Patio dining is a rite of summer in South Eastern Ontario. With the warm weather finally here to stay and patios opening across the region, we’re gearing up for outdoor dining, showcasing the water that makes this region sparkle. So gather up some friends or take this as an excuse for a date night, because it’s time to discover dining al fresco with stunning sunsets and waterfront views, elevating your meal. Here are more than 25 perfect waterview patios across South Eastern Ontario!
1. Waterfront River Pub & Terrace
Overlooking the Napanee River, this special spot has a stunning patio featuring a beautiful waterfront scene. Enjoy the expansive menu here among the lush greenery and peaceful oasis patio - sure to become one of your top outdoor dining spots. Take one of their River Boat Tours while you are there!
2. Lakeview Tavern & Restaurant
This is a summer favourite! The Lakeview Tavern & Restaurant in Erinsville has been welcoming visitors since 1878 - and now from a two-level patio with an umbrella-shaded table, gorgeous flowers and a terrific waterfront view of Beaver Lake. Famous for their fish and chips, the menu here has something for every taste, and the patio even plays host to live music in the summer.
Find your perfect streetside or garden patio in L&A County!
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3. Spicer’s Dockside Grill
Ok, this is the epitome of a grand summer patio experience. Right on the water, authentic lake vibes happening, string lights, umbrellas, covered portions, and it’s even dockside with table and bar seating. Grab lunch with friends or watch the summer sunset happening right before your eyes with a loved one on the large patio at Spicer’s Dockside Grill on Wolfe Island. The new owners have revitalized this much-loved restaurant and offer delicious food, great drinks and stunning water views!
4. The Miller House Café-Brasserie
Not only is the food delish here, but the patio has one of the County’s most spectacular views. Situated high above the bay, outdoor dining here means watching the Glenora Ferry crossing the sparkling blue water below while savouring tapas, small plates and sharing platters. Be sure to try their own craft beer from Lake on the Mountain Brewing Company!
5. The Lakeside Motel (header image)
Absolutely stunning waterside patio is large and ready to serve up elevated beach vibes and good food. Every seat is the best in the house here as an unofficial summer spot for patio and cocktails with a view. Book a table and enjoy dining on the shores of Lake Ontario. An added bonus? You can bring your pup! That’s right, the Lakeside patio is pet friendly so you can bring your four-legged bestie - they even have a dog menu, believe it or not.
6. County Cider Co.
Patio lunches and cider tastings overlooking the vineyard, orchards and Prince Edward Bay. Delightful! The County Cider Co. is popular for al fresco dining with wood fired pizzas and chilled glasses of your favourite cider, local beer and wine. County Cider Co. is also dog friendly and family friendly to make sure all can enjoy this must-see County destination. (patio not waterfront)
7. Parsons Brewing Company
This family-owned and operated craft brewery in the heart of PEC has an idyllic patio with rustic wooden seating, string lights and even vines and greenery naturally infused to give the patio here a special feel. Parsons is known for its stunning sunset views and a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance that is family friendly, and also allows well-behaved dogs outdoors. Fun tip: Parsons also has roller skating every Sunday afternoon! (patio not waterfront)
8. Slake Brewing
This gem offers panoramic views of The County from the patio! It’s built into a limestone hill, visitors can also spot pigs, sheep, chickens and cats from the patio and dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed at all times. The patio at Slake Brewing provides an amazing vantage point for sunsets and summer evenings, topped off with fun and delicious fare from Rebel Taco, with Tex-Mex-inspired dishes from Thursday to Sunday. (not waterfront but sweeping vista's from here)
9. The Cove Inn
Enjoy drinks and dining on the waterfront patio, under shade with a remarkable view of two bodies of water in Westport! As a family-owned, four-season inn, The Cove is known for being open for exciting live music and dining from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. The patio here is a relaxing place to while away the afternoon or a special summer evening.
10. The Boathouse Cafe
Find this haven across from the Burritts Rapids Lockstation on the Rideau Canal! Carefully crafted coffee and tea, stellar soups and sammies, as well as ice cream and cocktails, will hit the spot this summer. Sign us up! Arrive by boat or car and enjoy sipping a drink on the sunny dog-friendly patio alongside this newly renovated vibrant cafe.
11. O’Heaphy’s Irish Pub in Prescott
With a large patio and RiverWalk view of the St. Lawrence River, O’Heaphy’s Irish Pub in Prescott may just become your new go-to this summer. Look here for early breakfasts and late nights, and even Sunday family meals - all in a historic pub in downtown Prescott.
12. Salamanders of Kemptville
This fusion Cajun restaurant boasts a large patio overlooking Kemptville Creek! The gorgeous patio offers close views of the downtown harbour, allowing light watercraft to moor at the municipal dock located in front of Salamanders so visitors can pop over to the patio to enjoy a uniquely Canadian twist on Cajun, Creole, and Low Country Cooking. Sit under the umbrellas and sip a refreshing drink while spicing up your summer!
A picturesque patio awaits! Located on Kingston’s waterfront at the Tett Centre, the Juniper Cafe serves up house-made sandwiches, salads and treats, as well as Pilot Coffee and locally-sourced goods. Everything is made in-house daily, and the waterfront cafe is licensed! Lake Ontario beckons, and the patio here is answering the call.
14. AquaTerra Kingston
Enjoy Kingston’s waterfront while sipping cold beer, chilled Champagne or refreshing cocktails featuring local breweries and distilleries. Listen to the waves lap the shore from the AquaTerra patio and indulge in AquaTerra’s fine food; freshly prepared dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients. Remarkable waterfront views accompany every meal!
15. Muskie Jake’s Tap and Grill
The sunny but covered patio here is always a popular spot in the summer, on the shores of the St. Lawrence River. Located at the historic Gananoque Inn, Muskie Jake’s serves casual fare and beverages, including burgers, pasta, and daily specials. Boat dockage is even available for dock and dine patrons!
16. Cornwall’s Pub at the Boathouse Country Inn in Rockport
Feel like a true islander on this cozy and casual patio - perfect for summer! Cornwall’s Pub in Rockport on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, so water views are second to none. Sit under the covered patio or find an umbrella and enjoy live music here, daily specials, and a beautiful view of the majestic river accented by delicious pub fare with flair like wood-fired pizzas and elevated burgers.
17. Moose McGuires at Tall Ships Landing
A quintessential Brockville neighbourhood hangout - with an epic patio. This one overlooks Brockville’s harbour, including tall ships, cruising boats and the beautiful St. Lawrence River. A great spot to enjoy the mighty river and people watch! The warm, laid-back atmosphere of the pub extends to the covered patio and it’s a popular spot all summer long!
18. Fat Les’ Waterfront Patio
Right in the heart of it all, on Blockhouse Island in Brockville, is Fat Les’ Waterfront Patio. This licensed place is always hopping in the summer, specializing in pizza, burgers, deep fried delights and of course, ice cream! Its unique island location allows visitors to sit and watch the ships go by on the St. Lawrence River on one side and, on the other side of the patio, view the Brockville harbour and city skyline.
Reserve your spot in SDG Counties
19. Alibi Restaurant in Iroquois
Enjoy a fantastic meal and drink on a happening patio with a peaceful view of the St. Lawrence River. Watch the ships go by on the beautiful river from the large outdoor patio. Alibi serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, so come hungry and prepare for authentic waterfront vibes.
One of two patios in SDG Counties where you can arrive on your boat and dine dockside. A casual waterfront pub serving reimagined pub fare and/or impressive contemporary dishes.
Views of the St. Lawrence River don't get much better than this. Watch the big ships go by from the extensive patio. You can arrive by boat and moor up in a few limited spots. Daily specials and great pub grub.
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22. CàB Café
This beloved restaurant is in the heart of Chute-à-Blondeau in East Hawkesbury and serves up homemade goodness, fresh seasonal meals and more. Pick up fresh sourdough bread, have brunch on the rustic and friendly patio just steps from the Ottawa River (not waterfront).
A hidden gem! The natural rock-formed patio along the South Nation River and hostess with the most-ess, Nathalie, make this a must-visit in Prescott-Rusell. Plus, there's a gelato bar too. Helloooo, say no more!
Looking for a unique patio paradise in the Bay of Quinte region? Here’s an incredible list of waterfront patios in BoQ so you can start planning your route!
Think The Pier Patio Bar & Grill, which is touted as Belleville's best sunset view, located on Meyer's Pier, surrounded by water. Or the Local Social House, Belleville’s waterside dining experience over the Moira River. How about Tomasso’s Italian Grill in Quinte West, which has a patio on the Trent River? Their patio is a favourite, with Italian recipes and an amazing view of the Trent River. Don’t forget Signal Brewing Company, home to the region’s largest waterfront patio on the banks of the Moira River in Corbyville. With so many waterfront patios to choose from in Bay of Quinte it’s worth a road trip for sure!
Bring your dreams of waterfront outdoor dining to life this season by sipping, noshing, and indulging on a one-of-a-kind patio in South Eastern Ontario!
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