Outside is my happy place, especially when I’m chilling on a patio with friends, soaking up the sunshine, and sipping a glass of wine. And as the sun sets, dining under twinkling stars is undeniably romantic.
Summer in Ontario is brief, so let’s make the most of the season by dining al fresco. Below is a tour of some of my favourite Oakville and Burlington patios. Of course, these are just a few of my personal choices. Depending on your style and preferences, you can choose glittering waterfront views, outstanding culinary experiences for foodies, party patios… we have it all!
Isabelle Restaurant and Lounge at The Pearle Hotel (Burlington)
Boasting spectacular views of Lake Ontario, Burlington’s largest lakeside patio is perfect for a romantic interlude or a girls’ night out. Isabelle’s Mediterranean inspired menu includes whipped feta, labneh, pasta dishes, prime cuts, chicken, and Ontario trout. The restaurant has a farm and collaborates with local producers to provide the organic ingredients for their dishes. Top off the experience with a Spicy Cucumber Margarita, Sicilian Manhattan or Isabelle cocktail.
Pepperwood Bistro (Burlington)
Pepperwood’s shaded patio offers the perfect location for viewing Lake Ontario and for people watching. Sip wine or a specialty cocktail, such as a cranberry margarita, while you enjoy one of their amazing pan pizzas. Pepperwood’s varied menu includes P.E.I. mussel pots, wings, salads, fruitti di mare, and steak frites. Their Happy Hour menu, Monday to Friday (2-5 pm), features $10 appetizers and fabulous drink deals.
7 Enoteca (Oakville)
THE Dining at 7 Enoteca is like being transported to a romantic Italian town. The two-tiered patio overlooks Towne Square, adding to the European ambiance.
7 Enoteca serves authentic and Italian inspired cuisine such as handmade pasta, seafood, and wood fired pizzas crafted in their exhibition kitchen. Wine
lovers will appreciate the extensive Italian wine list.
Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill (Burlington)
They had me at Tiki Bar! Feel like a Polynesian escape without jet lag? Joe Dog’s is a classic comfort food legend that boasts jumbo wings, pizzas, burgers,
and their signature 40 Creek Whiskey slow cooked ribs. Fronted by a patio and a covered and heated Tiki Bar, Joe’s is patio proud. Living up to its name, this establishment welcomes your dog to the PAWtio. Upcoming are Joe’s Tiki Bar Summer Nights with DJs on select Saturdays in the summer.
Bronte Boathouse (Bronte)
The massive outdoor patio at Bronte Boathouse offers stunning waterfront views of Lake Ontario, Bronte Harbour and the Marina. This casual, family-friendly restaurant indulges seafood lovers with dishes such as fish and chips, oysters, seafood pot, and a fresh raw and sushi bar. If seafood isn’t your jam try one of their popular Detroit-style deep dish pizzas, a burger, or beef striploin.
Kerr Street Café (Oakville)
Kerr Street Café serves classics like pancakes, French toast, huevos rancheros, Turkish eggs, the famous Kerr Street breakfast— and mimosas! Their food is created from locally sourced ingredients. A retail marketplace provides dinner options to take home, and they have a tasteful patio right on Kerr Street.
The King’s Arms (Oakville)
This is not your grandpa’s British pub, and neither is its private courtyard patio. All dishes are created fresh and in-house, with many small plates and sharing
options. The menu includes mussels, sliders, nachos, wings and wagyu burgers. Expect a plethora of reasonably priced local craft and draught beers, as well as cocktails and mocktails. After all, sitting in the sun does make us thirsty!
Local Links:
Isabelle Restaurant and Lounge at Pearle
Hotel, 3 Elizabeth Street, Burlington
isabelle.ca
Pepperwood Bistro, 1455 Lakeshore Road,
Burlington
pepperwood.on.ca
Joe Dog’s Gasbar Grill, 531 Brant Street,
Burlington
joedogs.com
7 Enoteca, 216 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville
sevenenoteca.com
Kerr Street Café, 298 Kerr Street, Oakville
kerrstreetcafe.com
The King’s Arms, 323 Church Street, Oakville
kingsarmsoakville.com
BY CYNDI INGLE
