Best patios in Downtown Vancouver

With warm weather finally hitting Vancouver there’s no better time than the present to enjoy a meal and good company in the great outdoors.

Luckily, for urban dwellers and visitors to the downtown core, Vancouver offers a never-ending list of fabulous patios, providing city views, people-watching opportunities, endless sunshine, and solid menu choices.

So that we can include the great patios found in Yaletown, Gastown, the West End, and Coal Harbour, we’re drawing a wider set of boundaries here under the umbrella of Downtown.

Here are the best patios in Downtown Vancouver.

Chill Winston

With close to 100 seats, sun umbrellas, and a bustling atmosphere, Chill Winston’s sprawling patio is the perfect place to relax, slow down, and enjoy a cold drink (or two). For those seeking some Vitamin D make sure you head to the restaurant during the day as the street-facing patio is an absolute sun trap.

Address: 3 Alexander Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-288-9575
Twitter: @chillwinston

Reflections

With no tell-tale signs to remind you you’re in Vancouver (no mountain or ocean view), it’s easy to forget exactly where you are when you step foot onto this beautifully laid-out, hidden patio at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Reminiscent of outdoor spaces found in L.A., New York, and Miami, the newly-remodelled Reflections Lounge, surrounded by soaring buildings, is the ideal urban oasis. With its own private elevator to the fourth floor, it can be tough for some to find on their first visit, so simply ask the hotel staff to point you in the right direction.

Address: 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-673-7043

Ancora

Ancora opened up in the former C restaurant space in September 2015, so while its impressive False Creek-facing patio saw many a sunny day last year, it has yet to soak up the rays for a full, proper patio season. Enjoy terrific cocktails and unique Japanese-Peruvian fare with an upscale West Coast bent.

Address: 1600 Howe Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-681-1164
Twitter: @ancoradining

Chambar

Seating 60 people, Chambar’s partially shaded patio is open from 8 a.m. to late (as long as the weather permits) and is a great place to enjoy a spot of brunch or a round of post-work drinks.

Address: 568 Beatty Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-879-7119
Twitter: @chambar

Gallery Cafe

Conveniently located in the heart of downtown this spacious café attached to the Vancouver Art Gallery offers a wide range of snacks, soups, coffee, deserts and, of course, one of the loveliest patios around. Decked out with a gorgeous array of flowers, the Gallery Cafe’s patio is a terrific spot for bigger group sittings and casual hangouts, especially after a long day of shopping on Robson Street.

Address: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-2233

Joe Fortes

Lined by a beautiful blooming garden and a living green wall, Joe Fortes’ rooftop patio provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Robson Street below. Sun-drenched, the iconic space is a wonderfully peaceful spot to indulge on the restaurant’s signature seafood-focused dishes.

Address: 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-1940
Twitter: @JoeFortesVan

CinCin

Not only is CinCin’s leafy patio the perfect place to indulge on the restaurant’s fine Italian food but it is also a terrific spot to retreat to if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Robson Street.

Address: 1143 Robson Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-7338
Twitter: @cincinvan

Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe

You can’t help but be seduced by Thierry’s impressive selection of cakes, pastries, and other gourmet goodies. Once you’ve finally decided what treat you want to indulge on head back out the door and grab a seat on the patisserie’s small but delightful front patio. it’s the perfect nook to enjoy a coffee and a chocolate-covered treat.

Address: 1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-608-6870
Twitter: @thierrychocolat

Back Forty

A casual eatery sitting on the corner of Robson and Beatty, Back Forty is both a favourite local hangout and a popular (and at times a boisterous) pre-sports drinking venue, thanks to its proximity to BC Stadium. There are summery times written all over this open air spot, thanks to Back Forty’s row of welcoming picnic tables, sun umbrellas, laid-back vibe, and classic comfort fare.

Address: 118 Robson Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-5840
Twitter: @BackFortySaloon

Cactus Club Cafe – English Bay

Residing along the sandy shores of English Bay, Cactus Club Cafe’s Beach Avenue locale has, inarguably, one of the best patios in the city. Offering spectacular ocean vistas, the waterfront setting is ideal for people watching, taking in the sunset, and sun seekers wanting a good dose of Vitamin D.

Address: 1790 Beach Avenue, Vancouver
Phone: 604-681-2582
Twitter: @cactusclubcafe

JOEY Burrard

When it comes to patios, JOEY Burrard is a popular downtown choice among business folk and shoppers alike, thanks to the restaurant’s proximity to the city’s business district and bustling Robson Street shopping thoroughfare. JOEY Burrard, like its sibling restaurants, also offers a solid wine list, cocktail menu, and original food creations.

Address: 820 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-683-5639
Twitter: @JOEYRestaurants

Lift Bar & Grill

There can be absolutely no denying that the patio attached to this upscale restaurant in Coal Harbour is pretty damn spectacular. Situated on the waters of Vancouver Harbour, LIFT Bar & Grill offers diners stunning costal views as well as a range of fresh seafood focused selections.

Address: 333 Menchions Mews, Vancouver
Phone: 604-689-5438
Twitter: @liftbarandgrill

The Roof at Black+Blue

Situated on the top of Black+Blue on Alberni Street, The Roof’s patio has been designed with a sophisticated late night crowd in mind. Indeed, the space has been decorated with ultra modern furnishings and open pit table fireplaces. Guests who are lucky enough to grab a seat on one of Vancouver’s largest rooftop patios, can enjoy a range of summery libations from the bar and appetizing plates from the kitchen’s menu selections.

Address: 1032 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-637-0777
Twitter: @Glowbal_Group

Glowbal

Say what you will about the Vegas-like vibe of the swanky downtown multi-level Glowbal, but this patio is a terrific place to be, any time of year. On chilly days you can warm up to their cozy in-wall fireplaces, and in summer enjoy the shade from the impressive overhang courtesy the award-winning architecture of the Telus Garden building.

Address: 590 West Georgia Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-602-0835
Twitter: @Glowbal_Group