With Foodie Culture all the rave, what better way to enjoy Toronto's brimming food scene on a fabulous day or balmy summer night than dining al fresco on one of the city's cozy patios.
Once known as the city that doubles for New York on movie sets, Toronto has since evolved into one of the most ethnically diverse, sophisticated cities in the world. It is pulsating with life and brimming with lively neighbourhoods, fashion, festivals, arts scene, and hip restaurants.
What
better way to enjoy those rare summer days than going on a culinary adventure exploring
Toronto’s best outdoor tables. From spaghetti alla chitarra with fresh seafood to gourmet burgers
served with blue cheese and red onion balsamic reduction, Toronto’s food scene
is ever
evolving like Canadians themselves.
Exploring
your own city can be the perfect remedy when you’re in need of a quick break,
so if you’re not familiar with Toronto you should become acquainted. You’d be surprised by what you find!
Whether
you’re looking for scenic views or like people-watching, here are some fabulous
restaurants to enjoy dining alfresco with good friends and a great glass of the
season’s finest wines and spirits.
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| The Harbord Room - Toronto |
BRASSAII
CAFÉ RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE
A sophisticated destination nestled amidst a romantic cobblestone
palazzo courtyard and charming outdoor patio, Brassaii Café Restaurant and
Lounge is the perfect place to celebrate the summer with food and drink. And if
drinks get you in the mood for dancing, Brassaii’s dance floor will happily
oblige.
DIMMI BAR & TRATTORIA
This famed Yorkville establishment has been serving up a fusion of old
world Italian dishes with a modern twist to celebrities and food connoisseurs
alike. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a great meal while people watching and
lucky for us, they just opened up their new location in Woodbridge!
GRAZIE RISTORANTE
With two locations to serve you better, the partners of Grazie have created
a relaxed and simple environment influenced by the Rustic qualities of southern
Italy’s small villages. Their gorgeous sun filled patios are the perfect place
to relax and enjoy a great meal!
GUSTO 101
Can’t afford a trip to Tuscany this summer, don’t fret. Toronto’s Gusto
101 has a state-of-the-art European kitchen equipped with a Tuscan wood-fired
grill and wine on tap. If you’re lucky you’ll snag a table on the upstairs
patio to enjoy classic Italian cooking while enjoying the action on the street
and patio below.
PLAYA CABANA
Not many restaurants can claim to have such a live and happening patio
that local residents had to complain, but Playa Cabana can! This fun Mexican
cantina located in Toronto’s Annex is committed to using the freshest
ingredients and creates dishes that are just as memorable as your time there,
so much so, that when Jake Gyllenhaal was in town he turned this place into the
hottest table in town.
THE BURGER CELLAR AND WINE BAR
Nestled in the tiny enclave of Lawrence Park, Toronto you’ll find The Burger Cellar and Wine Bar. This comfortable yet upscale
restaurant offers excellent food prepared from scratch with great wine to
match. It is without a doubt the place to enjoy the best burger in town!
THE HARBORD ROOM
With its cozy garden patio, The Harbord Room captures the essence of
what a great neighborhood restaurant should be. The restaurant’s Canadian seasonally
inspired dishes are a nice homage to our culture with emphasis on freshness.
The patio’s quaint and lovely ambiance is great for enjoying long summer days. Look for this article in the current issue of Whatever Vaughan Magazine.