Where to Spot Celebrities During TIFF 50 – Toronto’s Hottest Dining Destinations?
Check out the Best Restaurants to Spot a Celebrity this TIFF 50
As TIFF celebrates its 50th year, Toronto’s dining scene is set to shine just as brightly as the red carpet. From late-night industry haunts to cinematic dining rooms and star-studded hotel lobbies, these are the city’s most buzzworthy celebrity hotspots this festival season.
Vinny Restaurant & Vinyl Bar
Address: 461 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4
Formerly known as Pink Sky, Vinny has long been a TIFF favourite—and this year promises to be no different. The restaurant serves globally inspired plates with bold, playful twists, perfectly paired with a curated DJ soundtrack. As the night deepens, Vinny’s late-night menu keeps the energy alive well past 11 PM, making it an ideal after-premiere destination.
Past celebrity sightings: Andrew Garfield, Dakota Johnson, Jude Law, Paul Rudd
Honey Chinese
Address: 600 King St W, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3
Moody, cinematic, and transportive, Honey Chinese channels Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love. Expect nostalgic yet playful takes on Canadian-Chinese classics, complete with neon-orange sauces, glowing red lanterns, and fortune cookies that feel straight out of a film scene.
Primadonna
Address: 600 King St W, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3
A kitschy, stylish nod to Italian mobster legends and glamorous mob wives, Primadonna delivers hearty Italian-American comfort food by Executive Chef Marc in a room filled with vintage art, plush banquettes, and a bold mural made for Instagram. A lively, high-energy space where celebrities can blend in—or make a scene.
Past celebrity sightings: Jessica Chastain, Lucy Liu, Oprah
Beso by Patria
Address: 478 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1L7
The vibrant new chapter of beloved Patria, Beso is bold, colourful, and unapologetically Spanish. With dramatic custom artwork and interiors that radiate energy, Beso brings a kiss of Spain to Toronto. Chef Stuart Cameron’s menu—tapas, paella, fresh seafood, and grilled meats—paired with inventive cocktails, makes it an instant A-list draw.
Past celebrity sightings: Pharrell Williams, Andrew Garfield, and more
Animl Steakhouse & Cocktail Den
Address: 420A Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3
Animl is the definition of “elegantly untamed.” Inspired by the glamour and excess of the 1970s—think Studio 54 meets Art Deco allure—the space features gold-leaf ceilings, animal prints, and a dazzling mirror-encased bull suspended overhead. Executive Chef Marc Cheng and his team deliver a modern, refined take on the steakhouse, with dry-aged cuts, fresh seafood, indulgent sides, and a cocktail program designed to tell stories with every pour. A luxurious, mysterious, and primal destination where TIFF stars are bound to gather.
Daphne
Address: 67 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1Z5
A breakout star of TIFF 2024, Daphne played host to Vanity Fair’s cover launch with Demi Moore, as well as dinners with Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek. This year, several high-profile red-carpet events are rumoured to take place here. Its chic vibe and exceptional service have already made it a celebrity go-to.
Bisha Hotel
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 2G3
No TIFF guide is complete without Bisha Hotel, the beating heart of celebrity sightings in Toronto’s Entertainment District. With Deadline Studio returning this year, Bisha is once again set to be a must-stop for Hollywood’s elite.
- Mister C – The glamorous lobby bar has hosted Justin Bieber, Jude Law, Ben Stiller, Hailey Baldwin, Naomi Campbell, and Michael B. Jordan.
- Akira Back – A global culinary hotspot, favoured by Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Reynolds, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Zendaya.
- KOST – A rooftop with skyline views and star power to match, welcoming Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Gosling, Sofia Vergara, Shaquille O’Neal, and more.