The seats at the best patios in Toronto are highly prized but in short supply. Whether looking for a rooftop view, prime people watching on a boulevard or reprieve from the bustling streets in a backyard, this list pinpoints my picks for the top destinations for al fresco drinking and dining by neighbourhood.
For more patio ideas, check out our Toronto Patio Guide or download our iPhone or Android app.
ANNEX
The sidewalk patio at this Victory Cafe is a magnet for the beer-minded, while the menu of pub grub offers a little something for everyone.
BALDWIN VILLAGE
The row of patios along Baldwin is among the best features in this neighbourhood. Find the Bodega to be an A+ example, its seating is set back from the sidewalk and shaded by mature trees,
THE BEACHES
The roof top patio at Murphy's Law is a neighbourhood gem that offers an elevated view of the area. Fear not if tables are scarce, there's alternate outdoor seating at street-level patio, as well as, a larger patio out back.
BLOORCOURT
Whether sipping lattes and soaking up the al fresco wi-fi or toasting cocktails with friends, the sidewalk patio at Northwood is suited for either activity.
BLOORDALE
The backyard patio at Three Speed is sheltered from the elements by an overhang and outfitted with a wood burning oven making it amenable even in cooler weather.
BLOOR WEST VILLAGE
The sidewalk patio at The Kennedy Public House attracts an eclectic crowd of families and friends. Diners here are treated to an upgraded take on pub fare, along with a decent selection of brews.
CABBAGETOWN
Nestled next to its sister trattoria, Extended F'Amelia is an airy outdoor wine bar where the menu is versed in bar snacks, salumi boards
CHURCH WELLESLEY VILLAGE
The raised front patio at Lola's Kitchen can be found bubbling with activity at brunch on weekends as diners flock here for curried tofu scrambles and cumin scented crepes. $5 mimosas sweeten the deal.
THE DANFORTH
Allen's backyard patio is a gem that enjoys shade from treetops overhead. Find it at capacity on summer days with most tables furnished with pints, and their famous off-menu burger.
DISTILLERY DISTRICT
Fire pits, oversized chandeliers and a large selection of tequilas are just a few of the highlights on the massive sun soaked patio at El Catrin.
DUNDAS WEST
Occupying a corner lot, Northern Belle offers a sunny wi-fi equipped spot for coffees and sandwiches by day, while cocktails, cheese and charcuterie is the focus in the evenings.
FINANCIAL DISTRICT
Find the vast rooftop patio at The Chase drench in sun during after work cocktail hour. The upmarket restaurant caters to to al fresco diners with deep pockets and love for chilled seafoods and foie gras-laced dishes.
HARBOURFRONT
Muskoka chairs overlooking the waterfront. Need I really say more? Snag these limited seats if you can, along with a couple cold ones at Amsterdam BrewHouse.
HIGH PARK
The rooftop patio at the Mugshot Tavern is the first choice, though a street level spot offers the chance to enjoy this sleepy stretch of Bloor West.
JUNCTION TRIANGLE
The refined, rural-inspired menu is the big draw at Farmhouse Tavern, and the street-side patio plays a major role upping the restaurant's capacity.
KENSINGTON MARKET
Occupying a hidden backyard space, Cold Tea offers a cloistered patio perfect for cocktail- and beer-lovers alike. Sunday afternoons in the summer, expect to find guest chefs manning the grill.
KING EAST
Shaded by a honey locust, and fenced in on all sides, Betty's patio is the perfect hideaway no matter the time of day. Enjoy weekend brunches and late night beers along with pub grub served until last call.
KING WEST
It's a street food and tequila-fuelled fiesta every night on the rooftop patio at Valdez, rain or shine. The boisterous Latin American bar incorporates space for both sitting and standing and there's a retractable roof for when it rains.
KOREATOWN
Populated by students, Pour Boy's sidewalk patio deals in a seductive combination of sunshine, sangria and cheap eats.
LEASIDE
Against the Grain is blessed with an abundance of patio seating on the ground level hugging the building, and better still, on the massive rooftop beer garden.
LESLIEVILLE
Dundas & Carlaw's sidewalk patio is an all-day destination, offering a mix of cafe tables and lounge seating suitable for morning coffees and evening cocktails.
LIBERTY VILLAGE
School Bakery & Cafe has a patio that's a shaded by red umbrellas and encircled in lush greenery. Find corporate groups and nine-to-fivers lunching during the week, while on weekends, brunch crowds from near and far flock for stacks of flapjacks.
LITTLE ITALY
There's no shortage of street side patios along the main stretch of College, but my favourite patio in the 'hood is tucked away in the back of Bairrada Churrasqueira. The expansive outdoor space is a perfect destination to enjoy grilled meats and pitchers of sangria.
MOUNT PLEASANT
Granite Brewery's no frills sidewalk patio sticks to the essentials; plastic furniture, an awning for shade, and of course, a choice of ten house-brewed beers.
NORTH YORK
Fine dining in the open air is where Auberge du Pommier excels, and its well manicured patio is easily one of the most romantic and sophisticated outdoor dining experiences that can be had in this city.
OSSINGTON
Slide into a bench at the communal tables on the sidewalk patio at Bellwoods Brewery and sit elbow to elbow with fellow craft beer lovers.
PARKDALE
Picnic tables on the sidewalk patio draped with strings of bare bulbs are highly coveted at Electric Mud BBQ. Roll up your sleeves here to get down with good old Southern staples like fried chicken and ribs.
RIVERSIDE
Decked out with wooden tables and an outdoor bar, the secluded backyard patio at Aft Kitchen & Bar is the perfect place to enjoy beer and BBQ.
RONCESVALLES VILLAGE
The backyard patio at The Workshop intersperses seats between trees, offering a lovely laid back garden setting that's perfect for a little leisurely wine and cheese.
ROSEDALE
Speckled with shade, the backyard patio at The Rosedale Diner is a casual spot to enjoy an eclectic menu that offers everything from snacks to full suppers.
SCARBOROUGH
The patio at the Working Dog Saloon is the perfect place to unwind. An open fireplace keeps patrons toasty on cooler nights while the house brand Dogger Lager keeps guests cool when temperatures soar.
ST. CLAIR WEST
Catch some sun while sipping on margaritas on the colourful backyard patio at El Rincon Mexicano. The menu boasts traditional Latin fare including parrillada, sizzling grilled meats served with all the fixings.
QUEEN WEST
Retreat to a backyard patio at Queen Mother Cafe to enjoy a secrete garden kind of vibe while dining on an eclectic menu featuring goodies like sticky rice with peanut sauce, and corn chowder crab cakes.
WEST QUEEN WEST
The Drake Sky Yard is hotbed of activity day or night all year round. The rooftop terrace has its own bar, a variety of seating, strong drinks, weekend brunch menus, and even the occasional movie night.
YONGE & DUNDAS
Jack Astor's offers an undeniably awesome elevated view of Dundas Square, but in this neck of the woods, my pick is the cozy two-level patio at the Queen & Beaver where pints go best with bar snacks like Scotch eggs, toasts, and English puddings
YONGE & EGLINTON
Lil' Baci is a bustling midtown eatery rustic Italian fare is the house specialty. Score a table on one of two patios to enjoy pizzas and pastas with negroni cocktails to wash it down.
YONGE & YORK MILLS
Surrounded by shrubbery, Miller Tavern boasts three tiers of seating and a glass-enclosed veranda for rainy days. This patio is a an area fave for after-work drinks and summertime dates.
YONGE & ST. CLAIR
The courtyard patio at Cava is a great setting to enjoy sunny afternoons filled with sparkling wine and tapas.
YONGE & WELLESLEY
The patio at Bar Volo lends itself to prime people watching on Yonge St. and is perpetually packed with equal parts beer- and wine-drinkers.
YORKVILLE
Taking over the former site of Remy's, Kasa Moto inherits a prime piece of patio real estate in Yorkville. The secluded rooftop terrace is serviced by a dedicated outdoor bar and offers two curtained-off cabanas for high rollers.
Thanks to Strongbow for sponsoring our 2015 Toronto Patio Guide.
What did I miss? Disagree with my selections in the comments.
by Liora Ipsum via blogTO
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