Al Fresco Dining in Yorkville, Toronto: The Best Patios to Enjoy this Summer

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors and indulge in delicious food and drinks. So if you’re looking for a great spot to dine al fresco in Yorkville, Toronto, you’re in luck! The area has plenty of fantastic patios that offer a range of cuisine and ambiance.

Here are some of the best patios to check out this summer:

Blu Ristorante’s Beautiful & Lush Patio

Blu Ristorante is a chic and elegant Italian restaurant boasting a beautiful outdoor patio area. The patio is surrounded by lush greenery and features comfortable seating, creating a romantic and cozy ambiance. The menu features classic Italian dishes made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients, including handmade pasta and seafood. You have great options for drinks in this restaurant, too! Blu Ristorante’s extensive wine list includes an incredible selection of Italian and international wines, cocktails, and spirits. Book a table now.

 

Hemingway’s Spacious Rooftop Patio

Hemingway’s is a popular bar and restaurant located in the heart of Yorkville, and its spacious rooftop patio is one of the best in the area. The patio features a bar, making it the perfect spot to enjoy some drinks and socialize with friends. Looking for comfort food to have with your beer or cocktail drinks? You’ll be pleased that Hemingway’s menu features classic pub fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

Kasa Moto’s Breathtaking Rooftop Patio

Kasa Moto is a Japanese-inspired restaurant located in a stunning four-story building in Yorkville. It’s known for its rooftop patio that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline and is beautifully decorated with plush seating and decked with a full-service bar. The menu features a range of Japanese-inspired dishes, including sushi, sashimi, grilled meats, and seafood. You can also enjoy drinking from its incredible list of cocktails and spirits.

Cibo Wine Bar’s Street Patio

Cibo Wine Bar is a chic, modern Italian restaurant with two cozy outdoor patio areas. You can choose between a street patio with ample shades or a side patio for a more intimate dining experience. And no matter which patio you stay in, you’ll be treated to delicious Italian cuisine. The menu includes fresh pasta, meat dishes, seafood, and more!

Sassafraz’s Shaded & Romantic Patio

Sassafraz is a Yorkville institution that has been serving delicious food and drinks for decades now. The restaurant’s outdoor patio is a charming and elegant space with cozy seating and ample greenery. On this shaded patio, you can drink wines & cocktails and enjoy a range of classic dishes, including steak, seafood, and pasta.

Bar Reyna’s Year-Round Back Patio

Situated in a charming Victorian house, Bar Reyna is a Mediterranean-inspired cocktail & snack bar. While it may have a small facade, it features a year-round back patio. The patio can seat 48 people and treat them to Mediterranean-inspired dishes, snacks, and cocktails. You will surely enjoy al fresco dining in summer, especially if you try Bar Reyna’s lamb baklava.

Trattoria Nervosa’s Chic & Chill Rooftop Patio

Trattoria Nervosa is a cozy Italian restaurant that features a lovely outdoor patio. The patio is decorated with comfortable seating and lots of greenery, creating a charming and romantic ambiance. Trattoria Nervosa welcomes you with a classic Italian menu, including risotto and different kinds of pasta. Pair the food with Italian wines, cocktails, or spirits.

The Pilot’s Stunning Rooftop Patio

The Pilot is a beloved Yorkville landmark that features a rooftop patio with stunning city views. It’s the perfect spot to eat great food, enjoy some drinks, and have fun with friends. The menu offers classic pub fare, such as burgers, sandwiches, wings, and fish & chips. The Pilot also offers a delectable weekend brunch, so don’t miss that when you’re in Yorkville.

Summing It Up

Whether you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, pub fare, or Japanese-inspired dishes, there’s a patio in Yorkville perfect for you. Blu Ristorante’s patio dining is a must-visit, but don’t miss out on these other fantastic options as well. So grab some friends, soak up the sun, and enjoy delicious food and drinks at one of Yorkville’s best patios this summer.


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. 

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


What Exactly Is Al Fresco Dining?

  • As the patio season comes in, people start to crave spending more time outdoors. And the easiest way to do that is to dine out the al fresco way. But what exactly is al fresco dining? 

What’s with the term? What is al fresco dining?

Al fresco is an Italian term that means “in the fresh air” or “in the shade.” Dining al fresco simply means eating outside or out in the open air. But you shouldn’t confuse it with going on a picnic and eating at the park while sitting on a blanket. Al fresco dining typically involves comfortable seating, refined tablescapes, and a casual yet party-like atmosphere. 

What does al fresco dining include?

Al fresco dining can take many forms and happen anywhere—from cafes and gastropubs to lavish restaurants. But generally, here are the ever-present elements of this type of dining:

  • Outdoor setting: A defining characteristic of an al fresco dining experience is it takes place out in the open air. So when you dine out and are offered to eat al fresco, you can expect to be seated on a patio, terrace, or rooftop bar. 
  • Warm weather: Restaurants usually offer al fresco during warm weather or patio season. It’s a good way to experience the cheerful weather with your loved ones. Some patios are heated to ensure a good temperature during breezy summer nights.
  • Casual party-like atmosphere: Patios and terraces for al fresco dining are often decked with lounge furniture, plants, umbrellas, awnings, and other elements that make the space casual and welcoming. These spaces can usually seat ten or more to truly create a party-like atmosphere perfect for hanging out or people-watching. 

 

 

What are the common al fresco dining ideas?

While restaurants can technically serve any food or drinks al fresco, here are some dining ideas that are perfectly suited to an outdoor setting: 

  • Candlelit dinners: Having a candlelit dinner on a tree-lined patio while gazing at the stars and listening to soothing live music sounds romantic. And that’s exactly what you can get in some patio restaurants in Yorkville. It’s a great dining option for anniversaries and other special occasions with your lovely spouse or partner. 
  • Afternoon tea: There’s nothing more elegant than enjoying your afternoon tea the al fresco way. You can enjoy your tea and biscuits or finger sandwiches while relaxing under the shade of a luxurious-looking parasol on a gorgeous street-level patio.
  • Special or seasonal menus: Most restaurants create a special menu for their al fresco diners. They use seasonal produce and offer meals perfect for the outdoor setting. These could include summer salads, barbecue classics for sharing, grilled peaches with mascarpone cream, and fruit-filled desserts suitable for the weather. 

 

 

What are the other benefits of al fresco style dining?

Still on the fence about the al fresco style? Here are a few more reasons to consider it:

It’s relaxing and helps improve your mood. 

Dining in the open air improves your mood and helps you relax. After shopping or walking around the neighborhood for hours, stop by one of the patio restaurants nearby. Order a cup of tea or a salad plate, ask to be seated on a patio or rooftop terrace and enjoy the view. You will surely feel relaxed as you hang out and enjoy the al fresco-style dining. 

It’s less cramped than indoor dining.

Patios and terraces suited for al fresco dining are often less cramped than indoor restaurants. The tables and chairs are usually spread out to maximize the space. So if you prefer proper social distancing when dining out these days, al fresco dining is perfect for you.

The al fresco style is also conducive for intimate conversations or heart-to-heart talks, given the open space and distance between tables. It’s great for dates and catch-ups with friends.

Food tastes better when enjoyed outside.

We’ve said it: food tasted better when enjoyed outside. It’s all because of the atmosphere—from the open air & lush greenery to chill music and soft lighting. You will surely relish your laidback lunch with friends or dinner dates with your spouse. 

Final words 

Because of its outdoor setting and casual yet intimate atmosphere, al fresco dining is a good alternative to the traditional indoor dining experience. So as the warm season comes in, maximize your time outside by dining in one of the must-try patio restaurants in your area.


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. 

 

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. 

 

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 6 Reasons You Should Try Patio Dining

No matter how stunning the interior of a restaurant is, if it offers patio dining under the sky with greenery to keep you company, there’s hardly anything that can match up to it. 

If you haven’t tried the best patios in Toronto yet, this is the best time to go around the city and explore! And if you’re not sure why you should give patio dining a try, we are here to convince you. Because we don’t want you to miss out on this memorable experience! 

So without further ado, let’s dive into the top 6 reasons you should try patio dining in Toronto

Top 6 Reasons You Should Try Patio Dining in Toronto

 

1. Enjoying Nature 

Who doesn’t love to sit and enjoy their meal amid lush greenery? With patio dining, you get to spend some much-desired time in touch with nature, while also enjoying fantastic hospitality. 

Most patios these days are beautifully decorated with plants, flowers, etc. to create a welcoming atmosphere. If the weather is slightly chilly, you could also head to a place that offers heated patio seating. 

 

With patio dining, you get to spend some much-desired time in touch with nature, while also enjoying fantastic hospitality. 

 

2. Breaking the Monotony

You can eat at a regular restaurant all around the year, but the allure of patio dining is simply unmissable. When you’re dining outside the boundaries of four walls, you’re breaking free from the monotony of everyday life. 

Especially during the summer months, you should head to the patio restaurants in Toronto, and live your best life! Order your choice of cuisine, get some drinks, enjoy live music, and that’s it – fine dining at its finest!

 

Especially during the summer months, you should head to the patio restaurants in Toronto, and live your best life!

 

3. Spending Quality Time 

There’s no better place to spend quality time with your loved ones than at a patio dining restaurant. Whether you’re on a date, or you’re out and about with friends and family, patio dining allows you to spend quality time together, accompanied by food, drinks, and more. 

In short, the patio experience is an entire package – it connects you to your loved ones, and makes sure you have a gala time!

 

Blu Ristorante downtown Toronto | There's no better place to spend quality time with your loved ones than at a patio dining restaurant.

 

4. Relaxing Ambience

After spending the entire week at your workspace, your heart craves a soothing, relaxing ambiance. And you want to try out a place that takes away all your stress and worries. Well, good news – outdoor patio dining is just the solution you’re looking for. 

In most patio restaurants, you’ll be greeted with a warm, calm, yet happening ambiance – one that makes you feel good, instead of stealing away your peace of mind. So if you’re longing for some much-needed relaxing dining experience, it’s time to make a reservation at your favourite patio. 

 

 

5. Soaking in the Sunshine 

Summers don’t last forever in Toronto, so we’ve got to make the most of it while it’s still here! With patio dining, you’ll get to sit under the sun, soak in the goodness of vitamin D, and feel happy inside out. 

Sunlight boosts serotonin production in your brain, and as a result, your mood improves, and you feel more energetic and lively. And guess what, exposure to sun rays improves bone health, and also helps you sleep better. So instead of sitting in the usual indoor setup, why not step out and let your body enjoy the benefits of the sun? 

 

 

6. Perfect for Events 

Another reason why you should opt for patio dining is because it’s the perfect way to host an event. Be it your spouse’s birthday or your parents’ milestone anniversary, every celebration feels more special when you celebrate it in a beautiful patio setup. 

Delicious food, a beautiful environment, and lots of warmth – your guests will fondly remember the get-together for a long time. 

 

Enjoy the Best Patio Dining Toronto at Blu Ristorante 

If you’re in search of the best patio dining Toronto has to offer, Blu Ristorante is exactly what you need. 

Located in Yorkville, our USP is the gorgeous patio setup, the grand indoor seating area, and authentic Italian cuisine. Our special attraction is the semi-covered patio that keeps you warm and promises a happy time. 

At Blu Ristorante, you can enjoy intimate fine dining, with live music to soothe your senses. So be it for your next dinner date or a private event, don’t forget to get in touch with us. Make your reservation 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


FINE DINING AND LIVE MUSIC IN TORONTO

In the vibrant city of Toronto, there are many options to choose from where entertainment is concerned. Trendy bars, fine dining restaurants, and a lively music scene intersperse this city’s diverse and varying neighborhoods, offering a deluge of activities to satisfy even the most finicky fusspot. Yet locating a venue that offers both a fine dining experience and live entertainment seems harder to come by. However, Blu Ristorante in Yorkville is one of those rare gems that offers live entertainment in a fine dining Italian restaurant atmosphere.

Heated Patio Yorkville Toronto

Perhaps this is because it has become difficult to bridge the two together successfully, where many places have tried but failed. It seems one must either suffer mediocre cuisine with great music or the sound is too loud and inappropriate for guests to enjoy their dining experience. Having to shout at one another across the table hardly seems relaxing or worth the money spent, and the type of music being played must also not compete with the cuisine and ambiance of the restaurant.

The supper club trend of recent years seems to have lost its appeal, as it appeared to cater only to those that didn’t mind a dining room that would suddenly turn into a raging nightclub. Some hotels in Toronto do offer live entertainment however then you are stuck staying in the hotel, rather than getting out and exploring the city. Although challenging to find, a fine dining restaurant coupled with live entertainment is an added bonus to your night out and is well worth the search.

Yorkville Live MusicYorkville RestaurantYorkville Patio To

Blu Ristorante, a fine-dining Italian restaurant in Yorkville hits all the right notes. Known as one of Toronto’s most romantic restaurants, Blu is a rare gem. The softly lit ambiance of the dining room, along with exquisite modern Italian cuisine and a sophisticated wine list, provides the type of live entertainment that doesn’t compete, but rather enhances the entire dining experience. One can carry on a conversation while enjoying the talented musicians who understand the importance of guest satisfaction. Jazz classics, as well as contemporary compositions, are performed in each singer’s own unique style.

Yorkville Patio - TorontoYorkville Romantic RestaurantYorkville Patio - Toronto

What better way to impress your date than arrange for the musician to play their favorite song? Planning a group dinner can be stressful, but the added bonus of live music ensures that your guests will be both entertained and well-fed. Blu Ristorante in Yorkville caters to both intimate and group dining and does so with ease. This is one Toronto fine dining restaurant that successfully unites exceptional live music with superior modern Italian fare. Live music can also be enjoyed on Blu’s patio. Blu’s performers connect to Blu’s sound system so music is played throughout the restaurant on two levels and patio at an enjoyable volume.

Yorkville Restaurant - Toronto

Blu offers live music on Friday and Sunday nights. Guitar players/singers are dedicated to Fridays, while pianists/singers are dedicated to Sunday nights.

 

 


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