favorite patios

With the warm, sunny days we've been having, it's so great to be able to enjoy a meal outdoors. Whether you're meeting friends for an afternoon drink on the weekend or heading out for a date night, here are some of my favorite spots outdoor spots in the city...

1. Le Select's Rear Garden
One of Toronto's hidden gems, you typically have to request to be sat in the back, but it's so quaint and beautiful - it feels like your hidden in a secret garden and is the perfect place to enjoy good wine and delicious french fare. Should the back patio be filled up, the front patio is just as lovely - it truly feels like your seated in a parisian bistro.

2. The Drake Hotel's Sky Yard
The perfect place to enjoy an afternoon cocktail or even late start to the day with brunch and a mimosa (or two). And should you be distracted by sunshine and cocktails, luckily, the dinner menu is delicious and the dancing starts soon after.

3. Hemingway's Patio in Yorkville
We don't frequent Yorkville, but it's always fun to walk around Bloor Street and browse in all the fancy shops. While Hemingway's is buried right smack dab in the middle of Yorkville, it has a very casual, laidback vibe. In my experience it's the type of place you show up for a drink and end up catching up with friends over a few.

4. Bellwood's Brewery on Ossington
A night on a patio under twinkly lights, squished into a picnic table with friends (and sometimes strangers), drinking amazing house-brewed beer - it doesn't get much better, and Bellwood's delivers on all fronts. While there's is often a line of like-minded beer drinkers, the staff are always so friendly and truly working hard to get you seated and enjoying a drink.

5. Deq at the Ritz Carlton (on top of my to-go list)
I've been wanting to visit the hotel's cocktail bar since last summer and it just hasn't happened yet. The hotel itself seems absolutely beautiful and I've heard that this back patio is a wonderful escape from the busy bustle of downtown. I'd love to go for a night out with girls and some fresh-muddled mojitos.