Café Olimpico
Café Olympico has everything we demand in a coffeehouse; the hole-in-the-wall spot is the social hang while out in the Mile End, where locals can sit on the patio all day sipping a strong brew with their peeps. The staff may not be as polished as the Starbucks machine but the laid-back atmosphere makes up for the lack of standard service. Reading material is a requirement: light reading for long waits on weekends and the heavy stuff for slow weekdays when you can sip your coffee and take in the delicious aroma of coffee beans and the comforting sound of coffee percolating. -K.J. $$. 124 St-Viateur W., 514-495-0746.




Caffe In Gamba
Since the café's terrace is on the east side of Parc Avenue, it's extremely hot during the day in mid-summer; sitting inside might be preferable until nighttime or when spring comes around. This café is serious about their coffee and carries solely Italian espresso of only the highest grade. Of course, you can also get a macchiato, cappuccino or latte. Food isn't their highest priority with only a small selection of sandwiches, some biscotti and a few pastries. –M.K. $$$. 5263 Avenue du Parc, 514-656-6852.




Le Club Chasse et Peche
Obsessed with the 18th century? Love historical landmarks? Even if you don't, it would be difficult not to appreciate Le Club Chasse et Pêche's new garden terrace. It's across the street from the restaurant in the historical backyard of a previous Montreal governor's mansion. Floral explosions of deep purple line the thick walls surrounding the garden, where the landscape from 1705 is recreated. You can go there for lunch or even reserve space for a big party – either way, you're dining in such elegance, you'll feel like you're feasting in the queen's own backyard. –M.K. $$$. 280 Rue Notre-Dame E, 514-861-1112.




La Croissanterie Figaro
Sitting on the street corner, the wrap-around terrace is the first thing you see, and it will definitely catch your eye. With a delicate furnishings and long hours (it's open until 1a.m.), it's a definite hot spot. Trees and flowers surround the edge of the terrace – which is also the edge of the road – but don't overpower the area. This place offers all sorts of food, from coffee-and-a-croissant to full-course meals. It's a really cute place to hang out, have a good meal and get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. –M.K. $$$. 5200 rue Hutchison, 514-278-6567.





Depanneur Café
No, this spot has no affiliation with the corner-store we Montrealers visit until the wee hours of the morning buying beer and tenderly call 'the dep'. Actually, it is kind of a random name considering that throughout the year, art is its main area of focus, with poetry readings and art vernissages planned throughout the month, and live music every day. During the summer, their outdoor patio and garden attracts the neighbourhood artists, and has a comfortable backyard feel. They have some food, but nothing fancy – maybe that's where the dep reference comes in. If you're okay eating a grilled cheese while sipping an espresso in serenity, this is the place for you. –M.K. $$. 206, rue Bernard Ouest, 514-271-9357.



Les Folies
Not far from busy Saint-Denis, this little patio is a rarity for the area and is a great place for people watching. Inside, the décor is relaxed, yet modern and the California-style menu is affordable and assorted. If you’re lucky enough to nab a table on the small front terrace, order a pitcher of the delectable raspberry puree-infused sangria as you gaze at the devoted Plateau revelers. –MBO, $$. 701 Mont-Royal East, 514-528-4343.



Foufounes Electriques
Every weekend at Foufounes, the line of women in tight dresses trailed by caballeros in tighter jeans stretches down the sidewalk. Those put off by the trendy scenes at other club patios swear by Foufounes Électriques and its dance-first atmosphere. The club is a live music venue, but when you get tired of spinning around, you can retire to the Tropicalia-themed patio for a breather before getting yanked back into the mosh pit. – R.L. $$. 87 rue Sainte-Catherine, 514-844-5539.



Le Jardin Nelson
Fortunately you won’t find that whiny kid from the Simpson’s here or any patronage to the historically infamous British Naval Officer of the same name. At the resto’s moniker explicitly enlightens future patron’s as to what the central focus of the venue is - Nelson’s garden of course. Though Nelson’s garden pales in comparison to anything Eden could have offered, the delicious crepes (both sweet and savoury) have been sent from the heavens for Earth bound foodies to indulge. Whether it be an afternoon lunch with friends to catch up on the latest gossip or an early evening date, nothing beats Nelsons. -E.J. $$$$. 407 place Jacques-Cartier, 514-861-5731.




Le Jardin de Panos
Without the patio, this would be just another simple Greek restaurant, and not a very special one either. The patio is so incredible that it made this nothing-special restaurant so spectacular that line-ups and long waits for seating are daily occurrences. The words 'magical' and 'outstanding' come to mind when describing the bring-your-own-wine Mediterranean venue where full-grown trees are interspersed between tables outside, providing shade and a tranquil-feel, even if it may be loud with the sounds of laughing patrons. –M.K. $$$. 521 Duluth E., 514-521-4206.




Koko Restaurant & Bar
Opus Hotel has made Art Nouveau minimalism the order of the day at its first restaurant, Koko, which takes up that forever-vacant space on the lobby level of the magnificent hotel. Executive Chef Don Letendre has put together a menu of Pan-Asian cuisine that combines Eastern and Western cuisine in dishes like hamachi sashimi with pan-seared foie gras, spicy masala lobster with curried lentil hash, and bengali blackened salmon with mango salsa. And if things couldn't get any better, Koko also boasts an incredible 4,000 square foot terrace that can hold up to 300 on those lovely summer eves under the moonlight, sipping on a cocktail. –MBO. $$$$, 10 Sherbrooke Ouest, 514-843-6000.