When TIFF rolls into town (September 4–14), Toronto transforms into Hollywood North — not just on the red carpet, but at the dinner tables too. For ten glittering days, restaurants become backdrops for industry deals, stolen moments, and the occasional paparazzi flash. Here’s where the style icons and film legends are most likely to dine, toast, and perhaps be caught mid-laugh.
The buzz is loud at Nobu Toronto (pictured), the long-awaited Mercer Street outpost of the world-famous brand. Since opening, it has quickly become a celebrity staple. Drake and Pharrell Williams have already been spotted, and the lively bar is just as star-studded as the upstairs omakase.
A few blocks away, Enigma Yorkville is a jewel box of the scene: tucked away on St. Thomas Street, it serves a refined seasonal tasting menu that blends Japanese precision with Nordic minimalism. It’s no wonder Toronto’s power set — and TIFF’s visiting stars — gravitate here when they want a little quiet luxury with their culinary artistry
Yorkville also shines at Adrak, where Michelin-level Indian cuisine and plush interiors have hosted everyone from the Jonas Brothers to Jessica Alba. It’s the kind of room where rich curries and glittering company go hand in hand.
On King West, the energy shifts into high-octane glamour. Minami (above) delivers with its A5 wagyu and cocktail craft, while just down the street, the Ace Hotel’s Evangeline rooftop lures festival crowds with ’70s-inspired share plates and that golden-hour glow perfect for selfies.
Meanwhile, Ossington keeps its cool edge with Lunch Lady, the Vietnamese comfort-food spot that turns into an industry hangout during TIFF, thanks to its vibrant cocktails and come-as-you-are charm. And for late-night escapades, Vinny Restaurant & Vinyl Bar is pure retro glitz — shrimp toast, disco lighting, DJ sets — the kind of place where you might bump into Dakota Johnson on the dance floor or Jude Law leaning against the bar.
This year, two new contenders are jostling for the after-hours crown. Bar Clams, Matty Matheson’s rollicking seafood diner, and Tha Phae Tavern, a riot of karaoke and claw machines, bring the kind of chaotic fun that even celebs can’t resist. They’re buzzy, unpolished, and all the more irresistible for it.
And finally, Abrielle (pictured) has emerged as another chic contender. With Mediterranean-inspired plates and a stylish room that straddles polished dining and easygoing warmth, it’s poised to host plenty of quiet tête-à-têtes between screenings.
TIFF is celebrating its 50th edition this year, and Toronto’s dining rooms are ready for their own close-ups. Whether you’re chasing star sightings or simply soaking in the atmosphere, these restaurants prove that the real festival often happens long after the credits roll.