1. Arlo - 340 Somerset St. W
Not only was Arlo recently named number 49 on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list, but it also has objectively one of the nicest patios in the city. When you pair these two things together, along with having one of the most extensive wine lists in the city, you get the warm weather dining experience of a lifetime. Their back patio is charming, smartly lit, and brings a sense of both vibrancy and calm to any night out. The space is covered in greenery and other plants, creating the back garden escape that is perfect for enjoying whatever seasonal dishes the team has come up with.
Recently the menu has only been getting better and better. The high/low juxtaposition of a cavendish-style hashbrown with dill labneh and caviar is something that we at Centretown have been thinking about for weeks. Their selection of orange wine also makes us happier than a kid on halloween in a neighbourhood that gives away the full sized chocolate bars. Now you take two concepts like this and stick it under the string lit garden back patio? You might have to drag us out of Arlo by our ankles if you really want us to leave.
2. Arlington 5 - 5 Arlington Ave
Speaking of back patios, let’s talk coffee and vibes.
To truly understand Arlington 5, you first need to understand its main components. We’ve taken the liberty of breaking those components down for you here.
The Coffee: Any coffee lover will tell you that Arlington 5 has some of the best brew in the city. They have a genuine care for what they offer to guests as each person walks through the door and that starts with the beans. Using LULO coffee just made sense for Arlington 5. A small batch, Ottawa local coffee roaster that is curating beans from Colombia and Costa Rica to collaborate with a vibey, quirky local space that loves what they do…the perfect match.
The People: A good cup of coffee is nothing without the people who brew and serve it. The baristas at Arlington 5 are among the most caring and educated in the city. Each person who walks through their tiny house door is treated not only with kindness and respect, but genuine enthusiasm. The people are what make A5 an experience.
The Space: We could talk about the cute and cozy indoor of A5, but we’re here to discuss patios. The back patio at Arlington 5 is a mix of everything you need. Sunny spots to yap, shady spots to work, and a social atmosphere that allows people to interact in a number of ways. It’s just private enough to feel cozy but just public enough to feel lively, creating the ideal space for a morning coffee or afternoon catch-up with your pals.
3. Union Local 613 - 315 Somerset St. W
Where does one start with Union Local 613?
A vibrant and lively group of spaces that includes a main dining room, event spaces, and behind-the-book-case speakeasy serving up some of the most eclectic and innovative cocktails in the city beside some creatively executed southern-inspired fare.
What could possibly make this any better?
Well, two things.
The first is how important community involvement is to the team. One association that can always be made with Union 613 is their genuine care for the community and the causes they believe in. It’s an inspiration to many and their continued love to do more than just be a gorgeous destination for hospitality does not go unnoticed.
The second is the reason we’re here; their patio.
Take all of the things we’ve just noted that make Union 613 a 10/10 and put it outside on some comfortable high tops, low tops, and wooden booths that wrap around the side of the building onlooking Ottawa’s lively Somerset St. and you have an intensely beautiful summer night out
4. Uncommon - 140 Bank St.
Now Uncommon is a new player in Ottawa and Centretown, and not exactly a “patio”.
Uncommon serves as more of an event space, but as a result is one of the coolest patios in the city. During last season’s soft launches, the space was transformed for a number of events, including a Subito pop up where you could enjoy a sunny day sandwich and a beer.
Uncommon was created to “reflect the resilience and creativity of Centretown” and it does just that. The opportunities are endless and only limited by the people who choose to play within the space. From charitable events, to restaurant pop ups, to vendors showing their stuff – Uncommon is going to become one of those well frequented, well loved, and well utilized spaces in the city that will of course, at times, be among Ottawa’s best patios.
Stay tuned for the June 1st launch and reach out to Centretown directly for any inquiries on using the space!
5. Ceylonta - 403 Somerset St. W
This is one of those IYKYK spots that every city thrives on. Ceylonta is a Sri Lankan dining spot that is one of the prides of Centretown. Vibrant and flavour packed food is served daily to hungry guests that have learned just how special this place is.
Their quirky front patio is lined with squares of astro-turf, large plants, and a variety of gazebo-style tents. The “oasis” is just one more addition to the experience that Ceylonta provides, and we recommend everyone add it to their list of patios to check out this summer.
6. Fauna - 425 Bank St.
Another high end spot makes the list and it is well deserved. Fauna has been innovating dishes in Ottawa at a high level for years now. The addition of their A1 beverage program creates a dining experience that keeps many Ottawans as faithful patrons for life. Their affinity for proper sourcing practices and creative expression is what sets them apart as a truly special restaurant in Canada’s Capital.
At first glance you may not know that Fauna has outdoor seating, but the secret covered back patio in a hidden space that many people in the city would rave about as among the best.
Being covered is such an underrated addition to a high end patio, because a little rain doesn’t scare anyone away!
It’s a warm summer night in June, the rain is coming down, but you don’t want to be inside! The sound of the droplets hitting the patio cover is a calming addition to your date night as you sip an expertly crafted cocktail, and review the ever-changing menu.
Beautiful, isn’t it?
7. Prohibition Public House - 337 Somerset St. W
Another entry on Somerset St West, Prohibition Public House offers that perfect balance
between cozy dive bar, innovative gastropub, and classy cocktail lounge. Their
approachability and comfort makes them a favourite amongst residents from Centretown and beyond! However their summertime patio is where the magic really happens.
The bulb-lit space offers a bright and vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for date night, group outings, and even a solo cocktail after a long week.
Obviously you can sit outside at any time during operating hours but Pro struts its stuff best after the sun goes down. The lively atmosphere is a people watchers dream, and when paired with their stellar beverage menu, sitting on the Prohibition patio really isn’t a hard sell.
We’ll see you in the warm evening weather there soon.
8. Flora Hall - 37 Flora St.
Hands up, we admit it…Here at Centretown we love a street patio!
The “in the thick of it” vibe that it offers can often be second to none.
One of our favourites in Centretown HAS to be Flora Hall. The house brewed beer and ever-changing menu of shareable bites is the perfect accompaniment to an in the street yap sesh with your closest pals. The sun is beaming down, the beer is ice cold, and the streets of
Centretown are alive again! What more do we really need to say? Add Flora Hall to your
patio hopping list this summer.
No matter what your patio needs may be, Centretown has you covered. This list has only begun to scratch the surface of summer time vibes in our lovely little neighbourhood, and we can’t wait to see you all on the outside in the warmer weather months that we’ve missed so much.
Cheers and with love!
Centretown.
