While no one can deny the magic of dining al fresco, Toronto has a special love for patios. Perhaps the proliferation of cramped shoebox apartments or the lack of green spaces is to blame; as soon as the mercury starts to climb, the city flocks outdoors en masse to pull up a chair on the best patios in Toronto. On those mid-July days, when the weather is just right, there’s no better feeling than catching up with friends or making new connections over cold sips and warm bites on a Toronto patio. It’s the best time of the year.
We cherish Toronto’s patios, but alas, they weren’t all created equal. While they were a necessity during the pandemic and continue to help bring in valuable traffic for businesses today, makeshift roadside patios are out this year. Honking and car exhaust do not go well with our caesars, thank you very much. The best patios in Toronto are a cut above the rest; havens of excellent food and drink, they’ve worked hard to curate charming atmospheres perfect for soaking in the season. Many of the best patios in Toronto are at the best restaurants in Toronto and the best bars in Toronto, so rest assured, you’ll leave sufficiently fed and watered.
The best patios in Toronto might be hidden from view for privacy, but with our list, you’ll be able to sniff them out. Maybe it’s a sprawling rooftop patio with mesmerizing views of the skyline, a lush garden tucked out of sight, or a romantic hideout decorated with string lights and tucked down an alleyway. If you’re looking to try somewhere new this year, many new restaurants in Toronto have opened their own patios. Plus, some familiar faces have renovated and transformed their terraces into something even more spectacular.
For as long as we’ve waited for our chance to post up outside, we don’t want to leave the best patios in Toronto until it’s absolutely necessary. Even as whispers of fall approach, the best heated patios let us stretch the definition of patio season to its very limit. So kick back, and enjoy the sunshine and the magic of Toronto’s patio season — you’ve earned it.
The best new patios in Toronto that just opened for summer 2024
1. Via Allegro
1750 The Queensway
If you can’t make it to Italy this summer, Via Allegro’s romantic new covered patio is the next best thing. It’s picture-perfect, brimming with pink blossoms dangling from faux trees, and an abundance of midnight blue and slate grey. The year-round patio can be fully enclosed in glass windows when the fickle Toronto weather turns.
2. Grape Witches
1247 Dundas St. W.
The only thing more glorious than Grape Witches’ shop is their newly renovated back patio, given a total glow-up ahead of summer sipping season. The foliage-heavy space was decorated by local artists and designers. Sip on more than 15 natural wines by the glass and snacks from industry vet Ellen Shrybman from now until fall.
3. Doc's Green Door Lounge
3106 Dundas St. W.
Uber-skinny Doc’s Green Door Lounge is about to double its capacity with a patio for its wine and cocktail-swilling patrons. But why wait until the afternoon: Grab coffee and pastries any time from 7 a.m. at this Junction haunt and get a headstart on basking in the sunshine.
The 24 best new Toronto restaurants and bars that opened this spring
This season has seen an astonishing number of amazing new Toronto restaurants pop up across town. Here are the bars and bites you need to try this spring.
Read more4. The Cottage Cheese
64 Oxford St.
View on Instagram
Kensington Market added a modern Indian dining destination to its already burgeoning roster of unreal eats in 2022. Now, The Cottage Cheese is getting a new patio in time for those lazy, hazy days of summer, so you can enjoy curries and naan from scratch and margaritas and martinis al fresco.
5. Left Field Liberty Village
40 Hanna Ave.
While furry friends aren’t allowed inside Left Field’s new Liberty Village location, they’re more than welcome on their sunny new 60-seat patio. Pop in to celebrate a TFC win or soak in a few rays with Left Field’s delicious brews and game-day style bites like jumbo hotdogs, pretzels and pizza.
6. Electric Bill Bar
866 Bloor St. W.
A six-minute walk from Christie Pits Park, Electric Bill Bar combines the raw talent of Civil Liberties’ mixology staff with Australian culture. In addition to stirring up some of the best cocktails in the city, they serve Aussie-inspired bites to match. Pretend you've taken a trip Down Under with an afternoon on their laid-back, newly opened patio.
7. El Pocho Antojitos Bar
2 Follis Ave.
View on Instagram
Rain or shine, you can enjoy El Pocho Antojitos’s delicious Mexican eats on their renovated front patio. Now fully enclosed, the space also has comfy bench cushions, fans to cool you down after scoffing spicy barbacoa tacos, and an outdoor bar, so your next mezcal or tequila tipple is never too far away.
8. Veuve Clicquot Rosé x bosk
188 University Ave.
Bosk's patio isn't new, but it has been transformed into a summer oasis for 2024. Luxury champagne Veuve Clicquot has partnered with bosk, the Shangri-La Hotel’s Italian restaurant, to give Torontonians a place to embody the rosé all day mentality. Order from the à la carte menu, or sample the four course tasting menu ($125 per person) amidst the iconic Veuve colours and decor. There are high-quality Veuve cocktails, but of course, there's nothing stopping you from sipping the bubbles solo. To book your experience, call 647-788-8281 or email
dineto@shangri-la.com.
9. Abrielle
355 King St. W.
This Mediterranean restaurant on The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto's ground floor will now serve its coastal cuisine al fresco. Enjoy oyster and octopus as well as signature cocktails in the charming alley next to this King West spot. During happy hour on Abrielle’s patio, guests can enjoy specially priced drinks and appetizers, which make for the perfect post-work hangout or casual catch-up with friends.
The best patios in Toronto for summer 2024
10. Pennies
127 Strachan Ave.
In a city where $20 cocktails are the norm, cheap drinks and good vibes can feel ever-harder to come by. That’s probably part of the reason why people love Pennies so much. This bright-yellow bar, a brief mosey down from West Queen West, neighbours auto shops and townhomes, but that doesn’t stop young crowds from flooding its convivial patio every day. Snack on steak, chicken or fish sliders, or opt for a vegan taco with avocado crema while being sheltered from Mr. Sun under a blue umbrella. Wash it all down with a Bellwoods basil smash that only sets you back a cool $7. Leave your loose change at home, though — Pennies is cashless.
11. The Drake
1150 Queen St. W.
We’ve spent many a blurry night on The Drake’s infamous rooftop patio, The Sky Yard. This year, it’s been completely transformed, with renovations inspired by the Italian coast. The covered and heated beauty is also a great spot for weekend brunching, afternoon drinks or dinner. Don’t sleep on the Drake burger — it’s by far one of the best in the city, and it’s so popular that they have it available for brunch, lunch and dinner. If you can’t snag a spot in the coveted art-clad space, they also have a cute and contained street-level patio that wraps around the side of the boutique hotel.
These are the best restaurants and bars on Ossington right now
Some may say Ossington is overrated, but this west end strip continues to shine with some of the greatest restaurants and bars in the city. Here are our faves.
Read more12. The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel
106 Broadview Ave.
Set on the seventh floor of the Broadview Hotel and enclosed in floor-to-ceiling windows, the Rooftop features gorgeous unobstructed views of the city’s skyline and Don River. In the summer months, part of the glass façade opens up onto the patio — coupled with a large skylight, it allows the whole restaurant to feel the ambience of outdoor dining. Shareable bites and sippable cocktails paired with DJ beats and a sexy but casual vibe make this a great spot for dates or mates.
13. Ronnie's Local 069
69 Nassau St.
View on Instagram
This iconic Kensington Market spot is as divey as they come, while still being a hot hipster hangout. Inside, it’s as if your neighbour got the brilliant idea to turn his dirty old garage into a bar. There are no cocktails here. Order a can of something or a beer poured from a tap adorned with a frightening doll’s head — it’s cool, we promise. Then, head outside to the no-fuss patio with your bevvies. Table service and other frills are nowhere to be found. Grab a spot and watch your Saturday plans disappear quicker than your lukewarm pint. Leave your airs and graces at the door — but don't forget your hand sanitizer and cash (Ronnie's doesn't accept cards).
14. Cafe 23
728 Queen St. W.
View on Instagram
Upgrade your morning cuppa at this secret garden patio on Queen West. The spacious brick-walled refuge looks like they turned a house inside-out, with its vintage mirrors and rattan lights dangling from tree branches. There’s plenty of outdoor seating, but keep in mind there are no laptops allowed on the patio. Instead, enjoy the scenery with a good book or some great company and a fresh croissant.
15. Mercado
682 Caledonia Rd.
View on Instagram
This family-run Portuguese restaurant, just north of Eglinton, specializes in mouth-watering meat and seafood tapas. If you can tear your eyes away from the feast on your plate, you’ll fall in love with their entrancing patio. Inspired by São Miguel, Portugal, it’s draped with lush greenery. The roof is punctuated by twinkling chandeliers: It feels like dining in a romantic palace garden.
16. Local Public Eatery
171 East Liberty St. #100
View on Instagram
Whether you’ve trekked up from Exhibition station after a TFC game or are just looking for an after-work bite, Local Public Eatery’s expansive Liberty Village patio has you covered. Big beefy burgers, like a truffle cheeseburger, or thick bacon-wrapped wagyu hotdogs pair well with a hot summer aft’. If you’re looking to watch the game, you’re in luck — for select events, Local unrolls a big projector to broadcast the action. More in the mood to play than watch? Test your toss with cornhole on the patio.
17. Paradise Grapevine Winery
218 Geary Ave.
Paradise Grapevine’s Geary Avenue winery reminds us more of a wine garden than a standard patio. The semi-industrial surrounding neighbourhood melts away as soon as you’re under the string lights with a glass of lip-smacking orange wine tucked between your fingers. Chef Adrian DiLena (Burdock) serves a menu of small plates to pair perfectly with your vino, like beet-cured salmon, burrata with figs and hazelnuts, and slow-cooked beef cheek.
18. Valerie
111 Princes’ Boulevard 28th Floor
Hotel X’s unique location on Princes’ Boulevard gives Valerie — the 3-level restaurant, lounge and patio terrace on the hotel’s top floor — an unobstructed view of the city. Whether you’re here for one of Valerie’s weekend parties, or just to watch the sunset on a romantic date night, you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from that spectacular view. Behind you, Lake Ontario stretches out forever into the horizon in stark contrast to Toronto’s skyscrapers. With a cocktail in one hand and a small plate of Japanese-inspired bites in the other, we’d be very happy to spend our whole summer up here.
19. Harriet's Rooftop
550 Wellington St. W.
Harriet’s Rooftop is all sunsets, string lights and slow sippers. It’s a sultry spot to grab a cocktail and coyly snack on a couple of light bites while night falls. High above 1 Hotel, the lush terrace shrouded in greenery and surrounded by the twinkling lights of skyscrapers hosts a glamorous, yet comfortable atmosphere. DJs play vibey remixes of club songs that make you want to sway in your seat, while still being mellow enough for dinner.
All around $20, the cocktails are on the pricier side, but every single one that we’ve tried is delicious. The Sunset in the 6ix is a fan favourite and our go-to for good reason. The mixture of Teremana Tequila, Amaro Montenegro, Select Aperitivo, pineapple juice and lime is a sublime balance of tart, boozy and sweet. Pair it with chicken karaage sliders and maki rolls. Elegant and unpretentious, Harriet's Rooftop feels like the best side of downtown Toronto.
20. Baro
485 King St W.
Overflowing with greenery, Baro's indoor-outdoor rooftop patio feels like a sneaky vacation from the King West hustle below. In the enclosed section, giant glass window-walls open to let in the summer breeze. Or go bare on the completely open light wood patio and catch some rays. The patio has an outdoor grill, so you're not far from delicious bites of modern Latin cuisine. We're still thinking about dipping into their smokey charred jalapeño hummus with chili garlic oil, and that 45-day aged bone-in striploin cooked perfectly on their custom parrilla-style charcoal barbecue.
The 23 best restaurants in Toronto, hands down
There are a lot of great restaurants in this city, but some stand out above the rest for their seasonality, quality ingredients and inventive dishes. These are Foodism’s best restaurants in Toronto for 2023.
Read more21. The Gardens at Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace
What could be more romantic than dining in the gardens at a castle? Book a reservation for you and your boo on the casually elegant garden patio at Casa Loma overlooking the city skyline. If the twinkling bistro lights and illuminated fountain aren’t enough to make your date swoon, then dishes like roasted tomato and shrimp penne, and steak frites sure will. Cheers to summer with craft cocktails and plenty of wine available by the glass or bottle.
22. Bellwoods Brewery
124 Ossington Ave.
Sure, Jelly Kings are available at the LCBO, but they just taste sweeter (or is it sour-er?) when you’re posted up at a picnic table on the Bellwoods Brewpub patio with your buds. Plus, you can get their rotating fruit-flavoured iterations on tap. The eclectic menu ranges from duck ragu and boar terrine to shareables like assorted cheese and sourdough. Sunday afternoon dreams are all about soaking up the sun at this hipster hangout.
23. La Palma
849 Dundas St W.
View on Instagram
Removed from the hustle and bustle of Dundas West, La Palma’s second-floor, heated and covered patio is a prime location for tucking into Craig Harding’s menu of Italian fare with influences from the Mediterranean. The 100-layer lasagna will always be our go-to, even on a scorching hot summer day, but if you want to opt for lighter bites like tuna crudo and charred broccolini, we won’t blame you. The drink list changes often, but rest assured there are always plenty of craft cocktails to love. If you can’t snag a spot on the foliage lined patio, all of the front windows open up so you can soak in the restaurant’s California-esque atmosphere and the summer breeze.
24. Bar Vendetta
928 Dundas St. W.
Comforting pasta dishes on a relaxed, covered backyard patio? Sign us up. Bar Vendetta on Dundas West is an easy go-to for simple plates of pasta done really well, like crown cacio e pepe with ricotta, lemon and butter; and trecce with onion soubise, pork hock and brussels sprouts. The wine list is long and specially curated, which pairs wonderfully with the small, no-fuss chalkboard menu that changes often. Bonus: You can actually make reservations for the patio.
Trinity Bellwoods: 31 of the best restaurants, bars and coffee shops
We uncover the most tantalizing bites and sips in the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood, from restaurants and bars to breweries, cafés and grocery stores.
Read more25. Stackt
28 Bathurst St.
We get it: The title, “North America’s largest shipping container market” doesn’t immediately conjure sexy patio vibes. Trust us — Stackt Market is a dark horse in the Toronto patio game. With stunning views of the CN Tower, Blue Moon Brewery just steps away and a rotating offering of cocktail bar pop-ups, Stackt is the place to be this summer. More than 70 per cent of Stackt’s 100,000-sq-ft space is outdoors, and there are three separate patios here (West Lawn, South Lawn and Courtyard 2). Each features a distinctly different experience. Just make sure you slather on the sunscreen before you come; sunshine is guaranteed, shade is not.
26. EPOCH Bar & Kitchen Terrace
181 Wellington St. W.
'Epoch' means the beginning of a new era, and you can catch us celebrating the arrival of summer cozied up next to a fire pit on EPOCH's secret garden patio. Inspired by the English gastropubs of the 1990s, EPOCH pays tribute to British pub culture, but with a touch more sophistication (you're on the main floor of the luxe Ritz-Carlton after all). The greenery surrounding the terrace extends its way into the cocktails, blooming with floral notes and garden-fresh ingredients.
27. Gusto 101
101 Portland St.
Name a better feeling than sipping dollar-an-ounce wine on Gusto's retractable glass rooftop patio? We're waitinggggg. This once-dilapidated auto body shop is one of Toronto's hottest dining destinations for homey Italian comforts like that iconic Mafalde ai Funghi, arguably the most famous plate of pasta in the city. Plus, their cavolo nero made us actually like salads. It's walk-ins only so get there early on summer weekends.
28. Lapinou
642 King St. W.
Pretend you're sweating in Paris and not Toronto when you post up on this adorable side alleyway patio. It's lit by a ceiling of twinkling string lights, so they've got the cute factor nailed. Lapinou is open from 5 p.m. to late, and they have a daily happy hour from 5 – 7 p.m. ($10 drinks and snacks, hello). Say bonjour to French bistro-inspired bites, or stay for dinner where mains like charcoal grilled chicken will blow your mind.
29. Lavelle
627 King St. W.
We’ve never actually seen anyone swim in Lavelle’s rooftop pool, but there’s something about dining next to a crystalline slice of shimmering water that just exudes vacay vibes. Anywhere on the sprawling patio is a great spot to sit and bask in the sexy King West atmosphere — even inside with large windows opening up to let in the breeze and the sunshine.
It’s a highly Instagrammable spot so don’t be surprised to see the King West crowd going all out — we’re talking the highest heels and mini-est dresses. With unobstructed views of Toronto in every direction, Lavelle is a great place to bring out-of-towners and point out local landmarks with a cocktail in hand. They have a menu of globe-spanning bites, but that’s not really the point here.
These are the best restaurants and bars near King West
From a sultry late-night live music lounge to a limited edition truffle tasting menu, these are the best restaurants and bars around King West to put on your list.
Read more30. King Taps
100 King St. W.
With a casual but polished atmosphere and an impressive tap list (duh), King Taps fits seamlessly into its Financial District setting at First Canadian Place. Rows of flat-screen TVs and a menu emphasizing pizza and sandwiches give it that easy sports bar vibe. Still, stylish touches like a gleaming marble bar, exposed brick walls and a sleek open kitchen ensure that no one is confusing this spot with their local watering hole (it is steps from Bay Street, after all). The 140-seat patio extends over two storeys, with wooden high-tops set under glowing fairy lights. Swing by for after-work bevvies with the suits or to watch the game, or schedule your late afternoon meetings here — we won’t tell.
31. El Rey Mezcal Bar
2a Kensington Ave.
Cozy up at a picnic table under an umbrella and surrounded by string lights on El Rey's cute and colourful Kensington patio. This mezcal bar is our go-to spot for bites and sips that take you from sunny afternoon to steamy evening. Snack on grilled pork tacos topped with pineapple relish, birria quesadillas and queso fundido while you sip tequila or mezcal cocktails. The patio is heated, so you're basically on vacation, right?
32. Fonda Lola
942 Queen St. W.
Behind this well-trodden part of Queen Street West lies one of the city's most adorable outdoor dining spaces, complete with fire pits to make things extra cozy and cute. There's plenty of foliage (and often, accompanying wildlife like squirrels) on Fonda Lola's lush backyard patio. Plus, enough trinkets and knick-knacks are hanging around to keep you entertained. Grab a cocktail and a taco and enjoy this city sanctuary.
33. AP
55 Bloor St. W.
Set on the 51st floor of the Manulife Centre, AP restaurant’s sky-high patio views are as dramatic as they come. Seeing Toronto’s shimmering skyscrapers from above casts the city in a whole new light. Paired with chef Antonio Park’s exceptional flavour combinations, it’s almost a sensory overload.
The menu here is a reflection of chef Park’s international background and his culinary training. Some of the dishes may skew pan-Asian and you’ll catch Park’s signature Latin influence, but it’s not fusion — it’s Japanese cuisine done with exceptional creativity and exceeding complexity.
AP is best enjoyed as a special occasion spot, so we recommend going for the Chef’s Tasting Menu that lets you try the best of everything. There’s a wine and sake pairing but you can’t go wrong ordering your drinks on their own. The sake selection is excellent and the cocktails are flawless.
34. Soluna
314 Queen St. W.
No expense has been spared to make Soluna's airy rooftop terrace feel like a Mediterranean oasis. Sheltered by a mesh canopy, real trees and umbrellas, the entire space is decked out in cream, cream and more cream. Artificial windows painted on the walls look out onto an Aegean sunset. Guests sport their breeziest vacation-chic outfits and gather around the two bars on the patio. Everyone grooves to the rhythm of intoxicating deep house, spun by a DJ at the helm of the terrace. With a drink and a bite in hand, a trip to Soluna is as close to a vacation as you'll get without leaving Toronto.
35. The Porch
250 Adelaide St. W. Second Floor
View on Instagram
Above Rock N’ Horse saloon, The Porch offers a completely different vibe than the rowdy country bar (complete with a mechanical bull) downstairs. Soak in the unobstructed views of the CN Tower while sipping a brew at golden hour, or late-night cocktail after the sun sets. You can even head here for drinks after the club — on Friday and Saturday the patio is open until 2 a.m. Order The Porch Margarita Bucket, with your choice of tequila, and let the good times roll.
36. ONE Restaurant
116 Yorkville Ave.
Initially opened by chef Mark McEwan, ONE Restaurant on Yorkville's swankiest strip is now helmed by chef Michael Hawryluk, an industry veteran. Indulgent plates like five-spice and honey-glazed duck, caviar and grass-fed 32-ounce porterhouses are on the menu. Enjoy them on the sun-bathed, tree-lined patio that wraps around the corner of Hazelton Avenue and looks out onto Yorkville’s chic cobblestone streets.
Despite its proximity to the road, ONE’s patio is peaceful. If you’re waking up from a stay at The Hazelton Hotel, expect to hear birds chirping and fluttering through the trees above as you dig into your avocado toast. At dinner time, the sophisticated menu steals the show — try the Korean chicken tacos or shrimp linguine with white wine butter sauce. ONE Restaurant has plenty of vegan options, too.
The 17 best bars and restaurants in Yorkville for a ritzy night out
Modern luxury and exquisite hospitality is set to the backdrop of historic streets and Victorian-era mansions at Yorkville's best restaurants and bars.
Read more37. Amsterdam Brewhouse
245 Queens Quay W.
They don’t take reservations for the patio here, and at peak times the long lineup to sit on the waterfront seems to stretch on forever. If you have the patience to wait it out, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best Lake Ontario vistas paired with pub bites and beer. Watch the boats glide along the lake, soak in the sunset and the breeze flowing off the water, and imagine you’re somewhere far more serene than bustling downtown Toronto.
With three patios to choose from, Amsterdam BrewHouse is a summer stalwart for open-air dining and drinking. And with heated patios open on the warmer days of fall, you can extend those days of dinner with a view.
38. Bar Reyna
158 Cumberland St.
Bar Reyna feels like a direct trip to the Mediterranean. The airy space is split over two floors: a cocktail bar upstairs, and a formal dining space on the main floor. The latter leads out to a gorgeous, hidden patio space — the true showstopper here. Tables have been built around the trees so they become living fixtures, while a retractable roof allows Bar Reyna to be patio approved all year round. You know where you'll find us.
39. Skylight
9th Floor, 90 Bloor St. E.
Take the elevator up to the ninth floor of the W Toronto, where the doors open onto Skylight, a spacious boho oasis. Lush greenery and drapes cascade from the ceiling in the large open space full of cozy, burnt orange and deep purple chairs and loungers. Outside, the rooftop patio is wrapped in the twinkling lights of skyscrapers. If you can snag one, the rounded, birdcage-style booths draped in greenery are luxuriously private while still being part of the patio energy. Tuck into a menu of Mediterranean flavours and creative cocktails in the alluring atmosphere.
40. Kasa Moto
115 Yorkville Ave.
From the inconspicuous exterior on Yorkville Avenue, you'd never guess that Kasa Moto is secretly packing one of the best rooftop patios in the city. Tucked behind the restaurant's façade, the patio runs parallel to one of Yorkville's tree-lined laneways, keeping it sheltered from the noise of the street — or protecting the street from the bumping parties and live DJs on the patio.
During the day, relax on cozy couches shrouded with greenery under the shade of a large umbrella while you munch on a menu of high-end Japanese bites. Here, decadent wagyu beef comes in the form of juicy steaks, delicate carpaccio and crispy gyoza. On Sundays, get your fill of nigiri, maki, sashimi, tempura and more at their all-you-can-eat brunch. Their Japanese tea ceremony is all about bright shareable bites, paired with a one-litre sake or tequila cocktail. In the evening, sip on refreshing tipples highlighting Japanese ingredients like yuzu and lychee. While the night gets cooler, things get hotter at Kasa Moto — dress to impress.
41. Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
35 Tank House Lane
View on Instagram
Cluny's patio brings another glow to the Distillery District with thousands of twinkly lights woven through leafy vines. It's a truly magical experience that's sure to make you feel like you've been transported to a Parisian garden. Live your best "joie de vivre" with their French plates and pastries.
42. Parquet
97 Harbord St.
This dreamy little French bistro at Harbord and Spadina features an adorable side patio lined with shrubs. It's the perfect setting for tucking into a menu that skews French but doesn't always stay within those confines. Delicate Digby scallops come in a plate of green tiger's milk dotted with orange drops of espelette pepper oil and topped with colourful sliced peppers. The cassoulet is a perfectly crispy yet tender confit duck leg in a rich ramen stock with salty bits of local Linton Pasture pork for added depth and flavour. Parquet has lots of enticing original cocktail offerings and a stellar wine list to boot.
43. Sunnys Chinese
60 Kensington Ave.
It’s tough to get a reservation at Kensington Market’s Sunnys Chinese. One great way to try chef David Schwartz’s Michelin-recognized cuisine is to swing by their back patio on a sunny afternoon. The cute space is open exclusively for walk-ins and offers guests a chance to sample many of the restaurant’s numbingly spicy dishes al fresco starting in May. The special patio menu will likely see some seasonal additions (the 2023 menu featured slushy cocktails), plus you can expect programming and collabs all summer long.
13 delectable dining spots you have to try in Kensington Market
Kensington Market has fought to stave off chains and big-box stores — the result is an eclectic, laid-back neighbourhood that is ripe for dining.
Read more44. Reposado Bar & Lounge
136 Ossington Ave.
View on Instagram
In our youth, tequila may have been synonymous with cringe, but there’s much more to this complex spirit — and Reposado’s colourful and covered back patio is just the place to rediscover it. Known for their live music and impressive, extensive tequila collection, Reposado’s list covers all the bases: blanco, reposado (duh), añejo, extra añejo and mezcal. Sample a selection with one of more than a dozen flight options. For something a little tamer, sip on a margarita or paloma while you munch on empanadas on the terrace.
45. Foxley
207 Ossington Ave.
View on Instagram
Foxley may look inconspicuous on the outside, but their beautiful back garden patio is one of the Ossington strip’s best-kept secrets. Hemmed in by leafy vines climbing brick walls and light wood, the charming backyard patio is completely protected from Toronto’s signature sounds. Skip the cocktails and instead pick a bottle of wine from their well-priced list. Snack on Pan-Asian share plates under the glow of string lights and fall in love with the enchanting atmosphere, summer itself and maybe even your date.
