When it comes to knowing where to eat, drink and gather in Toronto, few people have a better pulse on the city than the team at Halo & Co. For more than a decade, the hospitality PR agency has worked alongside some of the city’s most exciting restaurants, bars and hotels, giving them a front-row seat to what’s new, noteworthy and worth a visit.
As Toronto welcomes the FIFA World Cup, many of the city’s best Toronto patios are transforming into match-day destinations. We asked the Halo team where they’ll be watching the matches. From lively Ossington patios and hidden Parkdale gems to rooftops with CN Tower views, these are the spots hospitality insiders are booking now.
Paris Paris , Ossington
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Iconic in its own right as a summertime destination, Paris Paris is our top pick for a damn good game time. A front row seat to Ossington, and now the matches, the projected screen is the best place to watch with guaranteed good food, spritzes, and a high community vibe until well after the game ends. parisparis.ca
Molkagtez Queen West, Parkdale
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If you know, you know. On the back patio, you’d never guess you’re tucked into Parkdale, just off Queen West. The eclectic jungle patio atmosphere draws you in, but the authentic Mexican fare and hospitality are what make it a hidden gem. dannyspizzatavern.com
Brazen Head, Liberty Village
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Feel the energy of BMO Field straight into Liberty Village, with the front patio of Brazen Head at the heart of it all. A personal favourite, and one of the few dog-friendly patios that welcomes our fur babies too. Their Pawtio Menu makes it that much harder to leave. fabrestaurants.ca/restaurant/brazen-head
Earl’s Financial District
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We can’t stray away from one of Toronto’s classic and most reliable patio. The Financial District’s after-work energy spills out into the open air on the front patio. Cheer loud and proud, meet new friends and let the city do the rest. earls.ca
The Porch, Entertainment District
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A patio roundup isn’t complete without a rooftop mention. No matter how long you live in Toronto, a view of the CN Tower from a rooftop patio is always a hit. There’s something about watching our national team play with the backdrop of our quintessential skyline. And on a bluebird day? Chills. theporchto.com
Duke of York, Yorkville
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A staple in our neighbourhood, we’re watching all of England’s games on the back patio of the Duke of York. We’re drinking Dukes’ Draught and pairing it with fish and chips, extra chips for the table. dukepubs.ca
Loons Sports Bar & Pub, The Junction
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This one feels like home. The secret back patio channels the feeling of drinks with your closest friends, tucked away from the city’s chaos, because it practically is someone’s backyard. Pull up chairs, gather around and cheers to each other. loonspub.com
Pennies on College, Little Italy
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We know her, we love her low-key vibe, and we’ll never not mention our favourite sliders (although they are some of Toronto’s best burgers). Thank you, Pennies on College, for putting screens out on the patio so we don’t have to choose between a Combo No. 5 and cheering on our team. Great for groups to hang out, eat, drink and keep score. pennies.bar
Danny’s Pizza Tavern, Little Italy
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For us, it was love at first bite of every square slice. With the screens up and table service uninterrupted (we’ll take an Aperol Spritz), it feels like Toronto’s Little Italy version of a spending a summer in Europe. dannyspizzatavern.com
Halo Toronto Insiders is a recurring ELLE Gourmet series featuring insider recommendations from the team at Halo & Co. on where to eat, drink and experience the city right now. While Halo & Co. represents a number of hospitality clients, these recommendations reflect the team’s personal picks for watching the FIFA World Cup and are not limited to agency clients.
More FIFA World Cup Entertaining Ideas
Whether you’re hosting a backyard watch party or heading to one of Toronto’s best patios, these ELLE Gourmet stories will help you eat, drink and celebrate match day in style.
Where to Eat, Drink and Stay in Toronto During the FIFA World Cup
10 Appetizers for a FIFA World Cup Watch Party
Gourmet Game-Day Appetizers for Soccer Fans
