Top 10 Toronto Restaurants To Spot Celebrities During TIFF
celeb-spottings-tiff

Top 10 Toronto Restaurants To Spot Celebrities During TIFF

July 29th, 2024

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) transforms the city into a bustling hub of cinematic excitement, attracting stars from all corners of the globe. Alongside the screenings and red carpet events, the local dining scene becomes a prime spot for celebrity sightings. From chic bistros to upscale eateries, Toronto’s restaurants offer a perfect blend of culinary excellence and star-studded allure. If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of your favorite actor or director while enjoying a gourmet meal, these are the top Toronto restaurants where you’re most likely to run into celebrities during TIFF.

Below you will find a list of top 10 Toronto restaurants with the most confirmed celebrity sightings over the past two years. We’ve added the names of celebrities spotted at these restaurants along with some information about the restaurants to help guide your decision

writer's room bar

Writer's Room Bar

Signature martinis served in a leather & suede setting on the 18th floor of the Park Hyatt Hotel.

Writer’s Room has been visited by celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, Olivia Wilde, Pierce Brosnan and Tilda Swinton over the last few years. Celebrities enjoy dining out at Toronto’s Writers Room Bar due to its exclusive, upscale atmosphere, which combines a sophisticated ambiance with stunning views of the city. The bar’s reputation for discretion and high-quality service ensures a comfortable and private experience, making it an ideal spot for high-profile guests seeking a stylish and secure venue to unwind.

sotto sotto

Sotto Sotto

Upscale trattoria serving traditional dishes from South-Central Italy.

Ristorante Sotto Sotto has been visited by celebrities such as Drake, Jennifer Garner, Ricky Gervais, Brad Pitt, Oprah and Liam Neeson over the last few years. Celebrities are drawn to Sotto Sotto in Toronto for its intimate and elegant setting, which offers a blend of authentic Italian cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant’s reputation for delicious food and impeccable service, along with its commitment to privacy, makes it a favorite among high-profile guests looking for a refined dining experience. Its longstanding history as a hotspot for celebrities further enhances its appeal as a chic and exclusive venue.

Pai

Nuit & Jeff Regular's casual Northern Thai spot serving dishes like salted crab & papaya salad.

Pai has been visited by celebrities such as Guillermo del Toro, Oscar Isaac, Charles Dance, Christoph Waltz, Mia Goth and Jacob Elordi over the last few years. Celebrities frequent Toronto’s Pai restaurant for its vibrant and authentic Thai cuisine, which offers a dynamic dining experience in a casual yet lively setting. The restaurant is renowned for its bold, flavorful dishes crafted by celebrated chef Nuit Regular, making it a popular destination for food enthusiasts. Pai’s welcoming atmosphere, combined with its reputation for high-quality, authentic Thai food, attracts high-profile guests looking for a relaxed but delicious culinary adventure.

Sofia Yorkville

Buzzy, expansive eatery with an airy patio offering creative takes on Italian fare & cocktails.

Sofia Yorkville has been visited by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Keke Palmer, Constance Wu, Lili Reinhart and Julia Stiles over the last few years. Celebrities enjoy dining at Sofia Yorkville in Toronto for its luxurious and stylish ambiance, which blends contemporary design with a touch of old-world glamour. The restaurant offers exquisite Italian cuisine prepared with a modern twist, attracting food lovers seeking a sophisticated dining experience. Located in the chic Yorkville neighborhood, Sofia provides an exclusive atmosphere and discreet service, making it a favored spot for high-profile guests who appreciate both culinary excellence and an elegant, upscale setting.

byblos

Byblos

Luxe, 2-story restaurant putting a contemporary spin on Eastern Mediterranean cuisine & cocktails.

Byblos has been visited by celebrities such as Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, Gerard Butler, Dakota Johnson and Jason Segal over the last few years. Celebrities are drawn to Byblos in Toronto for its chic and stylish atmosphere, which perfectly complements its innovative Eastern Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a menu that features a contemporary twist on traditional flavors, crafted from high-quality, fresh ingredients. Byblos’ sophisticated yet inviting ambiance, combined with its commitment to delivering an exceptional culinary experience, makes it a favorite among high-profile guests seeking a trendy and delicious place to dine.

stk steakhouse

STK Steakhouse

Hip, lively restaurant & lounge serving steaks, seafood & cocktails in a sleek, ultramodern setting.

STK Steakhouse has been visited by celebrities such as Adam Sandler, Nick Cannon, Uzo Aduba and Dakota Fanning over the last few years. Celebrities are attracted to STK Steakhouse in Toronto for its sleek and modern vibe, which seamlessly blends fine dining with a lively social atmosphere. Known for its high-quality steaks and innovative menu, STK offers a refined yet energetic experience, complete with stylish decor and a chic ambiance. The restaurant’s reputation for hosting a glamorous crowd and providing exceptional service makes it a prime spot for high-profile guests looking to enjoy a sophisticated meal in a trendy setting.

Figo

Contemporary Italian dishes served in a sleek space with soaring windows & an open kitchen.

Figo has been visited by celebrities such as Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, Liev Schreiber, and Kiernan Shipka over the last few years. Celebrities enjoy dining at Figo in Toronto for its contemporary and elegant setting, which features a bright, airy atmosphere and stylish decor. The restaurant is renowned for its modern Italian cuisine, offering a fresh and innovative take on classic dishes with an emphasis on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Figo’s blend of sophisticated ambiance, exquisite food, and impeccable service makes it a popular choice for high-profile guests seeking a refined and memorable dining experience.

KŌST

Airy restaurant with towering views of the city serving seasonal dishes inspired by Bajan cuisine.

KŌST has been visited by celebrities such as Daniel Radcliffe, Weird Al Yankovic, Billy Eichner and Kit Harrington over the last few years. Celebrities are drawn to KŌST in Toronto for its stunning panoramic views from the rooftop of the Bisha Hotel, which offer a breathtaking backdrop for a luxurious dining experience. The restaurant features a bright, coastal-inspired decor and a menu that highlights fresh, flavorful dishes with a modern twist, inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of the Baja Peninsula. The combination of an upscale yet relaxed ambiance, exceptional food, and the exclusivity of its location makes KŌST a favored destination for high-profile guests seeking a chic and scenic place to dine.

KISSA

Serves great cocktails · Has dancing · Serves food at bar

KISSA has been visited by celebrities such as Ethan Hawke, Lebron James and Nicholas Cage over the last few years. Celebrities are drawn to Toronto’s KISSA Bar for its blend of Japanese-inspired cocktails and modern, sophisticated ambiance. The bar offers an exclusive and intimate setting, featuring stylish decor and a curated selection of unique drinks crafted with precision and creativity. Known for its elegant yet relaxed vibe, KISSA Bar provides a perfect mix of high-quality libations and a chic atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for high-profile guests looking for a refined and trendy place to unwind.

Chubby's Jamaican Kitchen

Jerk chicken, curries & Jamaican snacks, plus tropical cocktails, served in a resort-like setting.

Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen has been visited by celebrities such as DJ Khaled, Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello over the last few years. Celebrities love dining at Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen in Toronto for its vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, which offers an authentic taste of Jamaica. The restaurant’s menu features bold, flavorful dishes that showcase traditional Jamaican cuisine, made with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Chubby’s warm, tropical-inspired decor and lively ambiance provide a laid-back yet stylish setting, making it a popular choice for high-profile guests who enjoy a relaxed and delicious culinary experience.

nobu toronto

NOBU Toronto

Upmarket standard for Peruvian-accented Japanese fare served in a chic, happening setting. Opened In August, 2024.

NOBU restaurants in US are famous for attracting celebrities in several locations and with Toronto’s location opened in August, 2024 and it will undoubtedly become a hotspot for celeb spotting in Toronto as well. Nobu restaurants are popular among celebrities due to their exquisite fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine, luxurious and private ambiance, and the prestige associated with the brand, co-founded by Robert De Niro. The consistent high-quality food, discreet service, and the opportunity for celebrity sightings and networking make Nobu a favored destination for the elite, offering both an exclusive dining experience and a social hotspot.

As TIFF draws film enthusiasts and industry giants alike, Toronto’s vibrant restaurant scene becomes a stage for spontaneous celebrity encounters. Whether you’re indulging in a luxurious dinner or savoring a casual bite, these hotspots provide an ideal backdrop for a memorable dining experience during the festival. So, if you’re keen on combining gourmet delights with star-studded moments, be sure to visit these top Toronto restaurants during TIFF and keep your eyes peeled—you never know who might be at the next table.

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