Vancouver Patio Guide 2023: Popina Canteen

Best Post Market Hang: Popina Canteen

1691 Johnston St.

Dogs Allowed: No
Covered: Some
Afternoon Sun: Yes
Patio Reservations: Yes

The supergroup that opened Popina didn’t necessarily set off to create the unsung patio hero of Granville Island—but by setting up some outdoor seating between their colourful shipping-container takeout counter and the bustling ferry dock, they did just that. Chefs Angus An (Maenam, Longtail Kitchen), Robert Belcham (Campagnolo), Hamid Salimian (consultant for Earls, co-founder of Nextjen) and Joël Watanabe (Kissa Tanto) had a humble dream of showing Vancouver just how good lobster rolls and fried chicken can be. Little did they know that the simple dining space would offer up a beautiful side of Burrard Street Bridge views, fresh ocean breezes and a front-row seat to all the seagull drama—if you want more from a patio than that, we can’t help you.

All summer, Popina accommodates a steady stream of foodies coming and going from its benches, toasting a day of successful market shopping with a glass of sparkling from JoieFarm Winery ($13), pre-gaming for live theatre with a Provincial Spirits cocktail ($12) or just taking in the sunset with an ice-cream-stuffed cream puff ($9) in hand. popinacanteen.com

This story was originally published in the July/August 2023 print issue of Vancouver Magazine—find the digital issue here.