Island Dining 101

After more bellyaching than any of us cares to cop to, summer’s finally taken residence in the great north, and why the deuces any of us is still crammed between city sidewalks and sweating highrises when we could be catching the breezes on one of our city’s glorious, away-from-it-all land masses is a mystery. 

All told, 18 islands fan out a mere 10-minute ferry ride from the foot of Yonge St. They promise, among other attractions, panoramic views, acres of parkland, some nude guys on a beach and at least one antique carousel ride. 

Here’s where to find Toronto restaurants, on your island adventure:

The Rectory Café, 102 Lakeshore Ave, Ward's Island

Named the “best lakeside spot” by Now magazine, this picturesque stucco restaurant delivers fine dining to the south shore of Ward’s Island. Scoff at the homey picnickers and drop by for a pulled pork panini, an order of Moroccan chick peas or a chipotle bison burger. And you can’t do much better for great-outdoors ambience than the south-lawn patio of this pine-grove-embraced spot. The Rectory’s licensed, and also offers a bring-your-own-wine option.

Shopsy’s Island Deli Bar & Grill, Centreville, Centre Island

Drink in the view, along with an icy Coke, on the outdoor patio of this yummy eatery that you first got to know along the Front Street stretch. The deli sandwiches for which this historic spot is celebrated are on generous offer here, natch, along with a slew of tasty grilled dishes and fab desserts. 

The Carousel Café, Centreville, Centreville, Centre Island

Belly up to this lakeside charmer, a bright and sunny family-style restaurant whose big-ass patio overlooks the Long Pond. Order up a Caesar salad and steel your cahones for the clothes-shedding that awaits your next stop: sunbathing at Hanlan’s Point.