Think patio season is ending? Think again! Thanks to the addition of outdoor heaters, restaurants all over the city are offering outdoor dining for as long as they can. Here are a few of our top heated patios in Toronto to visit this fall season.
Auberge du Pommier
Oliver & Bonacini’s Auberge du Pommier has been at the top of the city’s French fine dining scene since 1987. Amidst the enchanting flowers and stone, the restaurant has a combination of individual heat lamps and overhead heat lamps stationed between tables to keep guests warm and cozy while enjoying a glass of wine and a meal. There’s also an overhead shelter for added protection from those sporadic Toronto rain showers.
Bar Reyna
The well-known back patio at Bar Reyna is a four-season affair, thanks to the addition of a retractable glass roof and heaters. Dig into their Meze Mix or share a plate of crispy calamari while keeping cozy amongst the bar’s palm trees. Bar Reyna’s patio is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. until late, and for weekend brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
BlueBlood Steakhouse
BlueBlood Steakhouse, located inside Toronto’s lone castle on a hill, is serving up only the noblest fare in a restaurant fit for a king. The exterior of Castle Loma is enough to get you excited for a night of wining and dining at the city’s most exclusive steak house. The heated patio also has structures made of glass in case the weather takes a turn for the worse. BlueBlood Steakhouse is currently open for outdoor patio dining starting at 5 p.m. from Monday to Wednesday and starting at 4 p.m. from Thursday to Sunday.
El Catrin
Turning up the heat in more ways than one, El Catrin’s heated outdoor patio also features a hot brunch menu featuring some spicy drinks alongside everything from huevos divorciados to hotcakes (yellow corn pancakes with homemade syrup). Sit down to feast on a special brunch and cocktail menu that’s not available to the regular public. El Catrin’s brunch takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gusto 101
The heaters have been turned on at Gusto 101, which means that patio season hasn’t ended, yet! This five-story Italian restaurant has a beautiful rooftop patio with sweeping views of the CN Tower. Diners can enjoy Italian comforts (like that three-blend funghi and truffle pasta or a wood-fired pizza), along with handcrafted drinks. Gusto 101 is open Tuesday to Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m.
Hemingway’s
Over in Yorkville, pop by for some New Zealand-inspired pub fare and brews at Hemingway’s. Operating for more than 40 years, Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar is home to one of Toronto’s most popular rooftop patios. The heated and covered area lets diners enjoy the fresh air all year round. Their newly-expanded rooftop patio has lots of space for walk-ins, and it’s open until 2 a.m. every night.
Mamakas Greek Taverna
At the southern end of the Ossington strip, Mamakas is the spot for elevated, rustic Greek fare. Easily spotted from their green awnings, the spot is always jammed on any day of the week. Mamakas’ patio is ope for walk-ins and by reservation starting at 5 p.m.
Marben
One of the city’s top purveyors of Canadian comfort, Marben, is currently doing a weekend brunch social on its heated patio on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 3 p.m, featuring make-your-0wn mimosas. Of course, all of Marben’s other delicious farm-to-table eats and cocktails are also available to enjoy outside, too.
Nice Nice
Not only does Nice Nice wine bar have the perfect menu of gourmet burgers and an impressive wine list, but their gorgeous patio also has a heated covered space. The spot also added two new Californian red wines to its lineup, and also offers a full range of bar snacks, like marinated olives and pecorino cheese that’s perfect for nibbling.
Quadro Ristorante
Fashion icon Joe Mimran, the founder of Joe Fresh, opened Quadro Ristorante in Little Italy. The sleek and sophisticated pizzeria is one of the area’s newest Italian spots, located at 577 College St. With indoor seating, a private dining space upstairs, and a hidden heated back patio that serves as a quiet escape from the bustling sidewalk, it’s the perfect place to share a pizza and enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail. Quadro is open Wednesday to Saturday from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
