High above the bustle of Downtown Vancouver is a rooftop secret that you might not expect from street level: the Garden Dinner Series at Fairmont Waterfront.
Despite the title, this is so much more than dinner. It’s a moment. A place. A story you step into.
As you walk through the hotel and take the elevator to the top floor, you’re transported into another world: one blooming with fresh herbs, flourishing flowers, and the soft buzzing of the nearby apiary. Like the enchanting scene from a fairytale, this is an incredibly unique experience unlike any other in the city: A beautiful garden in the sky, with sweeping views of the city’s harbour and mountains as your backdrop.
The evening begins with an exceptional selection of Waterfront Gin cocktails, crafted in partnership with Wayward Distillery, using 100% honey. Each subtly sweet sip is made with honey harvested from rooftop hives just steps away. Infused with lavender, spruce tips, and Nootka rosehips, these cocktails offer a refreshing invitation to turn the page and see what lies ahead. One sip, and your story begins.
Julia Common, the hotel’s warm and welcoming Chief Beekeeper, is on hand to greet you, and to remind you that this experience is about more than just flavour. It’s about being part of an ecosystem. About respect. About care. The bees are as integral to the kitchen as the chefs themselves, and during your visit, you can even suit up in beekeeper’s gear and witness their work up close. Everything—from the cocktail in your hand to the vinaigrette on your plate—begins with their tireless, sweet efforts.
The menu, created by Executive Chef Harris Sakalis, was a love letter to the Pacific Northwest. Fresh B.C. spot prawns, halibut so delicate it barely needs a knife, accompanied by vegetables and herbs harvested within arm’s reach of your seat. Each plate is beautifully restrained and purposefully local. “Simple but sophisticated,” as Chef Harris puts it.
Then came the wines, poured by French Door Estate Winery, who opened a vintage library collection for the occasion. These rare pours weren’t just luxurious, they acted as thoughtful companions to every bite. French Door’s sustainably-minded model mirrors Fairmont’s environmental focus, and the pairing felt like a quiet conversation between land and craft.
Mike Pagnacco, the hotel’s Director of Culinary & Beverage, also deserves credit for curating the whole experience. Under his leadership, the Garden Dinner Series has evolved into something truly special—not just an event, but an experience that makes you feel part of something rooted and alive.
Live music echoes through the air, while the lighting becomes soft and golden as the sun drops behind the mountains. As dessert arrives, infused with a subtle honey sweetness, of course, you might realize you haven’t checked your phone in hours. This is what hospitality looks like when it’s done with intention, an evening that invites you to stay in the moment and savour each of your senses.
The Fairmont’s Garden Dinner Series continues with two more evenings:
July 24 with Burrowing Owl Estate Winery
August 21 with Quails’ Gate Estate Winery
Seats are limited. And rightly so. Some secrets are worth keeping small and sacred.
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