Romantic Patios in Toronto

[ceecee]

One of the things I love best of the summer are the warm summer eves, dining and drinking al fresco. However, I'm not so interested in sitting on a sidewalk, smelling and hearing the cars whizzing by, which seems to be the patio culture.

Are there any beautiful, romantic patios in the city? I imagine trees, candlelight or mini-tree lights, nice music, good company....

[tartiflette]

If all you're in the mood for is a coffee and something sweet, the patio at Tango Palace on Queen E is beyond charming. It's such a hidden gem that I had been going there for years before someone introduced me to the back patio. :)

[Lo D]

Great suggestions so far! La Pallette in Kensington Market (although it's very small it has a lovely lively atmosphere) and The Boulevard Cafe on Harbord are a couple more faves...

[redhead]

I think the patio at Provence, on Amelia Street in Cabbagetown is pretty romantic looking...I hear the food is very good too - I do plan to go this summer. I also used to love the patio in the trees at Pony - sadly, no more. How about the roof patio at Epicure Cafe on Queen Street? Is that still around?

[dlw88]

I used the really love the patio at Le Petit Liban. Can anyone update me as to what's occupying that space presently?

[peasontoast]

It's currently Fuzion. The last time I was there (a few weeks ago), they didn't have the back patio open yet, just the patio that faces Church. Apparently the back (which was lovely when it was Le Petit Liban) has to be licensed separately. *shrug*

[aser]

I can't say I can vouch for the food, but La Maquette does have a very nice patio. It's facing this little courtyard.

http://www.lamaquette.com/

[estufarian]

You're right. It is a great place. Comes with a waterfall as well. Food is competent rather than exciting, but the whole package matches or exceeds anything else in the area.
And they have piano or guitar most evenings too.

[skylineR33]

The restaurant itself is elegrant, but I think the spider web art thing is pretty ugly. I am sure lots of people love it though.

[ishmael]

Harbour 60 just opened a patio at the back of the building. Looks stunning. Haven't been yet so can't tell what the impact of traffic on Lakeshore or the Gardiner will be.
Furniture and tables look very elegant and I know for sure the food and service will be excellent as always.

[Finnegan]

errr....isn't arbour 60 wedged in between the Gardiner Expressway/Lakesore Blvd. an off ramp and about a zillion concrete parking lots? Not sure if it would fit my bill as romantic

[ishmael]

You're absolutely right but you should check it out. As I said it looks stunning and is well buffered from the surroundings with wrought iron and lots of folage.

[skylineR33]

Ultra patio is more of a hip type, it is not romantic at all IMO.
And you have to be careful ordering food at Ultra patio. Some dishes are just terrible.

[Finnegan]

Vertical at 100 King St.....nice play to go after work for some drinks...though can be a bit crowded

[OnDaGo]

But again a bunch of guys in suits downing drinks before the drive to 905 is not my idea of romantic..

[Rabbit]

For high-end, I second the Fifth (rooftop oasis), plaus Ultra (hipster vibe, but still sexy), Amuse Bouche (small and intimate with pashminas for when it gets cold), Proof at the Intercontinental Hotel on Bloor (California sexy), and the rooftop at the Hyatt (old-world charm and a gorgeous view).

More casual, Julie's Cuban has an intimate, neighbourhood-y feel, Drake Sky-yard can be fun but still sexy (or it can be crowded and annoying), and I like Le Select too.

Rab-bit!

[DUH CAR]

Julie's food is not great and the drinks are way over-priced. Been twice and will never go back.

[Splendid Wine Snob]

Fat Cat Wine Bar on Roncesvalles.

Lovely back patio, even lovelier food, and gracious service.

[ciaociao1]

Not sure it 100% fits the bill but I love the back patio at Biagio's Ristorante at King and Jarvis. The food is more high end but the patio is really lovely with a running fountain, tiny lit trees and surrounded by a gorgeous wrought iron fence. It faces a courtyard so the view is lovely.

[Finnegan]

The second floor rear patio at the Kensington Kitchen is pretty nice....private wooden deck set amonst the branches of mature trees.

[estragon]

Kensington Kitchen has a lovely patio, it's true. Too bad about the food. Overpriced, underflavoured. Blechh. Not to mention their numerous health code violations. Six DineSafe yellows -- including one issued just two days ago! -- and one red. Stay away!

[OnDaGo]

Carens on Cumberland has a secluded back patio that fits the bill...

[millygirl]

Hi ceecee, I almost hate to give this one up but have you been to Allen's on the Danforth? It is tucked away in the back and is exactly what you describe...trees, candlelight.
The food is pretty good too. It really is one of the nicest patios in TO aside from George which can be quite costly.

[GRobin]

Not sure I'd call Allen's romantic in the least. But hey perceptions vary. How about The Fifth, Gamelle, Messis?