Ava GabouryThe last time I ate at a rooftop restaurant overseas, my view was nothing to write home about—unless you’re really into staring at bumper-to-bumper traffic and honking scooters. It was not exactly the dreamy rooftop experience I had in mind.
But here in Vancouver, we do rooftops differently. We got mountains, backdrops, sparkling water, and sunsets that make you forget your phone is on the table.
Whether you’re after a fancy dinner or just a spot to sip some bubbly and feel smug about life, here are my favorite rooftop restaurants in our city.
1. The Roof at Black + Blue
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Address: 1032 Alberni St 3rd floor
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday- 11:30 AM to Midnight
- Sunday – 10:30 AM to Midnight
Phone: +1 604-637-0777
Price: $$
The Roof at Black + Blue is where you go if you’re searching for Vancouver’s most glamorous rooftop—this is the spot that delivers both wow-factor and world-class flavour.
Perched on the third floor, the terrace has awesome greenery and cozy fireplaces. It also boasts a retractable ceiling that keeps things comfortable no matter the weather.
But the real star here is the beef. They’re Kobe beef-certified, and they dry-age their steaks in a Himalayan salt-lined locker. Every cut is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
I recommend kicking things off with oysters or shareable plates while working your way through their impressive cocktail and wine list.
Pro Tip:
Don’t sleep on weekend brunch. The sunlight streaming in, panoramic city views, and a menu that nails both savory and sweet make it the best way to start your day—especially if you love your eggs with a side of skyline.
2. Parker Rooftop
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Address: 1379 Howe St 9th floor
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 3 PM to 11 PM
Phone: +1 604-696-6951
Price: $$
Parker Rooftop is where you go if you want to make your night better or just treat yourself. Every time I come here, I see amazing views of the city and ocean.
I always find myself in awe of their high ceilings and huge windows that make the place glow. There are three patios to choose from too, so you won’t have to look too hard for a place to dine. It has a cool and classy feel, but it’s not snobby.
You can get caviar if you want to spend a lot, or try the lobster ravioli and prawns in a tangy tomato sauce. The salt spring island mussels are also awesome—they’re served in a yuzu broth with a hint of chili.
Pro Tip:
Go on a Tuesday or Wednesday for their date night deal—you get a platter to share and a bottle of wine. It’s cheap enough that the views will be even better.
3. Lift Bar Grill View
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Address: 333 Menchions Mews
Hours:
- Monday to Friday- 11:30 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 604-689-5438
Price: $$$
Lift Bar Grill View is for anyone who wants to be wrapped in glass, open sky panoramic views that turn every seat into the best seat in the house.
Coal Harbour sparkles below, Stanley Park stretches out in a sea of green, and the view of the North Shore mountains is awesome.
The menu is pure West Coast indulgence. Many enjoy twirling forkfuls of the scallop and prawn tagliatelle. Some prefer the smoked salmon and wild mushrooms.
My personal go-to is the tuna steak that’s thick and perfectly seared. It comes with crispy Parmesan fries and zesty lemon caper dill sauce only makes it better.
Pro Tip:
If you’re celebrating or just want to make dinner unforgettable, order the seafood tower. It’s piled high with prawns, Dungeness crabs, oysters, and more.
4. Altitudes Bistro
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Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Phone: +1 604-980-9311
Price: $$
Altitudes Bistro is for anyone who craves a mountain getaway but still wants to see the city lights twinkling below.
Getting here isn’t too hard: hop on the Skyride, watch the city shrink beneath you, and step out into that fresh Grouse Mountain air.
After a morning of hiking (or let’s be honest, just soaking up the views), nothing beats their signature nachos—especially if you add the short rib, which turns snack time into a full-on feast.
The Altitudes burger is a must for burger lovers: smoky bacon jam, sweet-spicy candied jalapeños, and a juicy patty that’s a reward for making it up the mountain (even if the gondola did most of the work).
Pro Tip:
Swing by in the late afternoon for a more relaxed vibe and fewer crowds.
5. Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant
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Address: 555 W Hastings St
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday- 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday- 11 AM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 604-669-2220
Price: $$$
The Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant is where you go for a slow-motion experience 553 feet above the city.
The restaurant gently spins you through a 360-degree panorama: mountains, ocean, twinkling skyline, and that Vancouver sunset that makes you forget about life for a minute.
I’ve marked more than one birthday here, and my go-to is always the Fraser Valley smoked duck breast. It’s smoky, rich, and paired with a truffle-scented risotto that’s so creamy you’ll want to write it a thank-you note.
If you’re more into seafood, the stuffed salmon is great—local BC salmon packed with prawns and crab, all swimming in a beurre blanc sauce that’s basically the definition of “treat yourself.”
Pro Tip:
Celebrating something big? Go all-in on the Ultimate Surf and Turf for Two. It’s a jaw-dropping platter of tomahawk steak, lobster, crab, scallops, and prawns—delivered with enough flair that you’ll have to get a photo.
6. The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
Media credit: thekegsteakhouse
Address: 688 Dunsmuir St
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 3 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 3 PM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 604-685-7502
Price: $$$
The Keg Steakhouse + Bar is for anyone who craves a reliably juicy steak and wants to eat on a rooftop that’s usable year-round (thank you, heaters).
The terrace pulses with energy all against a backdrop of city lights that make even a random Monday exciting.
The prime rib is basically the Beyoncé of the menu: thick cut, perfectly pink, and crowned with a tumble of crispy onions. I’m loyal to the blue cheese filet—impossibly tender, with a funky, creamy punch.
Not a steak person? The oven-roasted salmon has a pistachio crust that’s crunchy, nutty, and worth it.
Pro Tip:
Go during their happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM and after 9 PM for discounted cocktails and shareable plates.
7. Eat Bar & Patio Haraheri
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Address: m101, 888 Nelson St
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday- 12:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- 5:30 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
- 5:30 PM to Midnight
- Saturday – 12:30 AM to Midnight
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +1 604-899-0855
Price: $$
Eat Bar & Patio Haraheri is for anyone who’s bored with the same old sushi rolls. If you’re the type who always wants to order way too many plates just to try everything, this is your spot.
The oden arrives steaming, each piece bobbing in a broth so delicate you’ll want to slurp it straight from the bowl like I did. The soy beef tongue steak is tender and dripping with garlicky, buttery goodness.
But the real reason I keep coming back is the sake kasu ice cream. It’s creamy, boozy (but not in a “bad decisions” way), and has the malty depth that regular vanilla can only dream about.
Pro Tip:
Order the Izakaya course. Yes, you’ll want to fight your friends for the last prawn tempura with cilantro pesto.
8. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
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Address: 777 Thurlow St
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Phone: +1 604-669-1940
Price: $$
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is for people who think ambience means more than a flickering candle. The rooftop terrace has flowers blooming, an awesome living green wall, and a luxurious fireplace.
I always start with the oysters. They arrive so cold you can practically see your breath. They taste briny, clean, and have just enough horseradish to clear your sinuses.
The seafood linguine is another go-to of mine. I like how they mix scallops with prawns, so fresh I’d swear they were caught that morning. I also like how the wine cream sauce is rich but not too salty.
Pro Tip:
Their surf and turf platter is massive. It comes with steak, lobster, crab, scallops, and prawns.
