The city has finally opened its restaurant patios and umbrellas, but do you know where to go for your first sip and bite al fresco this summer? Sure, there are tons of patio guides swirling around online, but none like ours! From tried and true options, hidden gems and new go-to’s, leave it to the PR pros who know good food here at BPR Inc. to guide you to our best picks for the sunny season:
Oretta
Find yourself nestled on King Street under colourful, shady umbrellas and vibrant palm trees at this fave for authentic Italian classics. Sure, they’re open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but you’ll want to go for their ‘Aperitivo’ aka ‘Happy Hour’ from 4 to 7 for negroni’s, Peroni’s and prosecco paired with decadent pizzas, pasta and more!
Lapinou Bistro
Want to live out all your Emily in Paris dinner date dreams here in Toronto? Look no further than Lapinou - a chic ‘neo-bistro’ inspired by regional French flavours. Visit this Parisian-style terrace and sit under the exquisite twinkly lights while indulging in their selection of hard-to-find fresh wines, oysters, wagyu steak and finish with none other than crème brûlée - oui oui!
Bar Raval
For those days where the wet weather wants to mess with your outdoor dining plans, head to Bar Raval’s cozy covered patio. This Barcelona-inspired College Street bar is known for their small plates aka ‘tapas’ (perfect for sharing) and dazzling cocktails. Did we mention they have a new cocktail menu too? We’ll drink to that!
The Goodman Pub
Waterfront patio. Need we say more? We love this low-key pub for its beautiful lakeside views of the Toronto Harbourfront and low-key vibes. Refreshing frosé (yes way!), sangria and more welcome you here with elevated pub fare. Their new summer menu is filled with drool-worthy comfort food like fully-loaded burgers, nachos and fish tacos.
Il Patio Di Eataly With Aperol
Ok, so we may have a thing for Italian food - but who doesn’t? No trip downtown this summer would be complete without a stop at Eataly’s Market and of course, their patio! In the heart of Yorkville be transported to Italia while sipping on an Aperol Spritz or limoncello with a specially curated menu of ‘apertivi.’ With events like ‘Wine Wednesdays’ and ‘Bottle Shop Thursdays,’ there’s easily something for every taste.
The Ritz Bar Patio
Sure you’ve heard of The Ritz, but have you checked out the Ritz Bar patio? On a low-key day, treat yourself to an afternoon pick-me-up (read: pistachio tiramisu) while sipping a classic cafe beverage or stop by in the evening. When day turns to night, the bar starts serving up everything from classic cocktails to wow-inducing, made for ‘the gram’ liquid nitrogen creations. The place to unwind during the day and be seen at night.
Get ready to dust off your ‘sipping on a patio’ best and get ready to sip sip hooray the summer away on one of these fabulous patios. Perhaps we’ll see you there!
