One of the questions we get asked all the time is “where’s the best patio in Nelson?”. Whether as a mid-day break from shopping, or as a way to take in Nelson’s heritage buildings and vibrant murals, sipping an ice-cold drink on one of Nelson’s finest patios is a popular activity with all ages. From cozy cafes to lively pubs and scenic waterfront spots, these outdoor venues offer more than just a place to eat; they encapsulate the essence of Nelson’s summertime culture.

In this guide, we embark on a journey to uncover the best patios Nelson has to offer, each embodying the spirit of summer in its own unique way. Join us as we explore the culinary delights, refreshing libations, and scenic vistas that make Nelson’s outdoor dining scene a highlight of any visit to this charming town.

Prestige Hotel & Resort

Nothing beats this waterfront view.

Sitting back on this patio with a frozen Bellini after work is ALMOST a substitute for a proper vacation. Hit us up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner – we’re ready for this one at any time!

Menu Recommendations:

Spicy Chicken Burger. Crispy, hot, and with a super unique whipped avocado sauce, this is a sleeper pick for one of the best things going in this town. Unreal.

Happy Hour Sushi. Vancouver-quality fresh sushi at a price that can’t be beat. One of the best deals we’ve seen. (Subscribe so you don’t miss our Best Happy Hour article, it’s sure to be a banger!)

Main Street Diner

The quintessential Nelson patio.

If you’re going to Main Street Diner, you’re 100% going for the patio. One of the original patio spots in Nelson, this semi-covered patio generally has space for you to sit in the comfort of the shade, or bask in the sun, depending on your mood. Pair their spacious patio with some of Nelson’s best food and you’ll find out why this remains one of the most popular spots in town.

Menu Recommendations:

Greek Weekend Dinner (Rotates, but whatever they’re serving this weekend is sure to be amazing)

Burger au Poivre. Torched cracked peppercorns, cream cheese, all the fixings. It’s in the running for our favourite burger in town.

French Fries. My #1 French fry guru swears these are the best fries in town. It’s a toss up for me between these and the garlic farm fries at The Royal, but as straight shooter traditional fries, these are sublime.

Cantina Del Centro

Great energy right on Baker Street.

I think it’s safe to say at this point Cantina Del Centro is an institution. Renowned as much for their stellar patio as they are for their tapas-style small tacos, Cantina is quality across the board. Ask three people on the street their favourite restaurant in Nelson, and we bet dollars to donuts Cantina will be in the mix.

We still haven’t forgiven them for getting rid of the Baha Fish Wrap. That was the hidden gem on the menu. Luckily it’s still available in taco form!🐟🌮

Menu Recommendations:

Our editor told us not to list the entire margarita menu, but we seriously could. Take all your margarita-hating acquaintances here, and you’ll leave as two amigos with a shared love of tequila🍸💃

Maybe we’ll make a whole article ranking the margaritas here one day, but here’s a couple must-tries:

Coconut Habanero Margarita. It’s not that spicy, we swear. 10/10.

Hibiscus Margherita. Floral in all the right ways.

Margarita de la Casa. If it’s not the best classic marg you’ve ever had, try it again… the second one will convince you🙌

Churros. A night out in Nelson isn’t complete without them – muy bueno👌

Sage

Dinner with a view.

Wonderfully sunny, and looking out over Kootenay Lake, this intimate patio is a perfect place to take a hot date or a few friends. Not suitable for larger parties, but if you’d like a semi-private patio with an upscale ambience, this should be your #1 spot.

Menu Recommendations:

Signature Caesar Salad. Grilled romaine lettuce topped with maple glazed pork belly, this is a unique and incredible spin on the caesar that we get every time.

Oso Negro

A garden oasis, right downtown!

The only coffee shop on our list, Oso Negro’s garden patio is full of nooks and crannies offering a more private place for quiet reflection or an afternoon conversation. A well curated plant selection gives this downtown retreat a natural woodsy feel that matches their interior decor to a tee.

Menu Recommendations:

For the uninitiated, Oso coffee is the stuff of legend in the Kootenays. Grab a bag for everyone you know while you’re here, their wide assortment of house-roasted beans are *chef’s kiss*☕💋

Pitchfork

Dinner under the trees.

Tucked into the trees at the top of Vernon Street, Pitchfork’s patio is a vibe all unto itself. A cute private atmosphere and one of Nelson’s best menus make this one an easy recommendation.

Menu Recommendations:

Rose Petal Green Tea Creme Brûlée. If the same hasn’t sold you already, we don’t know what to say.

Rel.ish

Brunch is best enjoyed in the sunshine.

Our recommendation for the best patio in Nelson BC with a full brunch menu, Relish’s tiered outdoor seating area offers plenty of space to start your day off in the warm glow of the morning sun.

Menu Recommendations:

The smoked salmon eggs benny is one of Nelson’s best brunch items hands down, and goes great with one of their house made caesars.

Onion rings with a modern flare, coated with puffed quinoa and panko for a crispy coating you’ll be coming back for every time.

The Royal

Dinner and a show.

A staple for live music and entertainment of all kinds, The Royal also features a great patio space. There’s something about being surrounding by some of Nelson’s heritage buildings, complete with their false-front architecture, that captures a unique part of this town. It’s a great place to catch a casual beer and some appies while waiting for one of Nelson’s many talented musicians to start their set.

Menu Recommendations:

Fried chicken served Korean BBQ or Nashville Hot style are our favourites from this upscale pub menu.

Narrowing down the best patios in Nelson can be difficult – there’s something for everyone here! If you’re just visiting, you’ll need a couple extra days just to properly sample the food (Fun fact: Nelson has the most restaurants per-capita in the world!) So get your vacation on this patio season as you bask in the warm glow of the sun, savour the local cuisine, and soak in breathtaking mountain vistas.