Summer has finally passed its midpoint, and it’s criminal not to enjoy one of Toronto’s many patios this season. Every neighbourhood has its fair share, each with its own unique quirks and selling points. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best patios in Toronto sorted by neighbourhood, with a few of our top picks for each.
King West
After an afternoon spent strolling through the fashion district, sunbathing in the park or walking along the waterfront, you’ll be looking for a patio to cool off on with a refreshing cocktail. King West has no shortage of cozy patios with delicious food, a vibrant atmosphere and a stunning view — all in a central location.
Summer simply wouldn’t be summer without the rooftop bar at Chez Lavelle. 16 stories above the city, this experience is truly iconic. Spend the evening underneath a reservation-only cabana before slipping in the pool to refresh from the sun. Then have a taste of Lavelle’s one-of-a-kind contemporary Brazilian and Japanese menu with the signature truffle fries or a large poke bowl, before continuing to drink the night away with a bottle of champagne for the whole cabana.
Looking for a cozy place to sink into while sipping some cocktails after a long day at work? Try the line of sofas wrapped around the patio at The Parlour. Offering plenty of shaded protection from the sun and high walls to drown out the noise of the city, the patio at the Parlour is all about contemporary class. The best part? The Parlour offers happy hour every day of the week.
For the rest of our top patio picks for King West, click here.
Yonge and Eglinton
As the centre of midtown, the corner of Yonge and Eglinton has everything needed to make the most of a sunny weekend, from an active nightlife, entertainment, delicious restaurants, plenty of shopping and, of course, some great pub patios.
The mural printed on the side of La Carnita Eglinton promises “no bad days,” and that doesn’t seem like a hard promise to keep with a patio this nice. La Carnita is always a great choice for spending Taco Tuesdays, but this location might just be their best. You’ll get to enjoy the one-of-a-kind seafood tacos and fresh margaritas while seated beneath twinkly overhanging lights and potted greenery in an enclosed, shaded space.
A “brilliantly British” pub from the lineup of Duke pubs, Duke of Kent is as simple as it gets: good craft beer, delicious pub grub and laid-back seats in the sun. Its location facing Roehampton Avenue means you’re close enough to the action of Yonge and Eglinton without having to speak over it for your dinner date to hear you!
For the rest of our top patio picks for Yonge and Eglinton, click here.
Leslieville
Leslieville’s close proximity to the lake and its family-friendly atmosphere make it the perfect place for a pint after a day in the sun. And, now that school’s out, Saturday afternoons spent basking in the sun can be wrapped up with a delicious meal at one of the great patios Leslieville has to offer.
The patio at Leslie Jones feels like a garden escape so much that it even gets rented out for weddings and private events. The overhanging foliage whistles in the breeze, while late-night dining is given an intimate and romantic touch with strings of hanging fairy lights illuminating an otherwise dark back patio. The Leslie Jones patio is complete with a minibar and chairs.
Soak up the sun on Avling’s street-side patio just like the veggies growing on their rooftop. Wooden plant beds separate the picnic benches from each other and from the road, mirroring the contemporary and rustic feel found inside the brewpub. At Avling, everything comes sustainably and organically from Ontario, which means you don’t need to feel bad for having just one more beer.
For the rest of our top patio picks for Leslieville, click here.
The Annex
Nobody knows the hottest spots in town better than a sleep-deprived student — especially when you’re looking for coffee to wake you up or a drink to drown your sorrows. With University of Toronto’s St. George campus right next door, the Annex offers a lively scene of students exploring al fresco eateries, pubs and restaurants. It’s sure to draw you in no matter how long ago you were in school.
Chadwick‘s offers two patios depending on the kind of vibe you’re after. The cozy front patio is ideal for people-watching on the bustling streets, and maybe seeing that old professor you didn’t like back in college. In the back, a high wooden fence frames the secret patio, while folding chairs and picnic tables gives it a super casual and laid back feel—perfect for a post-work beer. With Chadwicks’ very dedicated neighbourhood regulars, you’ll want to arrive nice and early to snag a seat.
If student pubs are well behind you, Proof Bar & Patio might just be the spot for you. Located at the Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel, Proof is the best place for a drink after a day in the office. Sleek and comfortable sofas compliment wooded tables and electric fire pits. You’ll want to come in your best attire as this is definitely the place to update your Instagram feed with pictures that will have your followers thinking you’re sipping a martini in New York.
For the rest of our top patio picks for the Annex, click here.
Rosedale
As one of Toronto’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, Rosedale might be known for its beautiful parks and picturesque ravines, but the culture and entertainment scene is just as enjoyable. Rosedale’s patios are some of the best in the city for catching up with a friend over a coffee or something a little boozier.
For some authentic Italian fare in the heart of Rosedale, the sleek rooftop patio at Terroni will have you feeling like you’re sipping drinks on a cloud. The tiled floor, paired with white benches and accent furniture, reflects the sunlight no matter how grey and rainy it is this spring. The fairy lights and city views make an envy-worthy backdrop for your next Instagram photo dump.
While Pantry is most popularly enjoyed as a to-go lunch hub, its large windows and minimalist but contemporary interior make it a warm space for enjoying a dine-in meal. But, for a breath of fresh air, Pantry’s covered patio creates a private area for a quiet morning coffee while watching the passers-by on their morning commutes.
For the rest of our top patio picks in Rosedale, click here.
Yorkville
Warmer weather calls for afternoons of window-shopping and spending too much money at some of the highest-end boutiques and shops in one of Toronto’s best shopping districts. But you won’t want to spend your entire paycheque, because the best way to end a day in the sun is by dining al fresco and sipping a glass of chardonnay on a picturesque patio.
Sassafraz’s street-side patio is the best place to watch the hustle and bustle of one of the city’s most affluent neighbourhoods. You can watch shoppers strolling through the Yorkville streets while you sit back with a sweet cocktail and bask in the sun. The iconic Canadian geese painted on the side of the building make for a stunning backdrop, while the large potted plants and overhanging umbrellas give off an intimate and romantic touch for any date night.
Kasa Moto is slightly different from the casual pub patios in the city. Instead, this upscale Japanese restaurant in the heart of Yorkville is a place for getting dressed up with your favourite gal pals for a night of sophistication and an elegant cocktail hour. Serving up sushi platters and noodle dishes, Kasa Moto’s rooftop patio is heated with lots of greenery and comfy sofas so you can hang out all night long.
For the rest of our top patio picks in Yorkville, click here.