The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the streets and decks have been swept in preparation for that most joyful time in the restaurant industry—patio season. Here are six places where the dining en plein air offers equally inspiring food and drink.
Adesso Bistro
This little neighbourhood gem is long on deliciousness, as well as having a solid wine and cocktail list. The enclosed garden patio, surrounded by shrubs and plants and shaded by trees, is the perfect place for the consumption of the popular Ligurian (from the northwestern coastal region of Italy) dishes that make up the menu. Try some squid ink tagliatelle with slow-cooked squid in tomato sauce, or the bourrida, a classic Ligurian seafood stew with mussels, prawns and squid. Pair with some Verminto for an easy al fresco experience. Did I mention they have a four-course $32 prix fixe menu Sunday to Thursday?
1906 Haro St. | 604-568-9975 | AdessoBistro.net
Miku/Minami
These two sister restaurants both specialize in Aburi sushi, but have different menus. What they do have in common is excellent cocktail and sake lists, as well as outstanding patios. Minami’s walled back garden space is furnished with deep sofas and over-stuffed chairs, a peaceful oasis in the midst of busy Yaletown. Miku is waterfront in Coal Harbour, with a stunning patio that offers water/mountain vistas for days.
Minami | 1118 Mainland St. | 604-685-8080 | MinamiRestaurant.com
Miku | 70 – 200 Granville St. | 604-568-3900 | MikuRestaurant.com
Secret Location
For those who want to go on a culinary adventure, the street-front patio at Secret Location in Gastown may not be the most private, but it is home to some of the most inventive and expressive food and drink in the city. Chef Jefferson Alvarez puts together multi-course tasting menus for dinner as well as á la carte menus for lunch and brunch, and the results are always delightful. Shaved ostrich with horseradish foam and crispy shallots, octopus with burnt onion puree, a sirloin burger cooked to your liking, and gluten-free gnocchi with lobster all vie for attention. The drinks list changes as often as the menu, so boredom is not an option.
1 Water St. | 604-685-0090 | SecretLocation.ca/Tasting-Room
Tap and Barrel Olympic Village
Beers on a sunny patio is practically a requisite to having a Vancouver passport, and there is no better place for that than Tap and Barrel in the former Olympic Village in Southeast False Creek. Unobstructed views of False Creek, Science World and the rest of the city from the large, heated patio and second-floor deck make for pleasant outdoor drinking, but it’s the stellar craft beer list and wine list, all BC-sourced, that makes this place a winner. With almost 40 BC beers and wines on tap at any given time. As for the food, it’s straight-up comfort made with local ingredients, like the steelhead tacos, foraged mushroom pizza, and the Pacific Northwest cod and chips.
1 Athletes Way | 604-685-2223 | TapAndBarrel.com
Romer’s Burger Bar
Sometimes, you just can’t beat a burger and beer overlooking a great view. For those outside of the downtown core, Romer’s South Van location overlooking the Fraser River is the ideal destination. The patio overlooks water and trees, and even on rainy days, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows mean unobstructed vistas. The Man’s Man burger is always a good choice, as is the Righteous Rib. Both pair perfectly with local taps from Driftwood Brewing, Parallel 49 and Red Truck, among others.
8683 Kerr St. | 604-566-9545 | RomersBurgerBar.com
