Yonge North York’s Vibrant Patio Scene During CafeTO

It’s been a hot summer, Yonge North York! And honestly, I can’t complain. After being cooped up for months and wrapped in layers for most of the year, it feels amazing to bask in the sun, especially while enjoying a meal or coffee with a friend on the patio.

My motto? If we can be outside, let’s be outside. Thankfully, the City of Toronto’s initiative, CafeTO, is on our side. CafeTO permits restaurants and bars across Toronto the opportunity to expand their outdoor dining spaces until mid-October.

Check out our map for Curb Lane Cafes, Sidewalk Cafes, and Private Property Patios locations. With a plethora of options available, it’s easy to choose a restaurant in our area.

Exploring Our Local Patios

As you stroll through our district, you’ll encounter an array of picnic tables displayed on the sidewalks mainly along Yonge Street. A convenient cluster can be found near Empress Walk, perfect for sitting with a scoop of ice cream from Marble Slab Creamery. The Yonge North York BIA will have the forty picnic table clusters on display until the end of summer strategically placed near dense take-out or pick-up locations until September 27th.  

The many restaurant patio setups are an invitation to step out of your home and savour a cocktail or a summer entree in the open air. I personally love the flower plantings outside Aroma Espresso Bar, they add so much colour to Gibson Square.  

Discovering Cozy Spots

There are so many restaurant patios waiting to be discovered. Look for the smaller, less obvious patios (like the one at Gol’s Lanzhou Noodle) that tend to offer an intimate atmosphere. These patios often feature charming details and thoughtful decor that make them perfect for a relaxed outing. Summer evenings also offer the ambiance for a perfect date night, like sharing tapas-style dishes at MeNami Udon & Sake Bar. 

I recently visited Ehwa Uptown, a new addition to our district, and was impressed by its spacious patio, ideal for gatherings with friends or family. The delicious Korean fusion dishes, generous portions, and friendly service made for a delightful dining experience.

Enjoy It While It Lasts

Whether you’re catching up with a friend or just enjoying a quiet moment alone, our diverse patio locations provide a delightful escape from the daily grind within our BIA. They offer more than just a place to eat – they provide a chance to connect with our community and to create memories. So, grab a friend, find a patio on our map, and make the best of the sunny days ahead.  

Share your patio experiences on your Instagram and don’t forget to use #yongenorthyork for a chance to WIN a $150 gift card to your favourite Yonge North York BIA restaurant.  Click here for details.

For more information:

Marble Slab Creamery | 5095 Yonge St Unit A12A | marbleslab.ca

Aroma Espresso Bar | 8 Park Home Ave | aromabar.ca

Gol’s Lanzhou Noodle | 5505 Yonge St | lanzhou.ca

MeNami Udon & Sake Bar | 5469 Yonge St | menamitoronto.ca

Ehwa Uptown | 5469 Yonge St | ehwa.ca