1. Bar Reyna
Yorkville's new hidden gem is Bar Reyna with an adorable, yet chic, hidden patio tucked into the back of this two-story Victorian house. You won't be people watching on a street, but you never know who might be sitting a few tables down at this new hot spot. Settle in for a night feasting on Mediterranean snacks and a feisty set of cocktails that you won't get bored of (we suggest the King Arthur’s Concubine gin cocktail for a refreshing summer sipper).
Where to Find:
158 Cumberland Street
Toronto, ON M5R 1A8
barreyna.com
- Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington
2. Bar Buca
Sister restaurant Buca has long been one of Toronto's go-to for authentic modern Italian fare, and the smaller restaurant Bar Buca just off of King Street West on Portland brings the same Italian vibes with small bites and delish cocktails. Plus it also happens to have a sweet little patio space. It may be small (so snagging a coveted spot on a hot summer night is key), but worth the wait for their small bites (cicchetti) of smoked meats, sardines, crostini and their stuffed focaccia (schiacciata) while sipping on a signature cocktail.
Where to Find:
75 Portland Street
Toronto, ON M5V 2M9
buca.ca
- Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington
3. Black Bull Tavern
There isn’t a summer afternoon when this patio isn’t packed. A fixture on Queen Street West since forever (it was founded in 1833), it’s located in a prime people-watching area right in the midst of the shopping action. With seating for 100-plus outside, the draw is certainly more the location than anything else. The food is sub-par at best, so stick to the drink menu. We suggest making your beverage of choice an icy cold pint.
Where to Find:
Black Bull Tavern
298 Queen St. West
Toronto, ON M5V 2A4
blackbulltavern.ca
- Stephanie Gray
4. El Catrin
The Distillery District is a destination unto itself, and you should plan to spend at least half-a-day here, penciling in time to refuel and soak up the atmosphere. Young on the restaurant scene, El Catrin not only serves up fantastic traditional-meets-modern Mexican cuisine, but also has a massive heated patio (forget chilly nights). With a tequila bar that boasts over 120 labels, live music and a killer menu (be sure to order the Guacamole En La Mesa), it’s the perfect spot to sit back and relax.
Where to Find:
El Catrin
18 Tank House Lane
Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
elcatrin.ca
- Stephanie Gray
5. ONE Restaurant
Pull out your designer duds or you may feel a little underdressed at the Hazelton Hotel’s ONE Restaurant. The brainchild of Canadian restaurateur and chef Mark McEwan, their extensive menu offers refined North American cuisine accompanied with an impressive wine and cocktail list. The best place to sip your drink is on their tree-lined patio where you can see and been seen amongst Yorkville’s style-conscious crowds.
Where to Find:
ONE Restaurant
118 Yorkville Avenue
Toronto, ON M5R 1C4
thehazeltonhotel.com
- Stephanie Gray
Image courtesy Brassaii.
6. Brassaii
Right off King Street West’s hip and happening neighbourhood, this sophisticated dining destination is home to a beautiful cobblestone courtyard patio, just nestled off the main street. Serving up a Mediterranean-inspired menu (their pasta and bread is made in-house daily), the drink menu is extensive, making it the perfect patio for a sweet summer escape.
Where to Find:
Brassaii
461 King Street St. West
Toronto, ON M5V 1K7
brassaii.com
- Stephanie Gray
Image courtesy Oliver & Bonacini.
7. Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill
With a wraparound patio facing Front and Yonge Street, peak hours here tend to be happy hour when the restaurant is jammed with after-work crowds. The Oliver & Bonacini brand is well known in Toronto for their stylish interiors, fine-dining cuisine and diverse portfolio of restaurants. Offering casual cuisine in the more mid-range price point, here you’ll find decent bar bites and sharing platters (like loaded nachos and beef sliders), not to mention signature cocktails and a long list of wines to order by the glass.
Where to Find:
Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill
33 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M5E 1G4
oliverbonacini.com
- Stephanie Gray
Image courtesy Kalendar.
8. Kalendar
Cozy and charming, this Little Italy bistro has a Parisian vibe with its antique chandeliers and clocks from France, colourful patio lanterns and turn-of-the-century oak bar. Consistently voted as one of the city’s most romantic restaurants, it also happens to be packed for brunch too. Day or night expect to find a full patio, but it’s worth the wait for a drink and a taste from their globally focused menu.
Where to Find:
Kalendar
546 College Street
Toronto, ON M6G 1B1
kalendar.com
- Stephanie Gray
Photo courtesy Paralia.
9. Paralia
Resembling a Mediterranean villa, with its bright white washed walls, vaulted birch branch-covered ceilings and airy atmosphere, this upscale Greek restaurant across from Woodbine Beach will instantly transport you to Greece. With al fresco seating for 350, it’s really all about soaking up those warm lakefront breezes, while you indulge in fresh seafood flown in from the Mediterranean and Aegean Sea.
Where to Find:
Paralia
1681 Lake Shore Blvd East
Toronto, ON M4L 3W6
paralia.ca
- Stephanie Gray
10. Hunter’s Landing
Located in the densely populated Cityplace condo community just west of the Rogers Centre and Air Canada Centre, this busy sportsbar not only has two floors, but a large wrap-around patio with its own bar. A large and varied menu with a long list of appetizers including wings, crispy calamari and fish tacos, they also serve a weekend brunch and boast a long list of beers on draught.
Where to Find:
Hunter’s Landing
82 Fort York Blvd.
Toronto, ON M5V 4A6
hunterslandinga.ca
- Stephanie Gray
