With fall just around the corner, the need to enjoy what little sun and warmer weather we will have left is even more evident. Here are 8 ways to soak up the sun while enjoying good food and the safety of an outdoor setting.
Cafe Il Nido
780 Thurlow St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 685-6436 or www.cafeilnido.ca
Since 1988, this long standing Italian restaurant has been hidden away on Thurlow street. With its romantic courtyard, they offer a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle of a busy Robson Street.Their menu includes traditional pastas with slow cooked beef and veal, gluten free sweet potato gnocchi, carbonara finished with a free range egg yolk, and other favourites like lasagne, caprese, and house made focaccia.
Water St Cafe
300 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B6
(604) 689-2832 or waterstreetcafe.ca
Water St. Cafe has expanded from its slender patio that’s already known for its direct views of the world-famous Steam Clock and hitoric Gastown’s distinctive architecture. Being one of the biggest support of local musicians, the Gastown landmark now offers live music performance daily starting at 3:30 pm. What an fantastic way to enjoy a beautiful afternoon outside with a fine taste of the pacific northwest.
Giardino Restaurant
1328 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 669-2422 or umberto.com/giardino
This Tuscan inspired Italian restaurant, located in downtown Vancouver, has a lesser known court yard at its centre. Enjoy authentic cuisine in a setting peppered with art and artifacts. The garden patio has you squinting your eyes and feeling as if you have been transported to the country side. Expect a fulsome menu with the likes of carpaccio, antipasti, and burrata.
Pacific Yacht Charters
1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, BC
(604) 689-1227 or pacificyachtcharters.com
What better way to claim a watery view than on a private yacht? Available for booking, throw your next intimate dinner party aboard Pacific Yacht Charter and set sail around the harbour to eat, drink, and watch the sun set. Professional chefs and prepare appetizers and a full course meal to your prearrange specifications. And everything is served by a team of trained staff and skilled bartenders to boot.
1931 Gallery Bistro
750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC
1931gallerybistro.com
The art gallery’s cafe has a face lift and new menu to match. Their bistro boasts modern dishes and cocktails in a minimalist space. Grab some beef tartare, foie gras, or even sashimi and wash it down with flashy cocktail program that includes happy hour specials. Enjoy the hub of downtown Vancouver, perched atop the art gallery steps. Sitting amongst lush plant life and modern furnishings, you can watch Vancouverites go about their busy lives, as you take things a littler slower.
Prive Kitchen + Bar
1001 W Broadway #200, Vancouver, BC
(604) 336-9330 or privevancouver.com
Not just any kitchen or bar, this one of a kind entertainment establishment on Broadway offers guests private karaoke rooms and the ability to eat and drink as they belt out their favourite tunes. But in between sessions, be sure to get a breather on their patio for a unique look at Vancouver’s downtown core. All while being transported to somewhere a lot more tropical with wicker furnishings and a cabana-feel.
Joe’s BBQ boat
1820 Mast Tower Ln, Vancouver, BC
(604) 720-5141 or joesbbqboat.com
For something a little different and a lot more socially distanced. You can rent a boat where you get to barbecue on the sea. With no boating licence required you need to only choose your sunny day, invite your friends, and bring your own food. Then you all gather around a propane fuelled grill to cook to your heart’s content, all to the views of Granville Island’s harbour.
Robba da Matti
1906 Haro St, Vancouver, BC
(604) 423-3553 or robbadamatti.com
Located on the West End, Robba Da Matti’s second location boasts a secluded patio, hidden amongst tall trees and lush greenery. Enjoy fresh house made pasta, a fine wine program, and their guarantee of a good time. Their restaurant is inspired by those little hole-in-the-wall establishment where only the locals eat at, and you are welcomed in like family. For food, I recommend there date night menu where you get your choice of 2 antipasto, 2 pastas, 2 desserts, and a bottle of wine to share with your guest.
