Last year, I talked about some of the best spots for al fresco dining and drinking. With patio season in full swing, here are a few more places to consider for your next edible adventure. Some of these have been around so long that they may have fallen off your radar, while others are newer to the list. All offer something unique, in addition to their beautiful outdoor spaces.
Reflections Lounge
It doesn’t get more posh than this. This inner-courtyard patio on the fourth floor of The Rosewood Hotel Georgia rocks a laid-back polished vibe with its water feature, central fire pit, VIP private cabanas and stellar cocktail list. Charcuterie and share plates rule the roost. Try the tomato and buratta on toast, with a classic Hemmingway daiquiri for kicks. For something heartier, try the flat iron steak or grilled free-range game hen with a side of patatas bravas. RosewoodHotels.com/Hotel-Georgia-Vancouver/Dining
Chambar
Since moving a few doors away to its new, larger space, Chambar has also been able to offer patio dining for the first time. The large, shady, green space is perfect for indulging in their popular Belgian-Moroccan fare, such as the butcher’s steak and fried egg with chargrilled corn bread for brunch, or the the barbecued frog legs with avocado ranch for dinner. Pair with the classic Blue Fig cocktail, oven-roasted fig-infused gin with a side of blue cheese. Chambar.com
Cin Cin
For a restaurant that’s celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the room is remarkably fresh and buzzing, and the patio, overlooking Robson Street from its lofty second-floor perch, is a marvel of terracotta, shade and greenery. It’s the perfect place to take a break in the middle of a busy day, and indulge in the award-winning cocktails of David Wolowydnik and the excellent and inventive Italian fare of executive chef Andrew Richardson. Indulge in wood-fired whole branzino, slow-cooked crispy pork, and buratta flown in from Puglia. Gluten-free pasta is also an excellent option here. CinCin.net
Joe Fortes
One of the city’s most popular rooftop patios, it’s a buzzing crowd here, and definitely a place to catch some sun while you’re slurping back buck-a-shuck oysters by the dozen, munching on truffled parmesan fries, and downing five-dollar highballs during Happy Hour (4pm-6pm every day). The living green wall helps keep the air as fresh as the people-watching. JoeFortes.ca
TWB The Wine Bar
Little sister to Provence Marinaside, this cozy wine bar has one of the nicest patios in Yaletown (aim for the cushy corner sofa if you can), and a stellar by-the-glass list that focuses on French and Mediterranean varietals. Stop by every other Thursday for “perfect pairings” of wine flights with paired snacks for $14. Try the beef tongue with spicy salsa verde, daily gnocchi or 24-hour pork belly, paired with your choice of approximately 100 wines available by the glass. TheWineBar.ca
Tacofino Gastown
Since opening a few months ago, this latest expansion of the original Tofino food truck has been hopping, and especially so since the opening of their Blood Alley brick patio, where you can indulge in Tacofino’s signature tacos and burritos, as well as more elevated fare, such as the scallop ceviche, Oaxacan corn fritters, glazed beef rib, and the excellent churros. Pair with a classic margarita or the excellent triple-wood Old Fashioned. Tacofino.com
Steel Toad
This modern gastropub and brewery now has another thing going for it – an interior courtyard patio that allows you to enjoy the food and drink en plein air without breathing in the fumes of the busy traffic along 2nd Avenue. Try the new brunch menu, like the egg skillet with sausage and smoked bacon, or the lamb burger with harissa aioli. If breakfast pizza is more your thing, the smoked pancetta and egg is worth a go, paired with a classic French 75 or one of the house beers. SteelToad.ca
