With summer in full swing, Toronto’s streets are alive with festivals and warm-weather sporting events. But the best way to experience the city right now is from above. Whether you’re chasing a laid-back afternoon pint or a luxurious night out, Toronto’s rooftop dining scene offers front-row seats to the city’s best views.
From Financial District vistas to cosy neighbourhood escapes, here are the best rooftop patios in Toronto to sip your way through the season.
Where 1150 Queen St. W.
Situated along the lively Queen Street West is this newly renovated rooftop patio. Drake’s Sky Yard is a desert-themed oasis serving grilled meats and fresh raw plates. This is the must-go spot for soaking up the sun while sipping on a refreshing drink. Their happy hour features 30 per cent off cocktails, beer, wine, shots, and non-alcoholic beverages. They also offer discounted bites from sushi, to shareables, and plates like the Drake Burger. Food prices start at $7, while drinks start at $5.60. And it runs everyday from 4 to 6 p.m.
Where 75 Lower Simcoe St.
Bar Cana, also known as The Roof at SOCO, is a seasonal rooftop patio in the downtown area. Their outdoor dining area is a vibrant lounge overlooking two of the city’s most iconic landmarks; the CN Tower and Rogers Centre. This is the perfect place to indulge in tropical flavours, like calamari picante, yam fires, a seafood platter, and tacos. They also have a selection of handcrafted cocktails, including Passionfruit Simcoe Sunset, and the lychee-forward South of Bloor.
Where 80 Blue Jays Way
Forty-four stories above Toronto’s entertainment district is where you will find Bisha Hotel’s rooftop restaurant Kōst. Their popular patio has a CN Tower view and a world-renowned infinity pool exclusively for guests and residents. Their seasonal menu offers coastal cuisine like fried calamari, tacos, East Coast Oysters, and coconut shrimp. They also have signature cocktails ranging from Sunset Sour, to Baja Splash, and Pink Promise.
Where 550 Wellington St. W.
Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel is a cosy patio that provides the most expansive views of Toronto. The hotel is committed to sustainability as reflected in the decorations of reclaimed and ecoconscious materials throughout their patio. On the menu are light bites such as chicken sliders, lobsters rolls, and shrimp tempura. They also serve fresh seafood including large platters, fresh oysters, and ceviche. For drinks, there are a variety of wellness cocktails made with fresh juices. Their rooftop happy hour is Monday to Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. where guests can find spicy veggie rolls, salmon tacos, along with chicken karaage. And to drink there are cocktails, spirits, wines, sakes, beer, and Japanese whiskey. Discounted food prices start at $12, and beverages start at $6.
Where 250 Adelaide St. W.
Among the bustling core of downtown Toronto is the ultimate rooftop bar and patio, The Porch. Their CN Tower views, and party vibes make it a great place to gather with friends. Visitors can look forward to their giant margarita buckets, and Red Bull cocktails. They also have shareable bites like wings, nachos, along with bang bang shrimp. On select days, they have free and paid events such as patio parties and live DJs.
Where 314 Queen St. W.
On Queen West stands an escape to a resort-style lounge that feels like Tulum. Soluna has a rooftop terrace immersed in a sunset theme with a day-to-night transition. They also have live performers, events, and dinner parties. They serve coastal cuisine like ceviche, sushi, and chicken satay. Among the selection of cocktails are Strawberry Basil Cloud, and Sun Kissed.
Soluna’s rooftop terrace transports guests to a resort-style escape.
Soluna
Where 77 Adelaide St. W.
Cactus Club Café First Canadian Place has a stylish rooftop deck nestled in the centre of downtown Toronto. Their menu has a variety of sushi, truffle fries, steak frites, along with a Cajun chicken sandwich. And for favourite drinks, they have the popular Frozen Bellini and Frosé. Their happy hour is every day from 2 to 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. till close. During that time, food starts at $9, like the avocado dip or the happy hour exclusive, The Niner burger. Drinks start at $5, including the Sunset Soda and Longboard Lager.
Where 10 Temperance St.
The Chase is a contemporary upscale restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking Toronto’s Financial District. Their dishes are made with seasonal local ingredients that include seafood, roasted chicken, prime strip loin, salads and signature desserts. Their aperitivo hour is Monday to Friday from 2 to 5 p.m. On that menu they offer wine, beer, cocktails, and fresh eats like Burrata Salad. Food prices there start at $9, while drinks start at $8.
Where 115 Yorkville Ave
In the heart of Yorkville sits the popular, contemporary Japanese restaurant, Kasa Moto. Their lush, sprawling rooftop terrace transports guests to a vibrant vacation setting. The space features plush patio seating, cabanas, a DJ booth, and a full service bar. Their menu offers traditional foods, including sushi, steamed buns, maki, and agemono. They also have desserts like mochi ice cream, matcha strawberry cake, and blueberry panna cotta.
Where 4 Avenue Rd.
Writers Room is a 17th-floor cocktail bar with a rooftop overlooking the city skyline. But beyond the views, it honours the history of celebrated authors who once used this space. It is a feature location in Canadian novels by Farley Mowat and Margaret Atwood. Their menu has a range of culinary delights, including octopus skewers, yellowfin tuna tartar, and a Wagyu beef burger. They also have a large selection of drinks, such as cocktails called Passion Page and Paper Feel.
Where 90 Bloor St. E.
TONO by Akira Back is a newer restaurant, having opened last fall, and it is home to a rooftop hideaway. They serve Nikkei cuisine, with each dish featuring a bold fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavours. Among the food options are tuna crispy rice, tiger prawns, and Tajima Wagyu Short Rib. Besides the culinary masterpieces, they host live performances, curated events, and signature programming.
Where 106 Broadview Ave.
The Riverside neighbourhood is home to The Broadview Hotel: The Rooftop. This scenic rooftop terrace features a 360-degree glass facade, pyramidal skylight, and views of the Toronto skyline and Don River. It is the ideal spot for listening to live music on weekends, and meeting up with your crew. They serve different kinds of bao buns, steak skewers, and chicken satay. Their happy hour is Monday to Friday from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m. Diners can expect a selection of drinks starting at $7, such as single mix house spirits.
Where 627 King St. W.
Lavelle is situated 16 stories above the energetic King Street West. Their rooftop has a 360-degree view of the skyline, making for an immersed city experience. On a hot summer day, this is a great place to cool off in their outdoor pools. They also have a lounge bar and private cabanas — the ideal area to indulge in their sushi, and sip on a Strawberry Basil Spritz.
Where 577 King St. W.
Tucked away in King West, this enchanted rooftop garden offers a lively space with nightly DJs. They serve Italian-American cuisine like pizza, pasta, and chicken parm. They also have craft cocktails featuring Frozen Bellinis and their signature Espresso Martini. Their summer hours are Monday to Wednesday from 4 p.m. to midnight, Thursday to Saturday from noon to 2 a.m., and Sunday from noon to midnight.
Where 22 Cumberland St.
The Pilot is a Toronto staple with a massive rooftop patio called the Flight Deck. Open throughout the year, it has retractable awnings and sides, along with heaters. This makes it the perfect place to eat no matter the forecast. While admiring the lively streets below, sip on one of their refreshing drinks. Among the menu are Pilot Margaritas, Maple Whiskey Smash, and After Flight Martini. For food, they have flatbreads, handhelds, salads, and Pilot favourites like Chicken Curry.