A few summers ago, I golfed for the first and last time. It was for “business”, but with my poor eye-hand coordination, golfing never made my list of must-do sports. The rest of my novice foursome wasn’t much better at swinging clubs. We lost every ball, but found plenty of replacements along the course—and pocketed them. It seems they weren’t really lost, as we soon learned from their rightful, vocal owners.

Still, one of my favourite fair-weather places is a table on the expansive wraparound deck at Northlands Bar and Grill, at Northlands Golf Course in North Vancouver (3400 Anne MacDonald Way, 604-924-2950, ext. 3). The views of the steep, forested, perfectly manicured course, complete with pond and waterfall and glimpses of far-off Burrard Inlet, are quite simply idyllic. The menu is a best-hits list with straight-up eggs, omelettes, and Belgian-waffle breakfasts, plus a wicked Sunday brunch buffet ($16.50). Troll the daytime menu and you’ll be rewarded with burgers, sandwiches (pulled pork), pastas, and pizzas. Dinner holes in one include Syrah-braised short ribs, grilled wild salmon, steaks, and tender duck breast.
Summer's best bet: A patio table, a pint, and a margherita pizza.
Best-kept secret: Proprietors/partners are Joe Uveges and Georgia Kambolis, mother of C, Nu, and Raincity Grill’s Harry Kambolis.

While Grouse Mountain is popular with tourists, skiers, and grinders, it’s underappreciated by locals. It’s fun to eavesdrop on tourists on the Skyride, but it’s a treat to dine in the
Observatory, Grouse’s fine-dining resto, or to kick back on Altitudes Bistro’s patio on sunny afternoons and drink in memorable city vistas (6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, 604-984-0661). With executive chef Dino Gazzola—one of the city’s best under-the-radar cooks—at the helm for the past year, dining at Grouse has been elevated to an appropriately lofty level. Prices in the Observatory are up there, but there’s value to be found in the B.C.–leaning cuisine, plus the wines, service, and décor are a cut above. Reserve for dinner and the $34.95 Skyride fee is waived; diners can go up the mountain two hours early and take in the sights. Views are equally spectacular from the patios of Altitudes Bistro and Lupins Café.
Summer's best bet: A brew and a bowl of roasted mussels and merguez sausage on Altitudes’ patio.
Best-kept secret: Annual Skyride passes make regular visits affordable ($89.95 single, $189.95 family).

It’s hard to beat West Side fave the always-busy Galley Patio and Grill at the Jericho Sailing Centre (1300 Discovery Street, 604-222-1331). Order at the counter, pay, and pick up when your number is called. Happy counter staff, good beer (R & B’s Galley Patio Lager), decent wine, and easy eats like gargantuan platters of nachos, buffalo burgers, and chicken-and-prosciutto panini are part of this appealing package. The views are wonderful too—city and mountain skyline, bikinied windsurfers, sailors, kids with buckets of sand, and a few hopefuls fishing off the pier.
Summer's best bet: Breakfast. There’s no better way to start the day—good eats, great view, and salty ocean air.
Best-kept secret: It’s open year-round, and you’ll likely be sharing your table with people from around the globe who are staying at the nearby hostel.

On the East Side, sweet spot Crave (3941 Main Street, 604-872-3663) hasn’t lost an iota of its allure in the couple of years it’s been open, despite the fact that the area is increasingly packed with tasty options. Chef Wayne Martin’s pedigree (ex–Four Seasons exec chef) shines through in decidedly modest surroundings with plates that move beyond the same old same old. Quality and care are evident in every bite of the grown-up comfort-food menu, which includes asparagus-arugula-tomato salad, and a flavour-packed pulled pork and slaw sandwich.
Summer's best bet: Buttermilk fried chicken Cobb salad, on the patio, of course.
Best-kept secret: The secret’s out—Crave 2 is opening midsummer in the old Beach Side digs at 1362 Marine Drive, West Vancouver.

A little farther east, Me & Julio (2095 Commercial Drive, 604-696-9997)—which bills itself as “a modern Mexican kitchen and cantina”—comes courtesy of Lila and Jaison Gaylie. There’s lots to like about this spot, including the fact that it’s about five times bigger than wee sib Lolita’s on Davie. There’s bamboo everywhere, chef/partner Shelome Bouvette’s inspired cooking, and lashings of naughtiness, too. Dig into zingy habanero ceviche and a plate or two of beef taquitos.
Summer's best bet: Cervezas and costillas de cochinito (sarsaparilla-glazed baby back ribs) on the bamboo patio.
Best-kept secret: The bebidas (cocktails), especially the lip-smacking tequila-laced Pink Taco.