Like the tulips pushing up through the ground and the crisp green leaves budding on the trees, Montreal patio-hoppers come out of hibernation every spring, eager to soak up the nice weather.

Local restos know all too well about the love affair Montrealers have with summertime—and respond accordingly by stacking the city with terraces (that’s patio to you Anglos).

From its popular double-decker patios along Crescent Street to sprawling waterfront decks, La Belle Ville always serves up the very best in al-fresco dining.

Check out my seven favourite terraces:

Le Saint-Sulpice

Surrounded by trees, a fountain and an herb garden, the patio at Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel hits all the right notes right away. Add in the fact that it’s open all summer long, rain or shine, and Le Saint-Sulpice nails it completely. The romance factor is upped an extra ante when you consider the space’s history—it faces the Sulpician Gardens, the oldest gardens in North America.

My favourite dish: Sunday Brunch’s “two eggs St-Sulpice” which comes with ham, mushrooms, spinach, and Mornay sauce

Annies

I grew up in sunny South Florida, so I’m always reminded of hanging out with friends at the beach when I visit this lakeside patio. Why wouldn’t I? Annies has a sprawling deck on Lac St-Louis (in St. Anne-de-Bellevue, about 38 kms from Montreal), an aquatic playland for boaters and water-skiers. While cruising the lakefront boardwalk, couples and families alike often stop in for a meal and a cool beverage along the way.

My favourite dish: Chicken fajitas and a pitcher of their famous sangria

Terrasse Magnetic

The rooftop patio of the Hotel de la Montagne feels just like a South Beach pool party—if you overlook the surrounding downtown office buildings, that is. A hotspot in every sense of the word, the pool and bar are packed all summer long. There’s nothing better than packing my beach bag, getting together with a group of friends and spending a steamy Montreal afternoon on top of the world.

My favourite dish: Grilled Merguez sausages and a perfectly prepared pina colada

Jardin Nelson

Consider this spot the epitome of elegance. Located in Old Montreal behind the Nelson Hotel (which dates back to 1812), the multi-level outdoor patio is draped in greenery and big linen umbrellas. With birds chirping above your head and a live jazz band filling the sweet air with soothing tunes, I dare you to not feel relaxed.

My favourite dish: The Florentine crepe (ham, spinach, béchamel sauce, parmesan and brie cheeses) with a side of roasted potatoes and a mimosa

Les Deux Pierrots

Old Montreal is definitely one of the most picturesque areas of Montreal, and so it’s no surprise that it’s chock-full of scenic outdoor terraces. Les Deux Pierrots is one of them. Perfect for a laid-back lunch or dinner (great pizzas, wraps, chicken and ribs) and a few drinks in a spot that overlooks rue Saint Paul as well as fleuve Saint-Laurent and le Vieux-Port.

My favourite dish: The traditional nachos with an icy cold Corona

Macaroni Bar

Though my memories of the night are just a tad hazy, my bachelorette party festivities started at this classy restaurant located on The Main (also known as boulevard Saint Laurent). The beautiful patio in the back of the Macaroni Bar was the perfect place to kick off the evening with delicious food and a few cocktails (they also offer bottle service). Complete with plush outdoor sofas and lounge chairs, this is a perfect setting under the stars.

My favourite dish: A watermelon martini and their mac ‘n cheese made with gorgonzola parmesan

Sir Winston Churchill Pub

A roundup of the city’s best terraces wouldn’t be complete without a hotspot on bustling rue Crescent. And of all the cozy outdoor spots that line the street, Sir Winston Churchill pub is the best (and the biggest). It’s here where my friends and I always meet to kick off the summer with great street-side seating and a pitcher of sangria. Winnie’s (as locals call it) is really the place to be during the summer, especially during Grand Prix weekend.

My favourite dish: The fish and chips with tartar sauce and, of course, the sangria