For many of us, summer is a season cut far too short.  We will brave by turns rain, mosquitos and urban humidity to bask in the warm temperatures and fresh air.  Eating indoors, for one, is soooo last season.

From economy-wise eats to chi chi celeb hotspots, we scoured the web for top-rated patio restaurants.  Bon appetit!
 
In Toronto

Sassafraz
100 Cumberland Street (Yorkville)

Specialty: Gourmet Fresh Foods
Price: Upscale
What the critics said: “primed for people watching and sunbathing during the summer, the restaurant now has a well-reviewed new menu to go along with the patio experience so it’s worth staking out a great spot for lunch or dinner, too”



Sky Yard at the Drake Hotel
1150 Queen St West (Queen West)

Specialty: International
Price: Moderate
What the critics said: “Fancy cocktails, trendy people and stargazing sum up The Drake Hotel’s rooftop patio. It’s just far enough from the downtown core that you can sometimes catch a peek at the starry night from the booths in the uncovered portion of the patio."

Bonjour Brioche
812 Queen St East (Leslieville)

Specialty: Brunch
Price: Budget friendly
The critics agree - Bonjour Brioche is a prime place for flaky pastries and café lunches. Try their Quiches; you will not be disappointed.

In Vancouver

Vancouver Art Gallery Café
750 Hornby Street (downtown Vancouver)

Specialty: Brunch
Price: Moderate
What the critics said: “A great spot for lunch in the downtown core if you want to catch a few rays and the best moving tableau in town. The sleekly redesigned café upstairs in the Vancouver Art Gallery has just expanded the patio and now boasts two levels that seat 200 sun-seekers at tables and counter seats overlooking Robson Square.”

Naam
2724 West 4th Avenue (Kitslano district)

Specialty: Vegetarian
Price: Moderate
What the critics said: “Their specialty is salads (After all they do specialize in vegetarian cuisine), but they also make a wicked veggie burger and delicious Thai dragon bowl. So for the health conscious, and late night eaters, try to remember Naam as a haven for healthy cravings.”

In Los Angeles

Skybar
8440 W Sunset Blvd (West Hollywood)

Specialty: Tapas & Drinks
Price: Upscale
What the critics said: “The space itself is very low-key and open-air. Stars mingle with their friends amid stunning views of the city. If you can get in, it is worth the experience. Try one of their unusual and fabulous cocktails, you will not be disappointed.”

Bar Marmont
8171 W Sunset Blvd (West Hollywood)

Specialty: American
Price: Moderate
What the critics said: “This elaborately decorated bar bathed in red light [and] neighboring tables illuminated by white lamps creates a romantic, Eastern ambience, attracting famous folks like Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp, who relish Marmont's martinis.”

In New York City

Sushi Samba 7
87 Seventh Avenue South (West Village)

Specialty: Sushi
Price: Upscale
What the critics said: “Dine on delicious raw fish offerings while samba tunes titillate your eardrums. An international mélange in the West Village, Sushi Samba 7 is famous for its eclectic vibrancy.”

Tribeca Grill
375 Greenwich St. (Manhattan)

Specialty: American
Price: Upscale
What the critics said: "The food is simple, accessible, and perfectly portioned and prepared. The Tribeca Grill, owned by actor Robert DeNiro and his partners, is one of the neighborhood's most famous restaurants.”

In Chicago

Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
1401 South Michigan Ave.

Specialty: Steak
Price: Moderate
What the critics said: “The traditional American menu delivers clean, familiar flavors like plump green onion-studded crab cakes, classic French onion soup brimming with Gruyere cheese and a juicy burger that ranks among the best in town.”
 
Blue 13 Restaurant
416 W. Ontario St.

Specialty: Seafood
Price: Moderate
What the critics said: “Blue 13 is a small, intimate-feeling restaurant with exposed brick walls and deep wood all around. Our server was genuinely in love with the restaurant and the food, which was, by the way, out of this world. So many flavors combined in creative dishes.”

What's your favourite summer hot spot?

by Robin Mitchell