Orchard West Patio. Photo Courtesy of Orchard
Get out of town without passing the city limits by visiting one of these stunning outdoor spaces that promise a sweet escape.
Amato Gelato Kensington
Satiate your sweet tooth with your choice of the many gelato flavours and soak up the sun at Amato Gelato’s simply beautiful outdoor space — featuring decorative screens blocking out the Kensington Road traffic, strings of twinkly lights and colourful planters.
7, 2104 Kensington Rd. N.W., amatogelatoalberta.com, @amatogelato
Bonterra Trattoria
Easily one of the most romantic patios in Calgary, live out your Italian summer fantasies with a trip to Bonterra Trattoria. Enjoy contemporary Italian fare with an emphasis on simple, fresh ingredients prepared by chef Joseph Lavergne. Savoury samplings include linguine alle vongole — featuring manilla clams, pork sausage, garlic, white wine and parsley — or an eight-ounce bison striploin, complete with roasted celery root, buttered carrots and a Saskatoon berry sauce. Finish the evening with lemon olive oil cake or an affogato — to satiate both your sweet-tooth and caffeine cravings.
1016 8 St. S.W., bonterra.ca, @bonterracalgary
Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant
Steep yourself in history, sip on a mimosa and languish in the shade of the historic ranch’s wraparound veranda while imagining you’ve stepped into your favourite historical drama. Enjoy brunch staples, like steak and eggs or shakshuka, or classic dinner entrees including pan-seared Icelandic cod.
15979 Bow Bottom Trail S.E., bvrrestaurant.com, @bowvalleyrancherestaurant
Calcutta Cricket Club
Bid farewell to winter and hello to spring with a trip to Calcutta Cricket Club, where they will be serving vibrant flavours and vibes. This will be the first spring welcoming CCC’s not one but two patios to the scene — which promise similar features to the restaurant’s previous patio at its former location, such as welcoming pops of colour and verdant plants. Including a front sidewalk patio that opens up to the restaurant via garage doors and a “hidden” back patio, CCC runs Happy Hour every day from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
1213 1 St. S.W., calcuttacricketclub.com, @calcuttacricket
Fortuna’s Row
Hidden in an unassuming building along Calgary’s riverfront, Fortuna’s Row offers a fresh and exciting take on the contemporary cuisines of Mesoamerica under the guidance of Chef Mikko Tamarra. Enjoy dishes such as aguachile — yellowfin tuna, argentinian shrimp and tomatillo salsa verde — and milanesa — pork loin, mole manchamanteles and sweet plantain — under the patio’s twinkly lights. Round-out your meal with a dose of whimsy by sampling from the patio’s seasonal ice cream kiosk.
421 Riverfront Ave., fortunasrow.com, @fortunas.row
La Boulangerie Bakery Cafe
Tucked away at the far end of Fourth Street, this European-inspired Mission staple is easily recognized by its wicker seating and red umbrellas. The menu serves a range of sips and bites — including freshly squeezed orange juice and ILLY coffee.
Fan favourites include the daily baked goods such as kouign-amann — the queen of laminated pastries — and a variety of sweet and savoury crepes. As an added bonus, the patio is dog friendly. So whether you’re popping by for family brunch or to imagine you’re savouring chocolat chaud in Paris, your fur-baby can escape with you.
2435 4 St. S.W., @laboulangerieyyc
Le Comptoire, by Francois
This sweet little spot delivers authentically French vibes. On chilly spring days, the dual gas-wood fireplace offers a hint of warmth and motorized screens can block-out brisk winds. A smattering of bistro tables and brightly coloured pillows provide chic and cozy seating, but the real draw at this vegetarian café is its pastry lineup — including rugelach and babka, and truly sumptuous cakes.
1928 34 Ave. S.W., @lecomptoirbyfrancois
Orchard
Between the hanging planters and lush greenery framing each wooden table, Orchard’s patio serves summer-worthy vibes alongside its delectable dining experience. Chef Jenny Kang has thoughtfully crafted a menu that offers classic European dishes with an Asian flair — challenging preconceived notions of Mediterranean cuisine with dishes such as a lobster and prawn arancini with a yuzu aioli, and a pan-roasted half chicken in a gochujang glaze. No experience as luscious as dining at Orchard is complete without dessert — such as the matcha tiramisu.
134, 620 10 Ave. S.W., orchardyyc.com, orchard.yyc
PARK by Sidewalk Citizen
Between the Mediterranean fare and thoughtfully designed space, stepping into PARK by Sidewalk Citizen’s solarium is a treat for the senses — a treat that extends to the restaurant’s artistically planted patio. Menu items inspired by the bustling street food of Israel, including a range of skewers and dips, are best enjoyed with good company in this romantic and quiet space in Memorial Park.
340 13 Ave. S.W., parkbysidewalk.com, @parkbysidewalk
Poolside by Freestyle Social Club
Goodbye YYC, hello Miami. Poolside by Freestyle Social Club (located at Hotel Arts) is ideal for when you need a spot of solo RNR or want to kickback with your circle during a weekend pool party. Promising summer year-round with an inflatable roof enclosing the pool during the colder months, come the warm weather the roof opens up to allow in the sweet sunshine. Dine poolside with offerings like jerk chicken dumplings and soba noodle cups.
119 12 Ave. S.W., freestylesocialclub.ca/poolside, @freestylesocialclub
