Vancouver is not a patio city at all. Our rainy weather and restrictive zoning laws make it really difficult to enjoy a patio. Perhaps it's all these challenges to enjoying a meal al fresco that make us crazy excited to get out there once we get a few sunny days in a row! Make the most of this summer by hitting up as many of these hidden patios as you can! Whether you love a spot in the sun or a little bit of shade to keep you cool, your new favourite patio is probably on this list. We've brought together with your old favourites, neighbourhood gems and a few truly hidden patios that you'll love exploring this summer. Here are 17 hidden patios that you have to check out this summer: Platform 7 View this post on Instagram Next stop, the secret garden. Internalize your inner zen and escape the hustle and bustle. A post shared by Platform 7 (@platform7coffee) on Aug 19, 2017 at 2:52pm PDT Platform 7's Hasting Street location has a secret garden patio behind the store that's absolutely magical in the spring and summer months. When I saw it for the first time, I couldn't believe how adorable it was! It's the perfect patio for spending time with a book out in the sun. The Arbor View this post on Instagram Anyone else as excited about the forecast as we are??? T-Minus 3 days until patio season!!! #realfoodforcomfort #secretpatio A post shared by The Arbor Restaurant (@arborvancouver) on May 2, 2019 at 1:36pm PDT This vegetarian restaurant on Main Street has good eats and a very cool hidden patio out back. The adorable parasol umbrellas give it that extra special touch! This is a great spot to hit up on a weeknight where you can soak up the last rays of the sun in style. Las Margaritas View this post on Instagram Happy humpday! Can it be the weekend already? A post shared by Janelle Chan (@janelle.chan) on May 30, 2018 at 5:54pm PDT This Mexican restaurant on West 4th Avenue has the cutest patio ever that will make you feel like you're way, way down south. If you just need to chill with a massive plate of nachos and a giant margarita, then this patio has to be on your bucket list this summer. Tacofino View this post on Instagram We live in such a pretty city! #cincodemayo #bloodalley #vancity #tacos #margaritas #architecture #cobblestones #springtime A post shared by Lisa ๐ (@liisa23) on May 5, 2019 at 9:55pm PDT The Tacofino Taco Bar in Gastown is easily one of the coolest spots in the city. Hidden off of an old alleyway, this hidden patio has a serious urban summertime in the city vibe. You'll get amazing photo ops thanks to the exposed brick, string lights and a table full of tacos. D/6 View this post on Instagram In a world where you can be anything, be kind. . . ๐ coat @ephemeralfits . ๐ DM me for discounts . ๐ธ thanks to my boo @migo_torrena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . #ephemeralfits #vfw #vancitylife #canadafashion #myvfwstyle #vancity #vanfashionweek #vanfashion #ootd #whowhatwearcollection #ootdmagazine #photography #vancouverisawesome #vancouver #vancouvermagazine #phfashion #ootdasian #ootdfashion #vancouverisland #blogger #guccibelt #fashionblogger #fashiondrug #fashioncanadians #bossbabe A post shared by A N G E L ๐ (@_gelcastle) on Apr 30, 2019 at 11:08am PDT If you're looking for a swanky spot to get your patio on, then you should check out D/6! This patio is open all day, but after sunset, it turns into a lounge atmosphere. This spot is up on the sixth level of the Parq casino and it's still new on the patio scene. JJ Bean Coffee Roasters View this post on Instagram Spending my Sunday at @jjbeancoffee being very productive... #not PC: @leebrown22 ๐ โข top: @dynamiteclothing and @forever21 โข belt: @forever21 โขjeans: @topshop ๐ A post shared by Christina Ji (@cjs_bao) on Sep 30, 2018 at 6:18pm PDT JJ Bean has a ton of amazing patios around the city. Their Main Street, Railtown and Yaletown locations have the perfect people watching patios, but this one at their Fraser Street location is a hidden gem and it has an amazing view since it sits up at the top of a hill. Cafรฉ Salade de Fruits View this post on Instagram Croissant eggs benny is where itโs at, people! ๐If you feel like immersing yourself in a truly francophone experience, try @saladedefruitscafe for brunch! My delicious dish featured a perfectly crisp croissant, stuffed with real crab, crispy spinach, 2 perfectly poached eggs and a delightful hollandaise sauce. I even caved in and treated myself to a mimosa. ๐ . . What is even more amazing about this place is that itโs located right below @laseizieme , a French theatre! There was even a little francophone street festival happening right outside so I was enjoying my meal while listening to nostalgic French tunes. Have I died and gone to French heaven? ๐ ๐ซ๐ท . . Amis francophones, ce petit coin de paradis est ร essayer! ๐ . . #cafesaladedefruits #saladedefruits #eggsbenedict #french #frenchcafe #croissantbenedict #croissant #theatrelaseizieme #brunch A post shared by Tereza Paraschivescu (@tereza_soca) on Jun 16, 2018 at 3:34pm PDT The patio with a touch of French sophistication, this hidden gem is just off of South Granville. This is a great place to go for casual brunch on the weekends. Enjoy patio life where you can enjoy patio life with a little peace and quiet! Reflections: The Garden Terrace View this post on Instagram nothing better than a bottle of champagne๐ฅ A post shared by ๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ข ๐๐ฎ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ๐๐ค๐๐ซ๐ ๐ (@shaniixox) on May 4, 2019 at 9:54pm PDT This seasonal-favourite patio at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia the place to go for cocktails with friends. It's a highly-Instagrammable place to see and be seen. It's a patio on a rooftop terrace and even though it's just a few floors away from the ground level, it feels like it's miles away from the city. Commercial Street Cafe View this post on Instagram Congrats to @commercialstreetcafe for winning the recent competition for a $200 gift card to the @settlementbuilding and a big shout out to all the supporters of this mission! A big update is in the works so stay tuned! . . . . #supportsmallbusiness #vancouver #squamish #whistler #gibsonsbc A post shared by CupCard (@cupcard) on Oct 15, 2018 at 1:10pm PDT Hidden gem alert! Commercial Street cafe is a little-known neighbourhood spot that looks like it's from an entirely different town. Their patio is on a super quiet street and there's plenty of green spaces nearby. If you want to make an escape from the city while still staying in the city, then this is the hidden patio for you. Vij's View this post on Instagram Patio season A post shared by Madeline Weedle (@maddyweedle) on May 14, 2018 at 7:52am PDT The rooftop patio at Vij's is amazing! The way it's set up makes you forget about the city around you entirely and lets you become completely immersed in their unique dining experience. Plus, the best place to eat spicy curry is definitely outside where you can feel the breeze. The Narrow Lounge View this post on Instagram ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐BBQ, sunshine, shaking off the remnants of Seasonal Affective Disorder...@narrowlounge launches their patio this afternoon and itโs gonna be a party. Summer grooves provided by me and DJ Adam Fink. Miss Havisham meets the Lost Boys vibes provided by @narrowlounge and itโs all possible thanks to #JamesonLiveMusic and @do604 - RSVP for free entry and Iโll see you there from 1-6! ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ฑ A post shared by Alex Maher (@alexmahermusic) on May 26, 2018 at 11:44am PDT Vancouver's original hidden bar is still a gem. The little space outback is magical and it feels almost like you're at someone's house for a backyard patio party. Sip beers long into the afternoon and hideaway at this hidden patio this summer. Milano Coffee Roasters View this post on Instagram Best coffee in Vancouver . #milanocoffeeroasters A post shared by SusanPJohnstone (@susan.j1400) on Jul 1, 2018 at 5:59pm PDT One of the most picturesque patios in the city is the Milano just off Broadway on 8th. It looks out over a massive park where you'll often see dogs playing, people playing soccer, and there's a community garden, too! The all wood patio makes it feel homey and substantial. Even though it's an industrial part of town, this spot has a unique neighbourhood vibe that you'll love. Elysian Coffee Roasters View this post on Instagram The face he makes after realizing Iโm taking (mostly) inconspicuous photos of him A post shared by carmela (@carmelacura) on Aug 4, 2018 at 11:01pm PDT This super hidden patio at their Broadway location is a little slice of peace and calm among the bustle. If you need to spend a little time over your latte but have to get onto the next adventure, then this is a great hidden patio to sneak into your day. The Whip View this post on Instagram Summer sunsets in my neighborhood #saturday #sunset #vancitybuzz #vancouver #yvr #urban #architecture #mountpleasant #mainstreet #instatravel #weekend #weekendvibes #wine #bankholiday #longweekend #instagood #travel #blogger #nailedit #home #mycity #explore #wanderlust A post shared by @ megelizabeth__ on Sep 2, 2017 at 8:13pm PDT This patio is at its best during magic hour when the string lights start glowing. The Whip is tucked just off of Main Street and it's a favourite for locals. Perfect or brunch or after dinner drinks on a weekday. Neil Macrae Bar & Lounge View this post on Instagram Throwback to this summer when @archiact celebrated their work party with us! ๐๐ญWe had such a blast with you! Interested in taking your work party or event to the next level? See our website for details ๐ป A post shared by Vancouver TheatreSports League (@vantheatresports) on Sep 25, 2018 at 4:00pm PDT This hidden patio is sure to stump even the most seasoned patio-going Vancouverite. Where is this? Why haven't I heard of this place before? Don't fret, dear reader, for I shall spill the beans on this exclusive bar. This exclusive space is right on the seawall on a boardwalk at Granville Island. Anytime you go to see an improv show at Vancouver TheatreSports, you'll get access to the most amazing hidden patio. Go early for your show to see the most amazing sunset watching patio! Caffe Barney View this post on Instagram โ๏ธโ๏ธโ๏ธ #blonde #bangs #postweddinghaircut #changes #hair #blondebangs #bangslonghair #longhair #offtheshoulder #chopchop #hair #hairspiration #patioseason #beergirl #outfit #fashion #hm #clubmaster #sunglasses #summerstyle A post shared by Andrea Clare (@aandreaclare) on Jul 24, 2017 at 5:58pm PDT If you're looking for a patio with a cool, laid-back neighbourhood vibe you can actually find it on South Granville! Whether you're looking for weekend brunch or beers, it'll have everything you need and more in a totally hidden spot. The Galley Patio & Grill View this post on Instagram Sunday #dinner on the best #patio in Vancouver A post shared by Alex Campbell (@ac3sixty) on May 8, 2017 at 11:32am PDT This hidden patio is on the actual friggin beach and why haven't you gone here, like, yesterday? If you love sitting in the sun and breathing in the fresh, ocean air while you chill then you have to go this patio