Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is back in the city for its 50th year and along with the featured films, glamorous events, and the A-lister sightings that come with the Festival season, we can also expect some seriously cool menu items popping up at restaurants and hotels to celebrate.
Think over the top, film-inspired cocktails and dinner plates of glitzy creations by Toronto’s top mixologists and chefs. Ready for a TIFF inspired date night that will immerse you in all the action?
This is perfect for foodies and movie lovers alike!
The St. Regis Toronto
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Toronto International Film Festival, The St. Regis Toronto proudly presents the Golden Indulgence Series; a curated collection of culinary and cocktail experiences inspired by the glamour of cinema and the timeless elegance of the House of Astor
If you’re from Toronto, you know about The St. Regis’ restaurant, LOUIX LOUIS and their iconic 13-layer King’s Cake. This year during TIFF, it’s ben re-imaged to a, wait for it… FIFTY-LAYER cake, with each tier representing a year of TIFF history, finished in edible gold.
Only six slices exist for the whole festival season and they’re prices at $500 a slice, making this easily the most exclusive date night dessert in town. You can order it here!
Hungry for something savoury this TIFF? LOUIX LOUIS is also hosting The Golden Carving Experience; a 50oz Australian Wagyu Tomahawk, Halal certified and served with grandeur. This premium steak features a gold-plated bone and is flamed on the table, offering guests an unforgettable dining performance. To elevate the experience, each steak is paired with a sabrage of Perrier-Jouët ‘Belle Epoque’ 2016, a champagne as iconic as the occasion.
This experience will go for $1,500 for two to four people and is available at LOUIX LOUIS September 4 to 14, 5:00 PM -Close.
And to pair all of that with an iconic sip; LOUIX LOUIS will also have the ‘TIFF50’ Caviar and Cocktail; a Macallan ‘Rare Cask’ Rob Roy, that embodies depth, complexity, and timeless charm. This exquisite whisky pairs beautifully with the smoky, briny notes of Ossetra Caviar, creating a harmony of flavors that is both bold and delicate.
Available daily for $250.
The hotel’s lobby Astor Lounge is hosting a TIFF-inspired “Golden Premiere” Afternoon Tea; a lavish tribute to Caroline Astor’s legacy and TIFF’s iconic black-and-gold palette. Savoury and sweet bites include Osietra caviar with yuzu mousse, truffle burrata, squid ink crepes, and gold-kissed desserts. Paired with premium blends from Sloane Fine Tea Merchants, this cinematic tea experience is elegance redefined.
This afternoon tea is available from September 4 to 14, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM starting at $98 per person.
Also at Astor Lounge, a TIFF-inspired Black Tie & Gold Dust signature black cocktail, crafted with a jet-black mix of Clase Azul tequila, Kahlua, Amaro Montenegro, Aztec Chocolate Bitters, topped with white foam and gold flakes. This one goes for $50 per cocktail.
Vinny
To mark TIFF50, Vinny is rolling out some seriously star-worthy menu items only available between Sept. 2 – 14 (excluding when they’re closed for events).
The Feature Appetizer is a Peach Salad made with grilled peach, stracciatella, almond, and greens; while the Feature Cocktail is a Peach Premiere made with tequila, peach liqueur, Aperol, amaro, bitters, and fresh peach!
Can you tell it was just peach season in Ontario?
Enigma
This MICHELIN-star restaurant in the heart of Yorkville is a hot spot for A-listers inside and outside of TIFF season; Enigma has seen the likes of Jeff Goldblum, Simu Liu, and Jeremy Lin previously dining at the restaurant! This year, they’re releasing two limited edition cocktails, available from September 2nd to 16th.
The cocktails are Red Carpet, a clarified milk punch inspired by red velvet cake and the glamour of TIFF. Made with rich rum and cacao nib vermouth meet tangy Aperol, earthy Demerara, and vanilla. ($28)
The second is Yonge & Famous made with Velvety Cognac and vibrant Canadian Icewine intertwine with Seville orange bitters, crowned by a lively splash of Champagne. A toast to bold ambitions and the lime-light. ($26)
The Carbon Bar
The Carbon Bar presents a TIFF-exclusive three-act dining experience for $89 per person, available starting September 5.
he menu opens with fresh East Coast oysters dressed in champagne mignonette, followed by the showstopping Pitmaster Platter featuring brisket, ribs, fried chicken, pulled pork, and sausage paired with lobster mac & cheese and grilled broccolini. The evening closes on a sweet note with a decadent caramel popcorn sundae.
Full details:
- Scene I – Raw oysters with champagne mignonette, fresh horseradish, lemon
- Scene II – The Pitmaster Platter: CAB Brisket, st. louis style ribs, cheddar jalapeno sausage, pulled pork, buttermilk fried chicken accompanied with house fries, dill pickle and house BBQ sauces & Lobster mac & cheese: Jarlsberg, East Coast lobster, seasoned panko, chives & Grilled broccolini: Smoked shallot vinaigrette, romesco, grana padano, lemon
- Scene III (The Curtain Call) – Caramel popcorn sundae: vanilla ice cream, caramel popcorn, toasted almond brittle, chocolate sauce and whiskey caramel
Daphne
Toast to the film festival in style and join Daphne for an exclusive ‘Flower Hour’ Champagne Happy Hour during TIFF!
From September 9-13th (3-5PM daily), sip on Perrier-Jouët champagne features & themed cocktails paired with complimentary popcorn. For a sneak peek of what Flower Hour is all about, check out this!
Amano Trattoria
Launching just in time for TIFF 2025, this limited-time event brings the silver screen to the plate at Amano Trattoria. The All Pasta Tasting Menu: Director’s Cut is Executive Chef Michael Angeloni’s latest signature experience – a cinematic tribute to film’s most iconic food moments.
As the city buzzes with red carpets and premieres, Amano hosts its own festival of storytelling, memory, and indulgence – told entirely through pasta.
Menu Highlights
- Titanic (1997) – Angel hair pasta with oysters and mousseline, recalling the opulence of the Titanic’s first-class menu.
- Chef (2014) – Raviolini aglio olio, a refined reimagining of Favreau’s seductive pasta scene.
- Tampopo (1985) – A Japanese-Italian mashup: spaghetti alla chitarra carbonara with miso butter and pork belly.
- Lady and the Tramp (1955) – Half-meter spaghetti with lamb meatballs, theatrically served for a choice between scissors or the classic shared bite.
- The Godfather (1972) – Double-stuffed ravioli in Sunday sugo, a nod to Clemenza’s famous gravy lesson.
- Big Night (1996) – An intricate mini timballo, echoing the film’s legendary feast.
- Inglourious Basterds (2009) – A playful pasta-encased apple strudel with chantilly cream, inspired by Tarantino’s tense café scene.
Available September 2–21, 2025, the seven-course menu is priced at $149 per person with reservations exclusively through OpenTable.
Fairmont Royal York
For fifty years, TIFF has transformed Toronto into a dazzling stage for cinema, and Fairmont Royal York has been at the heart of the story from the start. With its iconic red carpet, legendary history, and timeless grandeur, the hotel has long been a sanctuary for film’s brightest stars and boldest stories.
As TIFF celebrates its 50th edition, Fairmont Royal York invites guests to step behind the screen and immerse themselves in a cinematic experience unlike any other – where curated dining meets Hollywood history.
During TIFF, these limited-time offerings await:
At Library Bar, guests can enjoy Take the Cannoli, a bold, elevated riff on the Godfather cocktail made with Redbreast 12 Single Pot Still Irish Whisky, Albicocca Liqueur, and Angostura Bitters served with a venison tartare, juniper, Saskatoon berry, smoked maple pecans, and cannoli shell in homage to the film’s most iconic line.
CLOCKWORK Champagne & Cocktails presents The Ocean Jewel, a luxurious dish of Itsumo Tuna Tartare, Sea Urchin, Oscietra Caviar, Dashi Gelée, Shiso, and Yuzu, designed to be savoured alongside champagne.
At REIGN Restaurant, a thoughtfully crafted tasting menu will draw inspiration from cinema’s most iconic eras and genres. The main event, the “Showtime” course, celebrates TIFF with an indulgent beef tenderloin Rossini, complete with seared foie gras and truffle jus, alongside a smoky Martinez variation that embodies Toronto’s cinematic sophistication.
Primadonna
From September 4 – 14 to celebrate TIFF’s 50th year (and Primadonna’s first year being around during it), they have a number of fun menu items to indulge in.
The TIFF Speciality Cocktail is called ‘People’s Choice Award’ and is made with vodka, raspberry syrup, Cava, and lemon juice ($20).
For food, there’s a shared Antipasti plate with Bresaola Carpaccio and caesar salad, plus mains of Spicy Vodka Rigatoni plus choice of Chicken Parmigiana, Veal Parmigiana, or Eggplant Parmigiana.
Finish off with a sweet treat shared with your date of Tiramisu and Bigné Profiteroles with Vanilla Ice Cream & Hot Chocolate Sauce
Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grill
For TIFF, Mademoiselle Raw Bar + Grillis offering a cocktail appropriately named “Cocktail at Tiffany’s” . This TIFF-exclusive sip that channels old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist. Inspired by the silver screen sparkle of Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this vibrant blend of Roku Gin, Blue Curaçao, Green Chartreuse, lemon, pineapple, and simple syrup is as camera-ready as any red carpet moment.
Bold, elegant, and a little mysterious – just like your favourite leading lady. Only showing for a limited time during TIFF for $28.
Madrina Bar y Tapas
At Michelin-recommended Madrina Bar y Tapas in The Distillery Historic District, guests will find a new cocktail called El Corte Final (The Final Cut).
This drink is a homage to the history and spectacle of cinema. It is a delicately layered cocktail featuring Scotch whisky and amontillado sherry with verjus and an oloroso-maple syrup reduction, topped with dry Spanish Cava. A decadent salted butter air evokes memories of movie theatre popcorn and serves as a contrast to the crisp cocktail.
Presented on a custom film reel coaster, embedded LEDs illuminate the golden cocktail and provide light to view the frames of a film strip garnish. The various frames feature stills from Madrina as well as TIFF related content, including a QR code that can be scanned, providing an interactive element. It is available September 4th-14th for $20.
RUDY
Toronto burger brand RUDY is paying tribute to John Candy with a limited-edition cheeseburger timed to coincide with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the release of I Like Me, a new documentary* about Candy’s life, directed by Colin Hanks.
Available at all RUDY locations from Sept. 1–7, the CANADIAN BACON is a decadent twist on their signature smashburger. It will be topped with deep-fried peameal bacon. The peameal bacon is dipped in buttermilk and dredged in RUDY’s secret seasoning blend before being deep-fried to golden perfection.
I Like Me will premiere at TIFF this September and explores the life of the comic actor known for roles in Uncle Buck, Home Alone, and Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The last film he completed, Canadian Bacon, inspired the name of the new burger.
Isabelle Restaurant + Lounge
The Pearle Hotel & Spa’s vibrant Isabelle Restaurant + Lounge is bringing a taste of the Toronto International Film Festival to life with its exclusive Plot Twist cocktail.
Crafted with El Jimador reposado tequila, Tip Pepe fino sherry, Campari, fresh lime and agave, the Plot Twist is lively, bold and complex, with a refreshing balance of bitter and sweet. The perfect tribute to the films of TIFF while bringing the spirit of the festival west of the city. ($16)
You can enjoy the Plot Twist at Isabelle Restaurant + Lounge all throughout the festival (Sept. 4-Sept. 14, 2025).
Bar XXX
A speakeasy tucked beneath Little Sister, Bar XXX has long held its place on Canada’s Best Bars list and is debuting a TIFF-exclusive cocktail.
The TIFF No. 42 (Martini) is an off-menu cocktail, available exclusively throughout TIFF’s season for $26.
“No. 42” references The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams — the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.”
At the Bisha Hotel‘s Akira Back available now until September 14, indulge in the Cow Wow Roll made with wagyu beef, umami slaw ($34) and the Critic’s Choice Cocktail made with Suntory, plum sake and yuzu ($22).
Arianna at Harbour Sixty
Arianna, located in the iconic Harbour Sixty building, features an exclusive cocktail crafted by award-winning mixologist Tiffany Desbiens.
The “Her” Cocktail is an off-menu item, available exclusively throughout TIFF for the price of $28.
Inspired by the allure of Old Hollywood, this drink captures the grace, poise, and cinematic elegance of the golden era’s leading women — Hugo spritz meets lemon drop martini. It’s garnished with bergamot perfume, mint and an edible flower.
Ficoa
Mexican chef, Esau Garcia Ramos, brings his MICHELIN roots to TIFF with a specially curated menu for Ficoa, located on College St.
Ficoa presents its own “Director’s Cut”, a series of a la carte menu items inspired by the film Like Water for Chocolate. With the chef stepping into the role of director and taking full creative reign, these dishes will be available exclusively as part of Ficoa’s a la carte menu throughout TIFF.
Cocktail: PÉTALOS DE ROSA – $20 – Gin, guava, strawberry, and rose water
Special Dish: CHILES EN NOGADA – $35 – Picadillo stuffed poblano pepper, Nogada sauce, and pomegranate
Dessert: CHABELA’S CAKE – $10 – Chocolate Cake featuring Mokable
Beso by Patria
For the full Festival run (Sept. 4 – 14), you can order a stunning Feature Cocktail at Beso by Patria called Besos de Cámara made with gin, elderflower, lime, pink sherry foam, and rose dust.
1 Hotel Toronto
To celebrate TIFF, 1 Hotel has partnered with The Hollywood Reporter and Grey Goose Vodka to unveil a lively piano lounge in the hotel lobby with piano stage at the centre of the transformed space in Flora Lounge running from September 4-9th.
In the Flora Lounge, you can also access their Movie Mixology Menu! 1 Hotel Toronto’s Beverage Manager Justin Helie-Masters designed all of the following iconic cocktails:
- The Gothic ($24) – Patron Silver, Bacardi Superior, Triple Sec, Lime, Passion Fruit Puree, Pineapple, Orgeat, Red Wine Float
Inspired by renowned Mexican director Guillermo del Toro adaptation of Mary Shelley’s masterpiece Frankenstein, this is a horribly delicious combination of 4 different cocktails (margarita, jungle bird, mai tai, and a New York sour) that you wouldn’t expect to work, but it does. - Gamechanger ($25) – Bombay, Gentian, Lillet, Strega, Verjus, Mint, Raspberry Pomegranate Reduction
A twist on the cold, refreshing Alpine Negroni, this cocktail is inspired by the Canadian remake of hockey classic Youngblood. This is a literal interpretation of the film’s title, the mint feels cold like a hockey rink, verjus is young grape juice, and the raspberry pomegranate reduction adds a striking red visual contrast in the drink while adding a little sweetness to balance everything. - Wayfinder ($22) – Grey Goose, Amontillado Sherry, Amaretto, Moroccan Spice Shrub
Eimi Imanishi’s poignant debut Nomad Shadow takes viewers on a journey from the Morocco’s Western Sahara to Spain. This drink is bright, complex, and filled with warm spice aims to marry flavours of the Northern Africa and Western Europe, finding a balance and harmony. - Liquid Gold ($22) – St-Germain, Lemon, Prosecco
Raising a glass to 50 years of celebrating cinema in Toronto. Essentially a Hugo Spritz without the ice, this golden cocktail is refreshing, floral, and visually stunning. - Rosemary’s Tableside Martini ($22) – Grey Goose, Lillet Blanc, Rosemary, Orange Bitter, Orange Blossom Water
“I Like Me,” a documentary celebrating the life of renowned Canadian comic John Candy opens this year’s festival and this cocktail aims to celebrate the love of his life, his wife, Rosemary. A twist on the classic vodka martini, this is served tableside and finished with a spritz of Orange Blossom Water.
Minami Toronto
As an official TIFF partner, Minami promises to be one of the hottest spots for celebrity sightings this season, featuring an exclusive TIFF cocktail alongside two special dishes.
The cocktail is The Golden Anniversary Sour ($25) and the dishes include Wagyu Skewers On Hot Stone Plate ($49) and A5 Wagyu Tartare Monaka with Volzhenka Osciètre Caviar ($40).
Mokable x Deauville Club Restaurant
Perched above the city on the second floor of Revery Toronto Downtown, Deauville Club is where French sophistication meets global culinary flair, and this TIFF season, it’s unveiling a cocktail unlike any other.
The star of the glass? Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila, elevated with Mokable, a coffee confectionery that captures the whole essence of a coffee bean by microgrinding whole coffee beans. To bring this creation to life, Deauville Club is teaming up with guest bartender, Troy Gilchrist of No Vacancy, who will be behind the bar for this exclusive collaboration: Frankenfoam, the off-menu cocktail, exclusively available throughout TIFF.
Lyla
Lyla, located just north of Liberty Village, celebrates TIFF’s red-carpet spirit with a decadent lobster pasta topped with caviar and finished in champagne dashi. The Lobster Caviar Pasta ($159) is available exclusively throughout TIFF!
1.5lb of Atlantic Lobster is served with an Ontario grass fed beurre blanc, osetra caviar, grana duro chittara, with borage to garnish. The whole lobster is paired with a rich dashi made from its shells, butter, and Veuve Clicquot, then finished with caviar, gyosho, and fresh lemon. Tossed with pasta and garnished with lobster head and borage, the dish balances decadence with vibrant flavour and colour.
Radici Project
Radici Project, founded by husband-and-wife duo Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito bring world-class expertise to the table. The restaurant will feature a limited-time Cacio e Pepe topped with beef tataki and Canadian caviar.
The dish blends a Roman classic with grilled beef, paying homage to Italy’s Ferragosto barbecue season. Inspired by the Italian food film Il Pranzo di Ferragosto, it highlights themes of tradition, care, and the joy of shared summer meals.
The dish will be presented as the amuse-bouche on both tasting menus:
- Essence Menu: condensed and affordable tasting menu
- Immersive Menu: full-size, larger tasting menu
Additionally, during TIFF, all à la carte guests will be welcomed with a complimentary cacio e pepe. While it will not appear on the à la carte menu, it will be offered as a welcome bite for à la carte diners and served as the amuse-bouche (alongside a waffle) for those enjoying the tasting menus.
Milos Toronto
TIFF is once again taking over the city, and Milos Toronto is rolling out the red carpet with the introduction of its brand new ‘Tears of Smoke’ cocktail and ‘Petit Kebab Series.’
At Milos for a limited time during Festival season, Tears of Smoke is a cocktail worthy of the spotlight. Crafted specifically for the film festival, this tasty tipple features mezcal, mastiha (Greek liqueur), lime, and pineapple, finished with a rim of smoked paprika and coarse sea salt – a nod to the Aegean sea.
Available exclusively at the bar during Meze Hour (4:30-6:30pm), the Petit Kebab Series features a selection of fresh seafood, beef, lamb, chicken, and more, ideal for pre-screening gatherings or post-screening celebrations. Enjoy these beautifully plated skewers individually or indulge in the full platter for a taste of everything.
Kebab flavours include Bay Scallop Kebab – $11, Arctic Char Kebab – $9, Gabari (shrimp) Kebab – $12, Magiatiko (fish) Kebab – $11, Monkfish Kebab – $11, Martin’s Farm Beef Fillet Kebab – $11, Lamb Kebab – $12, Greek Souvlaki Kebab – $8, Vegetarian Kebab – $8, Mushroom Kebab – $8, and for one of everything, a combo platter is $85!
See a Reel of the menu items here!
Figo
Indulge in a full Italian menu at Figo during TIFF! In the heart of the action, order a prix-fixe lunch for $35 from September 4 – 14. This includes a starter (choice of Insalata di Rucola or Prosciutto e Parmigiano), and a main (choice of Rigatoni alla Vodka, Pepperoni Pizza, or Chicken Parmesan).
Complement it with a glass of their feature cocktail, Il Tappeto Rosso aka “The Red Carpet” made with Don Julio Blanco, blackberry-infused Campari, and Carpano Classico.
French Made
Even the cafes are getting involved! At French Made, part of the BISHA Hotel, you can get a Salted Caramel Popcorn Latte ($7.50) either hot or iced, and movie-inspired pastries like a Movie Popcorn Croissant ($9), Peach Melba Macaron ($4), and Ontario Field Berry Tart ($9).
Get in the mood and browse these hotspots for star gazing and getting into the festival spirit at TIFF.
