Cardero’s Vancouver’s Coal Harbour is one of the city’s top spots for fresh West Coast seafood, year-round patio dining, and nightly live music, all with unbeatable marina and mountain views.
Why Cardero’s is One of My Top Patio Picks in Vancouver
When I’m looking for a relaxed dinner with a view, Cardero’s in Coal Harbour is where I go. I’ve eaten here several times over the years since it was established in 1978. Like its sister restaurants, The Teahouse in Stanley Park and Season’s in the Park in Queen Elizabeth Park, they are part of the Sequoia Company of Restaurants, and all are in outstanding locations.
The food is consistent, the service is smooth, and the vibe is pure West Coast—casual yet polished. It’s great for special occasions, date nights, catching up with friends, or showing visitors one of the city’s best waterfront spots.
What makes Cardero’s stand out is its seasonal covered patio, daily live music, and a menu that balances classic seafood and bold, comforting international dishes with a nod to Asian cuisine.
It would be unthinkable not to mention the hardworking team that appears to be operating in perfect harmony, like a brilliantly choreographed dance. When you go, take a moment to stand back and watch the hustle and bustle of the open kitchen by the talented crew put together by Executive Chef Jason Kleinfeld.
The hard-working crew in the busy open kitchen at Cardero’s. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The hard-working crew in the busy open kitchen at Cardero’s. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The Covered Patio I Recommend in Almost Every Season
Cardero’s patio is fully covered, so you never have to check the forecast before booking a table. Even on cloudy days, I’ve sat outside comfortably with harbour views and a refreshing drink in hand while chatting with friends.
You don’t have to worry about the sun beating down on you or requesting oversized umbrellas to be moved to add some shade. They’ve installed clever little railing umbrellas along the edge. These keep the sun out of your eyes without blocking the view. On my latest visit, I spent time with Sita, who is like a daughter to me. As we chatted, we peered out at a stunning array of yachts and the setting sun over Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains.
The seasonal patio is open from March to October.
Award-winning travel writer Wendy Nordvik-Carr enjoys stunning marina and mountain views from Cardero’s Restaurant patio.
Everything I Ate (And Yes, I Tried It All)
I went all-in on the menu during my latest visit. Here’s what I had and what I’d happily order again.
Cardero’s Menu – Starters and Small Plates
- Hummus – Creamy and fresh, topped with cilantro pesto, goat feta, dukkah, and kalamata olives and served with warm naan. The texture was spot on.
- Fresh Shucked Oysters – Served raw on the half shell. Clean, briny and refreshing. You can order as many as you like. I had to try at least one.
- BBQ Ribs – Forno baked pork ribs, glazed with honey and molasses. Fall-off-the-bone tender meat, served with a rich sauce that has the right amount of sweetness.
- Prawn Sizzle – Cooked in white wine, garlic, lemon and butter. Served bubbling hot with focaccia for dipping.
- Har Gow – Steamed shrimp dumplings served with hot mustard and chili sauce. I’m a huge dumpling fan and ate them without adding the spicy sauces. Sita is a fan of hot and spicy and did not feel the sauce overpowered the delicate flavour.
- Signature Wok Squid – Flash-fried and tossed with garlic, chilies, and onions in their chili Caesar sauce. Crunchy with tender, perfectly cooked squid—a favourite of mine.
Cardero’s menu features a variety of fresh seafood. Left – Desserts arriving. Right – Prawn Sizzle. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Starting upper left – Hummus, Har Gow, BBQ Ribs, and the Signature Wok Squid and Prawn Sizzle. All of which are the perfect selection of starters for our dinner at Cardero’s in Vancouver. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Manager Carmilo Ortiz brings out the Tomato Burrata Salad at Cardero’s Restaurant, which has one of the best summer patios in Vancouver. Right – Fresh Shucked Oysters. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Mains and Daily Features
- Tomato Burrata Salad – Juicy beefsteak tomatoes with creamy burrata, fresh basil, balsamic reduction, and grilled baguette. A great warm-weather starter. Once you have tasted creamy burrata, you will always want to order it. Well, at least I do. This dish did not disappoint.
- Fresh Wild Sockeye Salmon – Served with wok-fried rice and seasonal vegetables and finished with a lemon caper beurre blanc that tied everything together.
- Grilled BC Halibut – Light and flaky with baby potatoes and vegetables. The lemon caper butter sauce added just the right amount of flavour without overpowering this mild fish.
- Seared Scallops – Served with lemon butter. Seared just right—tender in the centre, golden at the edges.
We paired the seafood with a glass of La Rabotine Sancerre. Crisp, dry, and perfect with fish.
Cardero’s menu offers a great selection of dishes to choose from. Top – Tomato Burrata Salad. Middle – Fresh Wild Sockeye Salmon and Grilled BC Halibut. Bottom – Seared Scallops. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cocktail Feature and Desserts
The daily feature cocktail is a Patrón Margarita, crafted with Patrón, Cointreau, and fresh lemon or strawberry. I had the fresh lime version. It was tart, clean, smooth, and strong enough to sip slowly.
Desserts were impressive and well-balanced, not overly sweet.
- The daily featured dessert: Cardero’s Famous Lemon Ice Pie – Almond crust, vanilla bean gelato, lemon curd, and toasted Italian meringue.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake – Rich and nutty, topped with crushed peanuts and caramel. Surprisingly light and the ideal combination of texture and flavour, perfectly layered, topped with classic ganache.
- Crème Brûlée – Flavoured with Madagascar vanilla bean. Creamy and smooth with a perfect crack on top. One of my all-time favourite desserts
Cardero’s Vancouver menu offers a great selection of desserts to choose from. Top – Lemon Ice Pie. Bottom – Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake and Crème Brûlée. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cardero’s menu features a variety of handcrafted drinks. Manager Robert Sweatman presents cocktails, Left – Patrón Margarita and Aperol Spritz. Right – Sita enjoying the patio with an Aperol Spritz. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Live Music at Cardero’s Live Bate Marine Pub
I have not had an opportunity to enjoy the live music at Live Bate Marine Pub, but others claim the music is subtle enough to allow for conversation, yet it adds warmth and energy to the space.
- Live Music Schedule
- Nightly: 8 pm – 11 pm
- Fridays: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
- Saturday & Sunday: 3 pm – 6 pm and again from 8:30 pm
- Talented local musicians
The bar at Cardero’s Restaurant. The Live Bate Pub is located just behind. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Sunday Brunch and Prime Rib Dinner
I did not try brunch this time, but it’s on my list for the next visit. On Sundays, Cardero’s offers brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring two seasonal dishes in addition to its full lunch menu.
If you’re more into hearty dinners, try the Sunday Prime Rib. For $48, you get slow-roasted beef with Yorkshire pudding—a satisfying way to end the week.
Insider Tip: Walk the Seawall Before or After Your Meal
Cardero’s sits right on the seawall at the marina. I suggest arriving 20 minutes early and taking a short walk along a portion of the marina loop. It’s a peaceful way to start your evening and the views are some of the best in the city. Linger longer to watch the seaplanes taking off or landing. Note: It’s only about a 21-minute walk from the SkyTrain at Waterfront Station.
Making a reservation around 4:30 pm for dinner is a good time to secure a patio table, depending on demand. Alternatively, you can wait for one when you check in.
Why I Recommend Cardero’s
Cardero’s continues to be one of my top picks in Vancouver for good reason:
- Covered patio with uninterrupted marina views
- Fresh, high-quality seafood and creative share plates
- Attentive service and exceptional kitchen pacing
- Live music every night in Cardero’s Live Bate Marine Pub
- A balanced wine and cocktail list
- And yes, the Lemon Ice Pie is worth coming back for.
Cardero’s Vancouver Quick Guide
Location: 1583 Coal Harbour Quay, Coal Harbour, Vancouver, BC
• Patio: Covered and heated, open seasonally from March to October.
• Live Music: Nightly and weekend afternoons
• Seafood Dishes to Try: Sockeye salmon, wok squid, halibut
• Dessert to Order: Lemon Ice Pie
• Brunch: Sundays 11:30 am–2:30 pm
• Prime Rib Dinner: Sundays from 5 pm
• Executive Chef: Jason Kleinfeld
I visited Cardero’s in Vancouver while researching the best patios in Vancouver. Subscribe to be alerted when it is published.
Looking for adventures across Canada? Check out 12 Hidden Gems in Canada You May Not Know About (But Should), Banff Travel Guide: Best things to do in Banff and Lake Louise, and Port Alberni Travel Guide to 21 Great Adventures.
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Travel Writer Wendy Nordvik-Carr was hosted by Cardero’s in Coal Harbour, which did not review or approve of this article before it was published. Wendy visited the restaurant as part of her research for an article about Vancouver’s best patios
