July 3, 2021
By: Karisa Simon
It’s patio season in Oakville!
Oakville is home to an amazing culinary scene and there are many trendy spots around town offering exceptional outdoor dining. With patios opening up again, I thought it would be a great time to share nine things everyone needs to know about outdoor dining in Oakville.
- Plan ahead
I like to research the area that I plan to visit and scan local food guides to determine which restaurant I am going to eat at. Check out the food guides on these websites for the best info on local eats:
- Identify parking
Have an idea of where you will park before you leave to avoid the stress of last-minute parking issues. Depending on where you go, you may find parking in the restaurant’s private parking lot or pay for parking in a city lot or garage. You may also be lucky to find street parking as I did! Here are some parking maps for the BIAS:
Insider Tip: Download the HonkMoblie App on your phone. This app offers residents and visitors a way to pay for parking at municipal parking lots in Downtown Oakville and Kerr Village.
- Consider small business
When deciding on where to dine this patio season, consider supporting a small business. By supporting a small business, you’re also supporting the local community.
I decided to attend Maro’s Bistro this week. They have a beautiful patio set up on the sidewalk of Kerr Street where they serve delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Make reservations
Be sure to find out if restaurants have a reservation-only system in place or if they are accepting walk-ins. Check their website, social media account or call to find out. Maro’s accepted walk-ins.
- Follow COVID-19 guidelines
Be sure to adhere to the province’s COVID-19 guidelines as well as those set by the restaurant. Since we were seated outdoors, I did not need to wear a mask. However, if you plan to go inside any restaurant you’ll need your mask.
The tables at Maro’s Bistro were well distanced from one another and their servers wore masks when they were attending to each table. I felt perfectly safe with the measures that were in place.
- Be respectful
Many restaurants are just getting back in the groove of business as restrictions begin to ease, and some are new to patio dining. Please remember to be respectful to restaurant staff when you’re out and be compassionate if things aren’t perfect.
- Bring a sweater
The weather is very unpredictable. I suggest bringing a sweater or jacket with you in case it is a bit chilly outside. Some patios around town offer heating or blankets to keep warm, but it’s best to have your own equipment to be safe.
- Take a nice picture
Capture the moment by taking a picture! My lunch at Maro’s Bistro was amazing! The food was phenomenal and the patio was beautifully decorated with plants, hanging lights and vibrant colours. I had to take a picture!
- Explore the area
End your outdoor dining experience by exploring the area around the restaurant. Go for a walk, visit a novelty store or stop by another restaurant for dessert. I did! I could not leave Kerr Village without stopping at La Dolce Vita for some gelato.
If you are in the mood for shopping, I recommend visiting some of my favourite stores, such as The Kind Matter Company or Dove and Arrow. Both of these stores sell one-of-a-kind products.
I hope you can use these tips to make the most of the outdoors this summer! Share your patio experiences with us @VisitOakville on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
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