Sipping on a cocktail is that much more enjoyable with the sun or your shoulders and the breeze in your hair and with the temperatures on the rise, outdoor dining beckons. OpenTable is inviting Torontonians to step out and dine al fresco with the help of their list of Canada’s 100 Most Popular Outdoor Dining Restaurants.
Here are the 14 Toronto restaurants that made the list.
Allen’s
Since 1987, this East Toronto bar and restaurant, steps from Broadview station, has served up whiskey, beer, wine and food to both locals and those in the neighbourhood for a show at the adjacent Danforth Music Hall. The menu focuses on naturally-raised organic meats and Ontario produce, and is more ambitious than your regular pub fare, with calf liver, lamb shank and a selection of curries alongside the pub standards like burgers and fish and chips. The bar features a wide selection of whiskies, and over 100 wines and 140 kinds of beer. In better weather, the tree-filled backyard patio features a dedicated chef cooking your meal over charcoal, and a local-specialty based menu that changes daily.
Amsterdam Brewhouse & Restaurant
Home of the largest waterfront craft brewery, restaurant and retail store, the 14,00 square foot space is situated on the Toronto Harbourfront with four large patios and landscape views of the Toronto Islands.
Diwan at The Aga Khan Museum
Step into Diwan at the Aga Khan Museum for a culinary journey that’s as adventurous as it is delicious. Chef McEwan’s innovative twists on Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cuisine will tantalize your taste buds like never before. And as you dine amidst the museum’s stunning hand-carved and painted works from the Damascus Room, you’ll find yourself immersed in a cultural and culinary experience that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
El Catrin
Both inside and out, this modern cantina — which used to be The Boiler House — is decked out with eye-tantalizing details, many of which have been imported straight from Mexico. The 5,000-square-foot patio is decked out with vibrant colours (yellows, fucsias, aquas) and is anchored with an open fire pit that roars both day and night. Custom metal screens inspired by Mexican paper art depict dancing skeletons, while mammoth laser-cut lampshades hang overhead. There’s also a fully equipped outdoor bar that ensures your tequila-based cocktail arrives faster than you can say “¡viva México!” (There are a total of 120 tequilas and mescals on offer.)
Hemingway’s
Over in Yorkville, pop by for some New Zealand-inspired pub fare and brews at Hemingway’s. Operating for more than 40 years, Hemingway’s Restaurant and Bar is home to one of Toronto’s most popular rooftop patios. The heated and covered area lets diners enjoy the fresh air all year round. Their newly-expanded rooftop patio has lots of space for walk-ins, and it’s open until 2 a.m. every night.
HOTHOUSE
Located in the historic St. Lawrence neighborhood, HOTHOUSE is situated amongst many of the city’s iconic landmarks and entertainment hotspots with a stunning courtyard that seats more than 150 guest.
KŌST
On the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, you’ll find panoramic views of Toronto, along with some of the best Californian/Mexican cuisine outside of Baja state. With palms and plants scattered around the room and a 360-degree view of the city below, Kost feels almost out of place here. But with the coastal-inspired menu and the island beats playing in the background, you might just feel like you’re on vacation.
La Vecchia
La Vecchia combines the authentic flavours of Old World Italy with New World sensibilities and has won numerous awards and accolades over its 25 years in Toronto. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, La Vecchia’s menu features Italian staples, like pizza and pasta, as well as seafood dishes and a variety of sides.
Miller Tavern
In a location that opened as the York Mills Hotel in 1857, the Miller Tavern was originally designed as a roadhouse for travellers looking for a beer and a place to rest their horses. Now, it offers casual fine dining, featuring an oyster lounge and one of the city’s largest outdoor patios, as well as a glass-enclosed heated veranda open year-round. It also features numerous TVs to catch the Leafs or Raptors game.
Mira Mira Diner
The interior is a fun, bright affair reminiscent of an old-timey diner or soda fountain but with a bit more style. There are high ceilings with swirling ceiling fangs, and light wood finishes including a half-dozen gleaming stools lining a countertop that will are always filled with hungry Beachers. The Beach outlet is at the corner of Queen Street East and Kenilworth Avenue at the former location of a series of now-defunct eateries. It includes a large patio space on the west side along Kenilworth.
Nodo – Liberty
Nodo offers casual Italian with a menu featuring a wide range of classic and regional dishes prepared by traditional standards, alongside new and creative interpretations. The menu focuses primarily on pizza and pasta but also includes appetizers, salads and desserts, all house made from scratch. Nodo also serves beers, wines and cocktails as well as grappa and amaro.
Parallel
Parallel is a Middle Eastern eatery located on the industrial Geary Avenue, which has emerged as somewhat of a destination restaurant row in what is otherwise an industrial strip. The restaurant comes from the same family behind Ozery Bakery, famed for their Morning Rounds and Lavash products that can be found at your local grocers.
Parcheggio
Toronto Beach Club
Toronto Beach Club is an alluring restaurant from Scale Hospitality, the group behind venues like Shook, Lapinou and Byblos. Set on Woodbine Beach with views of Lake Ontario, the restaurant aims to evoke the vibe of a European coastal getaway with its airy decor and Mediterranean-influenced menu.
For OpenTable’s full list click here.
Jeremy Diamond is a lawyer and member of both Ontario and Florida Bars. Jeremy practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation. Click here to learn more about 
