Dining outside in Toronto

People often ask me where to dine in Toronto. Normally my response is let me check with my sister because I haven’t lived in Toronto for 20 years but now my answer is different given that I’m backkkkk baby. Of course the restaurants are not the same given there is no indoor dining but I’ve always loved dining outside and it’s been quite the experience bundling up on the colder days. Here are the restaurants I’ve really enjoyed eating at while living in Toronto through Covid…

The Chase Rooftop: One night we had dinner plans with friends. One of them called me a few hours before dinner and said - are we really going? I was like huh? Of course we are.
But it’s going to be cold.
So what? Buck up and put long johns on.
Which I did.
This restaurant had the BEST rooftop! You’re in Corporate-ville but I like it. Makes me feel like I’m in New York. The heaters were pumping and it was so comfortable (was about 6 degrees celcius outside) and we loaded up on cocktails to keep warm. The cocktails were delicious and the food - oh the food! It was so fresh and yum. Loved every bite. High recommend this place.

Fet Zun: For a group dinner with friends a little while ago *currently in a phase in toronto where you cannot dine out with more than 4 people* we went to this restaurant and from the second I walked in I was in a daze….what a well set up outdoor spot. Wow wow wow. Tents, bulb lights, touch-less ordering, clear covid rules, fire burning bbq’s all around (!!) was a pleasure to dine out and feel safe, warm and attended to. We felt like we were at a winter camp!
As far as the food goes - it was outstanding. The owner, Anthony Rose, a doll who came over to chat with us several times, a Jewish boy who loves camp, just crushed it with the menu. I agree with Taste of Toronto when they refer to his menu as Jewish meets Middle Eastern. The food was all so tasty.

Caren’s: French Bistro that serves fondue! They have a patio with heaters and they spill onto the street for additional seating. The service is wonderful and the food was delicious!

Barque: An old friend of mine from growing up, opened this smokehouse BBQ restaurant years ago and it’s always been one of my faves. The ribs, wings and brisket are out of this world. He’s got a small, covered and heated patio that is a total delight to enjoy a meal on. Get the Caesar to drink and ENJOY!

The Butcher Chef: This was a restaurant that I found for Adam’s birthday celebration in October. They are all the way downtown and have a heated and covered patio. It was super comfortable dining outside in the cold and their menu was really fabulous. Every kind of steak imaginable, a great wine and liquor selection and our meal was absolutely delicious. Enjoyed every bite.

Rushton: This has always been one of my fave spots. Super loaded menu with so much to choose from, great sharing plates and the food is really yummy. I also love the scene and find it’s always bopping at this place which now has a great patio that is covered and warm.

Dynasty Dim Sum: A LONG TIME favorite of mine. Located in the heart of Yorkville surrounded by some of my favorite shops and my favorite hotel, the Toronto Four Seasons, this Dim Sum restaurant is easy and has a great patio overlooking Yorkville Avenue. They recently put plastic up to keep in the warmth…not sure how I feel about that but I’ve still been going with my sister every Tuesday while in Toronto for our weekly Dim Sum lunches.

Kwan: ALSO great dim sum however it’s take out only. Great for us because we live near by. I think it’s safe to say…we order in from this place a bit too often.

Terroni: With several locations around the city, this restaurant is known for their pasta and pizzas which are generously sized and always tasty. The location I frequent the most is on Price Street around Yonge and St. Clair. They have two patios, one on the street and one on the roof. On the roof you overlook the city but there is not a ton of coverage so you’ll want a day with no rain to sit up there and dress warm because not every table has a heater near by.

Familia: My friend told me about this restaurant and she did not disappoint. They have a large patio, serve rich, comfort type Italian food and have a lovely wine list.

Aviv: I tried this restaurant for lunch with my girlfriends. I kicked lunch off with a Mimosa and ordered the Shakshuka. It was delicious and the service was wonderful.

The Esplanade: I often shop at St. Lawrence Market for fresh groceries like meat, cheeses and fish. I never leave without a peameal bacon sandwich which I gobble up the second I sit back down in my car. In the area, I noticed that there are a slew of restaurants with outdoor seating and a buzzy vibe:
The Spaghetti factory: A classic old restaurant, great for kids.
The Keg: A chain steak house that is always easy and fun.
Scotland Yard & Bier Markt: Never been to either but both looked very cool when I last walked by.

For those who are not going out, don’t want to go out or just enjoy their favorite restaurants at home, take a look at this place: Toronto Market Company. Very interesting farmer’s market type orders, restaurants that you can order fully catered meals from and more.

I’m going to keep adding to this list while in Toronto but if you try a new spot or hear of something great, please let me know so I can check it out!