We all know that Vancouverites take patio season very seriously. When you only get so many days of sunshine per year, you want to make the most of them. But one of the great tragedies of the Vancouver patio scene is its lack of rooftop bars.
There are very few true rooftop patios in Vancouver to enjoy a cocktail and soak up the sun away from the busy street noise, but the ones we do have, are a little escape from the hustle and bustle.
For instance, the seasonal Reflections Terrace is hidden on the fourth floor of the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. Sequestered between skyscrapers, at Christmastime, the terrace is a festive and cozy cocktail-fuelled winter wonderland, but in the warmer months, the lounge seating and lush greenery make the rooftop feel like an urban oasis.
The signature tree in the middle of the patio is always decked out in fairy lights and lanterns for a whimsical romantic vibe, perfect for date night.
The menu features seasonal tapas-inspired dishes, but the stars of the show are really the cocktails, especially the cocktail towers. This year's menu hasn't been released yet, but previous versions have included tiki-style drinks and delicate sippers topped with a big bubble, for instance, the Sunday Smoke with mezcal, pineapple, jalapeño and lime.
Reflections is also bringing back its weekend brunch with signature dishes like the Reflections Benedict with crab and shrimp, and Peach French Toast with caramelized peaches and mascarpone.
Patio season at Reflections officially gets underway on April 17, 2023, and typically runs into September. It can get pretty crowded, though, so you may want to make a reservation by phone (604 673-7043) or online.
With files from Lindsay William-Ross