Drake, Lebron James, DJ Khaled, and Jason Momoa are just some of the celebrities who frequent Toronto’s restaurants. They’ve been spotted out at local restaurants, cafes, and bars, and aren’t shy when it comes to talking about their favourite eats in the city. Why not check some of them out for yourself?
Here’s our roundup of celebrity-approved restaurants in and around Toronto.
PAI
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We don’t blame celebs for loving this Toronto hot spot!
Actor Simu Liu raved about Pai, a Michelin-recommended Northern Thai restaurant with multiple Toronto locations, during an interview for the About To Eat YouTube channel. Simu enjoys the “Khao Soi” and we get why! Plus, he’s not the only celeb to pop by Pai! Finn Wolfhard has been spotted here along with many Toronto athletes!
Where: See locations
Sushi Masaki Saito
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Delicious food, stunning interior, and one of Jason Momoa’s favourite places to dine in Toronto.
During an interview for Netflix, the actor discussed his love for Toronto and the food here especially after living in the city for a year and a half during the filming of Slumberland, mentioning his favourite restaurant was Sushi Masaki Saito. Jason called it “the best sushi in Toronto,” and we will take his word for it!
Where: 88 Avenue Rd
Kissa
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This cocktail bar and lounge serves up some of the best drinks and dishes in the city and brings in the celebrities!
During Toronto’s Caribana, Lebron James brought a famous squad with him for dinner and drinks at Kissa, a popular spot on King West. Kissa also hosted other celebrities during TIFF such as Nicolas Cage and Ethan Hawke.
Where: 619 King St W
Impact Kitchen
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This health-centric local chain is loved by locals for its gluten-free, minimally-processed cuisine, and that includes Shawn Mendes. The star was spotted having breakfast at Impact Kitchen with celebrity music director Director X. The director even posted a video of the two of them at their table on his Instagram story.
Where: See locations
Sotto Sotto
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Most might recognize Sotto Sotto as being one of Drake’s favourite Toronto restaurants, with him even going as far as to mention it in a song on his 2013 album Nothing Was The Same. But, he’s far from the only star to frequent this upscale trattoria. Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary was devastated when the restaurant burned down in 2014 — don’t worry, it has since been rebuilt.
Jennifer Garner and Ricky Gervais once dined at Sotto Sotto too, reports CTV News. And according to The Daily Beast, so did Brad Pitt, Oprah, Liam Neeson, and Robin Williams, along with the many other stars on the restaurant’s photo wall.
Where: 120 Avenue Rd
Ramen Isshin
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The staff at Ramen Isshin on College St were in for a pleasant surprise when Toronto Raptor Yuta Watanabe strolled in for a meal. A group photo of the employees with Watanabe was posted to the restaurant’s social media back in October 2021.
Where: See locations
The Senator
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This 1940s-inspired diner near Dundas Square is a fave of Sir Elton John’s, which he says has the “best burger in the world.” He and his Canadian filmmaker husband David Furnish frequently stop by when they visit his hometown of Toronto.
Where: 249 Victoria St
The Real Jerk
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Not only is this east-end Caribbean eatery and bar a favourite among celebs, but it was also the backdrop of the music video for Rihanna and Drake’s song “Work.” It’s also loved by athletes including the Toronto Raptors players and NBA icon Steph Curry, who brought his whole family to dine there a few years ago.
Where: 842 Gerrard St East
Summer’s Ice Cream
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Adam Sandler has been spotted in Yorkville in the past paying a visit to a popular ice cream shop in the area. Sandler surprised employees of Summer’s Ice Cream on Yorkville Ave when he showed up to order himself a cone.
The star even posed for selfies with the staff. According to an Instagram post by Summer’s, Sandler opted for the Chocolate Fudge Brownie ice cream, the shop’s best-seller.
Where: 101 Yorkville Ave
Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen
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Celebs love the good vibes and food at Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, a vibrant eatery and tropical cocktail bar just off of King St West. DJ Khaled gave the restaurant a shoutout on Instagram in January 2020, saying that he loves the energy and the food. It’s also where Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello were spotted packing on the PDA in between bites of their food back in 2019.
Where: 104 Portland St
Joso’s
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This upscale seafood restaurant on Davenport is a popular one among stars (especially famous musicians) including Drake and Mariah Carey. The restaurant has a rich history and an elaborate timeline is posted on its website.
The website says that back in the 70s when the restaurant was still a cafe, the original owner would perform for visiting international artists like Liberace, Nana Mouskouri, Harry Belafonte, Gordon Lightfoot, Anne Murray, Jose Feliciano, and Joni Mitchell.
Where: 202 Davenport Rd
Akira Back
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This high-end Japanese restaurant at the Bisha Hotel is one of Toronto’s best restaurants, so it’s no surprise that Arnold Swartznegger himself dined there in the past. Will he be back? Only time will tell.
Where: 80 Blue Jays Way
North of Brooklyn Pizzeria
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Famed pizza critic Dave Portnoy gave North of Brooklyn a stellar score in his definitive Toronto pizza ranking. He gave it the highest rating of any pizzeria he visited at the time (except for one), and his review was nothing short of glowing.
Where: Multiple locations
Four Brothers Pizza
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The one and only Lil’ John paid a surprise visit to the Toronto location of Four Brothers Pizza for a slice. This spot is popular for not only its pies, but also its wings, pizza twirls, and Instagram-worthy pizza skulls.
Where: 540 King Street West
Plan B Burgers
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South African host, comedian, and writer Trevor Noah stopped in at a local South African BBQ restaurant before a show at Scotiabank Arena.
The star enjoyed a late lunch at Plan B – Handmade Burgers, Boerewors and Braai near Royal York subway station. According to its website, Plan B is “the GTA’s first authentic South African joint.”
Where: 2943A Bloor Street West
