10 Toronto Restaurants for an Epic Holiday Party or Festive Team Dinner
Treat your team to somewhere new this year!
Photos by Hector Vasquez, Avangard Photography, Jessilynn Wong Photography, and Pauline Yu.
The holidays are upon us, and you know what that means… it’s time to take your team out for a celebratory meal! Instead of playing it safe and booking the same restaurant you did last year, why not delight your colleagues with somewhere fresh and exciting?
At O&B, we have a variety of charming restaurants across the city that are perfect for winter gatherings of all kinds. Whether you’re looking for a lively escape to share margaritas and Latin bites or a stunning French oasis, we have something for everyone and every team! Plus, we’re sharing our coziest dish recommendation* at each location for those looking to embrace seasonal winter dining at its best. Happy eating and happy holidays!
*Please note that private dining reservations offer specific menu options which may not include our dish recommendations.
Parcheggio
Online reservations for groups up to seven; private dining spaces for groups of 14-70.
Warm, inviting, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters, Parcheggio is a tried-and-true O&B classic that feels like a visit to Nonna’s house. Savouring Italian cuisine that’s simply prepared with quality ingredients, team members will appreciate the cozy ambience as much as the food. There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of pasta during the chilly winter months—and on Pasta Wednesdays, all bowls are only $15 from 5:30pm until close!
Coziest dish: Porcini & Ricotta Gnocchi (roasted mushrooms, truffle porcini cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano)
Ceci Bar
Online reservations for groups up to 12; inquire about larger bookings.
Want to whisk your team away to a tropical destination without actually leaving the city? Ceci Bar has got you covered! Newly opened in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ceci Bar brings bright summer energy and guarantees a lively time. Featuring an impressive menu of tacos, small and large plates, and shareables complemented by handcrafted cocktails, it’s a vibrant slice of paradise in the Financial District that guarantees boosted moods and full bellies.
Coziest dish: Roast Chimichicken (bone-in half-chicken, ancho BBQ, chimichurri, tomato rice & beans)
La Plume
Online reservations for groups up to 12; private dining spaces for groups up to 50.
For a luxurious dining experience that exudes French flair, look no further than La Plume. Blending refined dining with the buzz of brasserie culture, teams will love its whole-bird rôtisserie, savoury seafood, and tasty tartare. Pair your plates with an elegant cocktail or order a handpicked bottle of wine for the table—you can’t go wrong at this dreamy oasis! Don’t forget to check out Bonne Nuit, their discreet speakeasy.
Coziest dish: Duck Bigoli (duck ragoût, mascarpone, parmigiano-reggiano)
Aera
Online reservations for groups up to 10; private dining spaces for groups of 14-40 and full restaurant buyouts also available.
Aera is the ultimate destination for an elevated dining experience… and we mean that literally! Soaring above the clouds on the 38th floor of The Well, it boasts breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Toronto’s cityscape. Diners will revel in the smooth and sultry interiors while enjoying refined menu selections including steak, sushi, and outstanding cocktails. Go ahead and treat your team to the high life!
Coziest dish: Stuffed Chicken Breast (truffled mushroom stuffing, forestière sauce)
The Dorset
Online reservations for groups up to 12; private dining spaces for groups of 40-80.
Continuing the theme of O&B spots at The Well is The Dorset, a whimsical restaurant that transports diners to the British coast and countryside. Headed by Chef Ryan Lister and inspired by his upbringing in Weymouth, Dorset, this beautifully designed space wows guests with comforting flavours that go beyond your traditional U.K. fare. The menu showcases seasonal ingredients in both new and familiar ways—from classic fish and chips and the exquisite Dorset burger to unique plates like rabbit cavatelli and mallard duck breast. If you’re in the mood for a special treat, their tasting menu guarantees an immaculate dinner experience!
Coziest dish: Sweet Corn Risotto (wild mushrooms, creamed leeks, brown butter)
R&D
Online reservations for groups up to 5; full restaurant buyouts also available.
If you’re looking for a funky, modern, effortlessly cool space to celebrate the holiday season, take your team to R&D! This space is decked out in graffiti and has an easy, laid-back vibe inviting you to enjoy unique twists on Canadian-Asian plates. With a menu designed for sharing, coworkers can bond over eats like lamb chow mein and fried chicken or try a variety of mouthwatering dim sum. Open Wednesday to Sunday in the heart of Toronto’s Chinatown neighbourhood, R&D is the perfect destination for a memorable gathering.
Coziest dish: R&D Fried Rice (mushroom XO, porcini butter, maitake, olive leaf, Singapore crunch)
Liberty Commons
Online reservations for groups up to 16; private dining spaces for groups up to 32 and full restaurant buyouts also available.
If your team loves good beer, good food, and good company, Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery is the place to be! It’s the perfect cozy hideaway to ward off the winter blues. Featuring hot, hearty comfort food for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, Liberty Commons delivers a generous menu and an equally impressive beer list. From light and crisp to dark and hoppy, Big Rock Brewery has a dream brew waiting for each member of your team—and those who aren’t #TeamBeer can sip on refreshers, cocktails, wine, or a delicious spirit-free libation.
Coziest dish: Common’s Sunday Roast (wood-fired Canadian rump roast, Yorkshire pudding, me Nan’s roasties, seasonal Ontario vegetables, proper pan gravy)
Luma
Online reservations for groups up to 14; private dining spaces for groups of 14-40.
Elevated elegance shines through at Luma thanks to its stunning dining room and globally inspired menu. A top choice for guests with dietary preferences, Luma features delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. It’s centrally located in the iconic TIFF Lightbox, right in the heart of all the downtown action! Visit during Magic Hour (from 4–5:30pm and 8pm–close) for handcrafted cocktails as low as $8 or enjoy a signature cocktail (we recommend Inception) that will wow the whole table.
Coziest dish: Truffle Mushroom Rigatoni (truffle cream, black truffle, fresh greens, Parmigiano-Reggiano)
The Joneses
Online reservations for groups up to 12; private dining for groups of 20-70.
For an inviting choice with retro flair, bring your team to The Joneses! Serving updated versions of classic Americana favourites, this chic and comfortable space is perfect for a celebratory lunch, dinner, or drink at the bar. Your team will love the expansive menu of steaks, torched sushi, Detroit-style pizzas, pastas, and more. Hot holiday tip: their stellar martini program has must-try flavours like the Tequila Espresso Martini and Smoked Tomatini! Visit The Joneses in the heart of the Financial District, just a stone’s throw away from Ceci Bar and Biff’s Bistro—after-dinner drinks, anyone?
Coziest dish: Heavy on the Cheese Detroit-style Pizza (fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, blistered cherry tomatoes)
Biff’s Bistro
Online reservations for groups up to 12; private dining for groups of 14-40.
For a homey and comforting group affair, Biff’s Bistro is the place to be. From its warm inviting interiors to quintessential French comfort food, you and your team will feel like you’ve found your second home! Notable highlights include hearty braised entrées like coq au vin, steak frites, and French onion soup (often referred to as a hug in a bowl!). Pair your mains with shared apps like oysters and truffled Brie, plus handcrafted cocktails or a bottle of French red, white, or sparkling.
Coziest dish: Soupe à l’Oignon (French onion soup, three cheeses, baguette)
O&B your way
Thinking of hosting a holiday shindig at the office? We’ve got just the thing—or should we say, lots of things—that will make you everyone’s favourite colleague. Starting November 12, Queen’s Cross Food Hall will be hosting a Holiday Market with all the bells and whistles! From Christmas cookies and butter tarts to delectable tourtières, you can swing by and grab a treat or two so you don’t show up empty-handed.
For the whole kit and caboodle, look no further than Gather by O&B, our online marketplace for chef-led catering! Choose from a variety of mouthwatering options and we’ll deliver it right to your home or office. All you have to do is heat, serve, and pretend you made it yourself!
There you have it, Toronto! 10 all-star options for a unique restaurant experience this holiday season. Whether you’re getting down with some dim sum at R&D or celebrating with a French feast at La Plume, we have plenty of ways to close out 2024 in style. Browse our full list of restaurants or get in touch with an event specialist (events@oliverbonacini.com) to inquire!
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