Whether you’re looking for a romantic, cozy patio for a date night or just want a quieter patio with a bit of privacy to relax on after a long day, sometimes we just need to seek out one of the more secluded patios in the city. These eight local patios, which separate their outdoor dining area from the rest of the world with walls, fences or cast iron boiler doors, are all worth visiting this summer.
Bonterra Trattoria
This patio is so pretty that people sometimes hold their weddings on it. Bonterra Trattoria’s fully enclosed patio has a rustic, cozy vibe thanks to its rustic brick floors, heaters and eye-catching fireplace. Potted plants on the ground and hanging from the walls and pergola make the patio even more appealing. The space is the perfect complement to the rustic Italian fare prepared by chef Ben Mills and his team.
1016 8 St. S.W., 403-262-8480, bonterra.ca
Cannibale
The patio at this Bridgeland favourite has it all – strings of lights, heaters, vines growing up the wall and an outdoor fireplace, all surrounded by six-foot walls and an overhead cedar pergola. Order some bar snacks and a $7.50 tumbler of rose for the perfect patio experience.
813 1 Ave. N.E., 403-454-5808, cannibale.ca
Calcutta Cricket Club
This Indian restaurant has two patios, but it’s the side patio on the east side of the restaurant that provides some privacy from the bustling 17 Ave. S.W. The 43-seat patio is separated from the sidewalk by large cast iron boiler doors, and is filled with hanging plants and a living plant wall. Grab a seat on the banquette, decorated with pink cushions and fringed blankets, to dine on West Benagali cuisine on colourful table cloths.
340 17 Ave. S.W., 403-719-1555, calcuttacricketclub.com
Cibo
Cibo’s rustic, west-facing patio at the 17 Ave. S.W. location is a great option no matter what time it is. During the day, sit amongst the potted and hanging plants while taking advantage of the Italian restaurant’s excellent lunch board special (you get a choice of a pasta or pizza, a side, a salad and a dessert for only $17). In the evening, sit under the overhead heater lamps while indulging in the late night happy hour deals that start at 9 or 10 p.m., depending on the night.
1012 17 Ave. S.W., 403-984-4755, cibocalgary.com
Last Best
From the street, you probably wouldn’t even know that Last Best has a patio. Thankfully, it does. Walk through the brew pub’s main level to find this 115-seat courtyard patio, which is decked out with strings of lights, overhead heaters and a cozy fire pit area. One of the coolest parts? It has a red and pink striped wall that was made for artsy Instagram selfies. Order a glass of the brewery’s Show Pony Pale Ale and hunker down here for the night.
607 11 Ave. S.W., 587-353-7387, lastbestbrewing.com
Teatro
Teatro may be located right downtown, but you’d hardly know it when sitting on the patio. Separated from nearby Olympic Plaza by trees and a fence, the circular patio is a private and cozy spot to dine on elevated Italian fare. Several umbrellas provide plenty of shade for those dining on the patio.
200 8 Ave. S.E., 403-290-1012, teatro.ca