To find summertime sophistication, one need look no further than Toronto’s sexiest upscale patios. These decks of distinction are where we seek chic respite from all things common – common-folk, common cocktails, common cuisine. Top up your accounts and get ready to go all baller on these terrific terraces…
d|bar
Sipping a summertime cocktail while basking in the beauty of Yorkville on d|bar’s patio will make you feel as though a paparazzi storm might ensue. Don’t fret though… you’re not actually famous or important – you’ve just got the 411 on one of the best upscale patios in Toronto. #SummerSelfie that shiz, folks.
Bymark
With the news that Top Chef Canada won’t be returning for a fifth season, we’re guessing that Mark McEwan sightings at Bymark will likely triple in the coming weeks. Not that a quasi-celebrity sighting is the reason we love Bymark’s patio, though. No, no. Simply put, it’s the sexy suits and skirts we get to schmooze that’ll keep us gingerly sucking back libations while chilling out at this Financial District terrace.
Drake One Fifty
Last year, those suffering from Gnomophobia (it’s a thing) had to skip sidling up to a seat on Drake One Fifty’s patio – but we’ve been told all the fluorescent orange dudes have been taken by way of five-finger-discount. Thus, gnomophobics can now enjoy their overpriced by-the-glass wines without needing a trip to the psychiatrist the next day.
Momofuku Daisho
The food is obviously amazing here, so that’s one criterion settled. Great drinks? Covered on that level, too. Anything else to consider? Probably just that you’ll feel ever-so cosmopolitan as you sip and savour on Momofuku Daisho’s patio while Toronto’s humid air dirties up your pores. Ah… summer.
Patria
It’s the most enclosed patio on this list, and likely the most exclusive. Not necessarily because it’s so happening – more-so because it’s just plain tiny. But, Patria’s patio is charming thanks to a surrounded space tucked off to the side of the restaurant’s entrance, and the candlelight at night is 100 per cent chick flick-worthy.
Vertical
It’s interesting how close to ground level this Financial District patio is given the claim of inclination by its moniker. But let’s not get bogged down in semantics; we’d much rather get bogged down in booze. Of which, Vertical has an ample selection – especially of vino. What could be better than enjoying some summer sun while sipping on your third chardonnay of the day? How about landing a trader to make you a trophy spouse?! Totally possible if you harass enough of the clientele on Vertical’s patio.
Brassaii
The darling of the King West scene, Brassaii’s upscale patio is where trust fund babies congregate to share horror stories of other trust fund babies wearing last season’s Pucci dresses (like, how dare they?!) and scuffed-up Louboutins (and daddy won’t buy a new pair!). Or maybe that’s just on Friday nights. In any case, we still love the cocktails (and the fact that Brassaii has some special mocktails for our non-drinking friends), and Executive Chef Marcus Monteiro’s new summer menu sounds too good to pass up (Moroccan-glazed crispy ribs and duck two ways, hello!).
The Roof Lounge at Park Hyatt Toronto
It may be small, but The Roof Lounge’s patio offers one of the most stunning views of Toronto’s skyline. We love the Old Money-meets-Real Housewives of Yorkville vibe that only the Park Hyatt can muster. Bonus? Grolsch swing-tops are totes on-menu.
The Beverley Hotel
When tourists meandering at a snail’s pace along the Queen West corridor become too much to bear, beeline it to The Beverley Hotel’s small yet stunning rooftop patio for some much-needed R&R. Where else in the city can you order up a butternut and fig salad while sticking it to the out-of-towners’ use of our sidewalks? Ironically, this undeserved sense of self importance comes at you from the very spot said tourists are sleeping. Dear Alanis, wanna sing ’bout it?
e11even
So e11even might be unnecessarily expensive for an average dinner out, but a seat on its patio is worthy of almost every penny… er… nickel spent. Skilled servers, a robust wine list, and prized portions abound at e11even. If only we could find a sugar daddy to take us here nightly…
Don’t forget to check out Toronto’s Best Patios: The Ones to Watch the World Cup + Toronto’s Best Patios: The Ones in the Back + Toronto’s Best Patios: The Ones for People Watching + Toronto’s Best Patios: The Ones on Rooftops + Toronto’s Best Patios: The Ones with Dirt Cheap Food and Drink!
What are some of your favourite upscale patios? Comment below or tweet us @ViewTheVibe.
