Toronto's trendiest patios on King West

This happening stretch of King Street is filled with pubs and clubs that attract crowds of revellers, especially during the warm summer months. Whether you’re looking for a laid back eatery or a buzz-worthy nightclub, check out these trendy King West hotspots where you can eat and drink outdoors (weather permitting of course). [Image credit: iStock.com/Martin Dimitrov]

Fring's

1
455 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4

When Drake and Susur Lee teamed up on this King West resto-lounge in 2015, it set Canada’s food headlines ablazing. And with its lush private patio (it’s covered in bamboo and hanging plants), it’s a no-brainer if you’re looking for a King West spot with lots of buzz. On the menu, you’ll find pulled beef tacos, burgs, whole seared branzino and, of course, a little fried chicken. And if you’re thirsty, be sure to have a look at the list of refreshing cocktails, which range from tequila negronis to raspberry mojitos.

Lavelle

2
627 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5

Maybe the most buzzworthy addition to King West in summer 2016, this rooftop bar and patio is complete with not one, not two, but three swimming pools. You’ll need a membership to access Lavelle, so plan ahead, but it’s sure to be swarming with glitterati while they’re in town. Whether you’re in for a quick cool-down, an afternoon cocktail (may we suggest the Adelita – made with tromba, hibiscus, grapefruit and sea salt) or some very intriguing people-watching, be sure to soak in the epic view of Toronto’s cityscape – it’s one of the best in town.

FIGO

3
295 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 0L4

Figo is one of downtown Toronto’s most noteworthy restaurant openings of 2016 – and with a modern Italian menu stocked with the likes of wild boar bucatini and compressed peaches with burrata, it definitely holds up to its reputation. The mid-sized patio seats just south of 100, so you’ll likely score a spot to sit and sip on some summer rosé while watching the passersby. If you’re getting a wee bit warm in the outdoors, note that Figo’s sprawling interior – bathed in white marble and sleek architectural lighting – would probably sweep the Instagram Oscars, if they existed.

The Addisons Residence

4
456 Wellington Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3

When you find yourself in downtown Toronto in desperate need of some lawn bowling (so, often), head to The Addison’s Residence. The Wellington Street cocktail bar is at once a trendy watering hole for locals and an upscale games bar. And the patio, while totally game-ready with ping pong tables, AstroTurf and lawn bowling games, also hosts an inspired all-white seating area, plenty of greenery and fairy lights overhead – they like to call it Addison’s Backyard.

Montecito

5
299 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1P7

Lit is a serious understatement when trying to describe the weekend patio vibes at this revered cocktail bar in downtown Toronto. Looking out onto Adelaide Street, the Montecito patio is stocked with tropical plants and intimate twosome tables. It’s also one of the city’s top spots for craft cocktails and people watching. We’re particularly partial to the La Muse Verte absinthe, served over a classic absinthe ice tower, but you can also score buck-a-shuck oysters and half-priced champagne on Friday nights from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Salut!

Lee Restaurant

6
601 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1M5

Food doesn’t come cheap at this famed Asian restaurant from celebrity chef Susur Lee, but you’re guaranteed a blissful gastronomical journey when your order arrives. Combine that with the soft breeze of a summer evening and a stunning view down the King Street corridor as the sun sets, and you’re doing pretty well.

Brassaii

7
461 King W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4

You’ll find two patios at this King West nightlife destination; the front sidewalk patio has a see-and-be-seen vibe thanks to its well-heeled clientele while the courtyard patio on the side of the building hosts a more relaxed feel. The Old World cobblestones, ambient lighting and mixed brick and wood give both outdoor spaces a cool vibe that’s worth experiencing. The restaurant serves up a sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired menu and you can expect late-night dancing after the sun goes down.

Our talented brewmasters are among the most beloved makers in the city, having carved out Toronto’s status as a destination for award-winning craft beer. Although the culture is home-grown and goes way back, post 2011, a slew of new spots have popped up across the city. Here are the stories behind both our famed microbreweries and innovative newcomers on the scene. [Photo credit: Celine Kim]
From second-storey terraces to canopy-covered courtyards, 2016 has been a good year for Toronto’s patio game. We’ve got the goods on the brand-new brewery on Roncesvalles and the Lakeshore’s most recent party-worthy spot. East to west, these resto-bar newcomers have created inspired outdoor spaces so you can start patio season off right. [Image credit: iStock.com/Sean Pavone] 
On Sunday May 1st 2016, the Artscape Wychwood Barns hosts TO’s largest festival for gluten-free foodies. With workshops led by gluten-free experts and over 65 food vendors to sample from, this event is a must-attend for wheat-sensitive Torontonians. From cupcakes to malt beer and cider tastings, the Gluten Free Garage is where to snack up and stock up this weekend. [Photo by Franco Deleo; courtesy of the Gluten Free Garage]
Close menu