As Canadians, we are not shy to embrace cold, harsh climates, but we’re equally ready to embrace the warm sunshine on a patio. There is nothing better than enjoying a great meal or cold beverage under the sun. On a patio. In the winter? Not a problem.
Here are four Toronto restaurants with retractable roof skylights that are embracing all-year indoor/outdoor patio dining.
Kellys Landing
Part of the premium Landing Group chain, Kelly's Landing is the perfect spot to enjoy the game from the warmth of its glass roof patio. Located just steps from Toronto’s Union Station at Front Street W and University Avenue, the restaurant brings a contemporary bar and patio experience to Toronto’s financial sector.
Kelly’s landing features a retractable roof that admits sunlight and views of the CN Tower year round and yet can be an open outdoor patio on warm summer days. This indoor outdoor patio design provides customers with an incredible dining experience all year long.
LOCAL Public Eatery Leaside
Calling all east-siders! LOCAL Public Eatery Leaside is the perfect spot to enjoy sun filled patio dining all year long. Built in a renovated bank building, Local Public Eatery has an 800-square-foot second floor glass patio, appealing to architectural design lovers or even those with good taste.
The retractable roof may only be open weather permitting, but the glass roof allows customers to soak up the sun every day, imitating outdoor dining without compromising the integrity of their experience. Enjoy the creative cocktails, extensive draft list, and elevated pub fare LOCAL Leaside offers.
Gusto 101
Craving authentic Italian cuisine? Look no further. On Portland Street in the King West neighbourhood, Gusto 101 is known for its lively atmosphere, extensive wine list, and beloved Mafalde Al Funghi. Architectural design is not compromised at this joint. The restaurant is located in a renovated garage which is complimented by a beautiful glass retractable roof enclosure covering the entire upper floor.
This rooftop patio slides open all summer and is a well known Toronto summer patio destination. But did you know that all winter long, this space is a bright sunny winter wonderland, protected from the cold, guests can dine below snowy skies year round!
Boston Pizza
Calling all sports fans, stargazers and zodiac junkies. Every millennials favourite childhood restaurant just got an upgrade! Boston Pizza is no longer a suburban eatery, Boston Pizza’s Yonge and Gerrard location puts a new spin on sports bars and is a new format of BP found in urban centers.
Located in the heart of the downtown core across from Ikea’s first Urban location, it is the perfect spot to watch one of Toronto's major sports games or even to host your high school reunion. Look no further if you're feeling rather nostalgic but want to maintain the atmosphere. Put on your Raptors Jersey, grab some pasta, and enjoy the game at Boston Pizza.
As we’re writing this it's the middle of January and temperatures will be around -3 degrees this weekend… but it will be sunny. The perfect weather to enjoy an afternoon on an enclosed patio with the sunlight streaming through the closed skylight roof.
Maybe you should think about visiting one of the four restaurants with retractable roof skylights mentioned above to enjoy a little sunshine in the middle of winter.
