There’s nothing Torontonians love more than patio season. Being caged in our houses all winter long seems to make everyone flock to the nearest patio as soon as temperatures start to climb above 10 C. (To all the brave souls who shiver out there in early spring, we salute you!) And Toronto is home to an abundance of amazing patios, especially rooftop patios. Even when the weather isn't cooperating, covered and heated patios swoop in to save the day. Al fresco dining is never hard to come by in this city.
And now that our steamy Toronto summer is in full swing, dining outside is more pleasurable than ever. We love how many restaurants have added sidewalk patios through the CaféTO program, but sometimes you just need to escape the hustle and bustle on a lush rooftop patio. Toronto is one beautiful city, and from a rooftop patio, you can take it all in.
These rooftop patio gems are tucked away behind restaurant facades or perched high atop tall towers, protected from the sounds of dinging streetcars and whirring construction. Meanwhile, dainty string lights set the mood for date night and lush greenery transports us to the tropics. No matter what kind of vibe you’re after, we’ve got the best rooftop patios in Toronto for escaping the city, without leaving the city this summer.
The best roof top patios in Toronto: Uptown
Union Social Eatery
4899 Yonge St.
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“Common dining, done uncommonly well,” is the motto here and that’s exactly what you’ll get. The menu features all the popular dishes you can think of: truffle fries, nachos, plenty of burgers, chicken tenders and even an ahi tuna bowl. Even the pickiest of eaters in your dining party will find something to enjoy at this lively spot designed to be a relaxed eatery and social hangout spot. Their beautiful wooden rooftop patio is partially covered and heated.
Nomé Izakaya
4848 Yonge St.
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Slurp back sake and oysters on the rooftop patio of this authentic Japanese tapas restaurant and lounge. Fresh sashimi is the signature here, so you’ll definitely want to go for an assortment, along with maki rolls and share plates like bulgogi tacos and crispy gyoza. Amongst the strip of bars just north of Yonge and Sheppard, this place can get pretty vibey on weekends.
The best roof top patios in Toronto: Midtown
The One Eighty
55 Bloor St. W.
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Perched high atop the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, The One Eighty boasts one of, if not the highest patio in the city. From here, you can see everything, and we mean everything. (It’s okay to feel like Batman looking out over Gotham as you behold the entire city spread out before you.) If the views don’t take your breath away, the food sure will. Sebastien Centner’s catering company Eatertainment is behind the varied menu.
Kasa Moto
115 Yorkville Ave.
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A favourite hangout for celebrities visiting the city, Kasa Moto’s swish patio is a bumping spot for club beats and a vibey atmosphere. Lush planters and greenery coupled with the neighbourhood’s trees make the sprawling space feel like a tropical escape, right in the middle of Yorkville. On the menu, Japanese dishes range from maki rolls and nigiri to perfectly-seared wagyu beef and lobster with saikyo miso butter — all paired with a list of delicious and creative craft cocktails.
Stock Bar
2388 Yonge St.
Housed in a beautiful heritage building that served as a Canada Post office for the last 80 plus years, Stock T.C recently opened its doors just north of Yonge and Eglinton. The joint venture between beloved butcher shop Cumbrae’s and Toronto restaurant empire Terroni includes the Grocer, a kitchen and marketplace, and Stock Bar, an American bistro featuring Italian classics. The rooftop patio here is the largest in the area and a welcome addition to the neighbourhood.
Hemmingway’s
142 Cumberland St.
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If you haven’t been to Hemmingway’s at least once, you need to go. Having been in the Yorkville neighbourhood for about 40 years, this place is a Toronto institution, despite the owners hailing from New Zealand. They are operating four patios this summer, but you’ll want to hit up the massive rooftop that they’re famous for. Heated and covered, it’s a year-round destination with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for watching the game or drinking with buddies.
The best roof top patios in Toronto: Downtown
Harriet's Rooftop
550 Wellington St. W.
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Toronto's latest rooftop spot at the top of the swanky new 1 Hotel (located in the former Thompson Hotel) is the place to soak up those dog days of summer. Enjoy a sunset cocktail and sweeping views of the city while chowing down on chef Derek Powers Jr.'s seasonal and locally-inspired menu.
1hotels.com/toronto/taste/harriets-rooftop
Baro
485 King St. W.
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Lush greenery hanging from the ceiling, tropical cocktails that look as good as they taste and delicious Latin-inspired cuisine cooked over an outdoor wood-burning grill, right before your eyes — this King West spot truly is an oasis. Baro’s rooftop patio is sectioned into two parts: one fully outdoors and one protected by a glass façade that opens up when the weather is cooperating. So you can enjoy yourself rain or shine (or even snow).
Victor Rooftop Terrace
30 Mercer St.
This is one rooftop patio you will most definitely want to make a reservation for. Newly opened on the 11th floor of Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, this exclusive oasis only has 14 seats. Snack on share plates like charcuterie, grilled vegetables and short ribs while you bask in the intimate atmosphere. Victor Rooftop Terrace is a partnership with Veuve Clicquot, so you’ll want to ball out on a bottle and find something to toast to — any night here feels like a celebration.
Bar Hop Brewco
137 Peter St.
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There are three locations of this craft beer haven, but you’ll want to hit up the Peter Street spot for their excellent rooftop patio. Nerd out over their incredible selection of local Ontario beer, along with a few imports. Their taps rotate with the seasons, and they’ve got cans and bottles, too (and even growlers to take home). If beer isn’t your thing, they’ve also got delicious craft cocktails. Pair all that with a menu of juicy burgers and a delightful fried chicken sandwich, and you’ve got one heck of an afternoon.
KŌST
80 Blue Jays Way
Take a trip to the Baja Peninsula via this airy restaurant on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel. Inspired by the California coastline, the seasonal fare here is as light and bright as the space. Sat under the white umbrellas beside the crystalline infinity, with palm fronds blowing in the breeze, it would be easy to forget you’re in Toronto if it wasn’t for the CN Tower looming in the background. If you feel like going all out, you can turn the night into a whole staycation with the hotel’s all access package.
The Porch
250 Adelaide St. W.
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If you can stomach the $10 entry fee (yes, you still have to pay even if you have a reservation), you’ll be rewarded with one of the best situated rooftop patios in the city. Right in the heart of the entertainment district, above the Rockin’ Horse Saloon, The Porch offers spectacular views of the CN Tower and the city skyline in a party hardy atmosphere. Guzzle back bulldogs, an unholy concoction of a cocktail combined with a Corona, or take on a massive margarita tower while the string lights and cityscape blur together in the background.
The best roof top patios in Toronto: West End
Skyflower
292 College St.
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Starting out as a rooftop patio pop-up last summer, Skyflower is back with an expanded terrace and a new state-of-the-art kitchen. The first winner of MasterChef Canada, Eric Chong is behind the food program here, which sees Asian flavours combined with barbecue comfort classics. Expect flavour-packed dishes like their juicy truffle burger and crispy fried chicken. Decked out with string lights and floral arrangements, this is a tropical escape from the gritty College and Spadina hood.
Falcon SkyBar
111 Princes' Blvd.
Just south of Exhibition Place, Hotel X offers a resort vibe right in the city. At the tippity top of the hotel, the three-story Falcon SkyBar, complete with rooftop patio and pool, is always worth a visit, but this year it’s been transformed into something extra special. The all-new Summerhouse at Falcon SkyBar features a revamped menu of delicious bites from Adrian Niman of The Food Dudes paired with tropical cocktails.
La Palma
849 Dundas St. W.
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La Palma and sister restaurant upstairs Casa La Palma have merged into one, meaning you can now enjoy chef Craig Harding’s full menu of mains on the rooftop patio. Start out with delicate and flavourful dishes like the chicken liver mousse and tuna crudo before digging into fan favourites like the 100-layer lasagna and cacio e pepe pizza.
Drake Sky Yard
1150 Queen St. W.
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The Drake Hotel’s partially covered and heated patio has long been a favourite hangout for Torontonians and tourists alike. But the space now looks a little different than what you may remember from the last fresh air break you took during a blurry night of dancing downstairs. Recently, the Sky Yard was transformed into a bright and sunny Marfa-inspired terrace with a pastel mural from Toronto artist Louise Reimer. Sip on craft cocktails late into the evening or enjoy a beautiful brunch and reminisce about the before times.
The best roof top patios in Toronto: East End
Gusto 501
501 King St. E.
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Little sister spot to Gusto 101 on King West (which also boasts an excellent rooftop patio), Gusto 501 features many of the same beloved dishes as their OG spot, this time in a stunning terracotta brick-laden interior, with a wood-clad rooftop patio to match. Rest assured, the malfade al funghi, loved the city over, is still on the menu along with other pastas and pizzas. As for the drink program, they’ve got classic and house cocktails, wines by the glass and for something a little different, a list of vermouth and grappa.
The Broadview Hotel
106 Broadview Ave.
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One of the best-known and most well-loved rooftop patios in the city, The Broadview Hotel is a must-visit. At Queen and Broadview skyscrapers are few and far between, allowing for sweeping views of downtown Toronto’s skyline to one side and the Don Valley to the other. There’s plenty of space on the large outdoor terrace, but a glass façade opens up in the summertime to make even the indoors feel outdoors. It’s a great spot for date night or sexy drinks of any kind.
Murphy’s Law
1702 Queen St. E.
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After a long day spent in the surf, sand and sun, this pub and kitchen from FAB Restaurant Concepts (Brazen Head, East of Brunswick, Dominion) is the place to kick back and unwind. Tuck into a menu of elevated pub food paired with one of their summer sangrias while you look out over Woodbine Park and the quiet Beaches neighbourhood. If you can’t snag a spot on the rooftop, they have two other patios to choose from, including a pizza and beer garden.
Chula Taberna Mexicana
1058 Gerrard St. E.
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A week-long vacation in the tropics may not be in the cards this summer, but you can escape to Mexico for the night at this colourful taberna on Gerrard Street East. Load up on traditional aperitivos like ceviche and Mexican street corn, followed by tacos and burritos. Or simply sip on classic cocktails like a margarita, a paloma, a mojito or a mai tai underneath the string lights on their vibrant rooftop patio. They also have a second patio — both are heated and covered for all-weather access.
