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.

East side

Johnny K's 1590 Queen East, at Ashdale, 416-463-5373. John Katsuras and Laura Prentice know how to throw a party. Having ditched their highly successful Lolita's Lust and Gus a few summers back – and too many other successful joints to mention before that– the too-cool couple return with this very low-profile Mediterranean-inspired watering hole down a dimly lit alley. The club's rooftop deck is even more secluded, a romantic retreat featuring a contemporary card with signature Prentice dishes like a half-rack of roasted and sour-cherry-glazed New Zealand lamb and charred vine tomato with creamy Dadoni feta. Now try finding it. Hint: if you come across an unmarked door sprayed with graffiti next to a pile of garbage – sorry, "urban decay" – you're there.

Lahore Tikka House 1365 Gerrard East, at Highfield, 416-406-1668. In summer, the House takes its fiery Pakistani eats to the picnic tables out front. Right in the heart of Little India, this family-style eatery features skewered meat and veggie tikka kebabs. Don't forget to take a snap of the kids perched on the rickshaw-like pedicab on display. Unlicensed.

Sauvignon 1862 Queen East, at Rainsford, 416-686-1998. Sauvignon may not be the most cutting-edge kitchen in town but what it does it does it very well. So much so that it's just expanded into the Cadet Cleaners next door. The hard-fought-for dining pavilion wraps around the bistro and provides the perfect open-air setting for Frenchified fusion dishes like braised monkfish with salsify in morel mushroom cream, or duck confit over toasted Israeli couscous and sun-dried chili jam.  B  

The Toolbox 508 Eastern, at Logan, 416-466-8616. It's the end of the road for Toronto's oldest leather bar come the end of August, when it turns into condos. Until then, frolic in its trellised backyard maze of SM (stand and model) tableaux. Just don't confuse it with the biker gang clubhouse a block down the street with the picnic tables out front. Those are real Hells Angels, Mary.

Verveine 1097 Queen East, at Pape, 416-405-9906. Finding a decent restaurant in this nabe – rather than a pricey knick-knack boutique – isn't easy, let alone finding one with a patio. Kim Saunders's long-running backyard bistro enclave satisfies both criteria, serving up great-outdoors grub like truffled new potato and asparagus salad with crème fraiche, roasted pork tenderloin with spaetzle and sautéed apple, or vegetarian purses stuffed with nuts, grains, creamed tofu and mushrooms in caramelized veggie jus.

Also notable

Angkor 614 Gerrard East, at Broadview, 416-778-6383. Bizarrely decorated Cambodian spot in Chinatown East with raised verandah out front. Bonus: karaoke!

Bonjour Brioche 812 Queen East, at Degrassi, 416-406-1250. Bakers of some of Toronto's most acclaimed croissants – and brioches – this cozy south Riverdale terrace offers fab al fresco breakfasts and light quiche 'n' salad lunches, too.

Castro's Lounge 2116 Queen East, at Lee, 416-699-8272. An offshoot of Sarah's on the Danforth, this all-things-Fidel curbside patio in the Beach serves subversive cocktails to capitalists. Bonus: more than 100 imported beers by the bottle, including Homer-erotic Duff's on tap.

Joy Bistro 884 Queen East, at Empire, 416-465-8855. Weekend brunch overlooking the tennis courts at Jimmy Simpson park.

Narula's 1438A Gerrard East, at Ashdale, 416-466-0434. Yes, it's probably the shabbiest terrace on the list – and not shabby chic – but this southern Indian vegetarian takeaway's remarkable grub more than makes up for what it lacks in scenery. Bonus: nearly everything's $2.25 on Tuesday! Unlicensed.

QUIGLEY'S 2232 Queen East, at Beech, 416-699-9998. Marine rope keeps the crowd anchored.