With summer just around the corner, grabbing a bite to eat by the water is one of the best ways to enjoy the season. Luckily, Toronto’s home to some pretty epic waterfront restaurants where you can gaze out over Lake Ontario while enjoying your meal.
Here’s our round-up of the best waterfront restaurants in Toronto:
1. Amsterdam Brewhouse
Spanning 14,000 square feet, this iconic restaurant and brewery is perched on Lake Ontario and boasts four huge outdoor patios. Enjoy one of their many in-house craft brews via a tasting flight or a frozen cocktail to cool down on a hot summer day. They’ve also got a large menu of casual bites, which includes burgers, salads, tacos, wood-oven pizza, and much much more.
Where: 245 Queens Quay W, Toronto
2. Toronto Beach Club
Perched on the shoreline of Toronto’s Woodbine Beach, Toronto Beach Club is a Mediterranean restaurant that will transport you to Europe with its gorgeous design. Serving seafood, pasta, steaks, inventive cocktails and dessert, you can also catch live music or immersive performances on Wednesdays through Saturdays during the summer.
Where: 1681 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto
3. Bluffer’s Restaurant
Found within Scarborough’s Bluffer’s Park Marina, Bluffer’s Restaurant and Event Centre is an upscale yet casual spot to grab a bite with a beautiful patio overlooking the lake. Their menu is Mediterranean-inspired, featuring seafood, pasta, and steak.
Where: 7 Brimley Rd S, Scarborough
4. Boxcar Social Harbourfront
With multiple locations, Boxcar Social’s Harbourfront restaurant is their largest with arguably the best views overlooking Lake Ontario. While they’re known for their coffee, you’ll also find lunch and dinner offerings here, as well as wine, craft beer, cocktails, and more.
Where: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto
5. The Slip
You’ll find casual fare and furry best friends on this Harbourfront patio, which can seat up to 500 guests. Only open seasonally, The Slip is a dog-friendly restaurant which offers beer, cocktails, mocktails, and even a “Pooch” menu where you can order treats or patties for your pup.
Where: 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto
6. Joe Bird
Fried chicken, ice cream, and views of the Lake are what Joe Bird is all about. Whether you like your chicken fried, grilled, or between two buns is up to you. They’ve also got a few salads and other types of sandwiches to choose from if you prefer. Don’t miss a sweet treat at The Fix Ice Cream Bar, which has got some seriously-Instagrammable offerings.
Where: 207 Queens Quay W #150, Toronto
7. Alexandros Take-Out
Alexandros Take-Out near the Westin Harbour Castle is the perfect spot for waterfront views and food on the go. Head over and keep your fingers crossed for no line and order a delicious gyro, the Greek staple food that consists of lush, warm pita bread, seasoned meat, veggies like tomato and onion (fresh or pickled) and often, feta cheese. Grab one for take away and enjoy by the water.
Where: 5 Queens Quay W, Toronto
8. Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisine
Established in 1983, Pearl Harbourfront Chinese Cuisineis an award-winning Cantonese-style restaurant. Delicious dim sum, fried tofu, turnip cakes, and other shareable plates are what you can expect here, alongside beautiful waterfront views.
Where: 207 Queens Quay West, Toronto
9. Don Alfonso 1890
Enjoy Michelin Star fine dining with a view at Don Alfonso 1980. The essential Italian restaurant was ranked the second best in the entire world outside of Italy, and has breathtaking panoramic views to match. Using the finest and freshest ingredients, you can choose from their A La Carte menu or opt for their signature Tasting Menu, with standouts like seared duck breast, saffron risotto, or even wild rose scented tagliatelle.
Where: 1 Harbour Square 38th Floor, Toronto