Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

Toronto's New Restaurant Has A Heated Patio Oasis & It's Like Dining In A Mythical Forest

It has the most heartwarming story behind it, too.

Lead Writer, Travel

There's a new spot for boozy drinks and delicious food in Toronto, and it comes with an enchanting year-round patio.

Aura is a lounge and restaurant that just opened on Queen Street East. Brought to life by brothers Andy and Arda Akin, the venue has an inspiring story behind it.

Aura | Handout

The Akins, who grew up in Turkey, always dreamed of opening a restaurant business in Canada. Once they had finally saved enough to do so, the pandemic hit, but they didn't let that hold them back.

Aura | Handout

"Our parents have always said to us that there will be defining moments in life where you can choose to take a risk or let your aspirations slip by," Arda said in a press release. The brothers didn't have the funds for renovations, so they transformed the entire space themselves with the help of friends.

Aura | Handout

Aura is inspired by the 1940s with a modern twist. You'll find a glowing, candlelit room with a cozy atmosphere as you step inside.

Aura | Handout

The year-round patio is described as a "mythical forest" and features a whimsical mural, heaters, and a canopy of vines.

Aura | Handout

The menu boasts craft cocktails and global cuisine with a focus on appetizers to pair with your drinks.

Aura

Aura | Handout

Price: 💸💸

Cuisine: Global

Address: 686 Queen St. E., Toronto, ON

Why You Need To Go: Enjoy a meal in an enchanting patio oasis at this new spot.

Website

Explore this list   👀

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

11 gorgeous Toronto restaurants that locals say are always worth the splurge

Remember these spots for your next special occasion! 😍

This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁

This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.