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Best Of Toronto -
Editors Picks
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By: Nancy Won
It's summer in the city and patio season is out in full force! And whether it's pizza in Little Italy, a beer on the Danforth or a romantic garden terrace on a quiet street, you'll find your perfect patio on our list of top 10 spots to dine al fresco.
 The Black Bull
298 Queen Street West
(416) 593-2766
With over 200 seats overseeing the constant parade of hipsters, skaters, Goth-types and the occasional MuchMusic VJ, this former biker bar boasts the biggest and busiest patio on the Queen Street strip. Packed from corner to corner from noon through happy hour up to late night drinks, be prepared to line up for your spot in the sun.
Red Tea Box
696 Queen Street West
(416) 203-8882
http://www.yummybaguette.com
One of the few treasured places where really good food meets a lovely patio, this decadent cake shop features a peaceful back patio and coachhouse where weekend brunch-goers feast on mouth-watering Asian-inspired sandwiches, salads and bento boxes. There are no reservations, but the cakes and teas alone are worth the wait.
 Cafe Diplomatico
594 College Street
(416) 534-4637
http://www.diplomatico.ca
There's no better view of the vibrant College Street scene than from the expansive patio at The Dip, conveniently located at the busiest intersection in Little Italy. Celebrating 40 years on the corner of College and Clinton, this old-school trattoria features classic Italian comfort food, as in hot pizzas, steamed mussels, grilled sandwiches and a killer espresso.
 Future Bakery
483 Bloor Street West
(416) 922-5875
http://www.futurebakery.com
A veritable Annex institution, this friendly local fave serves up everything from breakfast and chicken fingers to cabbage rolls and all-you-can-eat perogies (on Wednesdays)...not to mention the main draws of coffee, beer and cake into the wee hours. Regular street entertainment is a bonus, including an accordion player who somehow manages to make Bloor Street twinkle a la Rive Gauche.
 Wheat Sheaf
667 King Street West
(416) 504-9912
For a taste of Hogtown history on the otherwise trendy King West strip, pull up a chair at Toronto’s oldest bar, Wheat Sheaf, which opened back in 1849. Happy hour on the patio provides plenty of people watching opportunities as local condo dwellers return to their lofty abodes, or grab a late night drink to observe nouveau-riche yuppies out on the town.
 Sky Yard at the Drake
1150 Queen Street West
(416) 531-5042 ext 244
http://www.thedrakehotel.ca
The sunny curbside patio at the Drake Café is a hotbed of Queen West canoodling, but the hipster hotel's rooftop abode definitely takes the cake for VIP patio action. This breezy, island-inspired hideaway boasts brightly hued daybeds, delicious food and laid-back Caribbean tunes that encourage lingering, much to the chagrin of those waiting in line.
Allen’s
143 Danforth, at Broadview
(416) 463-3086
http://www.allens.to
Next time you're in Greektown and looking for a more laid back patio experience, skip the souvlaki and head over to Allen’s for a good old-fashioned burger (one of the best in the city) and a pint of beer on the private back patio. If you're in the mood for a little people watching, there are a couple precious few tables out front.
 Prego Della Piazza
150 Bloor Street West
(416) 920-9900
http://www.pregodellapiazza.ca
For upscale patio dining just off of Toronto's tony Bloor Street strip, this sophisticated Italian boite features a charming (and not to mention posh) patio looking onto Yorkville where one can oogle fashionable femmes as they shop, spa and socialize.
Ci Vediamo
1910 Queen Street East
(416) 694-5966
The most popular patio in the Beach, this covered terrace may not be right on the water but it offers people watching at it's best thanks to the surrounding shops, fountains and outdoor entertainment that the Beach is known for. Feast on homey spaghetti and meatballs or classic grilled Italian sandwiches at inexpensive prices.
 Boulevard Café
161 Harbord Street
(416) 961-7676
One of the more romantic patios on Harbord's booming restaurant row, the candlelit garden terrace is the obvious gem of this popular Peruvian hot spot. Enjoy outstanding grilled seafood, anticuchos (meat skewers) and hot tamales as they were meant to be... al fresco.
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