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Corporate Dinners in Yorkville: Everything You Need To Know

There is no dearth of options for restaurants in Yorkville. From birthday parties to corporate dinners, you can find a suitable place for any occasion. But with so many options available, it can be tough to pick one. In this article, we will give you some tips to find the best restaurant for corporate dinners in Yorkville. 

Tips to choose a place

Convenient location

While planning for a corporate dinner, you should pick a place in a convenient location. There must be ample transportation options so that traveling to and from the restaurant is not a problem. If you have guests joining in from various parts of the city, ensure the restaurant is easy to navigate for everyone. This is why Yorkville is one of the top choices for corporate dinners. 

Seating capacity

A corporate dinner could be an intimate affair with the team lead and the core members, or it could be a grand one with a big group of employees. Whichever the case is, make sure the place you’re choosing as a venue has enough seating capacity. Confirm this with the restaurant beforehand to avoid any surprises on the day of the dinner. 

Ambiance

For your corporate dinner in Yorkville, you should look out for a place that has a soothing, calm atmosphere. Places with loud music may not be a great choice, but if the restaurant offers live music and a relaxing ambiance, it makes for a great combo. 

Food 

Now comes the most important part—food. As this is a corporate dinner we are talking about, the restaurant you choose must have enough variety in its menu. It may not be possible to know about each employee’s personal preference and taste, so make sure there are enough food options to choose from. 

Make a reservation 

Make it a point to book a reservation at the restaurant you’re planning to go to for your corporate dinner in Yorkville. This is to ensure both you and your employees have a great time, and you don’t have to go from one restaurant to another checking if they have enough room to host you.

 

Best restaurant for corporate dinners in Yorkville: Blu Ristorante 

Located in the north block of Yorkville, Toronto, Blu Ristorante is one of the best restaurants in the region. It offers authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary touch—food that leaves you craving for more. The menu contains a wide range of dishes to suit different preferences. 

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining options. The interior boasts modern decor with a charming vibe to lift your spirits. The mezzanine level is ideal for hosting parties and corporate events, while the semi-covered patio is more suitable for the summer months, offering an unmatchable dining experience in the midst of lush greenery. The dining experience at Blu Ristorante is further enhanced by live music on Sundays. 

So the next time you’re planning to head out for a corporate dinner, don’t forget to try Blu Ristorante—you’ll surely have an amazing experience. Reserve your table here. 


The Top 9 Toronto Restaurants for Outdoor Dining

If you want to enjoy delicious food and drinks in a soothing ambiance, Toronto has some amazing places to offer. But with so many restaurants, cafes, and bars out there, it can be difficult to pick one when you’re going out. But worry not, we have you covered. 

 

We have compiled a list of the top 9 Toronto restaurants for outdoor dining that you must check out. 

Toronto Restaurants For Outdoor Dining

1. Blu Ristorante

Specializing in authentic Italian cuisine, Blu Ristorante (Yorkville) is famous for its beautiful ambiance and scrumptious food. You can choose to sit in the heated patio area, which is beautifully decked up to offer you a cozy, relaxing vibe. Ideal for summers, the warm and inviting atmosphere of the patio is something you’ll feel like coming back to, again and again. You could also check out their grand indoor dining area and bar while treating your ears to the melodies of live music. 

2. Allen’s 

A legendary eatery located in Danforth Avenue, Allen’s is a place you cannot miss out on. The outdoor seating area offers you the much-needed break you need after a hectic day at work. Here you can treat yourself to burgers, whisky, wine, beer, and so on—their menu is pretty extensive. Reminiscent of a New York pub, this place has a classic charm to it, something that both locals and visitors find attractive. 

3. Cano Restaurant

Be it day or night—Cano Restaurant‘s outdoor patio always feels like a great place to hang out, unwind, and indulge in your favorite dishes and drinks. Conveniently located on St. Clair Avenue, Cano Restaurant is an ideal spot to visit with your partner, friends, or family. You can also choose to sit in the nicely decorated indoor area, but the outdoor patio has its own charm!

4. Bymark 

If you’re looking for a premium dining experience in Toronto, Bymark is a must-try. Situated within the Toronto Dominion Centre in Wellington Street, Bymark boasts elevated interiors and a comfortable outdoor dining area. Everything from food, drinks, staff behavior, to the vibe of the place—you’ll find hardly anything to complain about. 

5. Sassafraz 

When you’re in Toronto, there’s nothing like sitting on the Sassafraz patio, sipping on your favorite drink, and admiring the lush greenery and the ethereal decor. Over the years, this place has become one of the most popular venues for outdoor dining, special lunch and dinners, and private events. The all-white decor complemented by a wooden touch creates a calm and refreshing ambiance and makes you feel at home. 

6. Lee

At Lee Restaurant, you’ll experience a unique amalgamation of Chinese traditions and French culinary techniques. Their curated menu serves South-East Asian delicacies. The entire restaurant is decked up in a family-style setting. While the outdoor seating area is beautiful, you’ll also enjoy the vibe and lighting of the indoor space. 

7. Lapinou

Lapinou has turned a simple alleyway of King Street West into a bright and happening outdoor dining restaurant. Inevitably reminding you of the French wine bars, this neo-bistro oozes an old-world charm. From the bare bricks, and lanterns, to the wrought iron seats, everything has an industrial vibe to it, while also being welcoming and cozy. Stay till the evening to enjoy the dreamy fairy lights. 

8. Té 

brings to you Korean cuisine prepared with a contemporary touch. With every bite you take, you’ll be reminded of Seoul’s home-cooked meals. The best part about this restaurant is that the dishes are specially made by the chef and her mother. Both the outdoor and indoor spaces boast pretty decor, with lots of wall painting and lights to cheer you up. When you’re here, don’t forget to try out their Japanese craft beer and tea cocktails. 

9. Giulietta 

Last but not least, there is Giulietta, located on College Street. Be it the seating arrangements or the decor, things are marked by simplicity here. And thanks to their top-notch food, expect to see lots of crowds here. On days when you’re craving Italian, a meal at Giulietta’s patio is all you need. 

 

Explore these places, and relish outdoor dining in Toronto like never before!

 

Image by TravelScape on Freepik


Outdoor Dining benefits

Have you ever tried outdoor dining? Sure you do. If you are one of the many people who enjoy eating food outside with the people you love while adoring a breathtaking view, then you probably know that feeling of excitement when you hear the words “Alfresco dining”. 

Outdoor Dining is not just a fun activity but also offers a long list of benefits. It is a great way to destress and defocus after a long day. Surrounded by various sights, scents, textures, and nature as you share a hearty meal together, alfresco dining is nothing but a perfect experience.

Alfresco comes from the Italian word which loosely means “in the cool air”. Spending time outdoors have great health benefits.

When you combine food with the outdoors, the experience is incredible, but it does not end there. Here are the top reasons you should choose alfresco dining for the most part.

Elevated sensory experience

Outdoor dining provides you with a good view of nature which sparks inspiration, more vigor, and creativity. It is a wonderful treat for your senses. You may also be surprised that most people who choose alfresco dining find food to taste even better because it promotes an elevated sensory experience.

The fresh air outside improves your sense of taste and smell because of its ability to reduce congestion and provide better ventilation.

Elevated sensory experience

 

Being one with nature

Nature benefits our emotional, psychological, and physical health. It improves our mood, reduces feelings of stress, calms down our nerves, and helps us take time out to feel more relaxed. People who spend more time outdoors enjoying the beauty of nature have a happier life.

It can generate joy, creativity, positive emotions, and calmness. It can also help facilitate concentration. Sitting outdoors away from office settings can help you to reset. You will come back to work with new ideas, better focus, and more energy.

If you’ve ever noticed, tiny natural addition to your space such as an aquarium or a plant can already provide a soothing effect. Nature has the power to keep your mind and body healthy. By looking at nature alone, your stress hormones will decrease, your muscle tensions will be eased, your blood pressure and heart rate will be regulated, and your energy levels will increase.

Give yourself a break from the monotony of being cooped inside. Take advantage of the alfresco dining experience to allow your body and mind to relax and recover. 

Soaking up the sun

How amazing is the feeling of warm sunshine streaming down on you? This is what alfresco dining can offer you. Between spending hours at work, tending to everyday chores and errands, commuting or driving, and dealing with never-ending stuff that pulls you away from relaxation, it may not be possible at all for you to find a way to soak up all the greatness of the sun.

Eating your breakfast or lunch outdoors, especially in cold months, will allow you to enjoy some sunlight which kickstarts Vitamin D production responsible for our moods and immune systems.

Vitamin D regulates our levels of adrenalin, serotonin, and dopamine. When they are at the right levels, we can keep depression at bay.

Social experience

Outdoor dining also provides an excellent social experience. When someone is enjoying a nice view, great companionship, and luscious food, that person tends to get off the grid to enjoy that moment. The lack of technology for this experience allows for better social interactions.

If you are looking for a romantic restaurant where you and your partner can have alfresco dining, Blu Ristorante is the perfect place to be. Regarded as one of the best Italian restaurants in Toronto, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. You can book a table or a private dining event at Blu Ristorante. Their dishes are truly a chef’s kiss!

Your body functions better

As we have been mentioning, alfresco dining can help you destress. When the body is in a relaxed mode, it is able to process food properly and distribute the nutrients well through the secretion of HCI into the stomach. This secretion, which also has the ability to kill harmful pathogens, does not happen all the time when we eat, especially when the stress hormones in the body are acting up. 

The soothing mood of alfresco dining can boost our body’s digestive functions.

Many studies have also shown that replacing natural light with artificial light is linked to higher chances of obesity, diabetes, and other harmful diseases. 

It is truly undeniable that alfresco dining is perfect for our mind, body, and soul.


Patio Dining in Toronto: What You Need to Know

Patio dining is one of the best experiences you can have in Toronto during summer and early fall. You don’t have to worry about the cold, there is no snowfall, and you can finally sit under the open sky and relish your favorite meals. 

If you plan to visit the best patio dining in Toronto has to offer, here are a few tips you should keep in mind to ensure you have a marvelous time. 

1. Look for Partially Covered Patios

While both open and partially covered patios are beautiful places to hang out, the latter is more of a practical choice. Why? Because during the evenings, the weather might get a little cold or windy. During some months, you could expect rain too. When the patio is completely open, it becomes difficult to protect yourself, and the weather can quite easily spoil the fun. In semi-covered patios, you can enjoy ample amounts of sunshine during the daytime, and chill safely in the evenings without worrying about feeling cold or getting drenched. 

2. Look for Heated Patios

Heated patios are just as luxurious as they sound. Basically, these places have outdoor heaters installed that keep the patio area warm. Heated patios are practical options for all times of the year. Even though you cannot dine outside during the peak snowy season, light winters are easily bearable on a heated patio. They offer a cozy dining experience and make for a great place for hosting events or parties. 

Heated Patios - Great place for hosting events or parties

3. Look at the Food Choices

Unless you’re open to serious experimentation with your food, it’s better to have a quick look at the menu before heading to a patio restaurant. Some serve great seafood, some offer amazing burgers and beer, and some are famous for Asian food—there is no dearth of variety in a Toronto patio restaurant. For instance, if you’re looking for lip-smacking authentic Italian cuisine in Yorkville, Blu Ristorante is undoubtedly the best choice. So to avoid any surprises, be sure to check out the food and drink choices beforehand. 

4. Make Reservations Beforehand 

During the summer months, it’s quite obvious that everyone would want to go out during the evenings and on weekends, to spend some quality time outside. Like you, every other Toronto resident wants to make the most of the sunny days. So as you can understand, getting a place can be tough, especially on the weekends. Reservation may not be mandatory everywhere, but it doesn’t hurt to have it, because you’ll have peace of mind. If you’re planning a day out or a night out, make sure to get in touch with the patio restaurant of your choice and reserve your seats a few days before, or at least a day before. 

5. Follow Safety Protocols & Maintain Distance 

Luckily we have left behind the pandemic scare, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to follow safety protocols. In recent times, all Toronto patio restaurants are trying to maintain safety as much as possible, and you should cooperate with them. Try to avoid heavily crowded places, and get reservations to avoid the rush. When you’re on the patio or the indoor seating area of the restaurant, maintain physical distance. And most importantly, if you’re not keeping well, avoid crowded places at all costs, until you feel better again. 

Toronto patio restaurants

6. Carry Light Cover Ups 

Summer brings along rain in Toronto, so you should be prepared. When you’re stepping out for a whole day, even if the weather is hot and humid, it’s better to carry a light cover-up, in case the weather becomes slightly chilly. You could also consider carrying an umbrella or rain jacket to avoid getting drenched. 

Best Patio Yorkville Toronto Alfresco Dining: Blu Ristorante 

Whether you’re a Toronto resident or a visitor, you cannot miss the patio dining experience of Blu Ristorante. Located in Yorkville, Toronto, this restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine, presented in a contemporary avatar by expert chefs. The stunning outdoor patio, gorgeous interior, live music, and soothing ambiance offer a sensory treat you won’t find elsewhere. Reserve your table today


Top 5 Best Patio Restaurants in Toronto Downtown

Now that the sun is generous in Toronto, it’s time to enjoy all the outdoor stuff you have been putting off. Things like sitting in patio restaurants in Toronto downtown, enjoying the breeze, and appreciating the pleasant weather, there’s quite nothing like it. 

Are you looking for the best patio restaurants in Toronto downtown? We got your back. 

Best patio Yorkville Toronto Alfresco dining: 5 places you must try

1.Blu Ristorante

If you’re looking for the best patio restaurant in Toronto downtown offers, it has to be Blu Ristorante. Whether you choose to sit on the lush and vibrant patio, wine bar, or indoor area, the place promises a good time. This Italian restaurant’s menu is a perfect balance of classic authentic dishes and contemporary ones, so it appeals to everyone equally. The beautiful ambiance, coupled with live music, makes your dining experience all the more refined and enjoyable. 

Location: 90 Avenue Road

Blu Ristorante | Best Yorkville Patio Restaurant Toronto Downtown

2. Falcon SkyBar 

Love to enjoy the city’s skyline while relishing your favorite drink and appetizers? Falcon SkyBar would be a great place to spend your weekend evening. Located at the top of Hotel X Toronto, here you’ll get a three-level rooftop (The Perch, The Nest, and The Peak), and a view of the stunning Lake Ontario to keep you company. 

Location: 111 Princes’ Blvd

3. Bellwoods Brewery

This Ossington brewery is a great place to chill after a busy workday with a cozy ambiance, easy-going vibe, and a cool patio. The patio seating area looks exceptionally pretty in the evening, with the lights brightening up the lush decor. Besides their wide variety of food, you’ll also enjoy some really good beer here. 

Location: 124, Ossington Ave

4. Trattoria Nervosa

To have the best patio dining experience in Yorkville, Toronto, you must visit Trattoria Nervosa. This Italian restaurant is located in a yellow house by Yorkville Avenue, serving authentic Southern Italian delicacies. Its patio feels homely and warm – a great place to hang out with friends, have interesting conversations, and unwind. 

Location: 75, Yorkville Ave

5. Amsterdam Brewhouse

While speaking of the best patio restaurants Toronto has to offer, you simply cannot miss out on the Amsterdam Brewhouse. The patio is spacious with ample open space, so you can easily hang out with your entire gang. Sip on your glass of beer and enjoy the unobstructed view of Lake Ontario – sounds like a perfect weekend plan!

Location: 245 Queens Quay W

So what are you waiting for? Head over to these places, and create some happy memories this summer! 

To book a table or request a reservation for your next event at Blu Ristorante, feel free to reach out right away


Dining Out: 10 Must-Try Patios in Yorkville

Yorkville isn’t only known for its upscale boutiques, beautiful homes, and bustling culture—it’s also home to some of the most interesting restaurants in Toronto, Ontario. Despite its small area, Yorkville boasts restaurants that offer a diverse range of cuisines. Visiting this neighborhood means you can eat Lebanese cuisine and grab gelato after. 

 

Moreso, Yorkville is full of restaurants that offer lovely alfresco dining. If you’re dining out this patio season, you should check out this list of some of the must-try patios in Yorkville.

 

Blu Ristorante

  • Blu Ristorante

Blu Ristorante offers contemporary Italian cuisine and a wine bar right there in the heart of Yorkville. The modern decor of this restaurant is warm & inviting, but nothing beats its beautiful lush patio. Dining out on this patio will make you feel as if you were away. Your terrific dining experience will even be enhanced by the restaurant’s soothing live music.

  • Amal

Looking for a modern Lebanese restaurant in Toronto? Check out Amal in Yorkville. Its food is heavily rooted in culture while making a nod to new traditions. It also has a stunning and heated second-floor terrace that overlooks Bloor Street. Enjoy delicious Lebanese food while hanging out on this terrace decked with plants, pillows, and multiple lounge furniture pieces. 

  • The Pilot

The Pilot was originally a clubhouse for musicians, artists, and writers. Today, it still has an artsy ambiance, but it’s now a multi-level pub with an aviation theme. Apart from its main floor front patio, it also has a vibrant, spacious & heated rooftop patio called the Flight Deck. Climb to the Flight Deck and enjoy drinking draft beers and listening to live jazz music.

  • Kasa Moto 

Offering contemporary & flavor-packed Japanese food, Kasa Moto is a gem in Yorkville. It also offers two options for outdoor dining. You can either dine at a street-level terrace or go up to the rooftop patio. The sprawling rooftop patio is decked with its own bar, space heaters, and cabanas. Dine here at night, and you can enjoy delicious sushi while gazing at the stars.


  • Bar Reyna

Situated in a two-story Victorian house, Bar Reyna is a cocktail & snack bar that delivers sumptuous Mediterranean-inspired snacks and signature cocktails. It may have a small facade, but it offers plenty of alfresco dining. It features a gorgeous front patio, along with a spacious backyard patio that can seat 48 people. Try Lamb Baklava when you visit here. 

  • The Oxley

A fan of the traditional British pub? Go to The Oxley! It’s a gastropub that offers classic British pub fare—from fish and chips to traditional cask ales. It also has two patios. The front patio is on street level with a view of the Hazelton Hotel, while the courtyard offers a more intimate atmosphere. So go and grab a pint, choose a patio and enjoy your afternoon.

  • Sofia

Sofia has created the perfect space for food, art, and drink. It offers contemporary yet nostalgic Italian dishes in a restaurant space that shares a constantly curated art gallery. You can check out the art pieces before sitting and enjoying delectable pasta and wine. Plus, it features an atmospheric patio that makes for an elevated al fresco dining experience.

  • Sassafraz

Located in an array of Victorian rowhouses, Sassafraz is a gorgeous restaurant that offers irresistible French-inspired Canadian cuisine, wine, and cocktails. Apart from its lovely interiors, it has a shaded and romantic patio. It’s a perfect place to enjoy sumptuous dishes while people-watching or celebrity-spotting. 

  • Cibo Wine Bar

Cibo Wine Bar brings its southern Italian cooking to Yorkville. Here, you can enjoy handmade fresh pasta, delectable pizza, and other traditional Italian food. The restaurant offers two al fresco dining options. It has a side patio for an intimate dining experience. But if you want to be out in the open, you can stay on the street patio with umbrellas and shades.

  • ONE Restaurant

Preferred a charming candlelit patio for your romantic dinner? Go to ONE Restaurant at The Hazelton Hotel. Its tree-lined patio is the perfect place to indulge in a lavish dining experience while welcoming the patio season. Have a plate of branzino or filet mignon while drinking a glass of wine and enjoying your al fresco dining experience with your loved one. 


Top 5 Activities & Restaurants in Yorkville 2018

Looking for the Top 5 activities and restaurants in Yorkville, Toronto? At the intersection of Yonge and Bloor in downtown Toronto, you will discover Yorkville, an upscale neighborhood where the rich and famous love to shop and dine. Also known as the Mink Mile, the neighborhood is home to several art galleries, museums, high-end boutiques, and some of the best restaurants in Toronto.

Many people do not know that the neighborhood was once a mecca for musicians and hippies in the 1960s. Even today, you can find licensed bands playing in the Cumberland park on any weekend. However, the modern Yorkville has transformed itself into a hub of retail therapy with high-end shops and fashion boutiques.

 

Restaurants Yorkville

Here are the Top 5 things to do in Yorkville.

  1. Shopping Of course! – With a plethora of high-end shops dotting every street, it is difficult to walk around the neighborhood without buying anything. Make sure you have enough time to go window-shopping and also remember to carry your credit card as you will find many irresistible temptations on the way.    Some of the best shopping malls in the areas are Cumberland Terrace, Holt Renfrew Centre, Manulife Centre, Yorkville Village, and Hudson’s Bay Centre. Before you shop till you drop, you’ll want to save some energy to treat yourself for a fine dining restaurant in Yorkville. You’ll be surrounded by some of the best in Toronto.
  2. Yorkville Museums –  The neighborhood has some amazing museums worth a visit. You can spend an entire day in the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) watching exhibits that give you an insight into the city’s history and culture. The Bata Shoe Museum has the world’s largest collection of footwear and related items.   Another popular museum worth visiting is the Gardiner museum that boasts an amazing collection of ceramics used throughout civilization. If all that learning makes you hungry, pamper your taste buds at one of the best Yorkville restaurants.
  3. Yorkville Parks – The Village of Yorkville Park consists of a series of well-maintained gardens that are good spots to rest or just to do some people watching. The numerous parks offer a much-needed respite from the hustle-bustle of the neighborhood. They celebrate the history of Yorkville and showcase the best of the Canadian landscape. Some of the best neighborhood parks are the Jesse Ketchum Park, the Frank Stollery Park, and the Town Hall Square. The parks are in close proximity to some of the best Yorkville restaurants, so make sure you grab a bite after heading to the park.
  4. Art Galleries in Yorkville – What can be a better way to spend an afternoon in Yorkville than doing some gallery hopping? The neighborhood is home to several art galleries where you can find works by the leading artists around the country. From contemporary Canadian paintings to International art, the art galleries cover them all. Some of the best places to include in your itinerary are Canadian Fine Arts Gallery, Loch Gallery, Mayberry Fine Art, Mira Godard Gallery, and Miriam Shiell Fine Art. All that gallery hopping is sure to leave you hungry, so head to one of the nearby Yorkville restaurants to get your fill.
  5. Yorkville restaurants – There’s no denying that Yorkville has some of the best restaurants in Toronto. From breakfast, lunch & dinner, the area has must try dining experiences that are local favorites and some even recognized around the world. Enjoy Fresh Seafood and innovative Pasta dishes to Roasted Truffle Beef Tenderloin and made-to-order Tiramisu. Enjoying a restaurant in Yorkville is the perfect way to finish off a long day of shopping and sightseeing.

*** Blu Ristorante & Lounge
Experience one of Toronto’s best Italian restaurants and award winning modern Italian Cuisine. Voted as a Romantic Destination of choice for an upscale dining and live entertainment. Blu Ristorante has been recognized as one of the city’s best restaurants in Toronto for fine dining and group events.

We hope this information helps you maximize your time by seeing the best that the Yorkville neighborhood has to offer. From the tempting shopping, and enriching museums to the best Yorkville restaurants and bars, the area has something for everyone!

We welcome you to come visit us at Blu Ristorante to come try our fine dining Italian cuisine and live music (pianist and guitarist) on weekends, located in Yorkville, the heart of downtown Toronto Canada.