One of the busiest seasons for Toronto is here. TIFF season has officially kicked off and if you hope to catch a movie and dine near the stars, these restaurants are where you need to be.
In the past, some of the restaurants have been celebrity hot spots and it could easily be once again. From new, must-try spots to buzzworthy eateries, here are the best restaurants and bars in Toronto to wine and dine during TIFF.
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Casa Madera
A frequent celeb spot throughout any time of the year and most likely during TIFF is Casa Madera. It was created by Los Angeles-based hospitality and lifestyle company Noble 33, and serves Mexican coastal cuisine inspired by the elements of earth, air, fire, and water. You can only describe it as a luxurious, contemporary, and eccentric dining destination that you must try.
Where:Â 550 Wellington St W
KISSA
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New to Toronto’s King Street scene and an addition to TIFF’s Hospitality partners is Kissa. The same team behind Soluna brought this Japanese-inspired lounge to life. It’s an intimate yet luxurious spot which is sure to be a hot spot for celebs this year.
Where:Â 619 King Street West
ONE Restaurant at Hazleton Hotel
The tree-lined wraparound patio of this trendy restaurant offers a front-row view of Yorkville, making it the perfect place to celeb-spot and people-watch. The sumptuous bar and lavish dining area are also worth visiting — if you’re prepared to treat yourself, that is.
Where: 116 Yorkville Ave
Marbl
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IYKYK, Marbl has always been one of the top spots for TIFF after parties so it’s safe to say it will be this year too. It’s been a TIFF Hospitality Partner in the past and has been known for its luxurious parties and list of stars. New for 2023, Marbl is hosting Cinema Center, “the ultimate hospitality hub at this year’s TIFF.”
Where:Â 455 King St W
Pink Sky
Popular seafood spot on King Street, Pink Sky is also a TIFF Hospitality Partner this year and we’re sure it’ll be a fan favourite this year. Or more like celeb favourite, if you catch our drift.
Where:Â 480 King St W
Minami
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Situated right across from TIFF | Bell Lightbox and Festival Tower, Minami Toronto is ideal in terms of proximity to the red carpet. And in honour of the annual film event, Minami will have special menu items during TIFF. We’re talking entree specials, an exquisite cocktail and more.
Where: 225 King St W Suite 100
Soluna
Here’s another TIFF Hospitality Partner to check out! With its Tulum-esque vibes and chill environment, Soluna has definitely attracted an exciting crowd. This will be Soluna’s second year as being TIFF‘s hospitality partner after hosting private diners, terrace parties and the TIFF Deadline lounge. Celebs like Jennifer Lawrence, Zac Efron, Daniel Craig and many more, stopped by.
Where:Â 312 Queen St W
Bisha Hotel
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Bisha is the place for a luxury hotel experience in Toronto’s Entertainment District, steps from TIFF Bell Lightbox. High-end Japanese restaurant Akira Back at the Bisha Hotel is one of Toronto’s best restaurants, so it’s no surprise that Arnold Swartznegger himself dined there when he was in the city. What famous guests will stay at Bisha during TIFF? Only time will tell.
Where: 80 Blue Jays Way
Parc Ave
This Yorkville luxury cocktail bar is sure to be a hot spot when the celebrities come to town for TIFF. Given its location in the famously star-studded neighbourhood, the intimate ambiance, and “mesmerizing” cocktail menu, we wouldn’t be surprised to see an A-lister or two here during the festival.
Where:Â 265 Davenport Road, 2nd Floor
Adrak Yorkville
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The Yorkville neighbourhood is a hot spot for celebs as many stay in its luxury hotels like the Four Season, Hazelton Hotel, and more. And since they’re in the area, they’ll definitely check out the fine dining offerings like Adrak Yorkville. Known for its tantalizing Indian cuisine, we’re sure a few celebs will want to know what all the hype is about.
Where:Â 138 Avenue Rd
Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill
King St is home to the bold and elegant dining destination that is Mademoiselle. It’s so great that it has already earned its spot as Toronto’s top venue for dining and cocktails. On top of that, this spot was designed with TIFF in mind as it was inspired by venues surrounding Theatre de La Licorne in Cannes.
Where:Â 563 King St W
Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Bar
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Shangri-La Toronto is once again, one of the Hotel Partners of TIFF and it’ll be the place to be next month. Enjoy the luxurious surroundings, Film Collection cocktail menu and live entertainment during TIFF season.
Where:Â Shangri-La Toronto, 188 University Ave
Sotto Sotto
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.
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.
Given its popularity among celebs, there’s a good chance that it’ll have some famous visitors during TIFF.
Where:Â 120 Avenue Rd
Karen Doradea
Senior Staff Writer, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Netflix, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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