The Docks: Cabana
When The Docks patio reopens on May 16 (under it’s new name “Cabana”), it will reclaim it’s title as the reigning king of patios (in size as well as temperament). The patio occupies a whopping 41,000 square feet with a breathtaking view of the Toronto harbor, an octagonal pool, outdoor pool tables, and 16 foot fiber-optic palm trees (ok...we’re not really sure about those). Not to mention the immediate proximity to an entertainment complex like nowhere else in Toronto (the entire facility includes a mega-nightclub, golf range, mini-putt, climbing wall and beach volleyball courts). It would be incredibly easy to spend many days here without ever getting bored (not to mention getting very, very drunk and sunburned). The patio is so large that on weekends it is often turned into a daytime club for those sun-worshiping partiers that want to have a reason to keep their sunglasses on (though we know they’ll still have them on at midnight). – T.F. $$$$. 11 Polson Street, 416-649-7437.



Empire
Despite its status as a Yorkville scenester spot, Empire's hip, stylized patio if often pleasantly vacant during the week. On weekends however, the door is mobbed by a well-pressed line. Purely shallow though never dull, this colourful patio is Yorkville's less stodgy place to be seen. Astoundingly clear in its wink and stare intentions, it's a colourful addition to the staid Yorkville setting. - A.J. $$$$. 50 Cumberland Street, 416-840-8440.



5th Element
Patios don't exist in space: exploding patrons are bad for business. There are, however, patios on Bay Street. Though this neoteric Indian-ish resto lacks Milla Jovovich and Chris Tucker (Willis already gets enough attention; damn), it does have a patio. The outdoor space is ripe for watching the suit parade on Bay Street. Loosen that tie. - S.T. $$$. 1033 Bay Street, 416-923-8159.



The Fifth Social Club
Don't be fooled by its pompous history, in the past few years this sweet roof-top terrace has had a bit of a re-branding. Now, its famous chef-delivered cuisine and ambient music will set the tone for deal-making and star-gazing. The Fifth is a whole package deal; people splurge here for the luxurious refinement they can’t get at home. Patrons lounge amongst silver, perfect lighting and unobtrusive velvet-glove service. You'll have to do better than H&M sunglasses. -B.J. $$$$$. 221 Richmond Street West, 416-979-3000.



Fuzion
Fuzion brings a dose of garden-eria to Church Street. Brimming with trees and giant potted plants, and dotted with sleek weaved dark wood patio furniture with light green cushions, Fuzion provides patrons with a pure patio paradise. The restaurant also boasts a front cobble-stoned patio laced with trellis and English lampposts straight from behind the spare Oom in Narnia. Behind the converted mansion is a second garden-patio opening later in the summer, where you can go if you get tired of all the pedestrians staring at you in your habitat (and they will – this place attracts quite a bit of attention). An extensive martini and bottle service list for those inclined to spend with wild abandon. – T.F. $$$. 580 Church St, 416-944-9888



Imperial Public Library
This rooftop hideaway is not as regal as the name implies (unless you live in a TV/pool-worshiping, faux aristocracy). The Imperial caters to old-school drinkers looking to socialize over double shots poured for the price of one. The beer is cheap, so is the wine, and the pool is even cheaper, but the best part about the Imperial Public Library is that it's refreshingly scenester free. When locals leave, the outer-borough weekend warriors move in and bring the house down (sometimes literally, those guys get rowdy). - S.W. $. 58 Dundas Street East, 416-977-4667.



Jack Astors
Alright, I know what you're thinking. How could we possibly recommend a recognizable brand name restaurant, particularly when it has such an obnoxious name? Well, first off why are you doubting us? You're reading this article for advice, so don't you think that we deserve a little credit? That's really not asking for too much. Now, if you're still wondering why we chose this, it's because this place just might have the best view of any patio in the city. It can be found on a new offshoot at the Toronto Life Centre at the corner of Yonge and Dundas. That means it's a rooftop patio in the absolute center of downtown Toronto. Finding a more impressive view than this is actually impossible. Oh, you can try. In fact, we encourage you to look around. But mark my words, you will fail. The drinks and food are exactly what you would expect from this type of restaurant, but you really don't pick this place for the quality. It's all about location, location, and location. Give it a shot. You'll be surprised how little you regret it. -P.B. $. 10 Dundas St. East.