The Ultimate Toronto Takeout & Outdoor Dining Guide

by Lauren Power

Dinner is always best when we’re not the ones preparing it. Just in time for the weekend, we’ve put together a lineup of some of our go-to restaurants currently open for outdoor dining on their heated patios and those operating takeout and delivery.

Of course, no meal is complete without the perfect wine pairing. Our list is complete with recommendations for your glass and for your plate.

OUTDOOR DINING

The Toronto winter has nothing on us! We’re getting out of the house and cozying up on these heated patios at two of our favourite restaurants.

Cano

Cano’s Gnudi is one of those dishes you still think about long after you’ve finished eating. The Gnudi ai Funghi has stolen our hearts and is an absolute must-try when ordering. 

White wine drinker? We recommend the fresh and medium-bodied Soave Classico from Domini Veneti to pair with this meal. Looking for red? You can’t go wrong with the 2018 Super Tuscan from Villa Pillo for a medium-bodied red wine with soft tannins and notes of black fruit.

Harbour 60

When eating your steak, you can’t go wrong with a Valpolicella. We recommend the Grotta del Ninfeo from Domenico Fraccaroli.

And while the steakhouse is famous for their steak of course, Harbour 60 is almost just as well-known for their mouthwatering dessert menu. Finish off your meal with a slice of Molten Chocolate Cake…and maybe some Camp Fire S’Mores too.

STAYCATION + SIPS

Relax in a home that isn’t yours. We’ve got your top staycation spots in the city.

Hotel X

Treat yourself to the perfect staycation at Hotel X with an overnight stay and breathtaking views of the city along with room service featuring a collection of our favourite wines.

Our recommendation? Order a bottle of Champagne! We suggest the Collard Picard Cuvée Selection Brut paired with an order (or two) of Truffle fries.

1 Hotel

Your oasis in the city awaits. Enjoy fine-dining without lifting a finger or even getting dressed.

Castelfeder Vom Stein Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige, Italy is always at the top of our list when dining in the Flora lounge and we argue will taste even better in your hotel robe. 

TOP TAKEOUT PICKS

For the nights when you want something a little extra special, or just can’t even think about cooking again.

The Parlour

The Antica Vigna Prosecco is the perfect add-on to the amazing takeout offerings available at Parlour. You can’t go wrong with this bottle of fresh, fruity, and well-rounded bubbles alongside their 2 or 4 person specials of pizza + salad.

Bar Kada

One word: Tapas! Bar Kada's menu is absolutely perfect for sharing with your plus one, roomies, or the entire family. Some of our top picks include the Kalbi BBQ Beef Ribs, the Garlic Fried Rice, Charred Shisto Peppers, and oysters from both the east & west coasts! 

With an expertly curated wine menu, it’s hard to choose just one. Our suggestion? The clever notes of spice in Luiano Chianti Classico compliment any combination of plates! Start here and move onto one of these delicious reds.

GIA

The must-try Plant-based restaurant for vegans, vegetarians and all around Italian-food lovers is open for takeout! Don’t skip the fresh Focaccia to start and for your pasta you can’t go wrong with their Spaghetti Pomodoro or the Funghi.

To drink? Treat yourself to the Chateau Roubine Cru Classé Lion & Dragon Blanc. From Provence, France this prestige white wine is rich, robust and supple enough to harmonize beautifully with that truffle butter found in the Funghi Spaghetti.

Fishbone Restaurants

North of the city? We’ve got you covered! Fishbone Restaurants is transporting us seaside with their equally fresh and delicious seafood menu. Our # 1 wine pick, the Tempranillo Rosé from Zinio Bodegas in Spain.

And for your starter? Support the entire team at Fishbone Restaurants by ordering their Deep Fried Brussel Sprouts, with 100% of sales from this dish will go towards their Staff Support Fund. 

Cagneys

On the West End? This Streetsville gem is open Wednesday-Sunday and offering 15% off takeout orders of their drool-worthy menu, including their bacon wrapped filet mignon, crab cakes, and the classic New York Steak. 

The perfect pairing for your steak: Grotta del Ninfeo Valpolicella doc.