COVID-19: CaféTO

Toronto is subject to a province-wide shutdown beginning April 3 at 12:01 a.m. Outdoor and indoor dining is not permitted. Only take-out, drive-through and delivery is allowed.


Last updated: April 13, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.

Register now for a CaféTO curb lane and/or sidewalk café
Register Now
The CaféTO program aims to provide space for expanded outdoor dining areas to help some restaurants and bars who are impacted by COVID-19. Restaurants and bars operating in Toronto must follow current public health guidelines as developed by Toronto Public Health and the Province of Ontario. Please visit the Province of Ontario’s website to stay informed.
Read the updated CaféTO guidebook to better understand this year’s program.

CaféTO Registration

Learn how to register, when to register and about insurance requirements for the CaféTO program.

Patios on Private Property

Find details about the rules for expanding on private property, such as parking lots.

Accessibility

It is the responsibility of CaféTO participants to follow the rules and ensure your café is accessible for your patrons, and that your café does not impede the ability of people using the sidewalk.

The CaféTO guidebook contains important rules that CaféTO operators must follow, such as maintain the pedestrian clearway, cane-detectability and colour contrasting of café materials.

The guidebook also has some suggestions to improve the accessibility of their outdoor dining space, including furniture choice and layout of the café. Please carefully review this section starting on page 12 of the CaféTO guidebook.

Webinar

On March 2, The City of Toronto hosted a free webinar for restaurant operators interested in learning more about CaféTO and outdoor dining in Toronto in 2021.

Other Support

CaféTO is a part of the City’s ShowLoveTO initiative, launched in association with Founding Sponsor American Express and in partnership with Destination Toronto, to help Toronto businesses, neighbourhoods and residents safely recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To receive updates and information on CaféTO, sign-up for the BusinessTOnewsletter

Add your restaurant to Destination Toronto’s ToGoToronto.com, a free listing of more than 700 Toronto restaurants that are open for safe takeout, delivery and patios as public health restrictions allow.