Though Vancouver’s indoor dining was given the green light to restart in late May, sitting out on a patio is likely to remain the preference for many almost regardless of the weather. The City is continuing its temporary patio program — begun in summer 2020 in response to the pandemic — where restaurants can apply for a free permit for temporary outdoor dining areas on sidewalks and curbside lanes. Some restaurants have expanded their permanent patios, too, to maximize the opportunity to dine in the safer outdoor air and (hopefully) the sunshine.
Here are some of Rain City’s best outdoor dining spots, most open in all but the most torrential downpours. Get ready for afternoon tea, mountain views, and live music at Vancouver’s top spots for outdoor dining.
| Restaurants: | Nuba - on Davie, Gurkha Himalayan Kitchen, Minami Restaurant… |
|---|---|
| Price Range: | $$$ - $$$ |
| Cuisines: | European, Nepalese, Japanese… |
| Neighborhoods: | Yaletown, West End… |
Nuba serves fresh Lebanese cuisine using organic and local ingredients whenever possible. Patios are at two of its four locations: in Kits, there’s a shaded permanent terrace plus a temporary street p...
Gurkha Himalayan Kitchen is upstairs in a century-old house on Davie Street with plenty of outdoor seating options. In addition to the lantern-bedecked heated patio above the back alley, there are two...
Like sister restaurant Miku, Minami focuses on aburi, or flame-seared sushi — enhancing the texture and flavour of the fresh fish without compromising the balance and beauty that characterize sushi. A...
This West Coast-Asian fusion bistro is upstairs in the Vancouver Art Gallery, with proceeds supporting the Gallery (Gallery members get a 10 percent discount). The large, 120-seat terrace overlooks th...
Behind the Granville Island Hotel on the quieter eastern side of Granville Island, Dockside’s award-winning patio is sunny from morning to late afternoon. Umbrellas, curtained tents, and a pergola pro...
Find fun attitudes — a live DJ on weekend evenings keeps things lively — and contemporary Mexican cuisine for brunch, lunch, and dinner at El Guapo, with a discounted happy hour menu. The elevated sid...
At Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, the iconic Teahouse’s heated terrace has views of both the North Shore mountains and English Bay’s longest sunsets. The patio is partially protected from the element...
Hidden on the Rosewood hotel’s fourth floor is a walled terrace complete with waterfall, trees hanging with lanterns, and a swank vibe. Chefs prepare high-end tapas, lunch, dinner, and brunch along on...
Gotham’s sunny walled upstairs terrace welcomes you for lunch, dinner, and drinks with shade trees, umbrellas, and a massive fireplace. High-end classics such as prime grade beef and lobster tail are ...
This French-infuenced restaurant has three outdoor dining areas with views of the Seawall and the masts of the Quayside Marina. The permanent sidewalk patio is under awnings and overhead heaters, the ...
Latin American and Pacific coastal cuisine combine at this vibrant spot on The Drive. Boozy slushies and fun cocktails accompany ceviche, tacos, tostones, vegetable bowls, and more. This is a great pl...
On “The Rise” of one of Vancouver’s favourite shopping streets, The Rise Eatery’s covered patio is hidden around back and open weather permitting. The brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner menus blend...
The award-winning team at Boulevard impresses with its West Coast fine dining menus and service. The permanent terrace’s ten tables are atop a beautiful grey-and-white tile floor next to the Sutton Pl...
This seafood-forward restaurant is perched on stilts for spectacular views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, and the North Shore mountains from both indoors and out. Choose from the rooftop deck or wrap-...