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.

Uptown

The Rebel House 1068 Yonge, at Roxborough, 416-927-0704. Customers who know their suds fill this boozer's back garden to sip microbrews (Wellington, Neustadt, Trafalgar and a slew more) and pig out on bison burgers under an impressive parachute roof. Add an upscale pub grub menu – boozy lamb-and-ale stew thick with shiitakes, parsnips ''n spuds, juicy meat loaf in mushroom gravy with corn succotash, and low-carb sirloin tips over spinach leaves dressed with horseradish cream – and understand why this Rebel located on the site of a skirmish during the Upper Canada Rebellion (ask your parents) yells around the clock.

Seven Numbers 343 Eglinton West, at Braemar, 416-322-5183. There's always a lineup at this no-reservations old-school Italian trat, but at least in summer when the west-facing terrace is open there are twice as many seats available. Open rain or shine – roll-up awning walls and a space heater fight off any evening chill – the lively spot's communal tables turn everyone into instant famiglia. Don't miss chef Rosa Marinuzzi's constantly changing lineup up of tapas-sized plates piled with succulent slow-roasted rabbit, barely seared mahi mahi with capers, or spinach-stuffed eggplant Parmesan, as well as a seasonal selection of organic salads and Atkins-friendly grilled meats. Out front, owners Rosa and affable son Vito have just installed a pair of piazza-style benches so those still in the queue can relax over an espresso.  B  

Also notable

Auberge Du Pommier 4150 Yonge, at York Mills, 416-222-2220. Its secluded garden terrace long a north Toronto dining destination for lovers, this faux stone cottage complex (think Disney does French country) surprises with its Gallic finesse and contemporary spin.

BLUE MEANEY MICROBREW FREEHOUSE 2140 Yonge, at Manor, 416-481-8102. Leafs tribute sports bar.

Camarra's 2899 Dufferin, at Lawrence, 416-789-3222. Pricey pies in Old World Downsview.

Chai 1575 Bayview, at Millwood, 416-483-9512. A teahouse offering light lunches and takeout dinners on the Bayview strip.

Duff's Famous Wings 1604 Bayview, at Millwood, 416-544-0100. The winner of NOW's chicken wing shoot-out, this smallish sports bar serves the most authentic Buffalo-style pub grub this side of Tonawanda on its street-front terrace.

Ferro 769 St Clair West, at Arlington, 416-654-9119. Appropriately framed by pipe, this upscale pizza parlour is casual cool by day and super-crowded at night.

Queen's Dairy 700 St Clair West, at Christie, 416-658-1666. Not the Dairy Queen, but a Greek-style burger joint with large patio out front.

Rahier 1717 Bayview, at Hillsdale, 416-482-0917. Toronto's best French pastries?

Rosedale Diner 1164 Yonge, at Summerhill, 416-923-3122. Cloistered patio with an impressive selection of single malts.