by Lori
Straus
Once
Ontario allowed restaurants to operate their patios during this year of
COVID-19, you could feel summer finally arriving. The restaurants we’re
highlighting below are perfect for an outdoor experience, especially if you’re in the mood
for a little drive to somewhere.
On the Docks Pub in Huntsville
The name is literally the establishment’s location: on the docks in
Huntsville. Whereas most restaurants are only accessible by wheels or your own
two legs, patrons arrive at On the Docks by boat, too. Their website says that
even the occasional plane pulls into the town docks.
The waterfront pub
offers what they call a “no fry” menu: flatbreads, salads, burgers (sides include salad, chips, nacho chips,
and soup), sandwiches & wraps, and a select range of entrees. Enjoy a
Muskoka Cream Ale or Craft Lager on draught while enjoying the spectacular view
from their outdoor patio, and you’ll have a dining experience at one of the
best patios in Ontario.
The Harvest Kitchen in Toronto
As you might suspect from the name, this restaurant focuses on local
food where possible. They offer a full range of meals, from meat-focused to
vegan, but they source as much as they can from a 100-mile radius. Their meat
is ethically raised, many ingredients are organic, and they even harvest many
of their veggies from their own farm.
The Harvest Kitchen has two outdoor patios: a street-level one that
seats about eight people, and a roof-top one that seats about 35 and is the
focus of many online rave reviews. The older trees around the building provide
a gorgeous canopy that is hard to find anywhere else. Because the patio isn’t
sheltered or heated, you can only eat there during patio season. So don’t delay
any longer!
Harbour House Grill in Lefroy, Near Innisfil
This one feels like a combination of On the Docks and The Harvest
Kitchen. Harbour House Grill has a large patio that overlooks the water and
focuses on local food. They offer all the usual crowd-pleasers: appetizers,
steaks, burgers, ribs, fish, stone-baked pizza, and a kids’ menu.
In addition, Harbour House offers live entertainment, daily specials,
and a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Belmont Village, Kitchener
Belmont Village is a little shopping strip in Kitchener with quaint
stores, a nice selection of small restaurants, and unique bakeries. Because of
COVID-19, they removed parking spots and added picnic tables for patio season.
You can enjoy gluten-free treats, gourmet doughnuts, Indian cuisine, and
more. Arabella Park Beer Bar, one of the restaurants, is especially loved for
its selection of craft beers. If you’re looking for a little shopping and
eating but want to get away from the crowded malls, especially at a time like
this, Belmont Village might be the place you’re looking for.
Take Advantage of the Weather
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to visit
during this COVID-19 season, or you’re on your way home from camping,
a scrumptious meal at any of the above outdoor patios can help make this summer
memorable for the right reasons. Add an ice cream cone
afterwards for the metaphorical cherry on top.
