It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that a Toronto summer is a magical experience. For a few precious months, the city transforms: the air is scented first with cherry blossoms, then with lilacs, and the trees burst with green. The sun shines until 9 PM. And across the city, restaurant patios come alive with clinking glasses and lively conversation, while the days stretch from sun-soaked lunches to golden hour dinners.  If you’re looking for outdoor dining where you’ll want to linger, or ambient spots serving up chilled drinks and incredible summer flavours, consider this your insider’s guide to some of the best summer spots. CF Shops at Don Mills restaurants are serving up everything from happy hour specials to brunch menus that might just make you a morning person. At least while the weather holds!

In the mood for authentic Mexican flavours, fresh ingredients, and a patio that feels like a mini vacation? Añejo at CF Shops at Don Mills features cozy ambience, friendly service, and a twice-daily happy hour made for spontaneous summer meet-ups and late-night cravings. Settle in on their breezy patio with one of Añejo’s famous mango margaritas: sweet, refreshing, and finished with a spicy habanero-tajín rim. Their summer feature, a citrusy shrimp and white fish ceviche with roasted beets, avocado, cucumber, and avocado crema, comes with crispy tortilla chips, making it perfect for snacking and sharing under the sun. Have a hankering for something heartier? Try some of the best tacos in Toronto, made with succulent pork, chicken, or crispy fish, wrapped in a warm corn or flour tortilla, and topped with fresh cilantro and jalapeño. And don’t skip the guacamole — made fresh tableside, it’s just as satisfying to watch as it is to devour. Whether you’re stopping in for a midday lunch reset or happy hour (3 - 5 PM and 10 PM - midnight), Añejo’s good vibes and incredible flavours make it the perfect place to sit back and savour the season. 

Even if your summer plans don’t include a European getaway, Eataly at CF Shops at Don Mills can give you a taste of authentic regional Italian flavours, without forking out for a plane ticket.  Every Tuesday at Eataly is Pizza Night, where curious diners gather for a guided tasting of eight distinct pizzas, each inspired by a different region of Italy, showcasing the incredible diversity of the country’s culture and cuisine.  Led by Eataly’s expert pizzaioli, the evening blends storytelling with history and technique, bringing each dough, sauce, and topping combination to life. Come hungry for extraordinary food and company. On Thursdays, Roman Nights will bring you back in time to ancient Rome, with a specially curated menu of classic dishes from the Eternal City. Seated communally, you’ll enjoy a multi-course meal served family-style, with dishes like tonnarello cacio e pepe, rigatoni all’amatriciana, and seasonal antipasti.  Expert Chefs will guide you on your flavourful journey as you gather to sip on Italian wine and eat like the Romans did for an evening where every bite tells a story.

Some of the best summer meals are one eaten outside the confines of a table, on a park bench, a picnic blanket, or a sunny patch of grass. If you're short on time but still craving something satisfying, CF Shops at Don Mills has everything you need to build your perfect picnic. Right now, Chipotle is serving up their limited-time Honey Chicken. It’s smoky, sweet, and packed with flavour, and is the perfect addition to your bowl or burrito to-go.  At Chick-fil-A, summer’s calling in the form of their Peach Frosted Lemonade, a creamy, frozen blend that’s made for sipping on hot days. Want to make your own on-the-go charcuterie? Head to McEwan for a gourmet selection of pre-packed meals, artisan cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal fruit.  Whether you’re putting together a leisurely two-person picnic or grabbing a quick solo lunch, you’ll never regret taking a little time to eat in the sunshine.

If you’re looking for a patio that combines atmosphere with enough seating to fit a larger group, Joey Don Mills delivers. With a welcoming outdoor setup and a menu that mixes classics with fresh features, it’s the kind of place that’s made for summer afternoons.  Their happy hour features drink specials and limited menu items, like crispy tempura prawns with spicy mayo and a teriyaki glaze, and roasted corn guacamole served with warm tortilla chips. But their standout happy hour feature has to be the Adult Happy Meal. Choose between three delicious combinations: truffle fries with a mini martini, roasted corn guacamole with a margarita, or a Joey cheeseburger with your choice of wine or beer. It’s a fun, no-fuss way to try something new, and it’s only available during happy hour (3 - 6 PM daily, plus late night hours from 9 PM or 10 PM depending on the day). Feel like grazing? Try the Scallop & Prawn Ceviche or Spicy Crab Dip, which are perfect to share. And if you’re after something lighter, order one of Joey’s low-alcohol cocktails (like the Kiwi Melon Collins or Kalamansi Lychee Cooler,) which pack all the flavour with less of a buzz. Whether you’re catching up with friends or treating yourself to a solo unwind, Joey’s is the perfect place to kick back, sip something chilled, and stay a while.

When it comes to brunch, Toronto doesn’t play around — and The Good Son is proof. This cozy local favourite makes a strong case for why Saturday brunch should be a non-negotiable on your summer weekend calendar. With flavourful dishes featuring seasonal organic produce, and a patio that makes you want to linger just a little longer, this neighbourhood restaurant is a local favourite for great eats and company. Brunch is served every Saturday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with a menu that ranges from eggs benedict to wood-fired pizzas and share plates built for slow, easy summer days. With communal-style seating, everything is built to be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere, preferably with coffee (or a mimosa) in hand. Whether you’re easing into the weekend or treating yourself to a quiet moment in the sun, this is a summer brunch experience worth planning your day around. Whether you're looking for Toronto patios to relax with friends, icy cocktails, or just a moment of fun under the sun, CF Shops at Don Mills has a spot you’ll love. Explore all of our CF Shops at Don Mills restaurants.