How to spend a day supporting local businesses and patio-hopping in Toronto
Toronto patio season is arguably the best time of year — and with summer well underway, there’s only so much time left to soak up the sun.
Catching the breeze and dining under that warm sunshine is a feeling we can all get behind, and there’s one simple hack to make the most of it. Thanks to Shop Small, Amex’s way of showing love to small businesses year-round, finding local businesses has never been easier.
Check out three of these hidden-gem patios you can visit throughout a single day, which are all featured on Amex Maps!
Harbourfront patio morning
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Kick off your morning with a cup of joe and stunning lake views at Boxcar Social’s Harbourfront location and bespoke patio.
This beloved spot is known for its specialty and third-wave roasters program, serving up classic bevies, bites, and smoothies that will fuel you for the day ahead.
Our reco? The classic brioche Breakfast Sando (add avocado, of course) with a Pink Pulse smoothie — that’s with goji, strawberry, and cranberry.
Grab your latte, head outside, and breathe in the morning lake air, because mornings don’t get much better than this. Spend the rest of your a.m. exploring the city’s lakeside neighbourhoods to work up an appetite for your next patio session in the east end.
Lunch under the sun
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Discover delicious eats in the Leslieville neighbourhood at Nola Eatery & Bar, where a globally-inspired menu collides with a killer patio setup.
Lunch al fresco on Nola’s cozy patio might just prove that seasonal dishes and soulful plates taste better under the summer sun.
From the classic beef tartare (with homemade pickles) to fresh salads and perfectly cooked steaks, Nola describes itself as a French and Italian fusion restaurant with a North American twist.
For drinks, nothing hits better than a refreshing red wine sangria on Nola’s elevated, wraparound patio.
With food in the belly, now is the time to explore the charming Leslieville area. We suggest a stroll through Riverdale Park, before ending your day back west, in Liberty Village.
Italiano nights
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Italian nights are the name of the game here at Nodo Liberty’s patio, and you can’t go wrong with their signature Neapolitan-style pizzas and house-made pastas.
Immerse yourself in the patio’s warm, ambient lighting as you chow down on menu highlights like Ravioli Limone featuring mascarpone and Parmigiano stuffed ravioli with lemon-infused butter and red peppercorns. Or try the Vomero Pizza with fior di latte, grilled eggplant, spicy n’duja, tomato sauce, and Italian sausage.
Finish off your Toronto patio day with a sweet treat — a classic Italian Tiramisu with fresh mascarpone.
Toronto, patio style
With Amex’s Shop Small program, our city’s local spots are celebrated and highlighted, shining a light on unique and independent businesses that bring value and connection to our community and economy.
Since 2017, Amex has been committed to championing these establishments across the country, and now it’s your turn to show your support too.
Explore your local small businesses and restaurants with the handy Amex Maps or Online Directory tools — just look for that Shop Small icon!
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