10 Toronto Restaurants and Bars With Breathtaking City and Lake Views

Toronto's dining scene is packed with gorgeous interiors, but sometimes the real star is what you see beyond the window — or from the rooftop.

Whether you're after a swanky sky-high steak dinner or a casual beer with the skyline as your backdrop, the 6ix delivers. Here's our roundup of ten spots where the view is every bit as good as what's on the plate.

Writers Room

Perched on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt in Yorkville, this literary-themed cocktail bar pairs moody leather-and-wood interiors with sweeping views over one of Toronto's poshest neighbourhoods — plus the University of Toronto campus sprawling below.

Kost

Sitting pretty on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, Kost offers a front-row seat to the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and the downtown skyline — all while you tuck into a breezy rooftop dinner. It's one of the easiest "yes" decisions you'll make all week.

360 Restaurant

If you want a meal that literally towers above the competition, this is it. At 351 metres above street level, the CN Tower's revolving restaurant delivers unmatched 360-degree panoramas. Sunset reservations are strongly recommended.

The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel

As the tallest restaurant in Riverside, the Broadview's rooftop earns its name honestly — and delivers some of the cleanest west-facing skyline views in the east end, free from the clutter of downtown high-rises.

Harriet's Rooftop

Tucked above the 1Hotel on the 16th floor, Harriet's feels a world away from the downtown chaos below. Poolside dining and a daily happy hour give you every reason to linger.

Aera

This sushi-and-steak stunner at The Well just added a brand-new patio to its arsenal. Whether you snag a table inside or out, the views of Lake Ontario, the CN Tower, and the downtown core are spectacular — especially during golden hour.

Toronto Island BBQ and Beer Co.

Sometimes the best way to appreciate the city is to leave it entirely. This no-fuss barbecue spot on Centre Island may be simple, but its patio arguably claims the best view in town — precisely because it's not in town at all.

Mar'aa

The 51st-floor restaurant inside Yorkville's Manulife Centre has seen several concepts come and go. The latest incarnation marries Middle Eastern flavours with floor-to-ceiling views that put you nose-to-nose with the neighbouring skyscrapers.

Evangeline

The Ace Hotel is already home to blogTO's pick for best hotel restaurant — and its rooftop bar, Evangeline, might just steal the crown. The downtown perch serves up a front-row view of Toronto's ever-evolving skyline, construction cranes and all.

Amsterdam BrewHouse

No heights required — this sprawling lakeside brewpub keeps your feet firmly on the ground while still delivering a front-row panorama of Lake Ontario. Nab a seat on the south patio and you're practically dipping your toes in the water.