill
Jericho Beach’s most expansive patio, The Galley, is a staple in the area. The first-come, first-served beachside grill is located atop the Jericho Sailing Centre, making it the perfect spot to eat beer-battered Alaskan Cod with chips while watching sailing boats and beachgoers at play against a mountain backdrop.
Tap & Barrel
All Tap & Barrel locations—Olympic Village, the Bridges, Convention Centre, the Shipyards, and South Surrey — have sprawling outdoor patios, perfect for a lazy afternoon of brews, bites, and views. With an overwhelming selection of B.C. beer and cider on tap, it’s well-advised to sit back and relax by letting the staff choose a five-beer tasting flight for you.
Casual-Fine Dining on the Water
The Patio at The Polygon Gallery
It’s well worth crossing a bridge to reach The Polygon Gallery in Lower Lonsdale’s Shipyards District, and even more so for the gallery's outdoor patio. This waterfront space serves up cocktails, craft beer, B.C. wine, and fresh pastries and snacks from Nemesis Coffee.
Lift
It’s no wonder that tourists flock to Lift for its regional cuisine, stellar B.C. wine list, and quintessential Vancouver views of Stanley Park and the mountains—but it shouldn’t be forgotten by locals. The rooftop deck sets the scene for al fresco dining in style. It is a heated patio, but best to bring something warm for when the wind whips up from the water.
The Sandbar
Granville’s Island’s seafood mecca is the perfect choice for any celebration, from a birthday to, well, a regular Tuesday. Treat yourself to some wine (or excellent zero-proof cocktails) and fresh sushi, or opt for The Sandbar Tower—an epic seafood feast—on their heated, covered patio with spectacular views of the harbour.
Cactus Club Cafe English Bay
Nothing gets closer to the waters of English Bay than this Cactus Club Cafe. Whether you’re a Szechuan tofu lettuce wrap type of person, or addicted to the Angus beef mini-burgers, you can’t really go wrong with this classic Vancouver establishment.
Treating yourself to all that our beautiful city has to offer not only feels good, it supports our restaurant industry, too. We all know that Vancouver truly shines in the spring and summer months, so be a tourist in your own city by exploring some new patios and neighbourhoods while the weather is at its best.
