Patios to hit this summer as recommended by Toronto chefs (PHOTOS)
It’s warmer out, and patio season — which once felt out of reach in Toronto — is almost here.
Sunny afternoons, brunches, a mimosa or two, and some good friends are just a few of what we’re looking forward to once spring decides to leave us.
While it wasn’t a sunny afternoon, on the evening of May 7, Cactus Club’s rooftop deck had its retractable roof open, and turned into a special dining experience in collaboration with some of Toronto’s greatest chefs in support of Camp Oochigeas.
Exclusively serving children with cancer, Camp Oochigeas is privately funded, staffed entirely by volunteers, and is completely free. The camp offers experiences for thousands of children with and affected by cancer each year, as well as services for bereaved siblings and parents. It’s also the only overnight camp in Ontario to offer onsite chemotherapy IV treatment and blood transfusions.
See also
- These are the best patios for cheap drinks in Toronto
- Downtown Toronto is about to get a new beer garden
Presented by Toronto Chef Cory Vitiello and Iron Chef Rob Feenie, the “Chefs on Deck” event featured the talent of Rob Rossi of Giulietta, Rob Gentile of the Buca family of restaurants, Brandon Olsen of La Banane, Alida Solomon of Tutti Matti, and Afrim Pristine of Cheese Boutique.
And as some of the city’s top chefs chopped and seared together on the rooftop, we dug into their favourite summer hangs around Toronto.
Check out some of the patios these Chefs on Deck recommend… when they need to be on a deck.
Cory Vitiello – Cactus Club Cafe
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Favourite patio: King Taps (100 King St W) and Constantine (15 Charles St E)
Reason: King Taps for sporting games, and Constantine “New patio in a beautiful hotel. It’s a great social hub.”
Iron Chef Rob Feenie – Cactus Club Cafe
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Favourite patio: Cactus Club Cafe’s rooftop (77 Adelaide St W)
Reason: The retractable roof
Rob Rossi – Giulietta
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Favourite patio: Bar Raval (505 College St), and Le Select Bistro (432 Wellington St W)
Reason: Bar Raval “Feels very European,” Le Select “Perfect in the summer.”
Rob Gentile – Buca family of restaurants
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Favourite patio: Lahore Tikka House (1365 Gerrard St E)
Reason: Large covered patio and family friendly.
Brandon Olsen – La Banane
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Favourite patio: The 3 Speed (1163 Bloor St W), and his loft.
Reason: It’s secluded.
Alida Solomon – Tutti Matti
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Favourite patio: Rodney’s Oyster House (469 King St W), and Bar Buca (75 Portland St)
Reason: Rodney’s “has the most amazing patio,” and Bar Buca “They’re open late.”
Afrim Pristine – Cheese Boutique
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Favourite patio: Tennessee Tavern (1554 Queen St W)
Reason: “It’s secluded, out of the hussle, and food I love to eat.”
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