The Distillery District was made for patio season as a pedestrian-only neighbourhood in Toronto.
It’s one of the hottest spots in the city to dine al fresco when the sun is out and the weather is warm. Bistro tables and large umbrellas take over the cobblestone streets and you’ll feel like you’ve travelled the world with the industrial Victorian architecture and the assortment of cuisines on offer.
You could easily spend a day patio hopping through the Distillery District, so bring your appetite and dive into any of the top patios below.
El Catrin
The largest tequila and mezcal selection in Canada—need I say more? This Distillery District favourite serves up authentic traditional and modern Mexican cuisine.
El Catrin’s sprawling, year-round patio is decorated with large chandeliers, privacy screens, and a massive central fire pit. While this means they can serve a large number of guests at one time, they still manage to maintain a cozy and intimate dining experience.
Their tapas-style menu is perfect for sharing, giving you the chance to order a little bit of everything. I particularly appreciate this since I always have a hard time choosing!
Start with a pitcher of their house-made margarita or sangria to share with the table, then dive into some of their popular dishes, including the guacamole, ceviche de atún, pollo adobo or Baja tacos, and the crowd-pleaser carne asada.
Madrina Bar Y Tapas
Madrina Bar Y Tapas brings a little taste of Spain to Toronto. The 2023 MICHELIN Guide recognized it for its Catalan inspiration and dynamic classic-meets-modern tapas menu. The restaurant has been a hit since opening in the Distillery District in 2018.
Their interior space and patio are gorgeously decorated. They’ve done an excellent job of making them feel sophisticated and cozy, especially given their close proximity to the main thoroughfare of the Distillery District.
The food is the real showstopper here, and it will have you talking about it weeks later. Incredible care and attention to detail are put into every dish, which is presented like a work of art when delivered to your table.
You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but a few of my personal favourites include the truffled egg yolk, steak tartare on a roasted marrow bone and the grilled octopus.
Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
Regularly voted the best French restaurant in Toronto, Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie is the place to be when craving some Parisian fare.
While the interior space is gorgeous and looks straight out of an interior design magazine, dining on their patio also adds to the European experience.
Large green vines wrap up overhead, creating a secluded, garden-like space. With thousands of twinkly lights interwoven with the vines, the atmosphere turns quite romantic in the evenings, too, perfect for date night.
The menu is inspired by France’s modern food movement and includes shareable dishes and large plates. Some of my favourites include the black Angus beef tartare, French onion soup, the Madam Duck and their steak frites with either the 8-oz flat iron steak or 7-oz tenderloin.
Mill Street Beer Hall
Laid-back, casual and offering excellent beer—that’s what you’ll find at the Mill Street Beer Hall.
Opened in 2013 to complement the growing popularity of the Mill Street Brew Pub next door, the Beer Hall takes inspiration from the beer gardens you’ll find in Germany—a place to gather with friends and recount the good ‘ole days while enjoying pints of beer.
The patio is large in scale and has even expanded into the adjoining courtyard these days. You’ll find a combination of high-top tables and standard patio furniture, all dotted with their signature red and black Mill St. Brewery umbrellas.
The beer is the main draw here, exclusively serving Mill St. Brewery options, including many seasonal and specialty brews you’ll only find on tap.
Pure Spirits Oyster House
You had me at oysters. For some of the best seafood in the city, head to Pure Spirits Oyster House. Their spacious patio runs the length of the building, with lots of seating and shade from the sun.
I always get some serious Mediterranean vibes when dining on their patio. Maybe it’s the classic white umbrellas and bursting flower baskets. Maybe it’s the oysters with a chilled glass of white wine. Either way, Pure Spirits Oyster House makes for a great afternoon pick-me-up or late-evening date.
They source their oysters and fish from all over North America, receiving fresh deliveries daily. I like to start with half a dozen fresh-shucked oysters, followed by the yellowfin tuna poke bowl or the lobster pappardelle.
And with ‘spirits’ in the name, you can’t miss trying one of their cocktails, like the Betty White or a Moscow Mule, one of my summertime favourites.
Just looking for drinks?
Are you looking for a java fix? Maybe an afternoon libation or a nightcap? The Distillery District has patios for those, too!
For your caffeine pick-me-up, head to Balzac’s Coffee Roasters. Inspired by the Grand Cafés of Paris, they roast all their own beans and are Canada’s first coffee company to become certified with LEAF, which recognizes their sustainability and environmental practices. Grab a latte or cappuccino and enjoy it on their cute Parisian-themed patio.
Grab a seat on the patio at Spirit of York Distillery for afternoon cocktails. Distilling gin, vodka and whiskey on-site, they offer an assortment of cocktails, from classics to hot cocktails made with their spirits.
For those looking for something truly unique, head to Izumi Brewery, home to the Ontario Spring Water Sake Company. Using spring water from Muskoka, Ontario, they brew a number of sake varieties on-site, which you can enjoy as a flight on their patio.
