Amelie CameronDining inside a restaurant is lovely, but sometimes, I just want to feel the fresh air caressing my face. That’s why I dine on the patio of a restaurant whenever possible.
Fortunately, the neighbourhood of Parkdale has countless restaurants with patio settings. Some of these patios are simple and near the road, but there are others tucked all the way at the back, giving you a more intimate and romantic atmosphere.
If you’re a patio enthusiast like I am, then you need to check out these restaurants in the area!
Skyline Restaurant
– From: theskylinerestaurant
Address: 1426 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday—11 am to 10 pm
- Tuesday to Friday—11 am to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—10:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—10:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165363682
Skyline Restaurant is the kind of restaurant that makes you feel comfortable coming in only wearing your pajamas. Its street patio is relaxing despite the fact that you can hear the traffic.
My favourite thing to order is the Skyline Special Clubhouse. This sandwich has a whopping three decks! The filling is made of shredded turkey, bacon strips, lettuce, and more, so it’s salty and savoury.
| Pro Tip: The patio is dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friend. |
The Rhino Bar + Grill
– From: rhinobartoronto
Address: 1249 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—12 pm to 12:30 am
- Thursday—12 pm to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165358089
The Rhino Bar + Grill is a neighbourhood staple. It’s where locals come to enjoy a pint (or two) of beer and several rounds of comfort dishes after work. This trendy bar even has a spacious patio setting with a “beer garden” atmosphere.
I usually come here for brunch, and my go-to order is the Hungry Rhino. It’s like their own version of an English-style breakfast. It has eggs (I prefer it scrambled), slices of bacon, pork sausages, and toast. It’s a very filling and satisfying meal!
| Pro Tip: Every Monday, this bar hosts trivia nights. Feel free to participate, and you might actually win something! |
Kaminari Ramen Bar
– From: kaminari_ramen_bar
Address: 1330 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—6 pm to 11:30 pm
- Friday—5 pm to 2 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 2 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14377348534
If you’re looking for a restaurant serving late-night treats, then you might like Kaminari Ramen Bar. This spot also has a backyard patio that’s quiet and decorated with fairy lights and potted plants, so you can enjoy your food in peace.
I recommend the Tokyo Shio. This ramen bowl has a clear chicken broth that’s oozing with umami goodness, and it’s topped with pork and chicken pieces, clams, green onions, and bamboo shoots. Every sip feels like a warm hug, which is exactly what I need when I’m eating out at 1 am!
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning to dine with a group, book a reservation ahead of time. If your group has more than eight people, contact the restaurant via phone to ask for availability. |
Tsampa Cafe
– From: tsampa_tibetan_restaurant
Address: 1528 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165351440
Tibetan cuisine is so underrated in Toronto, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when I found Tsampa Cafe. This restaurant also has a patio with picnic benches and plants as decorations, so it feels like you’re enjoying a picnic!
Momos (Tibetan-style dumplings) are the highlight here, so you can’t go wrong with choosing any of them. I love the beef fried momo. The dumplings are served with beef bone soup, so they’re rich and savoury. If you want a kick of heat, dump a spoonful of spicy sauce onto the dumplings!
| Pro Tip: I recommend coming here via public transportation because there’s no dedicated parking spot. If you do drive, your best option for parking is the paid street parking, but this can get fully booked in no time. |
The MoMo House
– From: themomohouse.ca
Address: 1422 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 9:45 pm
Contact Number: +14165888887
Another great restaurant you can check out if you’re obsessed with momos is The Momo House. The restaurant’s interior is lovely and cozy, with its exposed brick and high ceilings, but I prefer the patio because it’s breezy and serene.
You shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to try the butter chicken momos. These are momos drenched in a decadent butter chicken sauce—a Tibetan and Indian fusion dish that deserves all the love!
| Pro Tip: I recommend ordering butter tea with your meal. This simple tea helps tone down the heat from the momos, which is helpful because dumplings can be super spicy. |
Momo Cafe and Zomsa Bar
– From: momocafe.ca
Address: 1498 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8:30 am to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8:30 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165510997
The patio seating at the Momo Cafe and Zomsa Bar is small, and it’s by the street, so it’s far from quiet. But it’s still a charming spot, and dining here feels like you’re a big-shot in New York City, eating a quick lunch before going back to work.
There are so many options here, so I tend to rotate my orders every few weeks or so. For now, the one I keep coming back to is the honey mustard momo. I love the decadent sweetness from the honey and the sharp saltiness from the mustard.
| Pro Tip: To ensure your seat (especially if you’re dining with other people), I recommend booking a reservation ahead of time. |
The Mezz
Address: 1546 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 pm to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—11 am to 2 am
Dimly lit with retro decor, The Mezz is a place for cozy dining. If you want even more serenity, head to the patio at the back, which has a massive tree and wooden fences to block the sounds of traffic outside.
I love getting the congee with stewed pork and cloud ear mushrooms. The mushrooms have a fun texture (bouncy and chewy), and the pork pieces are tender and succulent.
| Pro Tip: To wash everything down, order a pint of beer from the tap. I recommend any of the premium liquor, such as Belvedere and Crown Royal. |
Happy Coffee and Wine
– From: happycoffeeandwine
Address: 1304 King St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday and Monday—9 am to 4 pm
- Tuesday to Saturday—9 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14165883000
What I love about the patio at Happy Coffee and Wine is that it looks just like the one I have in my backyard. So, every time I dine here, it feels like I’m just relaxing at home!
The bulgogi burger is my favourite thing to order. The beef brisket is thick and juicy, and the mentaiko sauce is salty with a strong kick of spice!
| Pro Tip: During Valentine’s Day, this restaurant offers a special dinner that includes five courses and wine pairing. |
Rustic Cosmo Cafe
– From: tastetoronto
Address: 1278 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14165314924
There’s no better way to start the day than drinking a good cup of coffee on an airy, tree-dotted patio. That’s why I love stopping by Rustic Cosmo Cafe!
I love the Cowgirl Bagel because it’s loaded with my favourite breakfast items: bacon, avocado, and tomatoes. It also has cheddar cheese and garlic aioli, so not only is every bite filling but it’s also garlicky perfection!
| Pro Tip: This shop sells its own coffee blend. It’s made with arabica beans, so the coffee is super rich and aromatic. Buy a bag for your own coffee-brewing at home! |
Molkagtez Mexican Cuisine
– From: molkagtez
Address: 1263 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Friday—4:30 pm to 1 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 2 am
- Sundays—12 pm to 9:30 pm
Contact Number: +14165311115
Craving Mexican cuisine? Head to Molkagtez! This restaurant is known for its delicious Mexican flare and vibrant atmosphere. This vibrant atmosphere also spills over to the patio at the back, so it feels like you’re attending a party here!
The quesabirria is an absolute must-try. As you can gather from the name, this dish is a combination of quesadilla and birria, which is simply a match made in heaven. The meat is addictively juicy, and the cheese adds a lovely saltiness.
There’s also a consomme on the side, and it’s so savoury and rich that I can actually just drink it as is!
| Pro Tip: There’s always a promo happening every day. For example, on Mondays, margaritas are discounted, Tuesdays have special tacos, and Wednesdays have discounts on appetizers. Check this page for more promos. |
BB’s
– From: bbs.bbs.bbs.bbs.bbs
Address: 5 Brock Ave
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday—12 pm to 4 pm, 6 pm to 10 pm
- Friday—12 pm to 4 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 4 pm, 5 pm to 10 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 4 pm, 5 pm to 9 pm
Most patios in Parkdale are cozy and only open during clear weather (so, usually, only in the summer). But not BB’s. BB’s (which stands for Bahay ni Bella or Bella’s House in English) has a large enclosed patio with heating, which means it’s open all year round!
As for the food, expect to taste delectable Filipino cuisine! I always order the pancit, which is such an iconic dish. The rice noodles are coated with a sweet soy sauce and tossed with tofu, garlic, and ginger. If you want an extra kick of spice, you can add a spoonful of chilli oil.
| Pro Tip: This is a well-known restaurant, so seats get booked pretty fast, including the ones on the patio. So, it’s best if you reserve your spot in advance. |
iSLAS FILIPINO BBQ AND BAR
– From: islastoronto
Address: 1690 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—4 pm to 10 pm
- Friday—4 to 11 pm
- Saturday—11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165330777
Another wonderful spot for Filipino cuisine is iSLAS FILIPINO BBQ AND BAR. The crowd here is always so lively, so even if I’m seated on the patio, trying to relax, I end up feeling like I’m celebrating with strangers instead.
The chicken inasal is my favourite dish here. It’s chicken legs marinated in lemongrass, coconut vinegar, pepper, annatto, and citrus and then grilled to perfection. The flavour profile is a combination of sweet and tangy, and it tastes even better when paired with garlic fried rice!
| Pro Tip: This restaurant offers catering services for parties and other occasions. Just take note to book your request at least 36 hours before your scheduled event. |
Death and Taxes Free House
Address: 1154 Queen St W
– From: deathandtaxes.bar
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—4 pm to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—12 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14372211064
The patio of Death and Taxes Free House is located on the side, which means it’s right beside the street. But this doesn’t bother me; the patio tends to be lively, and that energy is contagious!
I usually get pizza here, and my go-to order is the Pancetta and Pineapple (yes, I’m a pineapple-on-pizza apologist—sue me!). Every bite is a wonderful symphony of salty and sweet flavours. There’s also a spicy aftertaste, which I like.
| Pro Tip: You can request the pizza dough to be gluten-free if you’re sensitive to gluten. |
The Bell and The Beacon
– From: thebellandbeacon
Address: 1648 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—5 pm to 12 am
- Thursday—5 pm to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14165888863
The Bell and The Beacon is charming in an eclectic way. The interior has vintage decorations and sultry lighting, while the patio has mismatched chairs and fairy lights strung along the fence walls.
The menu is filled with classic and innovative pub fare. My favourite so far is the grilled chicken, which is marinated with onion chilli adobo and cooked with shishito peppers and pickled banana peppers. The result is tender, juicy meat that oozes with savoury and spicy flavours.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to add a cocktail to your drink. I recommend the Cassis Margarita, which is sweet with a hint of tanginess from the lime. |
Nuna Kitchen and Bar
– From: nunatoronto
Address: 1265 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Friday—5 pm to 12 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 11:30 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165386335
Nuna Kitchen and Bar specializes in Peruvian fusion cuisine. It also has a simple yet chic ambiance. The colour scheme is mostly muted with a few splashes of colour, and the patio is twinkle-lit and cozy.
The Nuna Ceviche is one of the bestsellers, and it’s also my ultimate recommendation. At first glance, the dish is striking with its bright colours, and the flavour profile is just as exciting! Made with grouper and octopus, it has a briny, oceanic bite, and the thick sauce adds a kick of citrus and spice.
| Pro Tip: This restaurant offers catering services for special events. Check this page for the special catering menu. |
Three Dollar Bill
– From: threedollarbill.parkdale
Address: 1592 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—6 pm to 12 am
- Thursday and Friday—6 pm to 2 am
- Saturday and Sunday—2 pm to 2 am
Three Dollar Bill is one of the new local bars you must check out! The vibe here is intimate and comforting with dim lighting, wood accents, and warm colours. The patio is just as lovely, with a leather sofa and a hearth!
Pizzas are the star of the show here. I quite like The Pesto One, with a pesto sauce, onion, broccoli, and tomatoes. I never thought I would like broccoli on a pizza, and yet here I am!
| Pro Tip: Do you want to host a private event here? Send a request to [email protected]. |
