After two virtual years, TIFF is back in all its glory, promising thrilling cinema, top-tier celebrities, and the type of lavish galas our lockdown-addled brains couldn't fathom. For eleven days in September, the city will host throngs of industry, titans known for their work in front of, and behind, the camera. Join the action at the best spots for celeb sightings this festival season. Whether you want to hobnob with the stars, or party like you're famous as you sip on exclusive cocktails and nibble on luxe bites, these are the places you'll want to include on your party circuit. From time-tested favourites to recently-opened gems drawing in-the-know crowds, these are the spots where you'll find photogenic A-listers nestled in corners, nursing potent potions. Don't let TIFF 2022 pass you by without a little drama. Follow the dazzling lights, the red velvet carpet and the adoring crowds and you'll find yourself at one of Toronto's best spots for celeb sightings during TIFF.
4 Avenue Rd
Writer's Room
Reopened after a remodel in 2021, Writer's Room Bar retains all of its old-school charm while boasting a modernized look and refreshed menus. An iconic spot, Writer's Room is where the literati and glitterati socialize against panoramic city views.
90 Bloor St E
Living Room - W Hotel Toronto
With signature cocktails like the Flower Power, and a menu of delectable bites inspired by the city, W Hotel's Living Room is an urban oasis in the heart of Yorkville. Located next to the W Sound Suite recording studio, with Skylight Rooftop Bar above, Public School below, and over 200 gorgeous rooms and suites nearby, Living Room is a spot to mingle, to mellow out, and to make merry the W way.
90 Portland Street
VELA
If bubbly is the potion that fuels VIPs, Vela's Champagne bar is a veritable magnet for megastars. Dig out the Louboutins, don your oversized shades, and perch yourself at the counter. You're guaranteed a tasty tipple and more than a few celeb interactions.
51 Camden St
The Lobby - Ace Hotel Toronto
The city's latest capital of cool, Ace Hotel Toronto is a major draw thanks to its stunning design and impressive culinary program. Located near TIFF headquarters, it's bound to appeal to visitors eager to take in Toronto's buzziest new spots.
120 Avenue Rd
Sotto Sotto
A festival favourite from pre-Lightbox days, Sotto Sotto still holds plenty of appeal for celebs, both local and those visiting from afar. Homestyle with a Yorkville twist, this is the spot for hot cars, hot people, and hot dishes sure to energize any night of festival fun.
312 Queen St W
Soluna
Refuel during TIFF with a resort-inspired getaway at Soluna, Queen Street West's most tropical new supper club. With a bustling schedule of events -- including brunches, TIFF dinners, parties, and a partnership with BPM Festival during TIFF's final weekend -- Soluna is a perfect place to refuel as you gawk at bigwigs.
188 University Ave
Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Bar
Laze in luxury at Shangri-La's Lobby Lounge, savouring sips from a new cocktail menu. Inspired by nine of this year's movies, from Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery to The Woman King, each is a sophisticated way to toast this year's TIFF.
480 King St W
Pink Sky
A place where the bubbly flows freely and towers are laden with the bounty of the sea, Pink Sky is the type of see-and-be-seen spot superstars can't resist. Join them this festival season for evenings of indulgence and people watching that can't be beat.
265 Davenport Rd 2nd floor
Parc Ave
As à la mode as the latest starlet, Parc Ave has Yorkville abuzz with its premium cocktails and knockout looks. Sexy, and sumptuous, it's bound to attract plenty of TIFF's top talents.
190 University Ave
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Curious to know what famous people do when they're out of the limelight? We're guessing they decompress over plates of satisfying dishes, washed down with cold beer. Or maybe that's just us? Find like-minded celebs this month at Momofuku, where a pre-theatre repast includes of corn flatbread with stracciatella and spiced eggplant, fried Brussels sprouts with puffed rice, and cassava sticks with ginger scallion mayo. And keep in mind, extra ramen and pork buns are a great way to make new friends.
80 Blue Jays Way
Mister C.
With avant-garde decor, a seductive atmosphere, and its A+ location, Mister C is just the spot to slink into a shadowy booth and people-watch the night away. Located in the lobby of Bisha Hotel, it's the type of hotspot stars are destined to casually pop by on their journeys up to their suites.
225 King St W Suite 100
Minami Toronto
An official Hospitality Partner of the festival -- and conveniently located steps from TIFF Bell Lightbox -- Minami has several exclusive features available between September 8 and 18. Savour The Final C.U.T., with chutoro, uni and truffle, a Wagyu luxe trio, or Saikyo miso sablefish, all enjoyed alongside The Buena Vista cocktail, inspired by Disney films.
455 King St W
MARBL
Home of the Jaguar Supper Suite pop-up, MARBL is scheduled to host a number of premiere parties, receptions, cocktail parties, and press junkets this festival season. Known for serving up luxury to a roster of A-list visitors in years past, MARBL is set to reclaim its rep as a go-to TIFF hangout.
563 King St W
Mademoiselle
New this year, Mademoiselle puts on a show as splashy as the one at TIFF Bell Lightbox. With extravagant seafood towers, plump tins of caviar, weighty cuts of beef, and enough bubbles to flood Festival Street, you know Mademoiselle is where the party will be this film-fest season.
325 Bay St
Louix Louis
Celebrating Dalíland -- a movie that explores Salvador Dalí's connection to the St. Regis hotel brand and is TIFF 2022's official closing gala film -- Louix Louis is offering two exclusive cocktails inspired by the famed artist. Choose between the Dalíland, with Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, Manzanilla Sherry, lemon, rosemary syrup and vegan foaming bitters, or The Casanova, based on Dalí's own recipe, with Armagnac, orange juice, Campari, ginger syrup, and cayenne.
80 Blue Jays Way 44th Floor
Kost
When the crowds stifle, the view from Kōst, on Bisha Hotel's 44th floor, can set anyone straight. Thanks to its open-air patio and West-coast fare, Kōst is a fave celeb haunt whenever the time comes to mellow out.
550 Wellington St W Suite D
Flora Lounge
Marking its first festival season, 1 Hotel Toronto's Flora Lounge has a Hollywood-inspired menu of cocktails sure to put you in a cinematic frame of mind. Choices include the Amity Island, with Blue Curaçao, aloe vera and lemon juices and elderflower tonic, and the Sunset Blvd., with Bombay Sapphire Gin and passionfruit purée. Then, there's the 5 Stars, a drink sure to generate buzz for its $1000-price tag, black truffle, Cristal Champagne, edible gold glitter, and charitable donation with every purchase.
181 Wellington St W
Epoch
Steps from TIFF Bell Lightbox, Ritz Carlton Toronto offers the type of luxury and discreet service every star requires. At Epoch, a cozy indoor space and tranquil outdoor terrace invite guests to linger over refined pub fare, premium cocktails and afternoon tea. Just don't get too relaxed, or you might just miss your show time.
60 Yorkville Ave
d|bar
For an elegant moment of repose, d|bar is a treasure along Bloor Street's Mink Mile. The new Director's Cut Cocktail Menu, available from September 8 to September 18, offers something for everyone -- from comedy fans to die-hard action buffs. For our money, The Premiere, made with Earl Grey Bombay Gin, Galliano, popcorn syrup, popcorn, and served in a popcorn box, is the best way to enjoy the essence of the festival in one joyously fun adult bevvy.
100 Front St W
Clockwork
Sipping bubbly under the clock is the perfect way to wind down, any time of year. Whether you opt for an array of appies or a leisurely afternoon tea, you'll quickly see what makes this one of the city's most splendid spots. Is Clockwork slightly removed from the hubbub of TIFF? If you ask us, that's just one of its many, many charms.
600 King St W
Clio
A member's club with style and substance to spare, Clio is a TIFF 2022 Hospitality Partner for good reason. It's a top spot for classy cocktails, exceptional dishes, and corners cradling world-class celebs. Once TIFF is in high gear, could you crave anything more?
550 Wellington St W
Casa Madera
Endless photo ops, press junkets, and autograph requests are sure to have celebs clambering for escape. Few places offer it up as readily as Casa Madera. Don't be surprised, then, if between the trickle of smoke from your cocktail, the undulating entertainers, and platters of tacos, seafood and sizzling Wagyu beef, you spy some A-listers enjoying a moment of zen.
80 Blue Jays Way
Akira Back
Helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, Akira Back offers celebs the calibre of cuisine they know and love. Set against the stylish backdrop of Bisha Hotel (a TIFF 2022 Hospitality Partner), paired with a menu of fortifying cocktails and situated steps from TIFF headquarters, Akira Back is guaranteed to be packed come festival season.
After two virtual years, TIFF is back in all its glory, promising thrilling cinema, top-tier celebrities, and the type of lavish galas our lockdown-addled brains couldn't fathom. For eleven days in September, the city will host throngs of industry, titans known for their work in front of, and behind, the camera. Join the action at the best spots for celeb sightings this festival season. Whether you want to hobnob with the stars, or party like you're famous as you sip on exclusive cocktails and nibble on luxe bites, these are the places you'll want to include on your party circuit. From time-tested favourites to recently-opened gems drawing in-the-know crowds, these are the spots where you'll find photogenic A-listers nestled in corners, nursing potent potions. Don't let TIFF 2022 pass you by without a little drama. Follow the dazzling lights, the red velvet carpet and the adoring crowds and you'll find yourself at one of Toronto's best spots for celeb sightings during TIFF.
4 Avenue Rd
Writer's Room
Reopened after a remodel in 2021, Writer's Room Bar retains all of its old-school charm while boasting a modernized look and refreshed menus. An iconic spot, Writer's Room is where the literati and glitterati socialize against panoramic city views.
90 Bloor St E
Living Room - W Hotel Toronto
With signature cocktails like the Flower Power, and a menu of delectable bites inspired by the city, W Hotel's Living Room is an urban oasis in the heart of Yorkville. Located next to the W Sound Suite recording studio, with Skylight Rooftop Bar above, Public School below, and over 200 gorgeous rooms and suites nearby, Living Room is a spot to mingle, to mellow out, and to make merry the W way.
90 Portland Street
VELA
If bubbly is the potion that fuels VIPs, Vela's Champagne bar is a veritable magnet for megastars. Dig out the Louboutins, don your oversized shades, and perch yourself at the counter. You're guaranteed a tasty tipple and more than a few celeb interactions.
51 Camden St
The Lobby - Ace Hotel Toronto
The city's latest capital of cool, Ace Hotel Toronto is a major draw thanks to its stunning design and impressive culinary program. Located near TIFF headquarters, it's bound to appeal to visitors eager to take in Toronto's buzziest new spots.
120 Avenue Rd
Sotto Sotto
A festival favourite from pre-Lightbox days, Sotto Sotto still holds plenty of appeal for celebs, both local and those visiting from afar. Homestyle with a Yorkville twist, this is the spot for hot cars, hot people, and hot dishes sure to energize any night of festival fun.
312 Queen St W
Soluna
Refuel during TIFF with a resort-inspired getaway at Soluna, Queen Street West's most tropical new supper club. With a bustling schedule of events -- including brunches, TIFF dinners, parties, and a partnership with BPM Festival during TIFF's final weekend -- Soluna is a perfect place to refuel as you gawk at bigwigs.
188 University Ave
Shangri-La Lobby Lounge and Bar
Laze in luxury at Shangri-La's Lobby Lounge, savouring sips from a new cocktail menu. Inspired by nine of this year's movies, from Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery to The Woman King, each is a sophisticated way to toast this year's TIFF.
480 King St W
Pink Sky
A place where the bubbly flows freely and towers are laden with the bounty of the sea, Pink Sky is the type of see-and-be-seen spot superstars can't resist. Join them this festival season for evenings of indulgence and people watching that can't be beat.
265 Davenport Rd 2nd floor
Parc Ave
As à la mode as the latest starlet, Parc Ave has Yorkville abuzz with its premium cocktails and knockout looks. Sexy, and sumptuous, it's bound to attract plenty of TIFF's top talents.
190 University Ave
Momofuku Noodle Bar
Curious to know what famous people do when they're out of the limelight? We're guessing they decompress over plates of satisfying dishes, washed down with cold beer. Or maybe that's just us? Find like-minded celebs this month at Momofuku, where a pre-theatre repast includes of corn flatbread with stracciatella and spiced eggplant, fried Brussels sprouts with puffed rice, and cassava sticks with ginger scallion mayo. And keep in mind, extra ramen and pork buns are a great way to make new friends.
80 Blue Jays Way
Mister C.
With avant-garde decor, a seductive atmosphere, and its A+ location, Mister C is just the spot to slink into a shadowy booth and people-watch the night away. Located in the lobby of Bisha Hotel, it's the type of hotspot stars are destined to casually pop by on their journeys up to their suites.
225 King St W Suite 100
Minami Toronto
An official Hospitality Partner of the festival -- and conveniently located steps from TIFF Bell Lightbox -- Minami has several exclusive features available between September 8 and 18. Savour The Final C.U.T., with chutoro, uni and truffle, a Wagyu luxe trio, or Saikyo miso sablefish, all enjoyed alongside The Buena Vista cocktail, inspired by Disney films.
455 King St W
MARBL
Home of the Jaguar Supper Suite pop-up, MARBL is scheduled to host a number of premiere parties, receptions, cocktail parties, and press junkets this festival season. Known for serving up luxury to a roster of A-list visitors in years past, MARBL is set to reclaim its rep as a go-to TIFF hangout.
563 King St W
Mademoiselle
New this year, Mademoiselle puts on a show as splashy as the one at TIFF Bell Lightbox. With extravagant seafood towers, plump tins of caviar, weighty cuts of beef, and enough bubbles to flood Festival Street, you know Mademoiselle is where the party will be this film-fest season.
325 Bay St
Louix Louis
Celebrating Dalíland -- a movie that explores Salvador Dalí's connection to the St. Regis hotel brand and is TIFF 2022's official closing gala film -- Louix Louis is offering two exclusive cocktails inspired by the famed artist. Choose between the Dalíland, with Tanqueray Flor de Sevilla, Manzanilla Sherry, lemon, rosemary syrup and vegan foaming bitters, or The Casanova, based on Dalí's own recipe, with Armagnac, orange juice, Campari, ginger syrup, and cayenne.
80 Blue Jays Way 44th Floor
Kost
When the crowds stifle, the view from Kōst, on Bisha Hotel's 44th floor, can set anyone straight. Thanks to its open-air patio and West-coast fare, Kōst is a fave celeb haunt whenever the time comes to mellow out.
550 Wellington St W Suite D
Flora Lounge
Marking its first festival season, 1 Hotel Toronto's Flora Lounge has a Hollywood-inspired menu of cocktails sure to put you in a cinematic frame of mind. Choices include the Amity Island, with Blue Curaçao, aloe vera and lemon juices and elderflower tonic, and the Sunset Blvd., with Bombay Sapphire Gin and passionfruit purée. Then, there's the 5 Stars, a drink sure to generate buzz for its $1000-price tag, black truffle, Cristal Champagne, edible gold glitter, and charitable donation with every purchase.
181 Wellington St W
Epoch
Steps from TIFF Bell Lightbox, Ritz Carlton Toronto offers the type of luxury and discreet service every star requires. At Epoch, a cozy indoor space and tranquil outdoor terrace invite guests to linger over refined pub fare, premium cocktails and afternoon tea. Just don't get too relaxed, or you might just miss your show time.
60 Yorkville Ave
d|bar
For an elegant moment of repose, d|bar is a treasure along Bloor Street's Mink Mile. The new Director's Cut Cocktail Menu, available from September 8 to September 18, offers something for everyone -- from comedy fans to die-hard action buffs. For our money, The Premiere, made with Earl Grey Bombay Gin, Galliano, popcorn syrup, popcorn, and served in a popcorn box, is the best way to enjoy the essence of the festival in one joyously fun adult bevvy.
100 Front St W
Clockwork
Sipping bubbly under the clock is the perfect way to wind down, any time of year. Whether you opt for an array of appies or a leisurely afternoon tea, you'll quickly see what makes this one of the city's most splendid spots. Is Clockwork slightly removed from the hubbub of TIFF? If you ask us, that's just one of its many, many charms.
600 King St W
Clio
A member's club with style and substance to spare, Clio is a TIFF 2022 Hospitality Partner for good reason. It's a top spot for classy cocktails, exceptional dishes, and corners cradling world-class celebs. Once TIFF is in high gear, could you crave anything more?
550 Wellington St W
Casa Madera
Endless photo ops, press junkets, and autograph requests are sure to have celebs clambering for escape. Few places offer it up as readily as Casa Madera. Don't be surprised, then, if between the trickle of smoke from your cocktail, the undulating entertainers, and platters of tacos, seafood and sizzling Wagyu beef, you spy some A-listers enjoying a moment of zen.
80 Blue Jays Way
Akira Back
Helmed by a Michelin-starred chef, Akira Back offers celebs the calibre of cuisine they know and love. Set against the stylish backdrop of Bisha Hotel (a TIFF 2022 Hospitality Partner), paired with a menu of fortifying cocktails and situated steps from TIFF headquarters, Akira Back is guaranteed to be packed come festival season.
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