Little Italy’s best patios

This cafe that specializes in gourmet Italian cuisine is one of Toronto's oldest. For over 50 years, Cafe Diplomatico has been the heart of Little Italy and continues to be filled with sports fans. This streetside patio was recently renovated to be completely weatherproof, making this the perfect place to watch the game, rain or shine. With daily drink specials like Sangria Monday and half-price Wine Down Wednesdays, Cafe Diplomatico is sure to be a hit all summer long.

Spend your summer sipping an Arancia Italiano cocktail while enjoying the sun on Quadro’s sleek and contemporary back patio. The green pottery adds a pop of colour to the dark fixtures, giving Little Italy's streets the sophisticated, mysterious look found on the streets of Europe. Pair that signature cocktail with a ravioli or pizza, and this patio instantly creates an intimate and romantic date night.

The Commoner's College Street location specializes in cocktail creations in a barroom that's classic and sophisticated. But outside, The Commoner's patio is laid back with wooden benches and hanging bulb lights in a cozy space, perfect for some after-work cocktails with that friend you haven't seen in a while. It's casual, it specializes in drinks, and it's outside. What more do you need from a patio?

Sotto Voce's patio offers a homey space for watching the hustle and bustle of one of Toronto’s favourite areas, which it has been a part of for over 20 years. Enjoy a glass from the specially curated, ever-changing wine list from around the globe, and pair it with an authentic Italian dish made from fresh seasonal ingredients. If you're not ready to end the night, hop down the street to the patio at  Sotto Voce's sister restaurant, Zitto Zitto Taverna, for more drinks in the sun!

There's nothing better than starting the day by basking in the sun. For mornings spent the right way, check out Utopia Cafe and Grill's daily brunch. The back patio is fully covered and heated, making this a great spot no matter how cold the morning is. The wooden panelling gives off a tranquil vibe in this patio, cozy for a brunch meeting or mimosa hangover cure.