7 new patios in Toronto you need to check out this summer
Patios in Toronto are some of the city's favourite spots to pass ambling summer afternoons that transition effortlessly into wild, hot nights.
Whether you're in the market for a relaxed spot to unwind with a pint of something local and crafty or an elegant, romantic atmosphere to woo your summer fling, the city has welcomed a vibrant new crop of restaurants and bars — all of which boast impressive patios — for you to choose from.
Here are seven new patios in Toronto that you can't miss out on this summer.
The Dirty Laundry
This Tex-Mex restaurant with an equally impressive cocktail menu is on a mission to liven up the nightlife scene on Queen West, and was already making progress sans-patio when it opened in early spring.
Now, revellers can also tuck into their "Girl Dinner" nachos and sip margaritas the way they're meant to be enjoyed: in open air, on a spacious side street patio.
Bar Eugenie
Easily one of the most-buzzed-about openings of the past year, and for good reason, this quaint Harbord Village bar and restaurant has been on a warpath to becoming Toronto's top date night spot since the winter.
It's latest secret weapon? A charming, peaceful back patio, complete with string lights and planters overflowing with greenery. Swoon!
Bar Etc.
It's only fitting this Leslieville bar, which bills itself as "tropical in essence" and follows through on that promise with cocktails and shareables crafted with underdog tropical ingredients and an impressive Yacht Rock playlist, would know how to do a patio.
The results are in, and it does. Head to the sizeable back patio to sip daiquiris and savoury fermented papaya martinis until the last streams of sunlight dip below the horizon and the real party starts.
Osteria Alba
When this Little Italy haunt was in its past life as Vivoli, its prime rooftop patio was a major selling point. After being reborn as this sleek contemporary Italian joint, that torch only continues to burn.
It may not feel exactly like you're washing your lobster linguine down with an Aperol spritz on the Amalfi Coast, but it's pretty darn close.
Bodega by City Cottage
For a more relaxed, neighbourhood vibe, this Scarborough patio attached to a bodega stocked with local products cannot be beat. Pick up a grab-and-go sandwich from Elm Street Deli and a can of something locally brewed (their selection is seriously impressive) and bask in the sun-drenched expanse.
And once you're done with your first course, pivot to the patio's south border to grab a scoop of ice cream from Brett's outpost in the driveway.
Proper
Formerly home to La Cubana's Roncesvalles location, this sleek Italian eatery brings a slice of New York City sleekness to the charming neighbourhood.
This summer, a vibrant, Aperol-hued back patio has joined the restaurant's lineup of Insta-worthy offerings, which also includes ravioli bolognese packed with fluffy ricotta and mozzarella sticks with foot-long cheese pulls. La dolce vita, indeed.
Kensington Tavern
Burdock Brewery is now the proud parent of this long-adored Kensington Market address, transforming it into what could very well be the first steakhouse-brewery in the city.
This summer, take your steak frites (emphasis on the frites, they're phenomenal) and stein of IPA in the open air from their considerable Augusta Avenue patio.
Fareen Karim at Bodega by City Cottage Market
