Patio season is upon us. What better way to unwind than with some great food and drinks in the glorious weather. 2020 has been a trying year for most. Whether it’s work-from-home stress that’s got you down or lingering social distancing loneliness, everyone can use a little fun in the sun.
Related: Are Toronto wine bars turning into permanent bottle shops in the wake of COVID-19?
Thankfully, for those looking for the luxury experience, Toronto has some of the best patios around. The city has it all – breathtaking views, excellent cuisine, and ambience. Here are the best patios in Toronto for the summer of 2020. Get out and experience it!
Best patios in Toronto: Kōst – 80 Blue Jays Way, 44th Floor
High above the bustling streets of Toronto’s entertainment district is Kōst, a Californian restaurant inspired by the Baja Peninsula. The patio sits on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel. Visitors to Kōst can enjoy delicious seasonal menu options, refreshing drinks, and an infinity pool. Lounge and enjoy the sun along with a stunning view of the lakeshore and the iconic CN Tower.
Head over for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or somewhere in between. Diners at Kōst will be transported to the Californian coast with entrees like Fogo Island Cod or fresh oysters served with tomato basil mignonette. Refreshing cocktails and an impressive wine menu are also available, ensuring that visitors can practically feel the fresh sea air, sitting in the heart of downtown Toronto.
Image source: Instagram, @kosttoronto
Kōst is currently open and following all mandated social distancing rules. They have pledged to make safety their top priority. While some offerings and services may be unavailable during the pandemic, guests are encouraged to contact the restaurant for information regarding the changes.
Best patios in Toronto: Cabana Waterfront Patio – 11 Polson Street
Formerly Cabana Pool Bar, the newly redesigned Cabana Waterfront Patio is the perfect place for those missing the traditional bar and nightclub scene. With a question mark still out there as to when and if nightlife will reopen in Toronto, Cabana offers a nice medium for those seeking a luxurious day on the town. There is great food and drink, music, and fun, all while remaining safe and socially distanced. When talking about the best patios in Toronto, Cabana ranks right up there.
The 50,000-square-foot restaurant offers its patrons a luxury outdoor bar and lounge surrounding a large pool and private cabanas. There are skilled DJs, and food catered by Oliver and Bonacini. With mains like baby back ribs and vegan and gluten-friendly options like barbacoa cauliflower, there’s something for everyone.
Cabana also offers daily specials like “Get Shucked Up Thursdays,” serving freshly shucked oysters and half price bottles of Prosecco and select wines. That happens every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cabana acknowledges that times have changed in recent months. They have pledged to change with them. Guests will notice extra sanitation and cleanliness from staff, as well as a limited number of seated diners and extra space between tables.
The Rooftop – 106 Broadview Avenue
Atop the iconic Broadview Hotel, visitors to this rooftop bar will be greeted by an airy terrace, 360 degree glass facade, and great food and service. With a view from the 7th floor, guests can admire the Toronto skyline and nearby Don River.
Diners of all ages will be stunned by The Rooftop’s excellent ambience and menu. Using locally sourced, Ontario produce, this restaurant is offering up eclectic and delicious “snacks and sips.” Whether guests order margarita watermelon bites, a delicious bao, or a sharable plate of ceviche shooters, they’re sure to be craving more.
Stunning drink selections, like punch rum on tap or a cucumber mint gin smash, paired with The Rooftop’s scenery, also make for a great social media post.
With the slogan “Be safe, be social, be at The Broadview Hotel,” The Rooftop assures its diners that safety and enjoyment are paramount.
Bymark – 66 Wellington Street West
For those looking for a mouth-watering luxury experience, Bymark should be top of the list. Inside the atrium of the financial district’s TD Towers, Bymark boasts a large, contemporary patio and an ambitious menu. It’s truly one of the best patios in Toronto.
With Executive Chef Brooke McDougall at the culinary helm, diners can expect deliciousness from this award-winning restaurant. Perhaps that’s by way of the butter-braised lobster poutine or infamous Bymark burger. It’s a hefty price tag, however Bymark offers a culinary experience worthy of the cost.
For the safety of guests, Bymark is utilizing only half its normal capacity to allow for social distancing. Also, there are table restrictions of up to six guests.
Kasa Moto – 115 Yorkville Avenue
For those craving sophisticated Japanese cuisine, consider Kasa Moto. This two-storey restaurant offers a sushi lounge and upscale rooftop terrace to complement its delicious cuisine.
Be it the à la carte scallop ceviche, lobster caesar salad, or Wagyu beef, Kasa Moto does everything from hot and cold plates, rice and noodles, to sushi and whole grilled fish and steaks.
Diners can enjoy fresh, exquisite fare of all kinds while taking in the restaurant’s view in the bustling heart of Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood.
Kasa Moto’s patio has only recently reopened, so patrons are encouraged to make reservations before visiting.
TOP IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
Sarah Do Couto is a Toronto-based writer interested in people, art, and internet culture. She is the former chief copy editor at the Ryerson Review of Journalism and the former editor-in-chief of Her Campus Ryerson.
