Photo credits: El Camino

15 Best Main Street Restaurant Patios To Enjoy In 2023 On A Sunny Day (+ What To Order)

Looking for the best Main Street restaurant patios? Well, you’re at the right place!

Picture this: a gentle breeze caresses your face as you bask in the warmth of the sun’s golden rays. Lush greenery surrounds you, providing a natural sanctuary amidst the urban hustle and bustle.

The gentle hum of conversation and clinking of glasses invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Main Street— is there a better way to enjoy it than dining on a patio?

Whether you seek a romantic garden escape, a taste of Italy’s dolce vita, a tropical culinary adventure, or a fine whiskey haven, Main Street’s best restaurant patios beckon you to a dining experience unlike any other.

Below are 15 of the best Main Street Patios to enjoy the breeze and eat your heart out!

1. Como Taperia

Como Taperia, as the name implies, is a tapas bar and restaurant in Vancouver. The award-winning spot serves tapas directly from the custom tapas cases imported from Barcelona, and their menu features playfully modern dishes, inspired by the classics, and everything’s made to order. Even for your drinks, you can enjoy everything Spanish here at Como Taperia.

You can start your tapas dinner with the Anchovy Stuffed Olives. Even if you are not a big fan of anchovies or olives, this dish, which rather looks simple, will make you want to have a second plate of the same.

Eggplant, Spiced Honey, Rosemary – if that doesn’t sound like an appetizing dish to you, you should try it before coming to conclusions. This is a fried eggplant dish with spiced honey and rosemary; trust us, this dish is addictive!

What to order: Anchovy Stuffed Olives, “Eggplant, Spiced Honey, Rosemary”

Address: 201 E 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 0B4

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2. Anh and Chi 

If you want to get a taste of authentic, family-style recipes of Vietnamese food, go to Anh and Chi. It’s an award-winning restaurant (Micheline Bib Gourmand), well-noted for its delicious rice, noodles, soups, vermicelli and um – their bathroom. 

Try their crispy Chả Giò and Chả Giò Chay spring rolls that combine pork or black mushroom and jicama, and carrot, taro and bean thread vermicelli. Some of their best soups include Bún Bò Huế with sliced beef brisket, Vietnamese ham, pork hock and thick vermicelli in a spicy broth.

Combine with a dish of Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Crêpe) with pork, prawn, bean sprouts and mung bean in crisp rice flour, coconut milk, and turmeric crêpe. 

What to order: Chả Giò Chay spring rolls, Bún Bò Huế, Bánh Xèo

Address: 3388 Main Street Vancouver, BC V5V 3M7

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3. The Acorn

Photo Credits: The Acorn

Known as one of the best vegan-friendly restaurants in the city, The Acorn serves the most creative meals prepared from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This award-winning restaurant caters to vegans and gluten-free diners but also makes sure that even the most loyal meat eaters leave completely satisfied.

The Kale Salad at The Acorn is special! The kale has a nice bite to it even after being covered by the Caesar dressing. The croutons add a delicious crunch to the salad, and there is just enough cheese to tie everything together.

The Beer Battered Halloumi, which looks like fish & chips (without the chips!), steals the show no matter what you order. The cheese is rich, perfectly salty, crispy on the outside, and tastes divine.

What to order: Kale Salad, Beer Battered Halloumi

Address: 3995 Main Street, Vancouver, BC

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4. East is East

Photo credits: East is East

East is East, a culinary gem nestled in Main Street, is the brainchild of Mustafa and Razaviah, Afghan siblings whose inspiring journey shaped their culinary vision. Having escaped the Soviet war, they immersed themselves in India’s rich culture, absorbing its language, art, and cuisine. East is East became a sanctuary where individuals from diverse backgrounds could find solace through their food, breaking boundaries and creating a sense of home for all.

East is East’s signature tasting menu showcases the best of Eastern cuisine. The Chai Feast features a selection of three main dishes, accompanied by soup, salad, and cold mezze. With the addition of boulani, roti, and a mix of Afghan and Basmati rice, each bite is a harmonious fusion of flavours that will transport you to the East.

One of their standouts is Mystic Soup. This creation features a captivating combination of mushrooms in rich coconut milk infused with lemongrass, basil, ginger, and green Thai curry paste. The earthy mushrooms perfectly intertwine with the aromatic spices, creating a harmonious and invigorating sensation on your palate. If you want to savour the depth and complexity of Eastern cuisine in a single bowl, get this one.

A consistent crowd-favourite, the Lamb Curry is a mouthwatering dish with tender grass-fed lamb and succulent potatoes that are slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant sauce. Whether you savour it with basmati rice or wrap it in roti, this one is a must-try!

What to order: Chai Feast Tasting Menu, Mystic Soup, Lamb Curry, Mango Butternut Squash

Address: 4433 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 0A2

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5. BBQ Chicken & Pub

Satisfy your cravings for Korean Fried Chicken at BBQ Chicken & Pub on Main Street. This hidden gem brings generations of family recipes and techniques to deliver crispy, flavourful delights. From plain to sweet and spicy or tangy soy garlic, their Korean Fried Chicken is the best in town! Immerse yourself in the inviting ambiance of their patio area while relishing each bite of perfectly crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat.

The Honey Garlic Chicken at BBQ Chicken & Pub is a true masterpiece. Fried chicken is expertly cooked to a golden crisp, creating a delightful crunch. But, the glaze? Perfection.

The sweet honey brings a delightful sweetness that is not overpowering, allowing the natural flavours of the chicken to shine through.

Experience the irresistible allure of BBQ Chicken & Pub’s Soy Garlic Chicken—a dish embodying Korean cuisine’s beloved flavours. This delectable creation features perfectly fried chicken coated in a delicious savoury soy and aromatic garlic glaze.

What to order: Honey Garlic Chicken, Soy Garlic Chicken, Golden Fried Chicken, Classic Fried Chicken

Address: 4470 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R3

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6. Chickpea

Photo credits: Chickpea

Chickpea is a plant-based culinary gem that showcases the flavours of the Middle East while embracing sustainability and ethical dining. This spot is nirvana for people with strict dietary restrictions, with an entirely vegan menu featuring vibrant salads, hearty falafel wraps, and savoury mezze platters. Immerse yourself in the warm and inclusive atmosphere of the restaurant, and if you prefer outdoor dining, indulge in their charming patio area!

The Hummus at Chickpea is a side dish that deserves all the glory of a main dish. Chickpeas perfectly paired with a drizzle of olive oil, zaatar, paprika, and fresh parsley, this dish will transport you to another dimension. If you’re not typically a fan of hummus, one taste of this will change your mind.

Chickpea Restaurant’s Kasum is a sensational dish that combines crispy fried cauliflower with sautéed turmeric-covered mushrooms and onions, all united by a tangy lemon garlic sauce. The contrasting textures and harmonious blend of flavors make the Kasum a highlight on their menu. Once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked on the magical taste of this dish and find yourself longing for more.

What to order: Hummus, Kasum, Falafel, Calamachik

Address: 4298 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9

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7. MeeT on Main

Photo credits: Meet on Main

Step into MeeT on Main, a delightful haven where friends can gather and connect, knowing everyone’s dining preferences are carefully catered to. This welcoming restaurant aims to create a comfortable space where nobody is left out, ensuring everyone can enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising choice or satisfaction.

With a diverse menu of vegetarian and vegan offerings, MeeT on Main is committed to leaving guests happy and full, all while providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. 

The Sweet-Chili Cauliflower is a testament to MeeT on Main’s commitment to providing innovative and satisfying plant-based options. This dish is crazily good with tender cauliflower florets that are lightly battered and tossed in a tamarind chili glaze. The result is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy that will wake your taste buds.

The MeeT Burger is a game-changer, featuring their signature patty bursting with flavour and cooked to perfection. This burger is an absolute showstopper topped with sautéed mushrooms that add an irresistible earthiness, a dollop of chipotle mayo that brings the perfect kick, and crispy onion strings for that satisfying crunch. The MeeT Burger is a veggie sensation that will make you thank the heavens it exists.

What to order: Sweet-Chili Cauliflower, The MeeT Burger, Mac N’ Cheez Bowl

Address: 4288 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P9

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8. Sula on Main

Sula on Main brings the vibrant cuisine of India to life. With a rich culinary heritage and a menu that showcases authentic Indian dishes, Sula on Main invites you to embark on a flavourful journey.

From aromatic curries to mouthwatering tandoori specialties, their diverse selection caters to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. Adding to the charm, Sula on Main offers a delightful patio area where you can relish your meal in a refreshing outdoor setting.

Sula’s Butter Chicken is an iconic dish with tender pieces of tandoor broiled chicken bathed in a luscious tomato, cream, and butter sauce. The smoky notes from the tandoor perfectly complement the rich and creamy sauce.

The velvety texture and the perfect balance of spices make the Butter Chicken a true delight for the senses. Served alongside fragrant basmati rice or fluffy naan bread, this dish is a must-try for lovers of Indian cuisine.

A true vegetarian masterpiece, the Gobi Aloo features fresh cauliflower and potatoes cooked to perfection in a thick, aromatic curry infused with a vibrant blend of coriander, ginger, and garlic.

The tender cauliflower and creamy potatoes absorb the rich spices, resulting in a dish that is both comforting and full of character. This dish is proof of Sula’s dedication to crafting exceptional Indian cuisine. 

What to order: Butter Chicken, Gobi Aloo, Chatpata Sev Puri

Address: 4172 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P7

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9. The Arbor

Photo credits: Arbour

A charming restaurant nestled in the heart of Main Street, The Arbor focuses on fresh, plant-based cuisine with a diverse menu that caters to vegans, vegetarians, and health-conscious individuals. Whether you’re craving creative salads, hearty bowls, or innovative plant-based twists on comfort food classics, The Arbor delivers exceptional dishes crafted with ethically sourced, local ingredients.

Experience the vibrant flavours and inviting atmosphere of The Arbor, where mindful eating takes centre stage.

Perhaps one of the best appetizers ever made, the Fried Oysters at The Arbor come with lightly battered BC oyster mushrooms that are fried to a perfect crisp, creating a delightful, crunchy but tender texture. The accompanying creamy dill sauce adds a refreshing tang that beautifully complements the earthy flavours of the mushrooms.

Get a taste of Southern comfort with The Arbor’s Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich. This culinary delight features battered and fried artichokes that boast a satisfying crunch.

The house-smoked eggplant bacon adds a smoky and savoury element that perfectly complements the crispy artichokes. Topped with coleslaw, spicy mayo, avocado mousse, cheddar cheese, and jalapeno pepper, this sandwich is a flavour explosion that will blow your mind.

What to order: Fried Oysters, Southern Fried Artichoke Sandwich, Poutine

Address: 3941 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P2

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10. French Table

Are you craving the sophisticated flavours of French cuisine? The French Table is your best bet! Offering classic French dishes with a modern twist, this charming restaurant invites you to indulge in the culinary delights of France without the need to travel. If you’d like to enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the outdoors, their patio area is the perfect spot to chill in the lively atmosphere of Main Street.

Be transported to the rustic countryside of France with The French Table’s Coq Au Vin. This classic French dish features tender free-range chicken marinated in red wine, creating a rich and robust flavour that infuses every bite. The mushrooms, pearl onions, and bacon enhance the dish with layers of savoury goodness. Each bite you take is a harmonious symphony of tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and the irresistible smokiness of bacon. 

The French Table’s Duck Confit Cassoulet is a hearty dish with a succulent duck leg, tender braised pork, and flavorful Toulouse sausage; all served in luscious stewed white beans. The duck leg is expertly cooked to perfection, with crispy skin giving way to tender and juicy meat. The combination of the rich flavours from the meats and the comforting creaminess of the beans will warm your soul.

What to order: Coq Au Vin, Duck Confit Cassoulet, French Onion Soup

Address: 3916 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3P2

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11. Tocador

Tocador draws inspiration from the golden age of Cuba. With a passion for Cuban cuisine and culture, the restaurant aims to recreate a vibrant and welcoming space for diners to experience Cuba’s rich flavours and history. Their menu showcases a fusion of traditional Cuban and Latin American dishes.

Whether you’re a fan of Cuban cuisine or looking for a unique dining experience, Tocador promises to transport you to the tropical streets of Havana with its lively atmosphere and delicious offerings.

Tocador’s Cauliflower Tacos are a mouthwatering delight. These feature crispy fried cauliflower in a soft corn tortilla, generously topped with a flavorful pumpkin seed mole. The combination of textures and flavours is simply sensational. The warm corn tortilla comfortably embraces the tender cauliflower and nutty pumpkin seed mole.

Whether you’re a vegetarian, a taco lover, or simply seeking a unique and satisfying dish, the Cauliflower Tacos at Tocador are a must-have!

A classic Spanish dish, Tocador’s Patatas Bravas features perfectly cooked potato cubes seasoned with Spanish spices to create a savoury goodness that will wow your taste buds.

The dish is elevated with a generous drizzle of smoked paprika aioli, adding a creamy and smoky note that perfectly complements the crispy potatoes. Each bite is an exciting party, with the tender potatoes and the creamy aioli dancing on your palate.

What to order: Cauliflower Tacos, Patatas Bravas, Guava Spritz

Address: ​​2610 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E6

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12. Smitty’s Oyster Bar

Photo credits: Smitty’s

Smitty’s Oyster Bar is a treasured seafood haven on Main Street. This spot is a paradise for seafood lovers, with an array of the freshest seafood dishes that boast flavours of the sea. Their inviting southwest-facing patio area is where you can bask in the warm sunshine, sip on refreshing drinks, and savour the taste of freshly shucked oysters.

Smitty’s Oyster Bar’s Crab Cakes are an absolute must-try! These butter-fried Baffin Bay crab cakes perfectly balance crispy exterior and tender crab meat. Topped with a vibrant bell pepper relish and served with a grilled lemon dijon aioli, one bite is all it takes for you to fall in love.

At Smitty’s Oyster Bar, these crab cakes showcase their commitment to quality seafood and expert craftsmanship, making them a must-have for seafood enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Smitty’s Oyster Bar’s Seared Scallops are pure culinary bliss. These perfectly cooked scallops boast a delightful caramelised crust while remaining tender and succulent inside.

Paired with bacon-fried cabbage for a smoky crunch and a luscious pea puree that adds a burst of freshness, you’ll love each bite. Get this dish and let it transport your taste buds to seafood paradise.

What to order: Crab Cakes, Seared Scallops, Chowda

Address: 3124 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3G7

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13. El Camino

El Camino’s is a vibrant Mexican eatery on Main Street, offering delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine. As you enter, you’ll be drawn to their covered patio area, a delightful oasis adorned with charming decor, where you can dine al fresco and soak up the lively ambiance.

Notably, El Camino’s patio is not only a serene retreat but also pet-friendly, ensuring that your furry companions can join in on the fun. Experience the lively spirit of Mexico and enjoy the company of loved ones, both human and four-legged, at El Camino’s. 

El Camino’s Carnitas is a mouthwatering dish with succulent slow-cooked pork shoulder that melts in your mouth, complemented by the avocado’s creamy richness and the vibrant salsa verde flavours. But it doesn’t stop there – El Camino’s takes it to the next level by topping the Carnitas with crispy chicharrones, adding a delightful crunch and a burst of savoury goodness. One bite, and you’ll wish all tacos tasted like this masterpiece.

For a flavour fiesta like no other, get El Camino’s sensational Papas Chorreadas. Dive into a plate piled high with perfectly smashed nugget potatoes. These are accompanied by a vibrant dance of red onions and juicy tomatoes, creating a mosaic of colours and textures.

But the showstopper is the crumbled feta cheese, sprinkled generously over the potatoes, adding a creamy and tangy twist that will have you reaching for more. And as if that wasn’t enough, a seductive smoked paprika cream sauce steals the spotlight, drizzling over the dish like a saucy diva, delivering a smoky and velvety punch that will make your taste buds sing with delight.

What to order: Carnitas, Papas Chorreadas, Churros

Address: 3250 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3M6

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14. The Cascade Room

Photo credits: Cascade Room

The Cascade Room is a Main Street gem that captures the essence of Vancouver’s vibrant food scene. This lively eatery is a playground for food lovers, offering a diverse menu combining global flavours and local ingredients. From the first bite to the last, each dish is a delicious fusion of creativity and taste. And the fun doesn’t stop inside!

Take a seat on their lively street patio, where you can enjoy the sunshine and savour the culinary delights with friends and loved ones.

The star of The Cascade Room’s menu, the Hanger Steak is the embodiment of culinary excellence. Elevated by the vibrant and tangy red chimichurri sauce, this dish boasts a burst of flavour that will leave you craving more. Served alongside golden and crispy polenta fries, accompanied by a generous dollop of creamy rosemary aioli, and topped with a delightful medley of roasted tomato, shallot, and arugula, get ready to savour each mouthwatering bite.

Indulge in a wing experience like no other at The Cascade Room with their one-of-a-kind Free-Range Chicken Wings. Whether you prefer a classic and flavorful salt & pepper seasoning, a tangy and fiery Buffalo sauce, or a delightfully spiced soy glaze, these wings cater to all taste preferences. Unleash your inner wing connoisseur and embark on a finger-licking adventure at The Cascade Room.

What to order: Hanger Steak, Free-Range Chicken Wings, Poutine

Address: 2616 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E6

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Main Street Patio Map

What are you waiting for? Main Street’s best patio restaurants are waiting to whisk you away on a culinary journey that is as vibrant and diverse as the neighbourhood itself. If you’re hungry for more, check out our list of the best sushi spots in Vancouver.