Vancouver's best downtown patios
Home to upscale hotels and a business-minded workforce, downtown Vancouver has some classy yet welcoming patios. From hidden gems to interesting local favourites, the following are among the best you’ll find on the West Coast.
Gallery Cafe & Catering
750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7The Gallery Café, attached to the Vancouver Art Gallery, is raised above Robson Square and set back from the street, its tree-lined patio a quiet oasis in the heart of downtown. It’s a great spot whether you’re just enjoying a cup of coffee by yourself or a few cocktails with friends. The café’s food is simple but delicious, ranging from rare Ahi tuna salad bowls to grilled sandwiches and pastries. Live music, from jazz quartets to classical ensembles, are frequently playing in afternoons here on warm summer days.
Reflections : The Garden Terrace
801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7Located on the fourth floor of the Hotel Georgia, this patio is one of Vancouver's classiest hidden gems. Its upscale, exclusive location and private cabanas mean it’s a great place to spot the latest summer fashions and even the occasional celebrity. The kitchen makes some of the best sharable food around, from charcuterie plates to scallops sourced from Quadra Island. Round off your visit with something from the stunning wine or cocktail list.
Miku Japanese Restaurant
70-200 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4Located where the city meets the sea, Miku overlooks the cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, the port of Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains beyond. The Japanese menu features some of the best sushi and highest-quality sashimi in the city. They also have a range of Japanese appetizers and entrees, along with a couple of large platters to share. During the summer the chefs can often be found grilling daily specials for guests on the patio.
Mahony's Tavern
36-1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3Located across from Canada Place, Mahony & Sons has a similar view to Miku but in a decidedly relaxed, pub-like atmosphere. It faces east, which means it’s great for getting sun during the hottest hours through the afternoon, before shade starts to take over. The generous pub food includes burgers, stews and chowders, while the drink selection boasts a good selection of European beers and a few local favourites.
Commune Cafe
1002 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3M6Located on Seymour Street, the Commune Café has quickly become one of downtown’s most popular patios. This shady patio is a cool oasis in the mid-summer sun. Guests will find a casual dining menu with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner made with local and sustainable ingredients whenever possible. Commune carries a wide range of beers on tap from local breweries and craft bottles from around the globe, making it a go-to spot for weekenders and the post-work crowd.
TAPshack Eatery
1199 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 0A1Inspired by classic European bistros, The Mill is committed to providing guests with a casual atmosphere and a decent selection of draught beers. The majority of taps, bottles and wines are all sourced locally, with only a few from overseas. The menu is simple bistro fare with a focus on local ingredients, but the real draw is a stunning patio with views of Stanley Park, the North Shore and the sea planes as they take off and land.
Tap & Barrel
1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3It’s everything you’d expect from a restaurant that calls itself Tap & Barrel. They have more than two dozen taps from which to choose, without a single macro brew to be found, and all of the beers are served in 20 oz pints. Located in the convention centre, it has plenty of seating options both inside and out. The large upstairs patio gets full sun throughout the day and features breathtaking views of Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains.
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