The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is back in Toronto, in full-swing after last year’s scaled down experience. If you’re attending the festivities and filming, being among the celebrities as they land for red carpet debuts and film premieres.
Hoping to run into some starts and A-listers as they sip and celebrate their way around Toronto during TIFF time? These Toronto hotels, restaurants, bars, and social clubs are right in the action and will give you a pretty good chance of catching a glimpse of your favourite actors. If not, at least you’ll have a Hollywood-level cocktail and the best vibes.
Check out the list of this year’s TIFF hot spots along King West and beyond to make your September date check list!
Hotels
1 Hotel Toronto
Where: 550 Wellington St. West
Known for: Being an eco-chic retreat offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, sustainability, and exclusivity—perfect for those looking to enjoy TIFF in style. 1 Hotel Toronto’s lush green spaces, sustainably sourced interiors, and rooftop oasis create the ideal backdrop for star-studded events.
At the 1 Hotel, there will be celeb portrait studios and insider TIFF events
There are three main go-to hotspots at 1 Hotel Toronto:
- Harriet’s Toronto: An elevated rooftop experience atop 1 Hotel Toronto, Harriet’s provides stunning skyline views with delicious cocktails and music flowing.
- Flora Lounge: Rooted in nature, the Flora Lounge, located in the lobby of 1 Hotel, curates an experience for the senses. Flora shines with its sustainably focused dishes that feature ingredients from local farmers and the hotel’s very own Garden Pavilion.
- Casa Madera: the premier destination for an unforgettable culinary and cocktail experience. The first location in Canada, from famed restaurateurs Noble 33, Casa is an immersive dining experience.
Fairmont Royal York
Where: 100 Front St W, Toronto – 900 m away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: Being a long time official sponsor and hospitality partner. The grand lobby and their gorgeous dining options REIGN, Clockwork, and The Library Bar come alive with the hum of conversations and the clink of glassware.
Throughout TIFF, the Fairmont Royal York will also be hosting a series of festivities. Enjoy a personalized Campari Photo Booth to capture the fun, and indulge in exclusive Campari-inspired cocktails offered throughout the hotel’s venues, including CLOCKWORK and REIGN, from September 4-15. For an extra touch of glamour, Fairmont Royal York will also have a TIFF Red Carpet on September 8th.
Shangri La Toronto
Where: 188 University Ave, Toronto – 650 m away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: Blending the spirit of TIFF films with the art of mixology and gastronomy. At Shangri La Toronto, the team of mixologists are keen on crafting incredibly creative menu items during festival time. This year, they’ve curated eight award-worthy signature creations. There will also be a film-themed TIFF Afternoon Tea menu during the festival.
Four Seasons Toronto
Where: 60 Yorkville Ave, Toronto – 3.4 km away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: Being a key location for attendees, hosting a series of highly-anticipated invite-only events, including the VIP kick-off event at #dbarTO, Road to the Golden Globes Party and Vanity Fair and Netflix event to toast to the Canadian premiere of Emilia Pérez and the international premiere of The Piano Lesson at d|bar, making it the place to see and be seen during one of the world’s most renowned film festivals.
This year’s celebration will also unveil the hotel’s annual lobby photo exhibit, featuring a curated selection of celebrity portraits by renowned photographer duo Saty Namvar and Pratha Samyrajah.
Park Hyatt
Where: 4 Avenue Rd, Toronto – 3 km away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: Ultimate luxury in Toronto’s Yorkville. From breathtaking views at Writer’s Room Bar to luxurious treatments at Stillwater Spa, experience endless possibilities at this Yorkville hotel. You’ll be sure to spot some A-listers and movie stars at this iconic location.
Bisha Hotel
Where: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto
Known for: Being a celebrity hot spot. The glamorous Bisha Hotel welcomes some of the world’s trendiest guests each year during TIFF. Bisha is preparing for the return of the glitz and glamour to the city, with incredible events, and premiere parties lined up throughout the Festival.
The iconic property features 96 guest rooms, artfully decked head-to-toe in tactile surfaces and sophisticated patterns, each with a city view – and this year home to the Taylor Suite, a Taylor Swift-inspired room for Swiftie fans preparing to welcome her to Toronto for the six day Eras tour.
In previous TIFF years, Bisha Hotel has attracted A-list celebrities like Elliot Page, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Jake Gyllenhaal, Margot Robbie. and more This year the hotel will be hosting TIFF bigger and better with the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Red Carpet and the Deadline Lounge.
The Ritz Carlton
Where: 181 Wellington St W, Toronto
Known for: Hosting some of the hottest guests in Toronto’s downtown. The Ritz elegantly marries its luxurious aesthetic with subtle cinematic elements, creating an environment that celebrates the magic of film while offering guests a celebratory experience.
St. Regis Toronto
Where: 325 Bay St., Toronto – 1 km away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: A cinematic and regal experience during TIFF and any time of the year! Celebrate the finest in film and cinema at The St. Regis Toronto and immerse yourself in The Secret Agent’s Reserve, one of their exclusive experiences offered as an official TIFF hospitality partner.
Also check out the Red Carpet Radiance Package at St. Regis’ spa that’s available throughout September.
Gupta Group Canopy by Hilton Yorkville
Where: 387 Bloor St E, Toronto – 4.1 km away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: Being a lively, trendy new Yorkville hotel with a stunning restaurant hosting a ton of events and happenings! Dia (inside the hotel) is the place to be and they have a fun-filled week of all things TIFF.
Revery, Curio Collection by Hilton
Where: 92 Peter St, Toronto – 400 m away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: Looking like you’re stepping into a vintage Hollywood set. Discover cinematic glamour and dramatic design, reflecting the lights and energy in the downtown Toronto neighbourhood at this Hilton property.
Sheraton Toronto Centre
Where: 123 Queen St W, Toronto – 900 m away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: Proudly offers guests an expansive and luxurious stay in the heart of the city. Marriott Bonvoy® is proudly offering members exclusive access to an unforgettable package at the Sheraton.
This year, your can book a package that includes two tickets to the world premiere of The Deb, the festival’s Closing Night Gala Film, plus a one-night suite stay at Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel in the heart of the city, including access to the Sheraton Club Lounge with sweeping views of downtown Toronto.
The Hazelton Hotel
Where: 118 Yorkville Ave, Toronto – 3.7 km away from TIFF Lightbox
Known for: Being the most stylish hotel in Yorkville! As the Toronto Film Festival nears, movie enthusiasts can immerse themselves in cinematic magic, nestled in this Toronto neighbourhood. Their exclusive Norman Jewison Cinema offers an unparalleled setting for viewings, premiere parties, or any special occasion.
Restaurants, bars & social clubs
Civil Works
Where: Waterworks Food Hall, 50 Brant St
Known for: Being related to Civil Liberties. Toronto’s newest swanky new cocktail bar is THE perfect destination to grab a star-worthy drink during the festival. Located minutes from all the TIFF action and invoking Great-Gatsby vibes with its chic Art Deco inspired design and vibrant, playful ambiance – the 100-set cocktail bar will be a hot spot throughout TIFF for guests and stars alike.
Film lovers looking for a taste of glamour can make a reso at Civil Works, a private hidden gem located on the mezzanine level of Waterworks Food Hall.
Estiatorio Milos
Where: 330 Bay Street (opening to public September 26, 2024)
Known for: Opening their world-renowned fine dining restaurant in Toronto soon! New location Estiatorio Milos will offer guests a sneak peek of its first Toronto location that is set to open to the public on September 26. This collaboration will introduce TIFF attendees to a series of VIP gala events and premiere parties hosted by the esteemed founder of estiatorio Milos, Costas Spiliadis.
Guests will enjoy Milos’ signature warmth and exceptional cuisine as they celebrate major film premieres including:
- “RELAY” featuring Sam Worthington, Lily James, Riz Ahmed, Will Fitzgerald, and directed by David Mackenzie.
- “THE LAST SHOWGIRL” with Pamela Anderson, Kiernan Shipka, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jason Schwartzman, and directed by Gia Coppola.
- “MEGALOPOLIS” starring Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Nathalie Emmanuel, and directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
- “THE MILLERS IN MARRIAGE” starring Juliana Margulies, Minnie Driver, Gretchen Mol, Morena Baccarin, Benjamin Bratt, Patrick Wilson, Brian d’Arcy James, Campbell Scott, and directed by Edward Burns.
Mixologists from Estiatorio Milos will craft a TIFF-themed cocktail menu in collaboration with official spirits partner Diageo, featuring the ultra-premium Tequila Don Julio, as well as Ketel One Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, and Bulleit Bourbon.
Patria
Where: 478 King St W, Toronto
Known for: A classic, elegant setting with a touch of contemporary flair on your night out. The venue is renowned for its refined menu, offering a selection of gourmet dishes and fine wines that complement its sophisticated atmosphere perfectly.
KISSA
Where: 619 King St W, Toronto
Known for: Being a unique Japanese-inspired listening lounge that has quickly become a favourite among celebrities. High-profile guests like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Lil Baby and Marlon Wayans have graced its dance floors. With its intimate lounge and upstairs club, it’s the perfect place for celebs to escape to— you never know who you’ll run into! In fact, last year, Kissa hosted the Deadline Lounge, where celebrities like Nicolas Cage, Patricia Arquette, Willem Dafoe, Bowen Yang, and Elliot Page were spotted.
MARBL
Where: 455 King St W, Toronto
Known for: Kicking off the opening weekend with the annual three-day Collider Media Studio! Roxstar Entertainment, the leading Hollywood events and communications group, announced the return of its acclaimed Cinema Center hospitality hub (sponsored by poppi) to TIFF. Here, top filmmakers and actors will stop in during their press circuits to conduct interviews for exclusive content on the popular entertainment site, Collider.
Some of the expected talent include Bobby Carnavale, Mark Hamill, Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gilian, Cobie Smulders, Ben Foster, Olympic Gold Medal Boxer Claressa Shields, Chloë Sevigny, Henry Golding, Beatrice Grannò, David Gordon Green, Ben Stiller, Pamela Anderson, Orlando Bloom, John Turturro, Caitríona Balfe, Anderson .Paak, Soul Rasheed, Jee Young Han, Dakota Johnson, Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Olsen, Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult, Tye Sheridan, Ron Howard, Ana De Armas, Isabella Rosellini, Ed Burns, Minnie Driver and Gretchen Mol to name a few.
Byblos
Where: 11 Duncan St, Toronto
Known for: Having a chic, cosmopolitan ambiance with a focus on vibrant, eclectic design. Its culinary offerings include a mix of Mediterranean-inspired dishes and creative fusion cuisine, ensuring a flavourful and memorable dining experience for guests.
Pink Sky
Where: 480 King St W, Toronto
Known for: Being a stylish sea-to-fork restaurant known for its fresh seafood and creative cocktails. With a modern design and a lively atmosphere, it’s a popular destination for a special night out. Located just steps away from TIFF Lightbox, it’s the perfect location for people watching and celeb spotting.
Daphne
Where: 67 Richmond St W, Toronto
Known for: Stylish, contemporary decor and versatile event spaces. The venue serves a selection of upscale cuisine, including innovative small plates and artisanal cocktails, making it a premier choice for both social and corporate gatherings.
Abrielle
Where: 355 King St W, Toronto
Known for: Being a stunning contemporary restaurant nestled in the Sutton Place Hotel. In celebration of their deep-rooted history with TIFF, The Sutton Place Hotel will be hosting an exclusive Hollywood retrospect within the main level restaurant, Abrielle from September 5-15th!
TIFF FLASHBACK will feature classic images of Hollywood celebrities like Brad Pitt and Hilary Swank captured by Lou D and Central Image Agency. The exhibit will offer guests a glimpse into TIFF’s star-studded celebrity scene throughout the 1990’s and 2000’s.
Soluna
Where: 314 Queen St W, Toronto
Known for: The day-to-night experience hosting multiple TIFF events/dinners, including the Black Excellence Awards, YYZ films, and CANIFFF. In past years, celebrities including Jennifer Lawrence, Zac Efron, and Daniel Craig have all been spotted at Soluna, and more recently, Diplo did a surprise DJ set with French DJ Hugel this summer.
Minami
Where: 225 King St W Suite 100, Toronto
Known for: Modern Japanese tapas & cocktails with an extensive A5 Wagyu Menu on King West! Add in the gorgeous, iconic interiors and the stars really should be checking this out while in town for TIFF.
Reservations are now open for the festival period from September 5 to 15, including private dining and buy-out inquiries for the entire festival year.
Expect a special menu designed just for the festival to celebrate this year’s incredible TIFF lineup, a limited-time collaboration contest with an exciting beverage house, and access to the best Japanese bites & drinks, right in the heart of the festival.
CLIO
Where: 600 King St W 4th Floor, Toronto
Known for: Formerly known as the Spoke Club, they hosted many galas and premiere parties in previous years. The exclusive club has been through a multi-million dollar transformation into the member’s club Clio, and features an exclusive rooftop terrace for those lucky enough to secure an invite during the Festival.
Keep your eye out for even more TIFF exclusives and date ideas while the most iconic festival of the year is in town!
