The Best Patios in Toronto with Kids

While making assumptions about parenthood is generally a dangerous activity, there is at least one aspect that we can all agree on: Dining in restaurants with young children is tricky at the best of times, and a nightmare at the worst of times. So don’t do it. Well, don’t dine indoors with your little kids until they are fully “trained.” Instead, ease them into the world of restaurants by dining out on patios in Toronto.

Patios are great for kids because the natural noises and mess of the outdoor world help to cover up or diffuse at least some of the noises and mess made by children. Plus, there’s just something about eating outside that make the whole experience feel more chill and casual. Below we round up over a dozen Toronto restaurants that offer kid-friendly patios that we’re sure both you and your little ones will enjoy.

The Best Patios in Toronto with Kids

Barque
299 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto

This family-favourite spot (of course high chairs available here) is also home to a great side patio that’s just as kid-friendly as the restaurant’s indoor portion. Dine on a delicious selection of barbeque including ribs, chicken, and brisket. There’s also a kids’ menu that includes chicken strips that are so tasty that they are a favourite item for many adults. Just be sure to go early as this patio will fill up. Or even better, go on a Monday evening, when kids 12 and under eat free!

7Numbers
307 Danforth Ave.

Craving the comforting taste of Southern Italian cuisine while enjoying a glass of wine on a patio? Then check out the Danforth outpost of 7Numbers, which has a small though cute patio as well as high chairs and a kid-friendly menu that includes a wide variety of pastas. 7Numbers also offers a family-style menu at a fixed price, making this a great option for your next special occasion dinner.

Amsterdam Brewery Brewhouse
245 Queens Quay W., Toronto

This destination arguably has the best view of any patio on this list, thanks to its lakefront location. Made up of four different patios, the Brewhouse is a big space that is perfect for capping off a day down at Harbourfront. All that space also means Amsterdam’s ground patio is stroller (and wagon) friendly. The menu here is extensive, with something for everyone, including kids who might enjoy the pizza or maybe a cheeseburger. High chairs are also available here.

Bairrada Churrasqueira

bairrada.ca
1000 College St

You’d never know it from the street but this traditional Portuguese grill house is home to a big, beautiful patio out back. It frequently hosts big get-togethers of families and friends so things can get a little boisterous, but then that just means no one’s going to complain (or even notice) if your children fuss. While patio seating is picnic table-style, high chairs are available for the little ones. The food options include lots of grilled meat, fish and seafoods. There’s also a kids’ menu that comes with two choices of sides, including fries.

Barrio Cerveceria
884 Queen St. E

Craving Mexican in the East End? Then Barrio Cerveceria is your spot! Its colourful patio space features a fire pit, which may or may not be a selling feature, depending on your child. And while there’s no kids’ menu, we think its tacos-and-nachos heavy selection will please most family members. Note that the patio can get crowded, so it’s best to leave the stroller at home.

Café Diplomatico
594 College St.

One of Little Italy’s best-known patios is also a great spot to take the kids for any meal, including breakfast (all the essentials are available here). Its massive menu consists of mostly Italian favourites, including pizzas, pasta, but it also offers burgers and sandwiches and yes, chicken fingers with fries. For the adults, there are daily drink specials while kids can sip on a Shirley Temple. High chairs are available upon request.

El Catrin
18 Tank House Lane

Here’s another option for Mexican food. Located inside the always scenic Distillery Distinct, El Catrin’s large patio always feels like its hosting a party, though one that’s completely family friendly. The menu consists of both traditional and modern Mexican food, with the tacos having won a few awards. In addition to high chairs, El Catrin also offers a special menu for “little amigos.”

House on Parliament
454 Parliament St

This beloved neighbourhood institution is home to two patios, a smaller one out front and a rooftop one. Regardless of where you sit, you’ll have access to the sun and the pub’s impressive beer and wine menu. There’s no kids’ menu but given the focus on classic (and delicious) pub food, we feel confident that your kids will find something they want to eat.

The Rec Room
255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto

This place is so much more than just a patio. The Rec Room features dozens of arcade games, both of the old-school and digital variety, as well as ping pong, a virtual race car experience and more. And the cherry on top of all this fun? A calm, spacious patio that provides a nice balance to the bright lights and noise of the indoor space. The menu features all the classic options you’d expect, including burgers, nachos, and wings. Kids 10 and under can pick from the kids’ menu, which includes a choice of ice cream sundae or mini-doughnuts.

Rhino
1249 Queen St. W., Toronto

This classic Parkdale bar and grill is also home to a patio so massive that you can actually park a stroller here without fear that it’s blocking a server or fellow guest’s route. While baby enjoys an afternoon nap, you can enjoy one of the bar’s 25 craft beers and watch the action on Queen West. All that space, a menu that has something for everyone, and a low-key vibe also makes this a great space to organize a meetup with those friends who you haven’t seen in forever. Tell them to bring their children and create your own little kid-zone! Just be sure to go on the early side as they place can get busy at night.

Terroni
57a Richmond St., 720 Queen St. W. & 1095 Yonge St., Toronto

Three of Terroni’s Toronto restaurants have terrific outdoor spaces that while not exactly stroller-friendly (the Yonge Street location is technically a rooftop), are filled with so much hustle and bustle that they easily drown out the noise of small children. While Terroni doesn’t allow for any substitutions, its Italian focused menu has plenty of options, including such kid-friendly dishes as Margherita pizza and what’s essentially spaghetti with tomato sauce. Plus the cocktail and wine list are pretty impressive!

Cocoalatte
671 St. Clair Ave. W., Toronto

At this cute café, you’ll find coffee, desserts, and an adorable patio out back where you can plop your child in a high chair and enjoy a Nutella latte and a freshly made sandwich. Cocoalatte is open for breakfast and lunch, and we think that it’s just the perfect place to meet a friend while you’re on mat leave or to treat your school-aged child to a special treat.

Toronto Island BBQ & Beer
120 Centre Island Dock, Toronto

Okay, maybe this spot has the best view of any patio on this list, since it looks out on downtown Toronto. Plus, from its patio you can watch the ferries come and go, which we know will thrill a few kids (and probably some adults as well). When you’re not enjoying the view, your family can dine on various smoked meats, tacos, poutine and more. There’s also a small kids’ menu that includes chicken fingers and mac and cheese. Just note that in 2023, this restaurant opens for its limited season on May 20.