by Becky Dumais
Just the mere hint of a warm ray of sunshine is enough for us Canadians to shout, “Patio season!” Enjoying a meal, a snack, or cool drink outside on your favourite establishment’s patio is a pastime that we all relish. While there are too many to fit in one feature, here are a few to put on your must-visit list this season.
Oakville
7 Enoteca
How about pizza on the patio? 7 uses an authentic wood burning oven. Enjoy a 7 Sangria, exclusive Italian wines and fresh, local food in the heart of Towne Square.
216 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville | the7.ca
Corks Restaurant
Savour the Spanish and Portuguese American inspired food that’s served in traditional tapas style.
312 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville | corksrestaurant.ca
The Gingerman Social Eatery
An intimate patio in Kerr Village with 12 local and import draught beers, wines and weekday Happy Hour.
335 Kerr Street, Oakville | gingermansocialeatery.ca
Harper’s Landing
Harper’s Landing is a popular go-to post-work patio destination, with remarkable architecture and a sizeable terrace surrounded by greenery.
481 Cornwall Road, Oakville | harperslanding.ca
Julia’s Ristorante
“LataLiano” cuisine on the partially covered patio. Offering brunch and all day menus, plus extensive wine list and beverage selection. Soft lighting on the patio makes for an intimate evening.
312 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville | juliasristorante.com
Oliver & Bonacini
There’s so much to choose from on their menu, sipping a cocktail, a glass of wine or sangria sounds like a nice way to end the workday, especially on their large patio.
240 Leighland Avenue, Oakville | oakville.obcafegrill.com
Paradiso
A marvellous Mediterranean menu and $5 select martinis and wines by the glass. Perfectly situated near the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts for a before or after show drink or meal.
125 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville | paradisorestaurant.com
Piazza Bistro
A rustic Italian cafe and restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks in the heart of Downtown Oakville in
Towne Square.
94 George Street, Oakville | piazzabistro.com
Bronte
Yolanda’s Spuntino Casa
Overlooking Bronte Harbour, this is an intimate, friendly destination for a modern Italian meal and a glass of wine.
49 Bronte Road, Bronte | yolandasspuntinocasa.com
Burlington
Bar Culaccino
Stop by for weekend brunch or sit back with a refreshing Radler. What was once a bank is now home to the school of thought where “beer is beautiful”. There are over 50 brews on the menu as well as Chef inspired “from scratch” foods.
527 Brant Street, Burlington | culaccino.ca
Dimario’s Trattoria
Between Chef Nicky’s Italian creations and wine director Marco’s recommendations from the expansive Italian-focused wine list, it’s a dash of Little Italy with a great view of downtown.
1455 Lakeshore Road, Burlington | dimarios.com
Emma’s Back Porch
We wonder if Emma Byrens herself took time from her owner-hotelier duties to enjoy the property’s Lake Ontario views back in 1919. Grab a table or a Muskoka chair and enjoy.
2084 Old Lakeshore Road, Burlington | emmasbackporch.ca
Paradiso
Is this a European hotspot? No, it’s a cozy wrap around patio on the edge of Village Square, nestled in a picturesque brickwork alley. The perfect place for a Date Night dinner.
2041 Pine Street, Burlington | paradisorestaurant.com
Table 34
Across from Spencer Smith Park, this stylish food locale offers brunch, lunch and dinner, along with some signature cocktails for outside sipping.
1455 Lakeshore Road East, Burlington | table34.com
Spencer’s on the Waterfront
Sweeping views of Lake Ontario are complimentary, and even on chilly summer nights the heated patio keeps things lively.
1340 Lakeshore Road, Burlington | spencers.ca
The Queen’s Head
Can you believe the building is ten years older than Canada itself? Situated on the corner of Brant and Elgin streets, this spot is perfect for people watching, a pint and a meal.
400 Brant Street, Burlington | thequeenshead.ca
Wundeba
Serving nourishing meals in a gorgeous escarpment setting. It’s just 1km from Mount Nemo Conservation Area. Go for a hike, then go for a bite!
4448 Guelph Line, Burlington | wundeba.ca
