Amelie CameronSummer approaching is always fantastic news for me because it means patio season has finally returned! I can once again enjoy dining in a restaurant’s patio area.
I know I can just dine indoors, but there’s just something about patios that I love. They’re just super cozy since most of them are located at the back of the restaurant, and at night, they seem even more romantic because of all the lights strewn about.
If you want to know the coziest ones in Toronto, here are the ones I’ve truly enjoyed.
RendezViews
– From: rendezviewsto
Address: 229 Richmond St W
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday—4 pm to 10 pm
If you can only visit one restaurant off this list, it has to be RendezViews. After all, the patio is this spot’s main highlight. It’s spacious and painted with bright colors, and you can even play sports like pickleball and volleyball here!
The food here is mostly comfort food (fried, especially), but I don’t mind because they all taste good.
I recommend the buffalo chicken sandwich. The chicken thigh meat is tender and smoky, and it’s glazed with a spicy buffalo sauce. The sandwich also has a blue crumble and sliced jalapeño, so you can enjoy a tangy heat with every bite.
| Pro Tip: If you want to host a private event here, send an email to [email protected]. |
The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel
– From: broadviewhotel
Address: The Broadview Hotel, 106 Broadview Ave
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday—4 to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14163628439
The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel doesn’t just have a lovely, cozy patio, but it also boasts a stunning view of the Toronto skyline! That’s why I recommend this as a date night spot.
I love the pasta dishes here. My current obsession is the gnocchi, which has an addictively creamy sauce with earthy and smoky mushrooms and peppers. The gnocchi noodles are perfectly al dente, and they soak up the flavors of the sauce well.
| Pro Tip: If you want to host a special event here, send your request to [email protected]. |
Lavelle
– From: chezlavelle
Address: 627 King St W
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday—6 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473479353
Lavelle is another restaurant you can go to if you want beautiful cityscape scenery to accompany you during your meal. This restaurant is on the 16th story, so sitting on the patio makes you feel you’re on top of the world (or, at least, the neighborhood).
My favorite thing to get here is the Wagyu burger, which is loaded with juicy and fatty beef patty, cheddar cheese, and pickles. It’s also served with truffle fries, which are so crispy, salty, and a bit earthy. This dish is definitely not good for the heart, but I don’t care!
| Pro Tips: You can host a special event here. Feeling hot? You might want to take a dip in the restaurant’s very own pool! |
Bandit Brewery
– From: bandit_brewery
Address: 2125 Dundas St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—5 pm to 11 pm
- Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday—4 pm to 1 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 1 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16473481002
Bandit Brewery is inspired by the atmosphere of German beer gardens, so that’s exactly the vibe on their patio: cozy, with lots of laughter as friends, lovers, and families come here to unwind. At night, the trees light up, making the place even cozier.
Since this is a brewery, you have to try at least one of their beers. I recommend the Hibernator Barrel-Aged Sour Golden Ale, which tastes almost fruity because of the blackberries and blueberries infused in the drink.
For food, get the steak frites. I love how soft and rich the striploin steak is, and the chimichurri butter adds a zing of tanginess that elevates the dish.
| Pro Tip: No idea what to give a friend or loved one? Why not a gift box from this restaurant? |
Sunnys Chinese
– From: sunnyschinese
Address: 60 Kensington Ave Units, 6-14 Kensington Mall
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Sunday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Wednesday to Saturday—5 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +14378335798
A hidden gem in Kensington Market, Sunnys Chinese has an almost secluded patio. You can enjoy serenity here for a little while. Sometimes, when I come here, I actually forget that I’m in Toronto.
The food here is Chinese cuisine with a modern twist. I recommend the beef short ribs, which are seasoned with black bean soy sauce and ginger, so it’s umami with a hint of spice. It can be too rich, though, so I recommend ordering a side of rice to cut through all the richness.
| Pro Tip: The restaurant is kind of hard to find because of its location. When you enter through the Kensington Mall entrance at 60 Kensington Avenue, walk along the hallway and look out for a handwritten cardboard sign with the restaurant’s name. The sign is hung haphazardly on a store window. |
Pennies
– From: pennies.bar
Address: 127 Strachan Ave
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—3 pm to 1 am
- Thursday—3 pm to 2 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +16477484800
What I love about the patio at Pennies is that it’s so bright—literally because the walls are painted a vivid yellow. The sight always brings a smile to my face!
I’m a big fan of the sandwiches here. I recommend the buffalo fried chicken, which is savory and spicy.
I also love Po’Boy, which has fried shrimp seasoned with Cajun seasonings. The heat excites my taste buds, and it also highlights the shrimp’s innate sweetness.
| Pro Tips: Please keep in mind that this restaurant is completely cashless. You need to pay using a credit card here.If you want to host an event here, fill out this form. |
The Jason George
– From: the_jason_george
Address: 100 Front St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 1 am
- Thursday to Saturday—11 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14163637100
The patio at The Jason George is different from the ones on this list; whereas most are in a secluded area, this one is located right by the road. At first, I thought I wouldn’t like this, but to my surprise, I actually find the bustling energy charming—even soothing, somehow.
This is a great spot for brunch, and my go-to order is the Traditional Breakfast. It’s their take on English breakfast, so it has three large eggs, a strip of bacon (or sausage if you prefer), and toast and jam. It’s simple but definitely hearty and filling.
| Pro Tip: You can host a party here. You can use the patio and the indoor space that’s equipped with dartboards, flat-screen televisions, a gas fireplace, and a projection screen. |
Via Allegro Ristorante
– From: viallegroristorante
Address: 1750 The Queensway, Etobicoke
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10 pm
- Friday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—4 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—4:30 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14166226677
I’m not kidding when I say that the patio at Via Allegro Ristorante gives off fairytale vibes. There are colorful flowers everywhere—hanging from the ceiling, on the table, and strung on the walls—and light curtains that dance in the breeze. It’s so beautiful!
The food is exceptional as well. The Golden Spoon Duck is the epitome of indulgence; the duck breast is dry-aged for some time, so the rich, savory flavors penetrate deep into the meat. It also comes with roasted foie gras that’s so rich and smoky and a confit risotto that’s thick and creamy.
| Pro Tips: If you want to splurge, try their tasting menu. It’s only available from Wednesday to Saturday. You can host all sorts of private events here—from casual get-togethers to elaborate weddings. |
Harriet’s Rooftop
– From: harrietstoronto
Address: 550 Wellington St W Suite C, 1 Hotel Toronto
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday—5 pm to 11 pm
- Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14166013599
Located on top of 1 Hotel Toronto, Harriet’s Rooftop is a modern restaurant with a lovely, almost rustic patio. The patio is relatively small, so the atmosphere is intimate. Plus, there’s the view of the Toronto skyline to enjoy, which is always a treat!
I’ve noticed that the food here is mostly Japanese-inspired cuisine, with a twist. I personally love the teriyaki steak; it has a sweet, smoky, and umami flavor combination, and the sweet potato purée is thick and velvety.
| Pro Tip: If you want to host an event here, fill out this form. |
Amsterdam Brewhouse
– From: amsterdambeer
Address: 245 Queens Quay W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14165041020
Amsterdam Brewhouse is located in HarbourFront Center, which means that the patio is right by the waterfront. So, whenever you dine here, you can enjoy a cool breeze wafting in. Sounds like a good time to me!
Expect to find comfort food options on the menu. I love to get the brisket, which has been smoked for 12 hours, so the smoky, savory flavors run deep. It’s also served with smash-fried ruby reds, crispy onions, baked beans, and cheddar hush puppies, so I feel full afterward.
| Pro Tip: Host your special event here for a memorable experience. |
KŌST
– From: kosttoronto
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way 44th Floor, Bisha Hotel Toronto
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14378005938
Do you want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation but still get to enjoy the Toronto skyline view? Then, you’ll love KŌST! This restaurant is located on the 44th floor, so the scenery is absolutely gorgeous!
Brunch is usually my preferred time to come here, and my favorite thing to order is the Tropical Pancakes. The pancakes themselves are fluffy like a cloud, and they’re slathered with sweet agave maple syrup. There’s also a pineapple mango salsa that adds even more fruity sweetness to every forkful.
| Pro Tip: Enjoy a private dinner with your loved ones here. |
The Three Speed
– From: thethreespeedbar
Address: 1163 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—5 pm to 1 am
- Saturday and Sunday—12 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +16474303834
The Three Speed is open until 1 am, so it’s one of my go-to spots when I’m in need of a late-night snack. Plus, I love how charming the patio is; there’s a high wooden fence with greenery and fairy lights strung about. It reminds me of my childhood home.
I can never say no to their mac and cheese. It’s just cheesy perfection, and it comes with a chicken thigh that’s super crispy and cheesy. My stomach is always ready to give up by the time I finish this dish.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant does not take reservations, so if you want to score a spot, avoid coming here during peak hours (around 7 pm to 9 pm). |
Hair of the Dog Neighborhood Pub and Restaurant
– From: hairofthedogto
Address: 425 Church St
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 12 am
- Friday—11:30 am to 1 am
- Saturday—10:30 am to 1 am
- Sunday—10:30 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14169642708
The interior of Hair of the Dog Neighborhood Pub and Restaurant is dark and moody, but when you get to their rooftop patio, the vibe changes to bright and airy. It’s also very chill on the patio, making it perfect for an after-work hangout.
Since this is a pub, of course, the menu features classic pub fare. I’m all about the classics, so my favorite thing to get is the fish and chips. It’s just so comforting! I love how crispy the haddock is, and the fries are thick and salty. Dipping into the tartar sauce also adds some tang.
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning an event, you can book their catering services. |
The Rebel House
– From: rebelhousers
Address: 1068 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14169270704
My friend described The Rebel House as a modern-day tavern, and I can see why she said that. It’s just buzzing with energy—yes, even the back patio! It actually reminds me of the patio parties we used to host back in the day.
I’m obsessed with their meatloaf. It’s very classic and old-fashioned, but it’s oozing with juicy, savory goodness. Plus, it comes with mashed potatoes that taste smoky and slightly sweet and mushroom gravy that adds even more savory and earthy flavors.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant doesn’t accept reservations, so come here as early as possible or, at the very least, avoid peak hours (usually around 11 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 7 pm). |
El Catrin Destileria
– From: elcatrinca
Address: 18 Tank House Lane, The Distillery Historic District
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—12 pm to 9 pm
- Thursday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14162032121
Who doesn’t love a bright and sunny patio? The one at El Catrin Destileria is so colorful and open that I feel like I’m already having the best day just by hanging out there.
The menu is filled with authentic Mexican cuisine that’s just as vibrant as the atmosphere here. I’m currently obsessed with Pollo Pibil, which is a chicken dish that lights up my tastebuds with how tangy and spicy it is. It tastes even better when paired with creamy avocados and pickled red onions.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a big fan of tequila and mezcal, then you might want to join The Agave Club. This membership program lets you enjoy fun perks like exclusive offers and special events. |
Bar Reyna
– From: reynatoronto
Address: 158 Cumberland St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11 am to 11 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477484464
While most restaurants only have their patios open during spring and summer, Bar Reyna has theirs open year-round! Plus, it’s so cozy and intimate, thanks to its relatively small area.
The short rib grilled cheese is such an indulgent comfort dish. Every bite lets me experience salty cheesiness from the gruyere, rich savoriness from the braised short rib, and sweetness from the caramelized onions. It also comes with fries, but if you want something healthier, you can substitute it with a salad.
| Pro Tip: Host your special event here. They even have an events package! |
