Toronto’s best bar and restaurant terraces for drinking and dining

Torontonians collectively agree that the city comes alive once temperatures begin to rise. Winters are long and summers are fleeting, and patios help us make the most of the extra hours of sunshine. But as well as being a breezy escape from the stuffy indoors, they also serve as a casual gateway to Toronto’s bustling restaurant and bar scene.

Choosing a terrace is not just about eating and drinking; it’s about finding a hangout that fits your mood. Whether you’re looking for a shady nook to share a meal with loved ones or spend an afternoon people-watching with a chilled aperitif in hand, these sophisticated al fresco spaces provide the perfect backdrop to kick back and enjoy of the sunny season. references to cinematic atmosphere included.

If you want to feel like you’re in… “The Menu” (without the murder)

Visit: Black + Blue, 130 King St. W.

What to expect: A new addition to Toronto’s growing patio scene, Glowbal Restaurant Group’s Black + Blue steakhouse features a 2,000-square-foot patio with 70 seats that puts a modern twist on classic steakhouse dining. The rooftop space is lined with lush hanging greenery as far as the eye can see, accentuating the lavish decor in the multi-story restaurant. A key feature is the electronically retractable roof, which keeps the patio open for six months a year, allowing for alfresco dining when rescheduling is simply not an option.

Order the… steak of course! Choose from a selection of premium cuts including Japanese Kobe beef and Canadian prime beef (price per ounce) or indulge in an extravagant seafood tower (starting at $250) studded with Atlantic lobster, dungeness crab, and a variety of nigiri. Happy hour is daily from 2:30pm to 5pm and includes classic martinis for $13, and food specials like A5 Japanese Wagyu cooked at the table on a hot salt stone for $32. Visit on Fridays for the $25 Burger & Beer deal or try the three course Prime Rib special ($69) on Sundays.

If you want to feel like you’re in… “Before Sunset”.

Visit: Parquet, 97 Harbord St.

What to expect: This Parisian courtyard-inspired patio feels like hanging out in a friend’s backyard. Tucked away on the corner of Harbord and Robert Street, it’s an intimate, usually shaded place to catch up over cocktails, with pretty 40-seat mint green chairs and a retractable awning. Parquet opened in 2022 with chef Jeremy Dennis (formerly of Woodlot and Burdock Brewery) serving seasonal dishes using local ingredients, complemented by a beautifully curated wine list from sommelier Lexi Wolkowski. After 5pm you can make a reservation for dinner on the terrace, but try your luck in the afternoon for the apéro, which takes place from 2pm to 5pm and is a nod to the French cinq-à-sept, with a special menu of light appetizers.

Order the… beautifully plated small dishes offered during apéro, such as east coast oysters with cider mignonette (starting at $24), or salt cod or mushroom fritters ($17). Sip a lager from the parquet house, a collaboration with Caledon microbrewery Sonnen Hill ($8), or try a Seedlip mocktail ($12) or sparkling hibiscus juice ($6). Finish with booze-infused desserts like honey cinnamon ice cream with Calvados or dark chocolate caramel sorbet with green chartreuse ($6).

If you want to feel like you’re in…”Wimbledon”.

Visit: The Miller Tavern, 3885 Yonge St.

What to expect: This beloved Hoggs Hollow spot has been a local institution since the 1860s, when it operated as the Jolly Miller hotel-meets-horse-barn. The Miller has undergone recent renovations under Scale Hospitality (Byblos, Patria and Figo), combining historic charm with modern touches. Surrounded by lush greenery, the country club-style space features a year-round covered, heated patio with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the huge outdoor deck. With a seating capacity of 180 and a roof deck with adjustable canopies, your entire party will be happy, whether sun worshipers or shade seekers. The patio is also available for private functions, so keep this in mind when planning special occasions.

Order the… afternoon appetizers, available daily from 2-4 p.m., including a cheese and canned charcuterie board ($19), spicy pickle plate ($8), and shrimp cocktail ($10 per person). Enjoy a Lisbon-inspired white port tonic or watermelon sangria ($15). End the weekend with a Sunday prime rib roast with all ingredients ($120 for two), starting at 3 p.m.

If you want to feel like you’re in… “Kill Bill”.

Visit: Kasa Moto, 115 Yorkville Ave.

What to expect: Kasa Moto’s expansive rooftop terrace transports you from bustling Yorkville to a sleek, Japanese-inspired oasis. Located on the second floor of the izakaya-style restaurant, the patio is flanked by greenery and offers interesting views of the surrounding architecture, including the upper floors of the five-star Hazelton Hotel. The space can accommodate up to 150 guests – choose from cozy cabanas or plush woven chairs shaded by large umbrellas. It’s a stylish place for day and night gatherings, with a full-service patio bar and DJs spinning tunes late into the night.

Order the… signature spicy scallop and Fogo Island shrimp Kasa Moto roll or tobiko-studded soft shell crab maki with soy glaze (maki costs $18 to $25) to share. Fancy cocktails? Try the yuzu vodka and lychee jasmine-infused Tokyo Minute or the champagne-forward Last Flight Out, spiked with lemongrass white rum and finished with salted coconut and mint syrup along with a dash of clarified lime juice (cocktails start at $18).

If you want to feel like you’re in… “Sex and the City”.

Visit: Valerie, 111 Princes’ Blvd.

What to expect: This 150-seat rooftop restaurant and bar on the 29th floor of Hotel X attracts many international tourists and a partying VIP crowd eager to take advantage of the poolside hangouts and bottle service offered. The real star here is the stunning 360-degree view of the Toronto skyline, including the CN Tower, the waterfront and the Toronto Islands, adding plenty of character to the resort-like atmosphere. Although there is a lot of sun on this terrace, there is also an awning on the west side for those who want more shade. Special summer events include live jazz, scintillating brunch parties and exclusive industry nights.

Order the… summer bites like Korean short ribs with toasted sesame and crispy garlic ($28) and togarashi fries with garlic chive aioli ($11). Then cool down with an ice cream sandwich on a chocolate chip cookie with toffee ($12) or vanilla strawberry popsicle with yuzu chocolate ($14). When you’re lounging poolside, stop by the Don Julio margarita bar to customize your ideal marg with your choice of tequila and flavor additions (starting at $18).

If you want to feel like you’re in… “Mamma Mia!”

Visit: Soluna, 314 Queen St. W.

What to expect: If a European summer is not on the table this year, visit Soluna’s roof terrace and enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere. This boho-inspired oasis is located in Queen West (formerly home to Cube and Ultra Supper Club), but the combination of whitewashed walls, wicker furniture and imitation but ultra-realistic-looking bougainvillea makes you feel like you’re somewhere other than Toronto. Visit the Supper Club on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but don’t forget your ID: visitors must be 25 and over.

Order the… tasty gluten-free, vegetarian options like Thai Sweet Potato Noodles ($25) or Baked Cauliflower with Harissa and Vegan Parmesan ($21). If you’re with a large group, consider the Soluna Platter ($300), which comes with branzino, tenderloin, shrimp, a full chicken, and a rack of lamb along with seasonal vegetables. While you’re at it, the Martini Supreme Batch Cocktail for Six ($130) includes Remy Martin VSOP, Kahlua, Bailey’s, salted caramel, and espresso. Mocktails include the refreshing lavender and lemon-infused Field of Dreams ($12) and the berry and pineapple-packed Strawberry Moon ($14).

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