Best of Toronto
The Best Rooftop Patios in Toronto
The best rooftop patios in Toronto offer spectacular views, quiet places to hide away from the bustle of the street below, and an outdoor space to enjoy summer in the city. On top of hotels, restaurants and office space, each patio provides us with a unique perspective of the city, both from a visual perspective; as well as the crowd and vibe that they attract. By no means is this an exhaustive list. I'm sure some will lament the omission of, say, London Tap House, Ultra, Cheval, Oasis, Redbull 381 Projects or Remy's to name a few.
One of my personal faves not on this list is the rooftop patio at 401 Richmond. While not always accessible to those not working in the building, the eco-friendly retreat and garden complete with a makeshift aviary is just a block from the bustling intersection of Queen and Spadina and is usually open from 9-5 during the week. It makes a great spot to bring a bagged lunch or to impress a friend who isn't in the know.
For drinks, food and some hopefully friendly wait-staff however it's best to head to one of the spots below. Here are the 15 best rooftop patios in Toronto as voted by readers of this site.
See also: The best patios in Toronto
Writing by Karina Waluk. Photos by Matt Zukowski
The Drake Sky Yard
Open year round, the Drake's rooftop attracts a crowd on any given evening. Weekends nights draw the rambunctious 905ers, while the weekdays offer a near perfect retreat to lounge around on the daybeds and barstools and enjoy a drink. More »
Pauper's Pub
From 3 p.m. onward this Annex rooftop is packed with U of T students, folks in their mid 20's, and local residents, all looking to grab a quick bite and a pint in the sun. Pauper's is very much the Madison's older brother (same owner), meaning the pub goers still like to have a good time but things don't escalate to antics and vomit. The rooftop selection of drinks and food is limited, but the pub's reasonably priced mainstays such as nachos, burgers, and fries are all on the menu. More »
The Park Hyatt Rooftop Lounge
This rooftop lounge can sometime be stuffy and have the charm of a funeral home, with dark oppressive furniture and the conservative decor of a law firm. But its saving grace is always the tiny hallway-sized outdoor balcony where it can be near impossible to secure a seat. The crowd consists of tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the stunning views and Bay Street types seeking some Cuban cigars. More »
Murphy's Law
Using the classic recipe of pub fare + pint + Irish theme, this pub would be like any other if not for its impressive rooftop patio. High-up and overlooking the beaches, this rooftop is the best on Queen East. More »
The Pilot
The so-called Flight Deck atop the Pilot bar is a modernist take on a rooftop patio. Comprised entirely of aluminum and glass this shiny patio has a much more laid back feel than you'd expect at a Yorkville spot. During the week, the afterwork crowd chats over pitchers and Pilot burgers until sunset. More »
The Spoke Club
Spectacular and exclusive, this King West rooftop is sadly ccessible only to members of the club and their guests. It is comprised of three unique areas - a glass house which is open year round, a rooftop garden and a smaller more private area that can be booked in advance for dinners and small cocktail parties. More »
Globe Bistro
The third level of this Danforth bistro features a breezy patio with dark woven rattan furniture and palm trees. It's a good place to check in after work where the comfortable seating and attentive servers make it easy to while away the rest of the evening in a calm daze. The rooftop lounge features a light menu and the daily happy hour special (5 to 7PM). More »
Cafe Nervosa
This recently updated patio makes for a cozy spot for lunch with a friend while on a Yorkville shopping spree, or for a romantic yet casual dinner date later in the evening. At night the soft coloured decor is illuminated by candles creating an intimate glow. The full menu is served on the rooftop, with the thin-crust Pizza a top pick. If only visiting for drinks, be sure to try the Pappagallo. More »
Tati Bistro
By far the most romantic rooftop on this list. Cradled by mature maple trees this candle-lit French bistro buzzes with conversation every evening. Enjoy a glass from the extensive wine list or order one of the many reserves by bottle. The menu offers classic French bistro dishes such as Duck Confit, as well as a Vegetarian selection. Tati opens for dinner daily and offers a Prixe Fixe menu from Sunday to Wednesday. More »
Vivoli
Located near the corner of Grace and College this rooftop overlooks the heart of Little Italy. Larg tables draw groups of post-work diners on weekdays while Thurs-Sat draw College St. club hoppers stopping in to share the prized wood burning oven Pizza and pitchers of Sangria. More »
Hemingway's
Known as the after work watering hole for Bay Street singles, this patio is busy from 5PM 'till last man standing. The double-decker rooftop serves up classic pub fare and sells draft beer by the gallons every night - all at very un-Yorkville prices. Women often warn/boast about the pick-up scene. The topmost rooftop level is choice, so be there before the 5PM rush to secure a seat. More »
Brazen Head
Sister pub to Murphy's Law (see above) this rooftop patio is the default option in Liberty Village. It's a popular gathering place for Toronto FC fans to enjoy a victory beer after the game. More »
The Fifth Grill
Adding some unexpected elegance to the club district, this rooftop loft restaurant and terrace has been carved out of a former warehouse space. The kitchen turns out top-quality food like oysters, caviar and streak and the service is both knowledgeable and attentive. A perfect spot for a romantic proposal but only open Thursday through Saturday. More »
Czehoski
Enjoy brunch in the shade or stop in for a drink late night at this modern garden rooftop. Chef Leor has recently made exciting additions to the patio menu including gluten free options. Try the popular Meditteranian Platter with one of the many beers on tap or maybe the Queen West Mojito made with Jack Daniels. More »
Skybar
One of the clubs making up the mega-club The Guvernment, this rooftop has an impressive view of the city. Open only on weekends from 11PM onward, this rooftop currently hosts a themed party DJ'd by Manzone and Strong. This tends to be a bottle service kind of joint with popular options being Belvedere and Veuve Cliquot. Cover charge is $20 with dresscode in effect. Open only during the Summer. More »
Discussion
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I also recommend Panorama atop Manulife at Bay & Bloor (51 stories up). Fantastic city views.
Not sure how the Park Hyatt managed to snag the 3rd spot on your list with the words "stuffy", "charm of a funeral home", "dark oppressive furniture", "conservative decor", "tiny hallway-sized outdoor balcony", "near impossible to secure a seat", and "tourists" making up pretty much all of your brief blurb on this roof top? What are you saying about the readers of this site I wonder?
Rooftop Patios are so nice, I find them really relaxing but I haven't found one in the city that actually offers a relaxing atmosphere. For the most part these amazing rooftops are packed beyond belief and too loud to even think let alone enjoy the view.
so let's get this straight: what you want is a rooftop patio that is silent with very few people on it...I know it's trite, but perhaps you should try your own house?
Further to my comment made on Nervosa's actual review page...
Nervosa USED to have a good patio. Food is different (crappier), drinks are skimpier, and the service is just totally incompetent. Being a local in the area and having a spot that I used to love totally go down the tubes is frustrating.
I'd rather sit at that Zaza place at street level and enjoy a nice drama free espresso than head upstairs.
I also love the rooftop at Smokey Joes Cafe.. Done up like a tropical retreat. So nice and relaxing.
North of Eglinton doesn't exist to blogs like this unfortunately - but yes, Smokey Joes is great and surprisingly the patio is not too smokey during the day and early evening
I have the same question as Ste: after dissuading me from going to the Hyatt, I'm wondering how it can be third on your list.