10 of Toronto’s Best Patios for Dining Al Fresco

As the sun shines and the weather warms, local restaurants are embracing the joy of patio season this summer. From rustic–chic to ultra modern, we’ve curated a list of the city’s best patios to enjoy for their great eats and even greater ambiance.

EPOCH Bar & Kitchen

EPOCH‘s patio and outdoor bar brings a resort feel within an urban setting. Dressed in natural wood, wicker and greenery, this beloved patio is located in the historic Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Luxe outdoor fire pits make this patio feel extra comfortable, whether you’re enjoying a late-night dinner or catching some sun over afternoon tea.

Mercado Restaurant

Just south of the city’s Castlefield Design District, Mercado’s patio is as unique as its delicious and authentic Portuguese fare. With a biophilic arrangement hanging above, this patio stands out for its lush and European-inspired aesthetic and family-friendly seating to match a long list of shareable main courses. Azulejo tile and garden statues are among the Portuguese design staples peppered throughout the must-see patio.

Grape Witches

Playful and pretty, this outdoor space is a new and evolving addition to the popular Dundas West wine shop/bar Grape Witches. It’s a simple patio centred by a stone water fountain and featuring picnic-style furniture for parties small and large. Book the space for a private gathering or explore the Grape Witches wine menu at one of the shop’s community events, including wine education hours and tastings.

El Catrin

Combining the warm feeling of a private backyard with the extravagance of a 5-star resort, this hotspot in the Distillery District is one of Toronto’s most beloved patios. Serving delightful Mexican dishes with unique twists, El Catrin‘s patio is just as eclectic as its menu offerings. Beyond its bold furniture and cobblestone floor, one of El Catrin’s most evocative elements is its lighting. Large black and yellow pendants – made of metal with a decorative shade fringe – hang from wooden beams throughout.

Soluna

Inspired by coastal regions from around the world, Soluna’s patio offers a beachy and free-spirited ambiance for early suppers and late nightcaps alike. Hand-painted murals, impactful plant features and lounge furniture work in unison to create an atmosphere that is as elegant as it is comfy. An added bonus: live performances by musicians, dancers and DJs transform the space into an ultimate entertainment escape come sunset.

Bar Pompette

Looking for a trip to Paris this Summer but can’t afford the flight? Bar Pompette is a French-inspired snackery and cocktail bar offering shared plates and drinks that guarantee a bon appetit. Tucked into the College Street bar’s backyard, a small walkway welcomes guests into a moonlit and incredibly romantic courtyard, where chic cocktail tables line the perimeter and create an atmosphere reminiscent of a Parisian café.

Evangeline

For those seeking a quintessential rooftop bar in the city, Evangeline is where you want to be. Atop the city’s Ace Hotel, this bar boasts stunning downtown views, a cozy indoor lounge and a wraparound patio to enjoy the sun. Design-forward furniture mixes mid-century and brutalist quirks, and its moody palette makes a perfect setting for your next Instagram post.

Café 23

Cafe 23 serves rich coffee for your morning needs alongside pastries sourced from local bakeries. The back patio is a hidden garden that will transport you far from the hustle and bustle of Queen Street West. This Parisian-style cafe just steps away from Trinity Bellwoods is both quaint and classic in its nod to French architecture and romantic garden design.

KŌST

KŌST brings West Coast style to the 6ix with its beach house design featuring woven chairs, plush sun beds and an array of lush greenery. Located on the 44th floor of The Bisha Hotel, this restaurant and outdoor patio features a rooftop pool for you to enjoy as you overlook one of the best views in the city.

Paradise Grapevine

Patio lovers, welcome to Paradise. While we wait for boozy picnics in the park to become, well, legal, Paradise Grapevine offers a dreamy patio where you can appreciate the outdoors while you appreciate a decadent vintage. The Bloor Street beer/wine bar and winery recently opened a second, and much larger, location on Geary Avenue, both of which we highly recommend.