Vancouver may not have as many rooftop restaurants as Toronto, Montreal or New York, but what it lacks in quantity it makes up for in variety. The city's rooftop dining scene ranges from waterfront decks overlooking Coal Harbour to sky bars 14 storeys above downtown, garden terraces hidden among office towers and expense-account steak houses where the beef is sold by the ounce.
The Parker Rooftop
The Parker Hotel (1379 Howe St.) | parkerrooftop.com
Sitting on the ninth floor of The Parker Hotel at the foot of Howe Street, Parker Rooftop looks south toward the Granville Street Bridge, False Creek and English Bay. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the views, while high ceilings, a grand central bar and a series of indoor and outdoor seating areas give the space a sense of scale unusual for Vancouver.
The decor is slightly arty, slightly Wall Street. Thick coffee-table books rest on shelves, while a large black-and-white photo of Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street hangs on a wall near the restrooms. A Japanese influence extends throughout the menu, with sushi, wagyu and an excellent miso black cod among the highlights. A truffle butter sauce elevates the rib-eye steak, while sake, cocktails, zero-proof drinks and an extensive wine list ensure something for every palate.
Taking full advantage of its views, Parker Rooftop hosts a popular golden hour from 3 to 6 p.m., featuring reduced prices on select drinks and appetizers.
The Roof
Black+Blue (1032 Alberni St.) | glowbalgroup.com
If not the quintessence of downtown dining, Black+Blue's third-floor rooftop is close. Here, dealmakers, celebrants and expense-account diners gather beneath a retractable wooden roof to tackle one of the city's most unapologetically steak-forward menus.
The beef selection includes Japanese A5 wagyu and authentic Japanese Kobe beef — still a rarity in Vancouver — while the Angus Reserve Tomahawk looks like it escaped from a live-action version of The Flintstones. Pescatarians need not worry. A chilled seafood bar features lobster, crab, oysters and caviar, while the entrée list includes pan-seared halibut with chanterelle mushrooms and roasted salmon.
The atmosphere shifts as the week progresses. By happy hour, which runs from 2 to 5 p.m., the rooftop fills quickly with downtown workers eager to capitalize on sunshine and discounted drinks. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Lavantine Restaurant & Skybar
Azur Legacy Collection Hotel (833 W. Pender St.) | lavantine.ca
Perched on the 14th floor of the Azur Legacy Collection Hotel, Lavantine combines city views with Mediterranean-inspired design and a menu informed by Middle Eastern flavours. The open floor plan, white walls and indoor-outdoor layout make it feel more like a resort lounge than a downtown restaurant.
Reflections: The Garden Terrace
Rosewood Hotel Georgia (801 W. Georgia St.) | rosewoodhotelgeorgia.com
Tucked away on the fourth floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Reflections is a lush garden terrace surrounded by greenery and twinkling lights. It offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets below, with a menu of cocktails, light bites and afternoon tea service. The intimate setting makes it a favourite for romantic dates or quiet gatherings.
Brix & Mortar
1138 Homer St. | brixandmortar.com
Hidden in Yaletown, Brix & Mortar features a charming courtyard rooftop that feels like a secret garden. The menu focuses on modern Canadian cuisine with seasonal ingredients, and the bar offers a curated selection of wines and craft cocktails. It's a popular spot for brunch, dinner or a casual drink under the stars.
