5 new patios in Toronto you need to check out before the summer ends

Toronto patios are some of the most heavily populated spots in the city when the sun is shining, and, luckily for locals, new ones are seemingly always coming out of the woodwork.

By early summer 2026, a swath of sun-drenched new patios had already unveiled themselves to fans of al fresco dining and drinking in Toronto, but as the city's count of double-digit weather days has multiplied throughout the season, so too has its number of new patios.

From swanky chophouses to neighbourhood Italian joints, these are five new patios in Toronto you need to add to your list before the summer is over.

Aera

Soaring high above The Well, this steak and seafood spot has been a go-to for a dinner boasting vast skyline views for a few years, but it's officially upped the ante with the launch of its new rooftop patio.

Gazing down over the downtown core, this is a can't-miss spot for soaking up the sunset, particularly on Wednesdays, when it comes to life with live music, DJs and an impressive happy hour.

Riley's Fish & Steak

The interiors at this Entertainment District seafood and steak restaurant are, after its roving martini cart and unparalleled roast chicken, one of its most appealing features, so it's only fair that its year-round patio, which was unveiled in early August, fits the bill just the same.

Peaceful and serene, this is the perfect reservation for a romantic rendezvous over classy cocktails and a dazzling seafood tower.

Photo courtesy of Riley's Fish & Steak.

Elvira’s

You'll have to stay on top of your game if you want to score a spot on the patio at this Riverside Portuguese restaurant: perched atop the shipping container where the food is prepared, seats are in limited supply.

Still, if you manage it, you'll be treated to a romantic tree canopy illuminated with string lights while you tuck into casual comfort food staples.

DaNico

Though this Little Italy fine dining restaurant has been an award-winning institution for years, it wasn't until the summer 0f 2026 that it unveiled its equally opulent back patio.

Bordering on neighbour Occhiolino, under a cloche-like glass dome, this patio, in all its vintage-inspired glory, is protected from all the elements, primed for shareable plates and aperitivo.

Photo by @danico.to.

Enoteca Rossio

In this Italian restaurant's past life as Piri Piri Grill, its spacious patio was a major calling card. 

It's since pivoted to stylish Italian-American interiors and eats, but its expansive Junction patio remains untouched.