Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Leaside

Outstanding experience from the moment we walked in we were warmly greeted. Our coats were checked for us and we were sat within a minute or 2. The service was fantastic very professional and attentive. The food was unbelievable. We ordered the grilled octopus Caesar salad for two made table side. Ribeye to share with mushrooms and potato gratin. Hands down one of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time. Everything was cooked perfectly. And the salad way better than any other top steak houses in the city. I’m definitely returning here in the nicer weather !

Today was wintery and cold with a blowing wind. A day to be inside. A day for lunch at the Amsterdam. As always, the staff at the front door were welcoming and efficient, directing us to a table for two beside the fireplace. Bonus! Samantha (Sam) was our server today. She was friendly and chatty and seemed pleased to see us. We ordered “our usual”, as regulars to the Amsterdam (perhaps we are boring) and without much delay we were enjoying our fish and chips (for her) and the Tai chicken curry (for me), washed down with Diet Coke and an Amsterdam Blonde. The food was hot and nicely presented, particularly the curry, resting on a palm leaf in a custom earthenware (?) dark bowl. The beer, even on a cold day, was great. Although there are giant screen TVs in one section of the dining area showing (today) live tennis, the sounds and images were not intrusive. Ditto the musical ambiance. Although I would prefer NO music in a restaurant, the Amsterdam’s choice was reasonable acceptable and allowed for an audible conversation (I often wonder if the “music” in restaurants, or the grocery store, is targeting the customers or the staff). No desert today. Stuffed. But there was a little room for a cappuccino before paying the bill. Goodbyes from Sam who provided great service and who maintained a pleasant chatty presence throughout today’s encounter. We will be back. Jack H Toronto

First time trying it. Went for Valentine's Day and for the live music. Very happy with everything. Music was great and dining was fantastic. Service was friendly and accommodating. The portions were good enough where there were no leftovers but we weren't overly stuffed. I had the Beef Carpaccio and the Osso Buco. Both were delicious. I would definitely go again. Its hard to find a fine dining restaurant with live jazz or any other music. Most are Trendy hipster bars. The singer was really good, I don't know his name but we enjoyed it. Wish I could find a female Jazz singer in a fine dining atmosphere.

Joined the Guided Tequila Tasting dinner in Feb 2025. The hosts, Doug and Pamela were engaging, knowledgeable and very upbeat! The food was amazing and the chef came out multiple times to let us know what we were being served, and that was a nice touch! Definitely good value for your money. I left happy, knowing more about tequila, with a very full belly and a little buzz! Great night out! Thanks El Catrin! I would love to do this again!

This was a business lunch, though we are also friends, and I appreciated being able to linger over our conversation without feeling like we were "over-staying" or a nuisance. The food as always was excellent and service appropriately watchful - we were permitted to dawdle but were not being ignored. Ideal for our circumstances. Back soon.