Ava GabouryOn one of my night outs, I went to eat at what I thought was a quaint waterfront bistro. Little did I know that “waterfront” was merely a fanciful exaggeration.
Instead of a serene view of the waves, I was greeted with a parking lot. It was less sunset over the bay and more headlights glaring through the window.
Needless to say, it wasn’t much of a view worth bragging about on Instagram. However, since then, I’ve scoured Vancouver and dined at countless restaurants to find the most spectacular views.
After much contemplation, I’ve curated a list of all the restaurants in Vancouver I like to go to when I want to enjoy a meal with stunning views. Here’s who made it to the cut.
- 1. Five Sails Restaurant
- 2. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
- 3. Cardero's Restaurant
- 4. Seasons in the Park
- 5. Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant
- 6. Provence Marinaside
- 7. Dockside Restaurant
- 8. PIER 7 Restaurant + Bar
- 9. Teahouse in Stanley Park
- 10. Cactus Club Cafe
- 11. The Vancouver Fish Company
- 12. JOEY Shipyards
1. Five Sails Restaurant
– Media credit: dobbernation
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1, Canada
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
Phone: +16048442855
Price: $$$
Come to Five Sails if you love harbour views and upscale surf’n’turf dishes (oysters, lobsters, and more.) Grab a seat by their massive windows and look out over Coal Harbour as seaplanes take off and land.
When I come here for lunch, I like to get the seafood spaghetti. The squid ink gives the pasta a rich and slightly briny taste that complements the juicy tiger prawns, halibut, and buttery scallops.
The best time to go is around sunset. The warm glow of the setting sun against the North Shore Mountains and Stanley Park is beautiful, and you might even catch a glimpse of the iconic Lions Gate Bridge.
The natural light during the golden hour casts a soft, warm glow over everything. Seriously, you could snap a picture of your fork, and it would look like art.
| Pro Tip: If you can, go for their weekly afternoon tea. The raspberry profiteroles and dark chocolate gateaux are to die for. |
2. Ancora Waterfront Dining and Patio
– Media credit: glamouraspirit__
Address: 1600 Howe St #2, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2L9, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 12 PM to 9:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +16046811164
Price: $$$
Come here for incredible views and a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. They’ve got sushi, salads, pasta, and more.
I get the crispy chicharron sushi roll here as an appetiser and their Peruvian beef stir fry as a main. It’s tender and flavourful, with a nice kick from the serrano peppers.
As you dine, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of False Creek, with its sailboats and yachts lazily gliding by. Beyond that, you’ve got the bustling cityscape of Vancouver, and towering in the background are the stunning North Shore mountains.
If you like watching the sunset, grab a spot on their outdoor patio. It’s spacious and gives you this feeling of being right on the waterfront, almost like you’re floating along with the boats.
| Pro Tip: If you like seafood, do yourself a favour and order the lobster roll—it’s so good it’s ridiculous. |
3. Cardero’s Restaurant
– Media credit: carderos_van
Address: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E7, Canada
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +16046697666
Price: $$$
Come to Cardero’s if you like awesome patio waterside views, fresh seafood, and wood-fired pizzas.
I like to come here and sit on their sun-drenched patio, enjoying every bite of their cedar-pink salmon. It’s got this smoky flavour that pairs well with the sourness of the lemon wedges.
As I dine, I watch the sailboats glide by with the beautiful North Shore mountains in the background.
But the indoor seating isn’t too shabby either. Thanks to their massive windows, you won’t miss out on the eye-candy harbour views, no matter where you sit.
| Pro Tip: If you get the chance, swing by during the week for some live music, or, if you’re a brunch lover like me, their Sunday brunch is the perfect excuse to haul yourself out of bed. |
4. Seasons in the Park
– Media credit: seasonsinqepark
Address: W 33rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M4, Canada
Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +16048748008
Price: $$$
Visit Seasons in the Park for the breathtaking views that offer something new every time you glance up.
You can see everything from the BC Place Stadium to the glittering skyscrapers of downtown. And let’s not forget the lush green of Queen Elizabeth Park itself, which is just perfect for a post-dinner stroll.
The best part? You can enjoy this stunning view from both indoor tables with huge windows and the outdoor patio if the weather’s nice.
Most of the food on their menu is classy Northwestern cuisine. They have a really good parmesan grilled halibut and wood-fired chicken that’s worth the splurge.
| Pro Tip: Go for their three-course lunch during the week. Not only is it a great deal, but you won’t be rushed and can really savour both the food and the view. |
5. Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant
– Media credit: topofvancouver
Address: 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +16046692220
Price: $$$
Top Of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant is for those looking for breathtaking views of the entire Vancouver and top-tier dining. Seated 553 feet above the city in a gently revolving restaurant, you’ll enjoy a fresh 360° view approximately every hour.
I treat myself when I come here and get their king crab. The crab legs are huge and meaty, accompanied by a side of melted butter that’s to die for. They also have dishes like mafalda corta bolognese (classic Italian beef pasta) and more.
As you dine, you’re treated to an ever-changing panorama: the vibrant downtown skyline, the majestic North Shore Mountains, and the glistening ocean. On a clear day, you can even spot Vancouver Island in the distance.
And when night falls, the city below sparkles like a treasure chest of lights—each flickering window and streetlamp just begging to be photographed.
| Pro Tip: If you’re looking to host an event and want those jaw-dropping views all to yourself and your guests, the restaurant is perfect. It can accommodate up to 300 people. |
6. Provence Marinaside
– Media credit: provencemarinaside
Address: 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y3, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +16046814144
Price: $$$
Provence Marinaside’s views will make you want to pull out your camera every five minutes. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves photographing stunning scenes while indulging in mouth-watering French-Mediterranean dishes.
They’ve got all the classic French seafood dishes you’d expect, like escargot (snails) and creamy wild mushroom ravioli. If you’re feeling fancy, they have a seafood platter with oysters, prawns, crab, and more.
While you can sit inside to really enjoy the view, we recommend sitting on their outdoor patio. You can get close-ups of the still sailboats and yachts too.
| Pro Tip: Swing by during happy hour from 3 to 5 PM. Not only do you get these amazing views, but you also snag cheaper drinks and bites. |
7. Dockside Restaurant
– Media credit: docksidevancouver
Address: 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 7:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Phone: +16046857070
Price: $$$
Head to Dockside Restaurant for beautiful views of Granville Island and Mediterranean fusion cuisine.
Here, it’s like the whole scene is curated just for your eyes. You get this wide, uninterrupted look at False Creek. The serene waters are framed by the vibrant skyline of Yaletown and capped off by the rugged North Shore Mountains.
Foodwise, they have plenty of seafood dishes, like roasted steelhead salmon and halibut. They also have lamb, fondue, and a Mediterranean charcuterie board (olives, prosciutto, chorizo, all the good stuff.)
The floor-to-ceiling windows in the dining room are a dream, but if you can, snag a spot on the big outdoor patio. Whether it’s the soft glow of the sunrise or the rich hues of the sunset, the lighting creates a picturesque setting perfect for capturing beautiful photos.
| Pro Tip: If you come for breakfast, get the Granville Island Breakfast. You can have your eggs however you fancy them, paired with these breakfast potatoes and your choice of smoked bacon, country sausage, or avocado. |
8. PIER 7 Restaurant + Bar
– Media credit: pier7restaurant
Address: 25 Wallace Mews, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0B2, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +16049297437
Price: $$$
For breathtaking pier views that will have your camera working overtime, visit PIER 7 Restaurant + Bar. From the patio, you can spot Stanley Park to the left, the iconic Lions Gate Bridge to your right, and the majestic North Shore mountains framing the background.
And when the golden hour hits, everything glows with that dreamy, soft light. The sunset reflects off the tranquil waters below.
Their Pier 7 Poke (one of my favourites) is packed with fresh tuna, avocado, and a tangy soy-ginger sauce. And if you love mussels, you’ll go nuts for their mussels that come with a white wine and garlic broth.
| Pro Tip: If you’re into food photography, their $55 three-course menu is not only delicious but also Instagram-worthy. The seafood dishes are beautifully presented, and the dessert looks almost too good to eat. |
9. Teahouse in Stanley Park
– Media credit: the_teahouse
Address: 7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Hours: +16046693281
Phone:
- Thursday & Friday, Monday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 10:30 AM to 9 PM
Price: $$
Go to the Teahouse in Stanley Park for unreal panoramic views of English Bay and indulge in their bougie cocktail cuisine.
My go-to is the Teahouse Stuffed Mushrooms. These delectable bites, filled with crab, shrimp, and cream cheese, are simply irresistible.
The patio is the perfect place to soak in all of Stanley Park’s natural beauty. The forest surrounding the teahouse is perfect for shots of wildlife and lush greenery.
Depending on where you sit, the view of English Bay transitions into the dramatic, snow-topped North Shore Mountains.
And when the sun sets, the sky transforms into a canvas of vivid colors, making it a perfect moment for capturing stunning photos.
| Pro Tip: Try their charbroiled rack of lamb! It’s grilled to perfection and offers a tender, juicy texture with a rich, smoky flavour that you won’t want to miss. |
10. Cactus Club Cafe
– Media credit: cactusclubcafe
Address: 1085 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 0C3, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Saturday – 11 AM to 12:30 AM
Phone: +16046207410
Price: $$
Cactus Club Cafe offers a dining experience that combines unforgettable views of Coal Harbour with irresistibly laid-back cocktail fare.
I like to come here and relax with a tasty cocktail in hand. I enjoy their crispy chili citrus calamari and their cheddar bacon burger, which curbs my cravings every single time.
As you relax, watch boats come and go. Every now and then, a seaplane drifts across the water before lifting smoothly into the sky.
The North Shore mountains stand tall in the background, and their peaks are often dusted with snow even when it’s warm out. It’s especially jaw-dropping around sunset!
| Pro Tip: If you head there mid-week, you’ll snag half-priced bottles of wine. Perfect if you’re planning a catch-up or a romantic evening. |
11. The Vancouver Fish Company
– Media credit: vanfishco
Address: 1517 Anderson St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R5, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday & Saturday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +16045593474
Price: $$
Come to The Vancouver Fish Company for delicious seafood and Instagram-worthy views. Whether you want fresh-caught salmon or a juicy halibut steak, they’ve got it here.
The patio offers the best seats in the house, overlooking a vibrant marina filled with colourful boats bobbing on the waves. The backdrop? False Creek in all its glory, with the city skyline hugging the horizon.
As evening falls, the setting sun casts a golden glow over everything and reflects beautifully off the water, perfect for those golden hour shots. Honestly, it’s hard to know whether to focus on the food or the view.
| Pro Tip: Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 PM, making it an affordable opportunity to snag some great shots and enjoy a few drinks. |
12. JOEY Shipyards
– Media credit: lucyrousey
Address: 125 Victory Ship Way Unit #110, North Vancouver, BC V7L 0G5, Canada
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Friday & Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
Phone: +16043432649
Price: $$
Joey Shipyards is the spot for Vancouver skyline views laid out in front of you. They’ve got a mix of everything, from classic comfort food to bougie dishes (steaks, pasta, and more).
Their classic tender Joey steak (prime sirloin) is my go-to here, and the loaded mashed potatoes only make it better.
You also can’t beat the views of Canada Place’s iconic sails, the cool and modern look of the Convention Centre, and the city lights that start to twinkle right as the sun goes down.
They have both indoor and outdoor seating, but trust me—if the weather’s kind, go for a seat outside.
| Pro Tip: They have a happy hour every day from 2 PM to 5 PM. |
