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The 10 Best Downtown Toronto Patios For Sunny Dining (And Good Food!)
Once the weather opens up patio season, Toronto starts to feel like a different city. It’s livelier and people somehow look happier (or is it just me?). After many months holed up inside because of winter, it’s not surprising that we enjoy the summer months.
Outdoor dining just makes the whole experience better—the food tastes better, the atmosphere is more vibrant, and you can even bring your pooch sometimes!
If you want to enjoy the day outdoors, visit our favourite restaurants in downtown Toronto with awesome patios in the summer. From ground level to rooftops, we have it all!
Harriet’s Rooftop
Media credit: harrietstoronto
Address: 1 Hotel Toronto – 550 Wellington St W Suite C
Contact: (416) 601-3599. [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Thursday – Saturday: 12 pm – 2 am
Pricing: $$$
You’re literally at the top of downtown Toronto at Harriet’s Rooftop. This refined restaurant is atop 1 Hotel Toronto, bringing in unobstructed views of the city while keeping you warm, even during cold days, since it has a heated patio.
We’re not kidding when we say the patio views are breathtaking—the Toronto scenery is Instagram-worthy! This 19+ spot is all about good vibes—fun in the day and romantic in the evening—but it can be buzzing the whole day!
The food serves up the same exciting vibe. Nibble on some light snacks, like the Chilli Crab Rolls and Kakuni Bao that never disappoint, and sip some of the best cocktails we’ve ever had—a Summer Sangria is more delicious when you’re dining on a rooftop!
Pro Tip:
If you love sushi, visit for lunch on a Wednesday to enjoy half price on some of the offerings. Remember to book your reservation!
The Rooftop at The Broadview Hotel
Media credit: broadviewhotel
Address: The Broadview Hotel – 106 Broadview Ave
Contact: (416) 362-8439
Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 4 pm – 10:30 pm
- Friday: 3 pm – 12 am
- Saturday – Sunday: 12 pm – 12 am
Pricing: $$$
The Broadview Hotel saw an opportunity for patio dining and grabbed it—and yes, they did it right! The red brick building is absolutely stunning and rich in history, where patio dining delivers stunning views of the East End neighbourhood.
The laid-back vibe is ideal for brunch on weekends, getting together with friends, or casual date nights. When patio season starts to wrap up, you can still enjoy dining with a view at the rooftop, where you’re safe and covered from the chilly weather!
Happy Hour is ideal for sunny afternoons with a cocktail in hand—the city is vibrant and the neighbourhood feels more alive. Go for a refreshing drink, like the Pina Kanata, while enjoying finger food, like the Crispy Calabrian Cauliflower!
Pro Tip:
If you want to have a fun night out in the summer, visit on either a Friday or a Saturday, when a DJ will light up the place with good vibes and solid beats.
King Taps First Canadian Place
Media credit: kingtaps
Address: First Canadian Place – 100 King St W
Contact: (647) 361-2025
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 am – 12 am
- Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 1 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 12 am
Pricing: $$$
Situated in the Financial District, King Taps is a restaurant that makes patio dining cozy for all customers. It’s heated for the cold weather, has a retractable roof when it starts to drizzle, and you can choose whether to dine on the ground floor or upstairs!
The lively yet laid-back atmosphere is perfect for after-work catch-ups. The menu doesn’t disappoint either, with a wide selection of food, including their mad good pizzas (we love the Margherita, a classic!).
Brunch is particularly fun here. It’s only available on weekends, so it’s ideal for weekly conversations with friends. The food is off the charts, especially when paired with a refreshing cocktail—a mojito on a Sunday is always a good idea!
Pro Tip:
It’s best to book a reservation in advance to avoid queuing. This isn’t an eat-and-go restaurant, so if you don’t have a booking, you’ll end up waiting for a while before getting a table.
The Pilot
Media credit: thepilot_to
Address: 22 Cumberland St
Contact: (416) 923-5716
Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 11 am – 12 am
- Thursday – Saturday: 11 am – 2 am
Pricing: $$
The Pilot has been a longtime presence in the upscale Yorkville neighbourhood. It’s THE place to be if you want a vibrant scene, where music takes the stage and the menu has a little bit of everything, from salads to chicken wings!
During patio season, you can enjoy a casual yet fun vibe with friends. There are lots of tables available, but it doesn’t feel too crowded even when the place is full. The retractable awnings will keep you safe from the weather, too!
Patio dining in downtown Toronto isn’t complete without good food. You don’t have to worry about that here, because with the wide selection of dishes, it’s easy to find something to enjoy!
We love starting with the Lobster and Crab Dip because it tastes like a more elevated nachos plate. The Veggie Flatbread is also highly recommended because of the delicious basil pesto, as well as the Classic Poutine for something salty.
Pro Tip:
Book a reservation if you plan on visiting during peak hours (weekend nights). There may be a long line, so even if they accept walk-ins, there’s no guarantee you’ll be entertained quickly!
Milagro Cantina
Media credit: milagro_cantina
Address: The Icon – 5 Mercer St
Contact: (416) 850-2855
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 11:30 am – 9 pm
- Thursday – Friday: 11:30 am – 9:30 pm
- Saturday: 12 pm – 9:30 pm
- Sunday: 12 pm – 9 pm
Pricing: $$
Once the chilly winter season comes to a close, we always say gracias to Milagro Cantina for opening up their patio! It’s on the ground floor, outside the restaurant, which is particularly stunning at night because you’ll be surrounded by city lights!
But the highlight of this downtown Toronto restaurant is its menu. They deliver authentic Mexican cuisine, where they don’t hold back on their spices to get vibrant flavours—just Mexican food that stays true to its roots.
The Cochtel Nautilus is a good starter because of its tangy flavour, or the Guacamole with Corn Chips, which tastes exactly what it should be—creamy and fresh. They’ve nailed down the drinks as well, especially the margaritas!
Pro Tip:
If you have food allergies, make sure you read the ingredients carefully because they don’t make substitutions.
Hemingway’s Restaurant & Bar
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Address: 142 Cumberland St
Contact: (416) 968-2828, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11 am – 2 am
- Saturday – Sunday: 10 am – 2 am
Pricing: $$
There’s a reason why Hemingway’s in downtown Toronto is considered iconic. This restaurant-slash-bar has been in Yorville for decades, known for its heated and covered patio and diverse offerings on the menu, with a focus on New Zealand cuisine.
The patio is cozy and spacious, even when the place is full! It’s more magical in the fall because you’ll be surrounded by orange leaves, but won’t get bothered by the fluttering foliage.
You have to try the New Zealand Lamb Shank at least once, which is tender and juicy. It’s also not surprising that their fajitas are called Our Famous Fajitas, because honestly, they deserve all the attention for their rich flavours!
Pro Tip:
Check their Instagram page for event updates. You can join trivia nights or listen to live music!
KŌST
Media credit: kosttoronto
Address: BISHA Hotel – 44th Floor, 80 Blue Jays Way
Contact: (437) 800-5938, [email protected]
Hours:
- Sunday – Thursday: 8 am – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 8 am – 11 pm
Pricing: $$$
KŌST brings elevated dining to the next level! This restaurant is located on the 44th floor of the luxury boutique hotel, BISHA, providing stunning views of the entertainment district, where even the CN Tower can always be in your photo!
That’s not all that’s elevated here. The menu is inspired by Baja California, including modern food and seasonal cuisine, where every bite will take you on a gastronomic journey to the sunny peninsula!
Dining here feels like you’re not in Toronto anymore. The patio features an infinity pool, Lake Ontario views, and a beachhouse decor—it’s like being near the sea but you’re in the middle of the city!
With a tropical menu, every spoonful will take your palate on a seaside journey. The seafood options deserve all the love, including our favourite, the Grilled Atlantic Salmon. Don’t skip the popular Tres Leche Cake for a perfectly sweet dessert!
Pro Tip:
Visit just before sunset so you can enjoy the orange hues while dining. It’s gorgeous in photos!
Baro
Media credit: barotoronto
Address: 485 King St W
Contact: (416) 363-8388, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: 5 pm – 11 pm
- Wednesday: 5 pm – 12 am
- Thursday – Friday: 5 pm – 2 am
- Saturday: 11 am – 2 am
- Sunday: 11 am – 12 am
Pricing: $$$
The bustling stretch of King Street is even more lively when Baro opens its doors. It serves up gorgeously plated traditional Latin cuisine with a modern twist.
The chef-curated menu will take you on an epicurean exploration. With South American dishes, you’ll find yourself going for seconds just to taste the rich flavours again. The Grande Mac Empanada takes on a modern spin, as it’s inspired by the Big Mac burger.
Dining on the patio in a Latin-inspired bar should include a glass of Sangria. The Sangria Rojo (red sangria) adds a nice fruity yet sweet touch to the palate while complementing the oiliness of the food.
The interior is even more vibrant, and you can definitely see how they incorporate the Latin culture. The greenery on the ceiling makes it feel livelier, even when the place isn’t full of people yet.
Pro Tip:
Visit during Fiesta Hours, on weekdays from 5 pm to 7 pm, for $12 cocktails.
El Catrin
Media credit: elcatrinca
Address: The Distillery Historic District – 18 Tank House Lane
Contact: (416) 203-2121
Hours:
- Sunday – Wednesday: 12 pm – 9 pm
- Thursday: 12 pm – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 11 pm
Pricing: $$
The heated patio at El Catrin is vibrant and spacious, with colourful murals, giving off the feeling that it’s a fiesta every day! It has a fiery energy, which is complemented by its spicy menu!
This Mexican restaurant downtown cooks up authentic cuisine with bold flavours that’ll make your tastebuds dance. The Guacamole en la Mesa is deliciously prepared at the table, which you can make more interesting and crunchy by adding crickets—yes, the insect!
Your experience will turn more electric with a shot of tequila, and they have lots of choices! But on a sunny afternoon, we suggest grabbing a glass of margarita to make your patio dining refreshing!
Pro Tip:
The patio isn’t covered, so before getting a table outside, check the skies to see if there are signs it’s going to rain.
Bandit Brewery
Media credit: bandit_brewery
Address: 2125 Dundas St W
Contact: (647) -348-1002, [email protected]
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 4 pm – 11 pm
- Thursday: 4 pm – 12 am
- Friday – Saturday: 12 pm – 1 am
- Sunday: 12 pm – 11 pm
Pricing: $$
Bandit Brewery stays winning in downtown Toronto with their German beer garden-inspired heated patio, quality range of beers, and delicious meals made with fresh ingredients. Outside dining is next-level here because of the nice atmosphere!
You’re safe from possible bird poops at this brewery because the patio is covered but it still has a very outside feel because of the tall windows. The highlight of this place is the wide range of beer, of course, including non-alcoholic options for your sober friends.
The menu perfectly complements the beer. The Beer Battered Cheese Curds are a good option if you just want to snack on something. A surprising pairing is a glass of cold beer and pasta, like our favourite, the Creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle.
Pro Tip:
If you’re bringing your furry friend, remember that the patio is dog-friendly from May to September only.
