Toronto springs to life during patio season, and the arrival of warm weather is reason enough to celebrate at one of the city’s standout outdoor restaurants. For romantic date nights under the stars, for family get-togethers near the beach or for lively group hangouts with cocktails and stunning views, the best patios in Toronto can be found at some must-visit restaurants scattered around the city.
A tranquil wood-paneled rooftop in the Entertainment District serves stellar sushi and sashimi. A charming néo-bistro with string lights brings Parisian wine bar vibes to King West. Mediterranean staples taste even better with skyline views at an Italian favorite in Rosedale.
There’s an outdoor restaurant for every mood and craving in this bustling cosmopolitan city. From stunning rooftops with a view to lively courtyards and streetside cafés, read on for a guide to best al fresco patios in Toronto to book on OpenTable.
The best patios in Toronto can be found at these must-visit restaurants
For one of the best rooftop patios in Toronto – visit Terroni Price in Rosedale/Summerhill
See and be seen at Terroni’s beachy Summerhill patio. Admire the beautiful skyline views and people-watch from a two-floor rooftop space that attracts many posh neighbourhood residents. All-white furniture with blue accents, string lights, and skyline views make for a chic place to devour Italian classics such as ravioli with spinach and ricotta, pappardelle with homemade spicy sausage, folded pizza, grilled calamari, and a stellar toasted croissant with hazelnut gelato.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For a romantic date night – book at BlueBlood Steakhouse in Midtown/Uptown
Castle-style Casa Loma forms the enchanting backdrop to BlueBlood Steakhouse, where dining outside means being surrounded by stunning landscaping and historic architecture. Head here for swanky steakhouse fare including seafood towers stacked with king crab, lobster, salmon crudo and more, dry-aged beef, wagyu filet, housemade gorgonzola gnocchi and hearty sides such as onion rings with saffron aioli, truffle potato gratin, lobster mac and cheese and hand-cut duck-fat fries.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For one of the best patios in Toronto for a Lebanese feast – try Bar Reyna in Yorkville
Bar Reyna, set in a Victorian townhouse in Yorkville, is all about remixed Mediterranean classics such as lamb baklava, Lebanese “tacos” served on flatbread, hanging skewers and halloumi souvlaki. Enjoy it all on a patio that exudes vintage charm—foliage and string lights line the ceiling, while brick and wood walls add an inimitable warmth. Don’t miss the weekend brunch featuring croque madame with housemade labneh and smoked salmon, baklava-crusted French toasts, lamb shank benny with cauliflower rice and za’atar spiced fries.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For cocktails next to the fire pit – don’t miss El Catrin in the Distillery District
The sprawling industrial patio at El Catrin in the Distillery District makes this Mexican restaurant one of the city’s most happening outdoor dining destinations. Expect Mexican favourites such as crispy-fried haddock tacos, and guacamole for the table with the option to add traditional toppings including crickets or fried pork rinds, and a massive tequila and mezcal selection. With a kids’ menu, brunch, and a tasting menu featuring eight courses, tuck into it in the midst of El Catrin’s fire pits, funky furniture, and plants for a one-of-a-kind patio experience.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For one of the best patios in Toronto for vegan food – visit Hawker in Kensington Market
Chef Jeff Merkel’s meticulously plated vegan dishes are almost too beautiful to eat, drawing inspiration from the natural world for their shapes, colours, and textures. Hawker’s ivy-fringed back patio also evokes this serene back-to-nature feel. For a taste of Kensington Market’s hustle and bustle, opt for a meal on the restaurant’s front patio (which faces busy Augusta Avenue). No matter which perch you pick, you’ll be treated to sumptuous Indian-inspired dishes, such as biryani with smoked poblano and lavender and a dal with pomegranate, raita, and roti. For a special occasion, don’t miss the chef’s table tasting experience and watch the team prepare and explain the story behind a six course tasting menu.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For stunning Lebanese decor – try Amal Restaurant in Yorkville
Amal Restaurant’s spacious second-floor terrace, dressed with greenery and white wrought-iron chairs, makes a charming outdoor setting for feasting on stunning Lebanese dishes. Start with standbys such as hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush, then dig into entrees such as minced beef and lamb skewer platters with pita, grilled vegetables, and home fries. Don’t miss Amal’s afternoon tea featuring a selection of traditional Lebanese sweets and signature savoury mezze.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For one of the best Asian restaurants in Toronto – book at Lao Lao Bar in Yonge & Wellesley
At Lao Lao Bar, owners Seng Luong and Jason Jiang tap into their Laotian heritage for a menu of contemporary Southeast Asian dishes. Backed by the restaurant’s handsome brick exterior, Lao Lao Bar’s narrow 20-seat patio (facing St. Joseph Street) is a peaceful spot for tucking into plant-based tapioca dumplings with caramelized mushrooms, banana leaf steamed fish, and laap shrimp, the restaurant’s spin on the iconic meat salad.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For French wine under string lights – book a table at Lapinou in King West
No Toronto alleyway is prettier than Lapinou’s, with its string lights, lanterns, and padded wrought-iron seats. The French néo-bistro—a term for trendy Parisian wine bars—features globally accented dishes such as porcini croquetas with truffle aioli, beef tartare with green peppercorn, horseradish, and crackers, lamb amatriciana pasta and a shareable short rib wellington with prosciutto, spinach, celeriac, and sauce au poivre for the whole table. With an expansive wine program of European labels and creative signature cocktails, Lapinou makes for the perfect spot for an apéritif with friends or a special someone.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For beers and bratwurst at a lively beer garden – try Steam Whistle Kitchen in Downtown/Entertainment District
If it weren’t for the up-close sight of a Toronto landmark, you’d think you were in Munich at Steam Whistle Kitchen. The German-style beer hall at the base of the CN Tower serves up traditional German fare—think pretzels and bratwurst—plus its own beer. Outdoor seating features expansive skyline views, string lights, and umbrellas for shade.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For one of the best outdoor restaurants in Toronto for Korean fare – try Té in Ossington
Té blends traditional Korean ingredients with Canadian comfort foods resulting in creative dishes hardly seen anywhere else. Bulgogi sliders topped with over-easy quail eggs and wasabi mayo, and miso mushroom skillets with crispy tempura are just some of the fusion offerings. The restaurant’s petite backyard patio, bordered by trees and lit by string lights, is just as homey as the fare.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For one of the best patio restaurants with a view in Toronto – don’t miss Rooftop Bar at the Broadview Hotel in Leslieville/Riverdale
This hotel standout offers a rare view of the Toronto skyline and the Don River from its south-facing patio. Perched on the highest floor of a restored 19th-century building, the Rooftop Bar at the Broadview Hotel’s glass-enclosed indoor dining area and L-shaped patio are a sleek contrast to the building’s original brick exterior. The urban tableau, pretty cocktails, and a shareable menu featuring plates such as sticky hoisin wings, crispy chicken bao buns, Brussel sprouts and garlic shrimp tacos with coleslaw and pico de gallo attract a buzzy crowd.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
For one of Toronto’s best patios for sushi – visit JaBistro Downtown/Entertainment District
JaBistro specializes in pristine fish, from pressed and torched blocks of sushi, or oshizushi, to omakase with nigiri, deep-fried lobster with tartar sauce and pressed wagyu beef sushi. On the rooftop, a wood-paneled patio with string lights offers a tranquil setting to match the simple but flavorful menu. Enjoy the fresh air and linger over the restaurant’s famed lobster platter, laden with sweet lobster sashimi.
Discover more restaurants in Toronto
Jessica Huras is a Toronto-based food and drink writer. Eat your way across the city (and beyond) with her on Instagram @waysofwanderers
Reserve your spot at the best patios in Toronto and book a table at your favorite restaurants on OpenTable today.
Ready to discover more of Toronto’s wholesome dining experiences? Check out these articles below:
- The best brunch in Toronto can be found at these top 10 restaurants
- The 10 best vegan restaurants in Toronto to try ASAP
- The 10 best family restaurants in Toronto the kids will love
- 10 of the best rooftop restaurants and bars in Toronto to know about
- The best bars in Toronto where to drink right now
- The 10 most romantic restaurants in Toronto for every type of date
- 12 special occasion restaurants in Toronto for any celebration
- The 10 best Mexican restaurants in Toronto to try today
- 6 of the best Thai restaurants in Toronto to try ASAP
