Best summer patio restaurants with waterfront views (2024)

Southern Ontario

The Whistling Duck Restaurant

Arrive by boat, bike or on foot to The Duck’s lovely lakeside patio.

They offer four slips of courtesy docking, bicycle storage, free parking and serve up a great continental menu with a stunning view of Presqu’ile Bayon Lake Ontario from the back deck.

Location:75 Harbour Street, Brighton

Steam Whistle Craft Brewing Co.

Inspired by the finest German beerhalls, the outdoor Biergärten patio at Steam Whistle Craft Brewing Co. is a summertime staple with amazing CN Tower and cityscape views as well as a glimpse into the Toronto’s rail heritage. The on-site brewery is located in a historic railway roundhouse.

Location: 255 Bremner Boulevard Stall 6, Toronto

Lake House Restaurant

The upscale Lake House has retained some of its original heritage home features, such as the woodwork, exposed brick and three fireplaces. And their spacious back deck overlooking Lake Ontario is an idyllic spot to sample gourmet thin-crust pizzas and their signature crème brûlée, and to take in a magnificent sunset.

Location:3100 North Service Road, Vineland Station

The Drake Devonshire Inn

Perched on the water’s edge of Lake Ontario in Prince Edward County, the intimate
patio at this boutique hotel and dining room is the perfect place to park yourselves for
their happy hour sips and snacks menu that includes this wine region’s finest reds and
whites..

Location:24 Wharf Street, Wellington

GT’s on the Beach

Head to Port Stanley’s surfside bar and grill for the ultimate beach vibe. The 400-seat patio overlooks the beach volleyball courts and offers expansive views of Lake Erie beyond. The menu includes specialty blender drinks and plant-based and gluten-aware
food options.

Location:350 Edith Cavell Boulevard, Port Stanley

Toronto Island BBQ and Beer Company

Bring a healthy appetite (and your camera) to this sprawling Toronto Island patio to enjoy succulent, low and slow smoked BBQ, ice cold beer and arguably the best waterfront view of the city over the Toronto Harbour.

Baranga’s on the Beach

Located in an old converted schoolhouse, this lakefront Greek and Mediterranean style eatery boasts a large patio that backs directly onto the Waterfront Trail and sandy beach of Lake Ontario. As the sun sets, the twinkling string lights create a magical ambiance.

Location:380 Van Wagners Beach Road, Hamilton

Fat Les Waterfront Patio

Fat Les Waterfront Patio is located on Blockhouse Island, a short walk from the Aquatarium. Relax and take in excellent views of the St. Lawrence River. Enjoy pub favourites such as poutine, burgers and fries. Then wash it down with a cool brew. The area is perfect for strolling around the marina boardwalk.

Location:30 Block House Island Parkway, Brockville

Central and Northern Ontario

Tulo’s Taqueria Muskoka

It’s taco time in cottage country!

Tulo’s serves Mexican cantina-style favourites like ceviche, tacos, roasted corn and sangria in a heritage dockside boathouse overlookingThe Indian River, connecting Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka in Port Carling.

Location: 2 James Bartleman Way, Port Carling

Coconut Joe’s Harbour Bar & Grill

Satisfy your craving for Caribbean-infused cuisine and beach inspired beer and co*cktails on an eclectic port side patio while you watch the boats and ferries sail into Tobermory Harbour from Georgian Bay.

Location:53 Bay Street, Tobermory

Dock of the Bay Steak and Seafood Grille

Situated on the Muskoka Wharf on the shore of Lake Muskoka, this casual eatery takes full advantage of Insta-worthy sunsets from the gorgeous back deck. Dock steaks with seasonal veggies and signature sauces are calling. What are you waiting for?

Location:1110 Bay Street, Gravenhurst

The Boondocks Eatery

Located on Lake Simcoe at the ferry docks to Georgina Island, this family-owned and operated eatery specializes in family-friendly comfort food. Work up an appetite before settling into the lakefront patio by taking the short ferry ride to Georgina Island and walking theNanabush Trailsthat follow in the footsteps of the island’s Chippewa Elders.

Location:4-West, 7751 Black River Road, Sutton

Sweetwater Restaurant at Cobble Beach

The perfect 19thhole or a destination unto itself, Sweetwater’s views of pristine fairways and the deep blue waters of Georgian Bay are matched only by its innovative takes on classical cuisine and the rum raisin butter tart for dessert. Arrive for your reservation in style on a ‘fly and dine’ withBig Blue Air.

Location:221 McLeese Drive, Kemble

Tailwinds Georgian Bay

Parry Sound’s newest waterfront restaurant welcomes guests arriving by land, water or air to relax dockside and enjoy fresh, locally inspired comfort food.

Location:11A Bay Street, Parry Sound

The Boat

Housed in the original 1946 99-foot steel hulled passenger vessel, Chief Commanda, this lakeside bar and grill was voted one of Canada’s most unique restaurants by theFood Network. Feast on fresh pickerel and fries while watching the sun slide across Lake Nipissing.

Location:225 Memorial Drive, North Bay