Vancouver Patios to Escape the City.
April 28 2022, Mercedes-Benz Vancouver
Patio season is upon us, and whether you are travelling this summer or not, may we recommend a close-to-home escape? Here are five of our favourite Vancouver patios that deliver ambience and cuisine that will make you feel as though you're dining somewhere far, far away.
Tableau Bar Bistro
Feels Like: Paris, France
Neighbourhood: Coal Harbour
Instagram: @tableaubarbistro
Reservations: First-come, First-serve
To pretend that you’re Seine-side in a little Parisian bistro, go for happy hour at Tableau’s impeccable first-come, first-served terrace. Champagne may be the obvious sip of choice here, but you’d be remiss to skip the excellent cocktails on offer. Graze on fine French delights such as Pâté de Campagnes, Grilled Asparagus with soft-ripened triple-creme cheese and frisee, Mushrooms on Toast with La Sauvagine cheese, and a stunning, recently launched, Seafood Tower.
Giardino (Opens May 20)
Feels Like: Florence, Italy
Neighbourhood: Downtown, Hornby
Instagram: @giardinovan
Reservations: 604-669-2422
The lush oasis behind Giardino is a see-and-be-seen mecca for anyone who wants a side of people-watching with their Linguine alle Vongole or Oven-Braised Veal Ossobuco. The Florentine-style back patio pulls out all the stops—think fine linen tablecloths, elegant umbrellas, and of course, the finest Italian wines to sip and savour—and the well-manicured elegance of it all will have you dreaming of la dolce vita long after you depart.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Feels Like: New York
Neighbourhood: Downtown - Robson
Instagram: @joefortesvan
Reservations: Online
The rooftop garden patio at this iconic seafood and chop house may be as close to New York as you’ll get this year. Joe Fortes has been serving up classic American fare since the mid-1980s, so they know what they’re doing, and we love going for anything surf and turf here. Start with oysters on the half-shell—or the three-tiered Seafood Tower, if you’re in the mood—and follow it up with a New York Strip Sirloin and truffle parmesan fries.
Reflections: The Garden Terrace
Feels Like: Miami-Meets-LA
Neighbourhood: Heart of Downtown
Reservations: Online
This sophisticated spot in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a destination all of its own in the heart of downtown. When all the seats are filled, Reflections’ energetic buzz feels very rooftop-in-LA or patio-in-Miami, and the well-manicured terrace greenery helps round out the fantasy. The summertime menu is best approached with a few tapas bites—perhaps the Lobster Tacos and Aburi Sushi Sampler—before focusing on the excellent high-end cocktail menu and wine list for the rest of your stay.
Milltown Bar & Grill
Feels Like: Boston or Maine
Neighbourhood: Marpole
Instagram: @milltown_bar
Reservations: Call 604.423.5400
Situated right beside the Fraser River, this elevated pub-style restaurant has two patios to choose from and is backed by the Milltown Marina. For an Eastern Seaboard vibe, select the picnic benches right by the water to watch tugboats and pleasure crafts meandering up-river, as well as planes landing on the runway at YVR. Milltown is technically in Richmond, but only accessible from Marpole, and to reach it you must drive over to its little island outpost, which makes this spot feel like even more of a getaway. Keep an eye out for eagles, order the Tug Boat Burger, and you’ll have yourself a perfectly pleasant afternoon.
Treat yourself to a delicious “mini-escape”—and support a local restaurant while you do it—with a seat on one of these prime patios. The best part? You don’t have to book a flight home.
