Patio Season in Vancouver

The sun is out and the sunglasses are on, which means that patio season has finally begun in Downtown Vancouver! What is patio season, you might ask? When the weather is cooperative with the sunshine, restaurants open up their outdoor seating. From there, you can enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city while having a meal with your friends and family. This is a great time for locals, as well as visitors, to enjoy the company of great food mixed with a brilliant outdoor atmosphere.  From Gastown to False Creek, we have a list of the best patio-friendly restaurants that will have you feeling ready for the summer time!

Gastown

The Chill Winston

Photo by: Sherman’s Food Adventures

The Chill Winston is sited at the end of Gastown, one of Downtown Vancouver’s oldest areas. Sticking to old-school traditions, they use local, wild, free-run, and organic ingredients in all their dishes. They boast a great selection of platters that are perfect for groups to share in the warm, sunny weather. The patio is located by Maple Tree Square, and it gives you the perfect view of the eventful city streets.

3 Alexander Street
604 288 9575

Coal Harbour

Cactus Club (Coal Harbour)

Photo by: Cactus Club Café

Situated to the left of the Olympic cauldron in Jack Poole Plaza is the Canadian casual-dining restaurant, Cactus Club Café. Since its first restaurant opening in North Vancouver, the restaurant chain has expanded all throughout Canada. Known for their wide selection of western-style dishes and laidback setting with friendly service, Cactus Club Café is definitely a top selection for a night out! Their Coal Harbour location provides a great view of the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Olympic cauldron, and several other outdoor art installations in the area. If you look further into the distance, you will also see the North Shore Mountains and the Burrard Inlet.

1085 Canada Place
604 620 7410

Cardero’s

Photo by: Dine Out Vancouver

Who can think of a better place to have a meal by the water than at Cardero’s? Their patio is located by the marina of Coal Harbour, so fresh seafood is guaranteed! Since oyster season is starting to pick up, why not head on down to share a few with some friends and family? There are always specials on seafood along with the many wines that they offer. The patio views include beautiful mountains and seaside activity – you might even spot some Canadian wildlife (Click here to view our blog post about spotting some wildlife in Vancouver!). Cardero’s also offers live music every night, so it’s never a dull moment!

1583 Coal Harbour Quay
604 669 7666

Downtown Core

Black & Blue Steakhouse

Photo by: Vancity Buzz

Located on Alberni Street, Black & Blue Steakhouse is one of the nine brands under Glowbal Restaurant Group. With a unique menu for both their patio and dining areas, Black & Blue Steakhouse carries everything from steaks to seafood. Their rooftop patio is perfect for small groups of people looking to relax after a long day at work. They have a large collection of different wines from around the Lower Mainland, as well as from around the world. This way, you can pair your favourite wine with your meal. Not only that, but they also have Canada’s first Josper Grill, a combination of an oven and grill that allows for the best way to bring out the flavours and textures in all types of food.

1032 Alberni Street
604 637 0777

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chophouse

Photo by: Vancity Buzz

If you walk along Robson Street downtown, you will eventually find Joe Fortes Seafood & Chophouse, a restaurant named after the prominent Vancouverite, Joe Fortes. Their patio, similar to Black & Blue Steakhouse, is located on the roof. This way, you can escape the busy city streets and enjoy a birds-eye view from above. The patio has everything, from a horseshoe bar to a cozy fireplace, which makes it the picture-perfect setting for catching up with friends or intimate dinners.

777 Thurlow Street
604 669 1940

The West End

Cactus Club (English Bay)

Photo by: Cactus Club Café

If you’re on the hunt for great views of the beach and sunset, then the Cactus Club Café located on English Bay is perfect for you! As the only restaurant located on English Bay, you are guaranteed the best views of the area. Although reservations are not required, we suggest making one to get the best seat in the restaurant.

1790 Beach Avenue
604 681 2582

Score on Davie

Photo by: Score on Davie

Where else would you find your meal stacked on top of a Caesar/Bloody Mary? Located in the heart of Davie Street, Score puts an interesting twist on traditional drinks and dishes. Their welcoming staff is always great with making conversation to make you feel right at home. If you’re also looking to make a few friends while you’re in town, Score is also a very popular place for locals as their bar always has the latest sports game showing! Start your night off by the patio and then make your way into the bar at night to experience the night life of Score!

1262 Davie Street
604 632 1646

Yaletown

Minami

Photo by: Pangcouver

If you’re looking for a cozy secluded patio setting, then Minami located in Yaletown is the perfect place to check out. A sister restaurant of Miku Waterfront, Minami offers traditional Aburi sushi that go well with flights of Japanese Sake. Unlike Miku Waterfront, Minami also touches on a fusion of Japanese cuisine with Western classics such as steaks, seafood dishes, and poultry.

1118 Mainland Street
604 685 8080

Romer’s Burger Bar

Photo by: Vanbrosia

Romer’s Burger Bar is one of the best places for burgers in town. Currently, they have three locations all throughout the Greater Vancouver area – Kitsilano, River District, and Yaletown. Their menu is full of different kinds of dishes, but it’s their burgers that have stolen the hearts of visitors. From the “Wicked Deadly Cheeseburger” to the “Man’s Man Burger,” there is sure to be a burger to suit your tastes. Don’t forget to also pair your burger with fresh cut fries, which are available in six styles.

1039 Mainland Street
604 559 7210

False Creek

Tap & Barrel

Photo by: Sean’s Adventure in Flavor Town

With three locations in Downtown Vancouver, Tap & Barrel continue to be one of the leading restaurants that boast the best views as well as craft beer selection. Their False Creek location provides a different perspective of the Downtown core. From their two-floor patio, you will be able to spot BC Place, Telus World of Science, Cambie bridge, and the docks for dragon boats. Tap & Barrel has an impeccable selection of shareables. Living up to our city’s goals to be greener, this restaurant chain utilizes local ingredients as well as implementing a custom tapping system for their wine in order to reduce their carbon footprint, and providing guests with the freshest food options.

1 Athletes Way
604 685 2223

Patio season is a great opportunity for friends and family to spend some time together while sharing some good food. We hope you enjoyed this list that we’ve compiled! If you’re interested in more restaurants to check out around Downtown Vancouver, check out our posts on the best desserts in town or restaurants five minutes away from the Vancouver Lookout!

Happy eating!