Patio season in Toronto: CafeTO, rooftops and how to get a seat

After a long winter, Torontonians take patio season very seriously. As soon as the weather warms, sidewalks, backyards, rooftops and even parking lanes fill with tables, and on the first truly warm weekend of the year it can feel as if the whole city is outside with a drink. Here is how to make the most of it.

When is patio season in Toronto?

Roughly from May to October, with the busiest months being June, July and August. The Victoria Day long weekend in late May is the unofficial start. Many patios have heaters to stretch the season into spring and fall, and a warm September evening can be the best patio night of the year.

What is CafeTO?

CafeTO is the City of Toronto's program that lets restaurants and bars set up patios in the curb lane, the parking lane next to the sidewalk, during the warmer months. It began during the pandemic and has continued in a revised form. Curb lane patios typically open around the Victoria Day weekend and stay until mid-October, though details change from year to year. They have added hundreds of outdoor seats across neighbourhoods such as Little Italy, the Danforth, Leslieville and Roncesvalles.

Where are the best patio neighbourhoods in Toronto?

Neighbourhood	What it is like
King Street West	Big, busy patios and rooftops downtown
Little Italy (College Street)	Lively street patios, busy late
The Danforth	Greek tavernas with long patios
Ossington and Queen West	Backyard patios and stylish terraces
The Distillery District	Cobblestone patios in a pedestrian district
Yorkville	People-watching patios
Leslieville and Roncesvalles	Neighbourhood patios for brunch and dinner
The waterfront	Lake views from Harbourfront and the islands

How do you get a patio table on a sunny day?

1. Arrive early. On warm Friday afternoons, patios fill by 5 p.m.
2. Go on a weekday if you can.
3. Ask whether patio tables can be reserved. Many are first-come, first-served.
4. Be flexible and walk the street until you find a seat.
5. Try a backyard or rooftop patio, which visitors often miss.
6. Go for lunch, when patios are easier to get.

Can you drink on a patio in Toronto?

Yes, on licensed restaurant and bar patios. The legal drinking age in Ontario is 19. Patio service hours can be shorter than inside in some locations. Toronto has also run a program allowing alcohol consumption in some designated parks; check the city's current rules before drinking outside a licensed patio.

Are dogs allowed on Toronto patios?

Some restaurants welcome dogs on their patios, sometimes with water bowls, while others do not. Ask before you sit down, and keep your dog leashed and out of walkways.

What should you bring for a Toronto patio?

Sunscreen and sunglasses in summer, and a layer for spring and fall evenings, when it cools quickly. Summer can be hot and humid, and thunderstorms arrive fast, so keep an eye on the sky.

Are patios more expensive in Toronto?

Usually not; prices are the same as indoors at most restaurants, though rooftop and waterfront venues may charge more for the view. Ontario adds the 13 percent HST to your bill. Tip 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax amount at table service.

Where are the best waterfront patios in Toronto?

Harbourfront, along Queens Quay, has restaurants and bars with patios facing the lake, and the Toronto Islands, a short ferry ride away, have places to eat and drink with views back to the skyline. Waterfront patios are especially popular on summer weekends and at sunset, so arrive early. Ferry lines to the islands can be long on hot days, so plan extra time.

What is the best time for a Toronto patio?

Late afternoon into the evening, especially on weekends, when long summer evenings stretch until well after 9 p.m. Lunchtime patios are easier to get and pleasant on hot days.

What should you know about patios on the Toronto Islands?

The Toronto Islands, a short ferry ride from the foot of Bay Street, are one of the city's favourite summer escapes, and a meal or drink with the skyline across the water is worth the trip.

• Ferry lines can be long on hot weekends, so go early or on a weekday.
• Food options on the islands are limited, so many people bring a picnic.
• Check what is open, since island restaurants and cafés can be seasonal.
• Plan your return, as the last ferries fill up on busy evenings.

Check the City's ferry schedule and island rules before you go.

Can you picnic instead?

Yes. Trinity Bellwoods, High Park, the Toronto Islands, Christie Pitts and the waterfront parks are popular picnic spots. Pick up food from a nearby market or bakery and bring a blanket.

On Mosey you can rate the patios you sat on and the dishes you ordered, with photos, and keep a list of patios for the next warm weekend. Following friends lets you see which patios they actually rated, not just which ones look good from the street.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• The peameal bacon sandwich: Toronto's signature dish explained
• Pre-theatre dinner in Toronto: how to eat well and make the curtain

More in the Canadian food guides and the ranked lists of places.