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NOW's survey of T.O.'s best patios is organized by neighbourhood. To be extra helpful, we've included other notable restaurants in each area.
 = Critic's top-50 pick
B = Barrier-free: When NOW labels a patio "barrier-free," it has at least one entrance where there are no steps, its tables are reasonably spaced and its washrooms are located on the same floor although they're not necessarily equipped with assistance.
Annex
Hot scoops
Anyone seeking frozen relief from our recent heat wave and who headed directly for Greg’s Ice Cream on Bloor across from the ROM got quite the shock when they discovered the luxe 22-year-old ice cream parlour was shuttered.
But as the sign on the door explained, Greg’s has “moved up in the world and moved up to street level” – not to a deluxe apartment in the sky, but to the new Jewish Community Centre at Bloor and Spadina, in a high-profile storefront just next door to the Not-That Al Green Theatre (750 Spadina, 416- 961-4734).
And though the new space is considerably smaller than the old subterranean room, the quick take-away continues to offer firm favourites like Greg Mahon’s famous roasted marshmallow ice. With lineups out-the-door since it opened last week, Mahon’s already planning a second exit and a 60-seat patio right on the high-traffic corner. Smart move.
The Green Room 296 Brunswick, at Bloor West, 416-929-3253. First-timers have a hard time finding this obscure inner courtyard complete with burbling water feature hidden down the alleyway behind the Poor Alex theatre. Eventually, they find a two-storey grotty grotto decked out in rickety Goodwill castoffs serving cheap all-day breakfasts like chorizo, eggs, homemade fries, balsamic-dressed greens and Brit-style fried whole wheat toast. Not bad pad thai, too. Warning: would-be thespians and performance poets in attendance.
Latitude 89 Harbord, at Spadina, 416-928-0926. Taking its well-chosen name from "Latin with attitude," Latitude has two outdoor eating areas. Those who prefer truck exhaust with their pan-seared tilapia over potato pave in tequila saffron cream will prefer the curbside tables out front, but most head for the Miami Modernist rear garden, especially for its acclaimed nuevo Latino brunch and Caipirinha. Extensive New World wine list, too.
The Madison 14 Madison, at Bloor West, 416-927-1722. Taking up two three-storey Victorian homes in the south Annex, the Madison is party central for the nearby University of Toronto. A maze of interconnected rooms, all red-velvet banquettes and brass draught pumps, leads to several covered and heated decks that face into the sunset. The spot's so popular, lineups snake down the alleyway and out front to the street. And no rollerblades!
Rocco's Plum Tomato 585 Bloor West, at Markham, 416-539-9009. A suburban chain of family-style Italian restaurants, the downtown venue's east-side verandah has one of downtown's most eye-popping views once the stars come out – that full-blown neon Vegas extravaganza known as the Honest Ed's sign. Those not here for the glow can pig out on old-school panini subs, carbaholic pastas and designer pizzas both thick- and thin-crusted.
Also notable
Boulevard Cafe 161 Harbord, at Borden, 416-961-7676. Perennialy popular south Annex spot on Harbord's restaurant row, this candlelit, shady Peruvian patio makes an amorous backdrop for lovers looking to dine al fresco on grilled seafood fired with searing hot sauce that sets both taste buds and passions on fire.
By The Way 400 Bloor West, at Brunswick, 416-967-4295. Annex institution with vintages by the glass.
Future Bakery 483 Bloor West, at Brunswick, 416-922-5875. Grab a coffee and a blintz and watch le tout Annex parade past.
Momo's 196 Robert, at Harbord, 416-966-6671. Inexpensive Middle Eastern food in the south Annex.
PAUPER'S 539 Bloor West, at Bathurst, 416-530-1331. Boisterous multi-level rooftop sunset patio.
Universal Grill 1071 Shaw, at Dupont, 416-588-5928. With its Muskoka-like patio up front, this cool converted spoon dishes up comfort food – barbecued pork ribs with yam frites, roast chicken with scalloped potatoes – with contemporary élan.
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