$$$ = expensive
$$ = moderately priced
$ = inexpensive
Cool
Boardwalk Pub
1681 Lakeshore E, at Northern Dancer Blvd, 416-694-8844. The only patio in the Beach anywhere remotely near the water, this family-style roadhouse on Ashbridges Bay offers an impressive view of the park’s volleyball court and the dappled waters of Lake Ontario in the distance. $$
Classic
Joy Bistro
884 Queen E, at Booth, 416-465-8855. Equipped with two completely different patios – one overlooking tennis courts, the other a faux Miami lounge – the noshes at the nabe’s favourite brunch spot have greatly improved under new chef Bryan Burke. $$
Great Food
Citizen
730 Queen E, at Broadview, 416-465-0100. Sister to Rodney Bowers’s Rosebud, this boisterous east-side bistro dishes up correctly composed Caesar salads and wiener schnitzels on a 12-seat covered terrace out front. $$$
Leslie Jones
1182 Queen E, at Rushbrooke, 416-463-5663. Weather allowing, George Wensley’s terrific café spills into a shady backyard cloister, the only sounds the wind in the trees and the appreciative murmurs of customizers chowing down on seasonal salads and pizzas. Cash only. $$
Also in the area…
Café Florentin
2010 Queen E, at Wheeler, 647-341-2936. Unlicensed. $$
Murphy’s Law
1702 Queen East, at Kingston, 416-690-5516. $$
Red Rocket
1402B Queen E, at Vancouver, 416-406-0880. Unlicensed. $