Where to Eat and Drink During TIFF
Film lovers unite! It’s that time of year again. From September 5 to 15, the well-loved Toronto International Film Festival will be returning to town. TIFF is an absolute must for movie buffs and cinema newbies, featuring prestigious premieres, special screenings, celebrity-filled parties, and movies galore.
Soon, the Entertainment District will be buzzing with the contagious energy this 11-day festival brings, and people will need fuel―so, where’s the best place to eat during TIFF? We’ve put together the ultimate guide to the best restaurants to grab a bite between screenings or sip a cocktail while celeb-spotting, all conveniently located near the heart of the action. Grab your tickets, passes, and popcorn… TIFF, here we come!
Luma
A key hub of the festival is the iconic TIFF Lightbox, which just so happens to be the home of Luma! Nestled on the second floor, Luma’s dreamy dining room is perfect for a pre-dinner show starring fresh seafood, quality meats, and seasonal vegetables. It also features a warm and cozy lounge that overlooks King Street West. Cocktails and an aerial view of all the TIFF action? Count us in!
For an Instagram-worthy meal, try one of the Lightbox steaks or a three-course dinner fittingly coined The Mirvish Fixe! Luma will also be offering star-studded specials from Sept 5 to 15 including the TIFF Seafood Platter and Foie Gras + Waffles along with a perfectly paired glass of sauvignon blanc. More of a cocktail person? They’re serving three stunning film-themed cocktails that are as pretty as they are delicious!
Canteen
Fun fact: we have not only one but TWO restaurants in the TIFF Lightbox! Canteen, located on the street level, is your go-to destination for casual, fresh, and tasty fare. Home to an airy dining room and wrap-around patio on one of the city’s buzziest corners, dining at Canteen will put you at the heart of all the TIFF happenings. As an added bonus, from Sept 5 to 15, King Street closes to cars from Peter Street to University Avenue. This makes it an absolute paradise for pedestrians—you might even catch a glimpse of your favourite star!
Tuck into hearty salads, housemade sandwiches, oven-baked pizzas, and loads of satisfying plant-based options. Plus, Canteen will be offering lots of specials to celebrate TIFF! Their Grab & Go menu serves up quick, delicious bites including breakfast treats, salads, bowls, and handhelds. Dive into fast and tasty options like the Matcha Mango Chia Pudding, Grilled Halloumi Wrap, and Chicken Chipotle Southwest Bowl.
From Sept 3 to 15, swing by to try the Goodfella Burger, Chicken Tinga Tacos, and Black Forest Gateau or take advantage of their Blue Jays specials featuring a $26 Grand Slam Burger, $5.50 glasses and $22 pitchers of Lost Craft Revival. Yes, please!
As a bonus, did you know Canteen is just a stone’s throw away from the Visa Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre, Roy Thomson Hall, and the Royal Alexandra Theatre? Add it to your must-try list and thank us later.
Please note, Canteen will be walk-in only throughout the festival.
La Plume
New to O&B’s lineup of exceptional culinary experiences is La Plume, a Southern French-inspired bistro in downtown’s enticing new establishment, The Well. Oozing charm and sophistication, La Plume is the ideal restaurant to visit if you’re looking for a welcoming dining experience featuring high-quality ingredients. Here, you’ll find timeless dishes that reflect the flavours of southern France: tartares, seafood, and some of the best whole bird rotisserie downtown Toronto has to offer.
Enjoy Happy Hour on La Plume’s warm and vibrant street-side patio that faces Wellington Street. It’s on every Monday from 4–5pm and Tuesday to Sunday from 2–5pm! Considering that The Well is only a 13-minute walk from the TIFF Lightbox, this makes it an ideal spot to wander for a meal before your evening premiere.
The Dorset
Neighbouring La Plume is The Dorset, a warm and welcoming British restaurant and bar that serves elevated classics with a bit of seaside flair. If dishes like cottage pie, fish & chips, and Scotch duck egg tickle your appetite, this charming spot is an excellent choice!
The Dorset also serves a tantalizing brunch every day until 3pm. Why not tuck into a fresh eggs Benny to start your day off right? Or if you’re opting for a relaxed morning after a night of celebrations, Happy Hour kicks off at The Dorset bar Monday from 4–6pm and Tuesday–Sunday from 3–6pm! All beverages are half off and snacks are 20% off. Yes, please!
Aera
Want to take a trip to soaring new heights? Elevate your TIFF experience at Aera, one of the newest additions to O&B’s restaurant round-up at The Well. Located on the 38th floor, Aera boasts breathtaking views of the downtown Toronto skyline. The entrance is right off Spadina, making it an ideal choice because it’s close to the heart of all the TIFF action!
Featuring an impressive sushi counter, mouthwatering steaks, and some of the most impressive cocktails in the city, Aera is sure to impress you and any +1 you’re taking to TIFF. It’s also a must-visit destination for glamourous nights in the city! Once you’re decked out in your fanciest fit, party like an A-lister into the late hours. Did someone say bottle service?
Open Aera
As if things aren’t already majestic enough at Aera, you can even take a first-class trip one floor up to Open Aera! High, mighty, and sure to delight, Open Aera is a rooftop patio where we keep the good vibes going and the cocktails flowing. Experience the magic that’s only available 39 floors above the city as you treat yourself to fresh, elevated bites like sushi, poke, steak tartare, and truffle fries the whole table will love. Your Instagram feed will love the sweeping panoramic views, and trust us―it’s even better in person!
Canoe
If glitz, glamour, and red-carpet premieres are on your TIFF agenda, reserve a table at Canoe. Located a lofty 54 floors above the city’s hustle and bustle, this iconic establishment is an absolute must-visit for fine dining fans. Canoe is ranked number 24 in the nation according to Canada’s 100 Best, and for a good reason. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted using the finest ingredients from across the country. Try the tasting menu for one of Toronto’s best dining experiences (complete with wine pairings) or sip on a handcrafted beverage at the bar while taking in breathtaking views of the city.
The Rabbit Hole
Just east of TIFF’s Festival Street in the Financial District lies The Rabbit Hole, a wild and whimsical gastropub serving up bold British flavours. Find a seat on the enchanting three-level garden terrace or nestle into its whimsically designed dining room, then round out your order of elevated pub food with a handcrafted cocktail, cider, refresher, or glass of wine.
To make the most of what’s left of patio season, The Rabbit Hole celebrates Happy Hour in good fashion every Monday to Friday from 3–6pm, Wednesday to Friday from 8:30pm and all day Saturday.
Jump
Find a moment of bliss amidst the film frenzy at Jump, one of the most enduring dining destinations in the Financial District. Featuring a legendary sky-high glass atrium, a hidden-gem courtyard patio, and a bustling wrap-around bar, this timeless Toronto treasure serves honest, fresh, and flavourful cuisine along with a robust selection of spirit-forward cocktails.
Visit on Wine Wednesdays for half-priced bottles from 4pm–close or explore Happy Hour from 2–5pm every Monday to Friday! Our top picks for dinner between shows? Canadian oysters to start, followed by our stuffed Cornish hen or braised sausage rotini. These indulgent twists on North American classics will leave you satisfied and ready to take on the night!
Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery
While exploring the city and everything TIFF has to offer, you might find yourself sauntering through Liberty Village. An ideal place to rest and refuel, Liberty Commons at Big Rock Brewery serves up farm-to-table Canadian brewpub favourites and delicious craft beer. If you’re looking for a more casual spot to catch a break from the TIFF hustle and bustle, a hearty meal and a cold pint will fix you right up!
Plus, you don’t have to worry about leaving your furry friend at home while you make the most of TIFF. Liberty Commons has a warm and welcoming dog-friendly patio! Indulge in Happy Hour specials from 2pm–5pm on weekdays and 11am–6pm on weekends. Come for the deals, stay for an extra drink (or two).
No matter how you do TIFF, we’ve got something for every movie-lover and action-seeker! From elevated pub fare to fancy fine dining options and everything in between, one thing’s for sure: this 11-day film frenzy will have no shortage of fab food and drinks. Join us for a drink, a full-on dining experience, or both! Let’s make the 49th TIFF one for the books.
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