Heated patios for year-round outdoor dining in Vancouver
Vancouver’s natural beauty is one of her strongest selling points, so fantastic views abound in our glorious city. In the rainy winter months, though, it’s easy to choose finding shelter over stopping to take it all in. Sitting on any of these heated patios precludes having to make such a choice, allowing locals to remain warm – and dry – while getting a small taste of the outdoors. [Image courtesy of Dockside Restaurant]
Dockside Restaurant
1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9A favourite for visiting tourists, Dockside is a sweet spot to cozy up by the waterfront while taking in the view of False Creek towards downtown. A beer-tasting flight from the on-site brewery, accompanied with something from the restaurant’s selection of Oceanwise fish and seafood, is an ideal way to while away the time while enjoying the Granville Island scenery. Fireplaces, heaters and weather-resistant sofas help extend patio season once temperatures start to drop.
Steamworks Brewing Co
MN-375 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5C6Take in views of the Burrard Inlet and North Shore mountains from Steamworks’ heated patio. With a beer in hand – brewed on site at Canada’s only steam-powered brewery – and some comfort food from the kitchen in your belly, you won’t wonder why the West Coast is often called the “Best Coast.”
Tap & Barrel
1 Athletes Way, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0B1Views abound from this sprawling heated patio in Olympic Village. Take your pick of focus: from the downtown skyline to False Creek and the North Shore mountains, there’s plenty of eye candy to enjoy. The menu is focused on comfort food with a twist – pork belly and soft egg pizza, for example. There’s also something on tap here to suit every palate – even those who prefer grapes to hops – since Tap & Barrel has 24 B.C. beers and 14 local wines on tap.
Lift Bar Grill View
333 Menchions Mews, Vancouver, BC V6G 3H5On fair weather days, the sliding glass walls are pushed open to blur the distinction between interior and exterior at this Coal Harbour restaurant. Patio heaters and an outdoor fireplace keep al fresco diners warm on cooler days. The stunning views of Coal Harbour and Vancouver from here merit cracking open a bottle of bubbles while gorging on fresh oysters. If you find yourself getting chilly, ask for a blanket to keep you warm.
Seasons in the Park Restaurant
33rd Avenue W, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M5You’ll find fantastic views of lush and gorgeous Queen Elizabeth Park and beyond at this scenic spot. Patio heaters, giant fireplaces, as well as chandeliers that reflect their light, make this the perfect locale for an early dinner watching the sunset over Vancouver’s skyline and the mountains that frame it. Chef Peter Isacu’s menu abounds in classic but decadent options.
MARKET by Jean-Georges
1128 Georgia St W, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8Situated in the Shangri-La Hotel, MARKET has a heated covered terrace on its upper-level, as well as a patio at street level. The man behind this hotel dining room is three-star Michelin Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and the kitchen is headed by executive chef Ken Nakano. Reinvented classics become inspired under their guidance.
Aburi Restaurant
1118 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9With an intimate patio – heated, awning-covered and situated in the midst of lush greenery – Minami is like an oasis in busy Yaletown. Japanese-West Coast fusion cuisine, several Japanese beers on tap, fantastic sake offerings and a scrumptious cocktail list make this a swank spot for a special occasion.
Burgoo
3096 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G5Grab a blanket and cozy up to some fondue on this cozy Mount Pleasant patio. The comfort food and heated outdoor seating area at Burgoo offer similar solace to that of a crackling fire in the middle of a snowstorm. Two varieties of macaroni and cheese and a warm glass of mead wine make impeccable companions on a rainy day in Vancouver.
Pier 7 Restaurant + Bar
25 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B9Pier 7 is built on Victoria Shipyards’ historic boardwalk on the Lonsdale Quay waterfront. Two heated patios, one of which has a fireplace, make this a beautiful vantage from which to gaze on the cityscape and Stanley Park from North Vancouver. Seafood boils on Thursday evenings are of special note.
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