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PATIOS DOWNTOWN TORONTO: Summer Fun!

By on June 17, 2011

My favourite time of the year in the city of Toronto is summer and that isn’t just because it is nice and warm outside. When the summer breeze hits the city, not only do the streets get busier and the traffic becomes worse, but the patios of restaurant come alive. Whether it is brunch, lunch or dinner, sitting on a patio on a hot summer day is just about as good as it gets. The city is filled with patios however, I am not going to list all of them. Instead, I will let you know about some of my favourite spots – not to worry, it happens to be a large number! I love switching my atmosphere and cuisine. Here are my following suggestions:

 

COLLEGE ST

Cafe Diplomatico
594 College Street. Toronto, ON M6G 1B3 – 416-534-4637 $$

Frank’s Kitchen
588 College Street Toronto, ON M6G 1B3 – (416) 516-5861 $$

Trattoria Giancarlo
Located in the heart of Little Italy. Very intimate Italian spot. Great prices for an upscale cuisine of pasta, seafood, lamb, and steak entrées.
593 College Street. Toronto, ON M6J 2N9 – (416) 533-9619 $$

Utopia
A great quick bite patio destination with a friend(s) and they are vegetarian friendly. If you are craving a burrito this is your spot.
586 College Street. Toronto, ON, M6G 1B3 – (416) 534-7751 $$

Bairrada Churrasqueira
A noisy Portuguese churrasqueira with a humongous backyard garden lined with rows of family-style picnic tables.
1000 College Street. Toronto, ON M6H 1A7 – (416) 539-8239 $$

Vivoli
Best Sangaria’s in town and why not enjoy them on their famous rooftop patio.
665 College Street Toronto, ON M6G 1B7 – (416) 536-7575 $$

LIBERTY VILLAGE

Brazen Head
A Irish Pub that is quite large in size. Typical bar food, however, the energy in this place during events will get you coming back for more. Three storey pub with two patios, can’t beat that in Liberty Village.
165 East Liberty Street Toronto, ON M6K 3K4 – (416) 535-8787 $$

Mildred’s Temple Kitchen
85 Hanna Avenue Toronto, ON M6K 3S3 – (416) 588-5695 $$$

School Bakery and Cafe
70 Fraser Ave. Toronto, On M6K 3E1, Canada – (416) 588-0005 $$

 

QUEEN ST

The Black Bull
You better be patient, this patio is a hot ticket in the city. Always rammed and packed. This patio is favoured among the ‘people watchers.’
298 Queen Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 2A4 – (416) 593-2766 $$

Ultra Supper Club
A legendary party hot spot in the city for A-Listers.
314 Queen Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 2A2 – (416) 263-0330 $$$

The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6J 1J3 – (416) 531-5042 $$$

Fresh on Queen
A healthier alternative and not to mention my favourite vegetarian spot.
894 Queen Street West, M6J 1G3 – (416) 533-9923 $$

Bar One
924 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6J 1G6 – (416) 535-1655 $$

ANNEX

Messis
Fusion restaurant with a cute patio at Spadina and Harbord St area.
97 Harbord Street Toronto, ON M5S 1G6 – (416) 920-2186 $$$

Southern Accent Cajun Creole Soul
New Orleans meets Toronto in a Victorian town house converted restaurant.
595 Markham Street Toronto, Ontario, Canada M6G 2L7 (416) 536-3211 $$-$$$

Madison Avenue Pub
Considered one of the world’s top bars, it is truly unique in a variety of ways.
14 Madison Avenue Toronto, ON M5R 2S1 – (416) 927-1722 $$

Paupers Pub
The Cabana styled bar and patio make you feel as you have entered the Caribbean.
539 Bloor Street West Toronto, ON M5S 1Y5 – (416) 530-1331 $$

KING ST

Brassaii
Gorgeous courtyard patio on King. The food is pretty delicious there and you are sure to catch some sun on it’s 2200 sq ft patio.
461 King Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 1K4 – (416) 598-4730 $$$

Crush Wine Bar
A wine bar that is french inspired. Their dishes are mouth watering, and sangrias are delicious. Not to mention they have one of the best websites I have seen for a restaurant as well. Check it out http://crushwinebar.com/
455 King Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 1K4 – (416) 977-1234 $$$

Firkin on King
Lots of seating and space. So if you are looking to drink with a big group this is your spot to come and hang out at.
461 King Street West Toronto, ON – (416) 979-5464 $$

The Bier Market
600 King Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 1M3 – (416) 862-1175 $$
Jimmy’s Coffee

Fynn’s of Temple
The rumour around town is the make fabulous bacon infused Caesar. There patio wraps around the side of the building, it’s not the prettiest but hey for the Caesar, I would.
489 King Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 1K4 – (416) 586-1331 $$

Spice Route
An Asian restaurant that is great for people watching and sitting with a large group of friends. There is nothing special about their cuisine; standard westernized Asian dishes. The patio here is gorgeous and spacious. If you are dining with a big group of people, I would recommend coming here for some drinks.
499 King Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 1K4 – (416) 849-1808 $$$

The Wheat Sheaf
One of Toronto’s oldest pubs, located on the South West corner of Bathurst and King.
667 King Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 1M9 (416) 504-9912 $$

The Banknote Bar & Supergrill
Located on the opposite side from Wheat Sheaf (South East corner of Bathurst and King). Small patio but it’s great for people watching.
663 King Street West. Toronto, ON (416) 947-0404 $$

Le Select Bistro
Classic Parisian Bistro hot spot in the city. The outdoor patio is adorable. It reminds me of the little bistro spots in Manhattan, NY.
432 Wellington Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 1E3 (416) 596-6405 $$$

Marben
A little farm getaway in the city. Supposedly they have a brunch to brag about.
488 Wellington Street West. Toronto, ON M5V 1E3 (416) 979-1990 $$

Bar Wellington
A cozy hidden bar with a great patio which tends to be a little bit more on the shady side. Grab a beer and enjoy the weather outside on this hidden gem in the city.
520 Wellington Street West. Toronto, Ontario, M5V 1E3 $$

 

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

Oasis, Wayne Gretzky’s Rooftop
This patio is truly an escape from the busy streets of Toronto. Better arrive early this one gets packed fast.
99 Blue Jays Way Toronto, ON M5V 9G9 – (416) 979-7825 $$$

The Ballroom
Bowl, Bar, Bistro. Get a little competitive with your friends and see who the bowling champion is with some cocktails in your system. They have two choices of patios to choose from. Grab your bowling shoes and hang outside until it’s your turn.
145 John St. Toronto, ON M5V 2E4 – (416) 597-2695 $$

Jack Astor’s Bar & Grill
Not the biggest patio at this Jack’s.
133 John Street, Toronto, ON M5V 2E4 – (416) 595-9100 $$

Town Crier Pub / Halfway Beer House
European menu with 50 beers on tap, knowledgeable staff and it has a really cute pub feel.
115 John Street, Toronto, ON M4V 2E2 – (416) 204-9588 $$

FINANCIAL DISTRICT

Ki Restaurant
One of my ultimate favourite lunch spots. This patio on a Thursday is packed after work. It’s definitely a hot spot and the food is delicious.
181 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5J 2T3 – (416) 308-5888 $$$$

Vertical Restaurant and Bar
This is a great patio that over looks the parkette. Chef Giacomo Pasquini’s seasonal menu will get you coming back for more.
100 King Street West. Toronto, ON. M5X 1E1 – (416) 214-2252 $$$

Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill
This is a meat market patio. Similar to Ki it is busy with young professionals. Very stylish “see and be seen” patio atmosphere.
33 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M5E 1G4 – (647) 260-2070 $$$

South of Temperance
Biggest, and best patio in the downtown core. Loud and energetic crowd. Amazing spot for after work drinks.
20 Adelaide Street West. Toronto, ON M5H 1L6 – (647) 477-1444 $$$

Bymark
It seems it is always sunny on this patio. The restaurant throws off a gallery feel. A summer must try! It’s a legendary spot.
66 Wellington Street West. Toronto, ON M5K 1B1 – (416) 777-1144 $$$$

The Keg Steakhouse and Bar York St.
This is not your typical Keg. The patio is one of the best in the Financial District and not to mention extremely busy especially on a Thursday.
165 York Street. Toronto, ON M5H 3R8 – (416) 703-1773 $$-$$$

 

DOWNTOWN CORE

Jack Astor’s Dundas Square
The best Jack Astor’s patio yet. Overlooks Dundas Square. Always a great time. It is packed in the summer months.
10 Dundas Street East, Toronto – (416) 263-9800 $$

Hard Rock Café
A world renown café. Not to much different from the other Hard Rock spots.
279 Yonge Street, Toronto – (416) 362-3636 $$- $$$

 

ST. LAWRENCE MARKET
Biff’s Bistro
Modern French bistro offers warm, and casual dining. Located in the St. Lawrence market, their patio feels like an escape into France. $1 oysters are featured nightly from 5pm.
4 Front Street East, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5E 1G4 – (416)860- 0086 $$$

The Bier Market
58 The Esplanade Toronto, ON M5E 1R2 – (416) 862-7575 $$

Vagabondo Italian Ristorante + Lounge
Lunch Fixe Menu with a three courses for only $20. Now that’s a steal for lunch on this relaxing patio that is graced with a beautiful water fountain.
32 Wellington Street East. Toronto, ON M5E 1C6 – (416) 862-1999 $$

La Maquette Restaurant
111 King Street East. Toronto, ON M5C 1G6 – (416) 366-8191 $$$

Origin
High energy food bar with a stunning patio in historic part of downtown Toronto.
107 King Street East. Toronto, ON M5C 1G6 – (416) 603-8009 $$-$$$

 

YORKVILLE

Amber Restaurant & Bar
Looks like an old back porch patio on the farm with class.
119 Yorkville Ave. Toronto, ON M5R 1C4 – (416) 926-9037 $$$

Ciao Wine Bar
133 Yorkville Avenue. Toronto, ON M5R 1C4 – (416) 925-2143 $$

Hemingway’s Restaurant
142 Cumberland Street. Toronto, ON M5R 1A8 – (416) 968-2828 $$

Remys Restaurant
115 Yorkville Avenue Toronto, ON M5R 3K5 – (416) 968-9429 $$

One Restaurant (Hazelton Hotel)
One of my favourite patios in town. A fine dining experience at one of the best hotels in Toronto.
116 Yorkville Ave. Toronto, ON M5R 1H5 – (416) 961-9600 $$$$

Bedford Academy
36 Prince Arthur Avenue Toronto, ON – (416) 921-4600 $$

Duke of York
39 Prince Arthur Avenue Toronto, ON M5R 1B2 – (416) 964-2441 $$

180 Panorama
Contemporary restaurant with one of the best views in the city. Great place to sit down and have some cocktails.
55 Bloor St. West. Toronto, ON M4W 1A5 – (416) 967-0000 $$$
Café Nervosa
This garden like patio will get you forgetting where you are. A pitcher of sangria will get your day started with a twist.
75 Yorkville Avenue. Toronto, ON M5R 1B8 – (416) 961-4642 $$$

Vittorio’s On Avenue Restaurant
A beautiful patio that will make you feel right at home. Whether you are going to enjoy the weather with some cocktail beverages or willing and daring to go try the authentic Italian cuisine. There are no disappointments here.
14 Dupont Street. Toronto, ON M5R 1V2 – (416) 924-7441 $$$

DISTRILLY DISTRICT

Mill Street Brew Pub
Located in the heart of the Historic Distillery District.
55 Mill Street. Toronto, ON M5A 3C4 – (416) 681-0338 $$

Pure Spirits Oyster House
On Tuesday’s they feature $1.50 Oyster, now that’s a steal.
55 Mill Street. Toronto, ON M5A 3C4 – (416) 361-5859 $$$

Boiler House Inc.
This magnificently large patio can accommodate up to 700 people. South Beach Miami meets Toronto. Escape the noises streets and enjoy your dining experience.
55 Mill Street. Toronto, ON M5A 3C4 – (416) 203-2121 $$$

 

IF YOU HAVE ANY MUST HAVES THAT SHOULD BE ADDED TO THE LIST FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME AT inkok@outlook.com.

ANY SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOMED :)

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