Public Gardens

What is Public Gardens? Perched on the second floor above the bustling corner of King Street West and Portland Street, Public Gardens delivers a high-energy Italian-American lounge and dining experience. The space pairs an indoor dining room outfitted with rich leather banquettes, brass accents, and a central bar counter with an ivy-draped rooftop patio shaded by vintage green-and-white striped awnings. Run by the team behind King West staple Ruby Soho, the venue shifts smoothly from afternoon patio drinks to a buzzing late-night room with weekend DJs.

Public Gardens Menu & What to Order The kitchen turns out comforting, approachable Italian-American staples built around shareable appetizers, thin-crust pies, and pasta. Start with the house focaccia served with whipped ricotta, sesame, and orange blossom honey, or split an order of crispy mozzarella sticks. For mains, the pepperoni pizza drizzled with hot honey and the mushroom fettuccine with truffle oil are standout picks, alongside a classic chicken parmigiana. Drinkers can lean into the daily 4 to 6 p.m. happy hour for frozen bellinis or explore the menu's expansive lineup of signature espresso martinis.

Know Before You Go Indoor tables can be booked ahead through Resy, but the rooftop patio is strictly first-come, first-served walk-in, meaning sunny weekends require arriving early to dodge lengthy queues. The restaurant sits on the second floor and is accessible only via staircase, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs. Street parking along King West is scarce, so taking the 504 King streetcar to Portland Street is the easiest way to arrive.