Toronto’s patio scene is teeming with casual beer-sipping spots, but this summer, the spotlight shines on a different kind of alfresco experience. For your next special occasion, don your finest attire and revel in dining under the stars at Toronto’s exquisite white tablecloth patios.
Auberge du Pommier
Enjoy dining dans le soleil on the exquisite garden terrace at Auberge du Pommier. Serving outstanding French fare in North York since 1987, the food is as much the focus as the first-rate hospitality, and guests can soak up the lush floral landscape in beautiful tones of pinks, blues and reds. Constructed around the vestiges of two 1860’s woodcutters’ cottages, diners will quickly forget about the bustling city surrounding them. Dishes are meticulously prepared by accomplished chef Doug Penfold, and the desserts, like the milk chocolate tart, are the perfect way to cap off the night. 4150 Yonge St.
Sorrel
Is there anything more Parisian than a street-side patio, especially one complete with a crisp white tablecloth and a bouquet of fresh flowers decorating the centre? A Rosedale gem for elegant dining, Sorrel offers guests a French-Mediterranean-inspired menu with all of the classics, like steak tartare and duck confit. The restaurant has an extensive selection of wine and numerous bottles of bubbly to toast the night away. Potted plants separate the patio from the road, and hanging bulb lights add a touch of whimsy and an enchanting ambience to the evening. 1158 Yonge St.
Restaurant 20 Victoria
Although the space might be tiny — just 20 seats indoors and an additional 14 on the patio — it’s what makes Restaurant 20 Victoria feel both accessible and exclusively cool. Offering a full seven-plus-course set menu, opt for streetside dining under the restaurant’s white open tents and tables adorned with elegant linens. The menu is spearheaded by head chef Julie Hyde and in the past has featured fanciful dishes, including sturgeon and Jerusalem artichoke. Make sure to save room for one of the glorious desserts, like the apple mousse cake or citrus meringue tart. 20 Victoria St.
George Restaurant
Nestled among a bustling section of Queen Street East, George Restaurant is situated in what was once a chocolate factory from the 1850s. Inside, the classic haunt is a touch moody and softly lit and exudes modern sophistication. The enchanting courtyard sets the stage for both intimate meals and festive gatherings, complete with a canopy of twinkling lights. Upscale yet approachable, Chef Lorenzo Losetto is narrowly focused on seasonally sourced ingredients, including his very own artisanal gelato in decadent flavours like amarena cherry, perfect for enjoying alfresco. 111C Queen St. E.