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.

Church Street

Byzantium 499 Church, at Wellesley, 416-922-3859. Jaded designer types can no longer diss the Byz's dated 90s decor now that the upscale lounge and dining room has been brought into the 21st century. Complete with sleek beige banquettes, bare blond tables, mirrored accents everywhere and a wall of glass that opens to the curb for for cultured cruising. Still known for serving some of the best food in the nabe – market-seasonal noshes like crisp crab cakes with summer slaw 'n' jalapeño tartare, roasted chicken breast with Mediterranean stuffing over vine-ripened tomato emulsion, sided with grilled veggies and nutty wheat-berry pilaf – the room also offers a $30 three-course steak and frites prix fixe Sundays through Thursdays alongside its lengthy martini list. Fancy an Anita Bryant?

The Looking Glass 582 Church, at Dundonald, 416-929-4779. Straight out of the other side of the mirror in Alice Through The Looking Glass, this village resto-bar in a magnificent Victorian row house has two outdoor stages: a sunny streetside terrace perfect for jazzy weekend brunches, and a 400-seat secluded backyard grotto where the Wonderland theme continues. A wood-burning chiminea and enormous barbecue provide an au current lineup of wraps, pizzas and tapas while the outdoor bar slings pitchers of sangria, Mad Hatter-sized mango margaritas and Miami-style mojitos. Betrothed? The Glass's phantasmagorical two-storey mural on the rear deck's back wall and Palladian French doors make a great wedding photo backdrop.

Zelda's 542 Church, at Maitland, 416-922-2526. How popular is she? By lunch opening on a sunny day, there's a lineup waiting for a table on the Church Street strip's hottest fun zone. Loud, brash and in yer face, Zelda might not be the most tasteful queen – the best that can be said about her pub-grub menu is that it's edible – but she certainly knows how to throw a trashy party. Staff in gender-fuck drag help encourage the nonstop campy disco shenanigans. Martooni or three?

Also notable

The Black Eagle 457 Church, at Maitland, 416-413-1219. Restless rooftop revellers bump into each other in the dark.

Ethiopian House 4 Irwin, at Yonge, 416-923-5438. Kenyan beer and African honey mead accentuate trad Ethiopian dishes just off the Yonge Street drag.

Groundhog Pub 401 Bloor East, at Sherbourne, 416-975-1867. Hidden back-alley terrace.

MICK E FYNNS 45 Carlton, at Church, 416-598-0537. Transplanted sports bar across from the Gardens.

THE RED LION 449 Jarvis, at Wellesley, 416-967-5551. Converted Jarvis Street mansion popular with students.

Tantra 634 Church, at Charles, 416-926-0313. Leafy patio just north of the village.

Trax V 529 Yonge, at Maitland, 416-963-5196. Off-Yonge rooftop deck sells more beer than anywhere else in town.

The Village Rainbow 477 Church, at Maitland, 416-961-0616. Although it'll always be the Unicorn Family to us older girls, this all-day-sun Greek restaurant is one of Boystown's most boisterous boîtes. Premium spot: tables 61 and 63 right on the railing.

Wilde Oscar's 518 Church, at Maitland, 416-921-8142. One of the gay nabe's best patios, its non-tented area catches late afternoon rays.

Wish 3 Charles East, at Yonge, 416-935-0240. For an exercise in fine dining, this luxe lounge is a great spot to knock back pricey cocktails at a fashionably late hour on its all-white year-round heated patio.