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.

Harbour and Islands

Waterside Bistro 255 Queen's Quay East, at Sherbourne, 416-203-0470. Don't tell anyone, but there's a fabulous spot right on the lake that nobody knows about even though it's been there for years hidden behind an inflatable tennis club. Throw in free parking and three decks on the water's edge and those who fondly remember the similar but long-gone Sgana Café will make this their new summer hideout. Situated in the middle of a bleak parking lot, the Muskoka-style deck takes in a panoramic view of skyscrapers, idyllic Wards Island and passing sailboats. The reliable resto's kitchen never falters – baby spinach with Woolwich goat cheese and grilled pears, quick-wokked low-carb calamari with chopped raw celery, cukes and sweet peppers, Wanda's fudge walnut brownies à la mode – but everyone's here for the spectacular scenery.  B  

Also notable

Bar Be Que Hut 1455 Gerrard East, at Craven, 416-466-0411. Tandoori chicken and northern heat in the heart of Little India.

THE DOCKS 11 Polson, at Cherry, 416-416-461-3625. Swimming pools, 18-hole miniature golf course and a driving range.

Il Fornello 207 Queen's Quay West, at Bay, 416-861-1028. From the south end of the Terminal Building, a spectacular view of Toronto Harbour and the nearby island ferry docks almost makes up for smallish pizzas priced higher than the going rate. Almost.

Iroquois Centre Island, 416-203-8795. Right at Centre Island's ferry dock, this beckoning beer hall is all some visitors see of the park until last call conveniantly coincides with the last scheduled boat back to the mainland.

Keating Channel 2 Villiers, at Cherry, 416-572-0030. Seafood by the shipping channel.

THE RECTORY 102 Lakeshore, Ward's Island, 416-203-2152. Reactivated island idyll.