Top 18 Restaurants To Go For A Glorious View Of Vancouver
Don’t Miss the View at these Restaurants in Vancouver and Beyond
Surrounded by mountains and water, Vancouver boasts postcard-worthy views across the city and beyond. Combine these views with Vancouver’s renowned food scene and you’re in for a real treat. While there’s an array of Vancouver restaurants with views, I’ve handpicked my top 18 favourite hidden gems around the Lower Mainland. From casual cafés to time-honoured family restaurants, there’s a Vancouver restaurant with a view for everyone.
Vancouver
Go Fish Ocean Emporium
Just a stone’s throw away from Granville Island, Go Fish Ocean Emporium offers an ideal spot to stop off for a quick meal or snack. This popular outdoor seafood shack has casual patio seating with picturesque views overlooking False Creek and Granville Island. We love their Baja Cajun Tacone, a fresh rolled-up taco filled with crisp, deep-fried fish, spicy cilantro salsa, and creamy chipotle sauce.
The view: False Creek and Granville Island
Restaurant type: Fast casual seafood shack
Can’t miss dish: Baja Cajun Tacone
Cardero’s Restaurant
Located along Coal Harbour Marina, Cardero’s Restaurant serves up fresh seafood and unbeatable views. Grab a spot on their coveted patio to soak in the waterfront views stretching from Coal Harbour Marina to Stanley Park. Cardero’s menu is filled with seafood options, but you can’t go wrong with the Wok Squid. Garlic, chilies, and onions give the flash-fried squid a fragrant kick that’ll have you craving more.
The view: Coal Harbour Marina and Stanley Park
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Wok Squid
Seasons in the Park
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Perched at the peak of Queen Elizabeth Park, Seasons in the Park boasts striking views of Vancouver’s cityscape and mountains. Reserve a spot by on the patio or by a window to admire the stunning panorama around you. And if you can’t decide on what to eat, why not try the Dungeness Crab Cake? Beautifully golden brown, this crab cake is packed with fresh Dungeness crab and sits on top of a corn and black bean salsa.
The view: Downtown Vancouver skyline and mountains
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Dungeness Crab Cake
Provence Marinaside
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Provence Marinaside is an elegant French restaurant with views of Vancouver’s glass skyline and Quayside Marina. Stay awhile on their spacious patio to people-watch the False Creek Seawall or get lost in the water views. Their menu is packed with seafood options, but if you want to try a little bit of everything, go for the Bouillabaisse. Provence’s take on this traditional French stew features fish, prawns, scallops, mussels, and clams. How much more seafood could you ask for?
The view: Quayside Marina
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Bouillabaisse
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
If you’re feeling peckish after exploring Granville Island, then head to The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant for some delicious bites and a great view. We love their Mussels & Fries with chorizo Provençal sauce (though we’re sad they don’t have Mussel Mania anymore). These fresh mussels are swimming in a tomato-ey sauce – perfect for soaking up with fries or a bit of bread. And if you’re looking for a coveted table with a False Creek view, then make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
The view: False Creek
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Mussels & Fries
Miku Vancouver
At Miku Vancouver, you’ll experience Japanese food at its finest. This aburi sushi and seafood restaurant has a prime spot along Vancouver’s waterfront, with views looking toward Canada Place and Vancouver Harbour. Miku offers a range of sushi options, but they’re well-known for their flame-seared, or aburi, sushi. If you’re new to aburi, then dip your toes into this delicacy with Miku’s Salmon Oshi Sushi, featuring local wild sockeye.
The view: Vancouver waterfront
Restaurant type: Fine dining
Can’t miss dish: Salmon Oshi Sushi
6 Degrees Eatery
If you’ve taken a stroll along Coal Harbour, you may have spotted 6 Degrees Eatery across the street. This modern eatery serves sandwiches, salads, tapas, wine, and coffee – all ideal for a quick bite and break. But if you’re looking for some hearty comfort food, then you have to try their Truffled Mac N Cheese with Smoked Ham. Take this ooey gooey dish onto 6 Degrees’ patio to savour the views of Coal Harbour.
The view: Coal Harbour and North Shore
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Truffled Mac N Cheese with Smoked Ham
M8
Sitting right by the water on Beach Avenue, M8 is a modern restaurant that focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an airy patio afford luxurious Vancouver views toward Granville Island. M8’s menu changes seasonally, but the Yarrow Meadows Duck Breast is a must-try from their summer dinner menu. This farm-raised soy citrus duck breast is served with fermented cabbage and barley for contrasting flavours and textures.
The view: False Creek and Granville Island
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Yarrow Meadows Duck Breast
Burnaby
Horizons Restaurant
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With 360-degree views across the city, Horizons Restaurant is the place to be in Burnaby. Tucked away on Burnaby Mountain, this long-standing restaurant has plenty of window seating as well as a hidden patio. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Elk Carpaccio. This melt-in-your-mouth carpaccio is topped with black truffle, Pecorino, basil oil, and crispy waffle-cut potato chips. Yes, that’s right, potato chips.
The view: City and mountains
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Elk Carpaccio
West Vancouver & Deep Cove
Arms Reach Bistro
If you’re heading to Deep Cove to kayak or hike Quarry Rock, stop off at Arms Reach Bistro for a bite or two. Owned by the same brothers-in-law behind InGrain Pastificio, Arms Reach has a shaded patio with views of the water. Come here for brunch and try the classic Bistro Benny. With smoked ham, poached eggs, and hashbrowns, this hearty breakfast will fuel you for any Deep Cove adventure.
The view: Deep Cove
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Bistro Benny
Salmon House on the Hill
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Open since 1976, Salmon House on the Hill is a true West Vancouver institution. Their menu is brimming with seafood options, but of course, you have to try the salmon. The Alder Smoked Salmon Trio features three varieties of local salmon, along with roasted fingerling potatoes, baby vegetables, and a lobster and crab salsa. With incredible views across the water, it’s no wonder Salmon House is a North Shore favourite.
The view: Burrard Inlet and Downtown Vancouver
Restaurant type: Fine dining
Can’t miss dish: Alder Smoked Salmon Trio
Cafe Crema
Serving house-baked treats and expertly brewed coffee, Cafe Crema is a hidden gem café in West Vancouver. Grab a latte and a seat on their patio to admire the views of the water in the near distance. Made with Phil & Sebastian beans, this latte has a natural sweetness and fluffy crema that’s sure to give you a milk mustache.
The view: Ambleside Beach
Restaurant type: Café
Can’t miss dish: Latte
The Lookout Coffee House
If you’re waiting to catch a ferry at Horseshoe Bay, avoid the usual coffee chains for your morning pick-me-up. Instead, head across the street from the block of Bay Street restaurants and cafés to the Lookout Coffee House. This quaint café has bar and patio seating overlooking scenic Horseshoe Bay. It’s a prime spot to enjoy your morning coffee and a sweet treat – my favourite being the Pistachio Smoked Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie.
The view: Horseshoe Bay
Restaurant type: Café
Can’t miss dish: Pistachio Smoked Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookie
Olive & Anchor
For a heartier meal before catching a Horseshoe Bay ferry, stop off at Olive & Anchor. This rustic, casual restaurant has an intimate patio where you can take in the breeze and views of Horseshoe Bay. Their Cod Fish & Chips never fails to disappoint with its crispy tempura batter. And if you don’t have time to eat in, you can take your order to go.
The view: Horseshoe Bay
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Cod Fish & Chips
Richmond
Flying Beaver Bar & Grill
A spacious restaurant with a West Coast feel, the Flying Beaver Bar & Grill is surrounded by panoramic water views. Their patio offers an ideal spot to watch float planes take off, and their menu is packed with classic pub grub. Personally, I’m a sucker for their Sticky Toffee Pudding. This sweet and sticky British dessert is topped with scoop of vanilla ice cream.
The view: Georgia Straight, Gulf Islands & Vancouver Island
Restaurant type: Pub
Can’t miss dish: Sticky Toffee Pudding
Ember Indian Kitchen
Serving Indian food with East African influences, Ember Indian Kitchen is a family-owned Indian restaurant in Steveston. Located along the Fraser River, Ember has a 35-seat patio where you can gaze at the river while eating authentic Indian fare. To whet your appetite, try the Okra Fries. These deep-fried pieces of okra might make you rethink this somewhat slimy vegetable if you’re not already a fan.
The view: Fraser River
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Okra Fries
Kove Kitchen
In the heart of Steveston along the water, Kove Kitchen offers a serene spot for brunch. Snap up a spot on the patio to take in the views of Steveston Harbour while munching on a hearty breakfast. The Crab Cake Benny is a must-try on their brunch menu. Topped with two generous crab cakes, poached eggs, and even bacon, this unique benny is like something out of a cooking show. If you head over for an early dinner, you may catch a beautiful sunset like the one in our featured image.
The view: Steveston Harbour
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Crab Cake Benny
White Rock
Uli’s Restaurant
A White Rock institution for over 30 years, Uli’s Restaurant is known for their farm-to-table food and stunning views across the water. From their European-inspired menu, don’t miss the Flat Iron Steak Frites. The steak is slow cooked in a sous vide water bath before being seared, ensuring precise results. For a romantic evening, reserve a seat on the patio and watch the sun set as you wine and dine.
The view: Straight of Georgia
Restaurant type: Casual dining
Can’t miss dish: Flat Iron Steak Frites
