It’s no secret Canada is a haven for film studios and Hollywood celebrities, frequenting some beloved local spots during their time in this beautiful country. Netflix has recently released a new website called Netflix in Your Neighbourhood, showcasing maps of all the restaurants in these Canadian cities appearing in popular TV series and films (that you can watch on the streaming service, of course).
This guide allows you to explore the restaurants – and hotels – for your next date night, so you can say you dined at the same spot as these celebs. See below for the guide!
Vancouver
4 Netflix Titles • 6 Restaurants
The iconic ‘Hollywood North’ has grown to one of the world’s most famous filming locations! If you’re local to Vancouver (or Canada), you know that the culinary scene on the west coast is something to travel for. Films like Always Be My Maybe and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before are set in this beautiful city and you can experience the unique neighbourhoods home to unforgettable food spots that appear in the following movies.
- Brix & Mortar (1137 Hamilton St) appears in To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
The first official date between Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) in teen romantic comedy To All The Boys, took place inside the culinary gem Brix & Mortar, located in Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown heritage district. - Glowbal (590 W Georgia St) appears in Always Be My Maybe
This spot is featured heavily as celebrity chef Sasha Tran’s (Ali Wong) famous restaurant, Knives + Mercy. Actors Ali Wong and Daniel Dae Kim both filmed scenes inside Glowbal, with its stunning environment and an open concept kitchen. - Marriott Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver (645 Howe St) appears in Firefly Lane
The Marriott Metropolitan Hotel’s signature restaurant, Diva at the Met, was heavily featured in season 2 of Firefly Lane when Tully, played by Emmy Award winner Katherine Heigl, confronts wealthy businessman Governor Binswanger (Greg German). - The Butcher & Bullock (911 W Pender St) appears in Keep Breathing
Several key scenes were filmed in the warm and cozy pub, like when it’s featured in a series of flashbacks as Liv (Melissa Barrera) remembers her date with Danny (Jeff Wilbusch) inside a New York bar. - New Town Bakery & Restaurant (128 E Pender St) appears in Always Be My Maybe
Marcus and Sasha visit one of their favourite childhood restaurants to reconnect over some delicious dim sum. Several of the New Town Bakery staff even appear in the scene, acting alongside the film’s stars Ali Wong and Randall Park. - Junction (1138 Davie St) appears in Firefly Lane
The trendy LGBTQ+ bar that Kate (Kate Mularkey) and Tully (Katherine Heigl) take their friend Sean (Jason McKinnon) to in Firefly Lane season 2 was filmed at The Junction, a lively gay bar in Vancouver’s Davie Village and popular entertainment destination in the city.
Toronto
6 Netflix Titles • 6 Restaurants
Film studios have been using Toronto’s downtown destinations to film ‘New York’ scenes for many years, and as Canada’s largest and most multicultural city, it’s famous for arts, culture, and of course, the food scene! The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has also put Toronto on the map in a big way when it comes to Hollywood stars and flicks.
Celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jason Momoa have frequented some local spots and Torontonians are always looking out for the next celeb spotting.
- The Fairmont Royal York Hotel (100 Front St W) appears in Slumberland
One of Slumberland’s scenes with Jason Momoa and Marlow Barkley was shot inside the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, where the hotel’s ballroom floor is transformed into a dazzling dream space filled with butterflies and vibrant dancers. - Grace O’Malley’s (12 Duncan St) appears in the FUBAR TV series
In FUBAR, episode 3 was filmed inside the entertainment district’s most iconic Irish Pub, Grace O’Malley’s and outside on Toronto’s bustling Duncan Street. The scene has Luke Brunner (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in it! - Maple Leaf Tavern (955 Gerrard St E) appears in Locke & Key, the horror/fiction TV series
In Locke & Key’s first season, Nina (Darby Stanchfield) catches up with her friend Ellie (Sherri Saum) after several years at a chic restaurant. This scene was filmed at the Maple Leaf Tavern, which has been a landmark in Toronto’s east end since 1935. - The Lakeview Diner (1132 Dundas St W) appears in The Umbrella Academy TV series
In The Umbrella Academy Season 3, Episode 1, Viktor (Elliot Page) tries to convince Marcus (Justin Cornwell) not to come after his siblings over coffee. This scene was filmed at The Lakeview Restaurant, frequently used in films due to its diner aesthetic. - The Rhino Bar + Grill (1249 Queen St W) appears in the SEX/LIFE TV series
In Sex/Life season 1, episode 4, Brad (Adam Demos) heads to SoHo to get two bees inked on his skin. This scene was filmed at The Rhino Bar + Grill, outfitted to look like a tattoo parlour. - The Windsor Arms Hotel (18 St Thomas St) appears in 13: The Musical
In 13: The Musical (starring Debra Messing and Rhea Perlman) the Windsor Arms Hotel stands in as Evan’s New York City apartment.
Montreal
3 Netflix Titles • 5 Restaurants
With its stunning European style architecture, rustic cobblestone streets, world famous festivals and incredible local cuisine, Montréal is a must visit destination. Famous for iconic dishes like poutine, tourtière, and Montréal-style bagels, the city is the hotspot for Canada’s culinary identity.
- Ma Poule Mouillée (969 Rachel St. E) appears in Somebody Feed Phil TV series
Host Phil Rosenthal declared Ma Poule Moulilée as one of his favourite chicken spots when he visited Montréal on his hit travel documentary series Somebody Feed Phil. - Montréal Plaza (6230 Rue St-Hubert) appears in Somebody Feed Phil TV series
On Season 3 of Somebody Feed Phil, he visits the renowned eating spot sampling a 25 course tasting menu that plays with the senses. - Park (378 Victoria Ave.) appears in Somebody Feed Phil TV series
On his visit to Montréal, Phil Rosenthal spent a day in Montréal with Chef Antonio Park to go behind the scenes of what it takes to run his world renowned restaurant Park. - Maman (1524 Notre-Dame St. W) appears in Single All The Way
In Single All The Way, Peter (Michael Urie) video calls all the members of his family while enjoying a pastry and coffee at a chic Los Angeles cafe. This scene was actually shot at Maman’s Montreal location! - Loam (400 Notre-Dame St. E) appears in The Recruit TV series
In Episode 7 of The Recruit’s debut season, Owen (Noah Centineo) and Maxine (Laura Haddock) have dinner in a chic “Geneva” restaurant. This scene was filmed at Old Montréal’s popular restaurant and wine bar, Loam.
It seems we’ve made a trend of letting films and TV series dictate where we go and what we do. Movie openings like Barbie and The Little Mermaid both gave way to new travel destination inspo.
Check out our round-ups for the perfect pink stays and aquatic destinations inspired by the movies.