The Rooftop in Toronto

The Rooftop: the Toronto skyline seen from the East End

At the top of a historic Riverside hotel

The Broadview Hotel has been an East End landmark since 1891: an imposing red-brick building standing on the corner of Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue, in the Riverside neighbourhood, just east of the Don Valley. Restored and converted into a 58-room boutique hotel, it reserves its 7th floor, served by an elevator, for its panoramic restaurant.

A glass-walled room and a large terrace

The room is glazed on all 360°, beneath a pyramid-shaped glass roof, and opens onto a vast outdoor terrace. To the west, the eye passes over the Don River and travels all the way to the downtown towers and the CN Tower. The enclosed room lets you enjoy the view in every season; the terrace takes over when the weather turns fine.

Asian-inspired small plates and cocktails

The menu is made for sharing: fried chicken or shrimp bao, tuna tataki, scallop ceviche, then beef skewers, chicken satay or branzino for bigger appetites. House cocktails are around CA$18 to CA$20, with low- or no-alcohol versions at CA$14, beers and a wine list. A happy hour livens up the late afternoon on weekdays and musicians play live at the weekend. Just above, a small tower called The Tower can be booked for private dinners.

Practical information

Open every day from 3.30pm, until 10pm Sunday to Thursday and later on Friday and Saturday; happy hour Monday to Friday from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Online booking recommended; after 9.30pm, walk-ins only. Groups of 8 or more: request by email to the hotel. Phone: +1 416 362 8439. Allow CA$18 to CA$20 per cocktail, plus taxes and tip. The 501 Queen streetcar passes in front of the hotel.