Best Waterfront Dining in Vancouver

In the summer months, Dockside Restaurant's patio is the place to be. Located in Granville Island's boutique hotel, they've created an outdoor oasis that serves cold wine, beer brewed on-site, and tasty bites to nibble on. If the weather cools down, patio heaters help keep you warm so you can enjoy the patio, and the lovely view of Vancouver's False Creek. The food menu is made up of small and large bites that include Dockside crab and shrimp cakes, grilled and chilled ancho chili prawns, pizzas and albacore tuna poke, to name just a few. If you're staying downtown, you can hop on a water taxi to get back, take a bus, or cab.

The Beachhouse Restaurant is West Vancouver's restaurant with a view. Not to mention, they have one of th best patios on that side of the Lionsgate Bridge. This charming venue is right on West Van's Ambleside Beach and the views are unparalleled. From calamari and oysters for starters to grilled steak and salmon burgers for your main, The Beachhouse has a stocked menu with lots to choose from. As you tuck into your meal, take in the ocean views and spectacular site of downtown Vancouver from across the water. This heritage 1912 beach house has a year-round patio that's heated in the cooler months, so no need to worry about only being able to enjoy this outdoor space in the warm summer months.

Lift Bar Grill View overlooks the Coal Harbour Marina and Stanley Park and they've made full use of this view by creating a two level patio. Upstairs you will find a warm fire pit that's perfect to cozy up to when the sun goes down. The downstairs patio wraps around the building and extends itself over the water, giving you the opportunity to soak up the gorgeous setting. Lift's menu isn't limited to one region and you will find Japanese, French and West Coast influences throughout the menu. Treat yourself to fresh oysters, sashimi, or a big juicy steak, and then sit back and relax. Sunsets here are pretty epic.

Cactus Club is a chain restaurant with locations in British Columbia and Alberta. Even though they have so many locations, diners can appreciate that the food is consistent across the board. This Coal Harbour location is noteworthy because of the views and the huge patio. Situated in Jack Poole Plaza, it has gorgeous views of the water, mountains and Stanley Park. The outdoor seating space is ample and perfect for a sunny day in the city. Chef Rob Feenie made his mark in fine dining and now oversees the menu for all Cactus Club locations. On the menu you will find everything from hearty salads, to popular appetizers like chicken wings and flatbreads. Mains include juicy steaks, burgers, seafood and pastas. A heavy focus on local and sustainable ingredients sets this chain apart.

Provence Marinaside is a go-to restaurant when you're chasing the sun with a hungry belly. Open for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner, Provence Marinaside is there for you any time of the day. Breakfast and brunch has all of your classic favorites, like eggs Benedict, crepes and omelettes. They also have about 10 different mimosas to choose from, and a solid variety of Caesars and Bloody Mary's. The patio is the best in the morning and midday because that's when it gets the most sun. Lunch and dinner offerings are comprised of French classics, West Coast inspired plates and lovely antipasto options. Even though you may not get the maximum amount of sun in the evening, the views of the harbour and the sky turning to dusk is pretty romantic. The patio fills up quickly on warm days, so get there early to secure a spot.

Set along Yaletown's Seawall, Bella Gelateria overlooks False Creek. On a warm day, sit outside on the patio and enjoy the views. When the weather isn't as favorable, take it inside and enjoy the crisp, modern space. Bella Gelateria has two locations in Vancouver and while they're known for their amazing gelato, this Yaletown location serves delicious Italian fare you can enjoy before indulging in a scoop or two. On the menu you'll find everything from salads and appetizers to pastas and pizzas. They also offer gluten friendly pasta and bread options. A visit to Bella Gelateria isn't complete without tucking into one of the Neapolitan style pizzas. These thin crust beauties are adorned with fresh produce and are great for sharing, or having all to yourself. Make sure to save room for dessert! The gelato and sorbetto are not to be missed.

Salty ocean air, a fisherman's wharf, and sunshine make Go Fish! a sought after waterfront locale. This casual eatery sees people lining up before it even opens. Don't worry though, things move along at a steady pace. Although Go Fish! is a popular summer eatery, they are open all year. This brilliant blue corrugated steel shack beside False Creek regularly serves up a variety of fried fish including cod, salmon and halibut. Each serving is accompanied by crispy chips and a tangy slaw. On the menu, they also have a daily soup, tacones, and sandwiches. The outdoor dining area is one option where you can sit and eat. Otherwise, take it to a bench on the Seawall, or a nearby park.

Beach Bay Cafe and Patio has one of the best locations in the city, hands down. Perched at the edge of Denman Street, it overlooks English Bay. The view is unreal. Throw in an epic sunset with tasty food and you may as well just call it a day. When it comes to the menu, Beach Bay Cafe focuses on locally sourced and ocean-friendly ingredients on their West Coast menu. Because they source locally and are inspired by the seasons, the menu changes based on what's available. From fresh fish to roasted meat, there are many tasty options to choose from. They're open for happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch.

As you savor Miku's delicious Japanese cuisine, take in the sights of the Burrard Inlet where mountains, ocean and city meet. Located across from Canada Place, you may also watch cruise ships come in and out of the port. Miku restaurant has made a name for itself in Vancouver by serving some of the best sushi in the city. Whatever you order, a visit here isn't complete without making sure that at least one aburi sushi dish makes its way to your table. The ebi oshi or salmon oshi are excellent! The charcoal flame gives a hint of flavor without compromising the fresh fish. Miku has a creative list of rolls that use the best cuts of fish that are mouthwatering. Feeling adventurous? Order from the kaiseki menu and let chef prepare a special meal for you.

Imagine yourself sitting on a sunny patio that overlooks the water. Boats are coming in and out, while cyclists and people stroll along the Seawall. As you enjoy the view, you tuck into a beautiful meal, sip a cold glass of wine, and enjoy the moment. This is Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio. Ancora's Executive Chef, Ricardo Valverde, brings more than a decade of culinary experience to the kitchen. Chef Yoshihiro Tabo hails from Japan and leads the restaurant's raw bar, bringing years of experience and incredible talent. This duo effortlessly blends Peruvian and Japanese cultures using seasonal, sustainable ingredients from local and global suppliers. On the menu, seafood is the main attraction here. From caviar and oysters to crudo and sushi, the raw bar doesn't disappoint. Main dishes use ingredients like dungeness crab, uni, and sablefish; diners won't be let down by the creativity in the kitchen.