Canadian winters are known around the world for being cold and blustery, with wicked wind chills and deep snow drifts dotting the scenic landscape. As spring nears and the frozen ground thaws, many Canadians perk up with excitement for the warm, long days that lie ahead. Soaking up the summer sun on one of Toronto's many outdoor patios has become a favourite pastime for those who live here and is a must for visitors to the city.

 

Studies have shown that Canadians dine out more than any other culture in the world. According to Stats Canada, more than 90,000 food and beverage establishments operate in Canada. Even when recent unemployment rates began to skyrocket, Canadians continued to eat out at restaurants.

 

Toronto is Canada's largest city and is therefore the financial and business capital of the country as well. Long work days begin and end with commuter traffic clogging all transit arteries and roadways into and out of the city. Many who call Toronto home yearn for the warmer months when this daily commute lessons and becomes somewhat bearable. Most that work and live in the downtown core frequent the city's unique and eclectic restaurants. Some establishments boast the best beer selection while others offer fine dining or unique menus that attract an array of diners. However, those restaurants that offer spacious and picturesque patios continually attract the most business. Patio dining is a pastime that most Torontonians yearn for after a long day at the office or a long winter stuck inside.

 

The word "patio” has Spanish origins and translates into courtyard or yard. It refers to an outdoor space used for dining or recreation that adjoins a residence. It also refers to a roofless inner courtyard found in Spanish-style homes or dwellings. Today's patios fall under the same definition. Restaurants now design and create one-of-a-kind outdoor spaces that patrons flock to. The demand for a seat on one of these funky restaurant patios boosts summer business and brings newcomers into the restaurant.

 

Just what makes a great Toronto patio? There are many reviews by magazines and news sources highlighting the most sought after patios in the city, but how are these top venues selected? The top three factors that boost a patio's rating are the selection of beer on tap, the location, and what's on the menu. Many Torontonians want one thing though above all else: to forget they are in a cement jungle and relax in a magical oasis surrounded by great food and drink.

 

There are many patios in the city, all vying for top spot and attracting the most business. Rooftop patios are very popular, as are backyard patios. They allow patrons to escape from city streets and slow the pace of the day. A scrumptious menu is essential to operating a successful patio. Satisfying hungry appetites and quenching the customer's thirst with a diverse beer menu will attract attention from patio connoisseurs. These three ingredients will make or break a restaurant's success during the much anticipated Toronto patio season.