Best patios in Downtown Vancouver 2014

The main hub of culture and entertainment for Metro Vancouver — bound by the Burrard Inlet, Stanley Park and False Creek there is a near-endless list of patios to choose from in the downtown core offering views, people-watching, excellent food and drink and the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing summer evening. Check out some of the best downtown (primarily business district) patios.

Don Franscesco

The patio at this Sicilian restaurant leads out onto a charming courtyard for a more intimate and quiet dining experience. Enjoy a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes at this award-winning restaurant, paired with an extensive list of complementary wines.

Address: 860 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-685-7770
Website

Joe Fortes

With both rooftop and sidewalk patios available, Joe Fortes completes any summer day with its seafood menu and happy hour (4-6 p.m.) specials including $1 oysters, $5 glasses of wine and 50 per cent off the bar menu. Its upstairs rooftop garden also features a living green wall and fireplace.

Signature Drink: The Citrus Breeze, should cool you down on a hot summer day.
Signature Dish: If you’ve never had a seafood burger, order their feature dish – the Oceanwise Salmon Burger- next time.
Address: 777 Thurlow Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-669-1940
Website

Joey Burrard

Joey on Burrard will cross many lists when it comes to downtown patios. Its location is central to the business district, resulting in many business attire during lunch, and after the long workdays. Joey also offers a great wine list, drink menu, and original food creations.

Signature Drink: Just in time for summer, Joey’s has a new cocktail line up starting May 28. Try the Passionfruit Margarita, made with bold tropical flabours, balanced with lime and Reposado tequila.
Signature Dish: Their Baja Fish Tacos are a go-to and pair great with the margaritas or a cold beer.
Address: 820 Burrard Street, Vancouver
Website

 

The Roof at Black and Blue

Opened last year, The Roof at Black and Blue is one of the hottest rooftop patio spots in the city. Featuring an open kitchen and bar that caters solely to rooftop attendees, The Roof also continues Black and Blue’s legacy of steakhouse glory. Kobe’s, lean Australian steaks and more are amongst some of the fine meats that The Roof offers. In addition to its super chic atmosphere, glass-encased fires and modern design, The Roof also overlooks the tall buildings edging Alberni Street.

Signature Drink: The Roof’s feature cocktail, the Apple & Vanilla Margarita.
Signature Dish: Pop in for brunch and enjoy the Black+Blue Benny, complete with grilled baguette, poached eggs, prosciutto, dungeness crab, arugula, hollandaise, potato hash.

Address: 1032 Alberni Street, Vancouver

Phone: 604-637-0777
Website

 

CinCin

A definition of modern sophistication, CinCin creates an intimate and comfortable atmosphere alongside an Italian menu. Handmade pastas made in-house daily, a heritage woodfire-oven and an award-winning wine list all play second fiddle to CinCin’s quiet patio that’s open until midnight.

Address: 1143 Robson Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-688-7338
Website

Thierry Chocolaterie Patisserie Cafe

Framed by luxury giants like Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Tiffany & Co. that have transformed Alberni Street into an upscale shopping strip, Thierry provides some of the best macarons and assorted desserts in the city. With its patio opening out onto the street to offer great people-watching opportunities during the day and its award-winning chocolates and cakes to savour a late-night dessert treat by night, Thierry has something for everyone throughout the day.

Address: 1059 Alberni Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-608-6870
Website

 

Gallery Café

Beautiful floral arrangements and a casual dining experience mix together for patio-goers in the heart of downtown Vancouver to enjoy. Located inside the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Gallery Café is a classic testament to Vancouver’s outdoor dining scene.

Signature Drink: One of their martinis (the second best kept secret, after the patio).
Signature Dish: The Rare Ahi Tuna Salad Bowl on crunchy raw slaw with hemp hearts & sesame seeds, and oriental dressing.

Address: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver

Phone: 604-688-2233
Website

 

Reflections

With a seemingly endless line up of luxury cars teeming down below this rooftop patio restaurant, Reflections has reopened its doors for the summer. Infinity water features reflect the posh and stylish crowd that frequent this spot, while teak couches illuminated by a fire pit and lanterns offer great spots to sip on some of Reflection’s signature cocktails.

Signature Drink: The Hotel Georgia cocktail, with gin, lime, egg white, orgeat, orange blossom water, and nutmeg dust.
Signature Dish: Try their Quadra Island We Wai Kai Scallops with the cocktail to complete your experience at Reflections.

Address: 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Phone: 604-682-5566
Website

Miku

Image: Miku Restaurant

Offering some of the views that Vancouverites cherish, Miku Restaurant’s overlooks the Burrard Inlet. Its traditional Japanese cuisine incorporates some local west coast elements while sitting on the outdoor waterfront patio.

Address: 200 Granville Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-568-3900
Website

Mahony & Sons

Image: Yelp

Irish aesthetic and dining are infused into Mahony & Sons where stone inlay and celtic artwork are framed by a large patio overlooking the ocean at the Convention Centre.

Address: 1055 Canada Place, Vancouver
Phone: 604-647-7513
Website

 

Market by Jean-Georges

MARKET by Jean-Georges offers a heated and covered outdoor terrace on its upper-level as well as a street-level patio. Located at the Shangri-La Hotel, Market’s menu has a particular emphasis on seafood, the menu at Market focuses on reinventing classic dishes and keeping things fresh.

Signature Drink: Try the refreshing Lychee Raspberry Bellini with Cristalino Brut Cava, Lychee and Raspberry.
Signature Dish: Market Burger with black truffle dressing and brie cheese

Address: 1128 West Georgia Street, Vancouver

Phone: 604-695-1115
Website

Faubourg

Faubourg’s second location opened downtown last August, conveniently located in Vancouver’s shopping neighbourhood, across the Vancouver Art Gallery, and near many offices. Faubourg’s Hornby Street location offers savory gourmet items (including freshly baked bread), desserts, coffees and teas, and its downtown patio is a perfect spot to try them all. They have monthly specials for baked goods, so make sure to ask!

Signature Drink: Any of their Mariage Frères teas
Signature Dish: Tartine Océane with smoked salmon, mesclun salad and sun dried tomatoes
Address: 769 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Website

Commune Cafe

Image: Commune Cafe

This gorgeous downtown patio is quickly becoming a local favourite, especially with it’s delicious menu and options for craft beers. Reservations for Commune Cafe can be taken directly on their website, but only for weekdays. Commune Cafe is open early, 8 a.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. on weekends, closing at 11 p.m. on most weekdays, and 11:30 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays.

Signature Drink: Their Vancouver Special: a cocktail made of spiced rum, ginger beer, and lime juice.
Signature Dish: As for food, indulge in their Baked Mac & Cheese- filled with three cheese sauce, and an option to add bacon.
Address: 1002 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Website

 

Featured Image: Miku Restaurant