Toronto’s dining scene steals the spotlight during TIFF, offering an experience as inspiring as the premieres themselves. Think sleek lounges with artfully plated dishes, rooftop spots with skyline views, and intimate spaces buzzing with industry chatter. Whether you’re craving a pre-screening bite or a late-night indulgence, the city serves up culinary moments worthy of the red carpet.
Soluna
Photo credit: Soluna
Soluna is the perfect TIFF hotspot, blending coastal elegance with festival energy. By day, its boho-chic rooftop offers skyline views and globally inspired dishes; by night, it transforms into a vibrant supper club with live performances, DJs, and immersive vibes. The menu is a sensory journey of bold flavors and artful presentation, from fresh seafood to inventive share plates. With stunning décor, shareable plates, and an atmosphere that feels like an afterparty in the sky, Soluna is where culinary artistry meets cinematic glamour.
The Playbook Commons
Photo credit: The Playbook Commons
The Playbook Commons at Hotel X is a dynamic dining destination that perfectly fits TIFF’s buzz. Blending the sophistication of an Italian-American steakhouse with the energy of a sports and art lounge, it offers a vibrant atmosphere complete with stunning digital installations and sleek design. The menu is a star in its own right (think truffle tagliatelle, bone-in filet, and branzino crudo), crafted with elevated flavors and creative flair. Whether you’re grabbing a pre-premiere meal or unwinding after a screening, Playbook Commons delivers a cinematic dining experience as bold and unforgettable as the festival itself.
Ficoa
Photo provided by Ficoa
Ficoa in Little Italy offers an immersive, fine-dining experience that blends artistry, warmth, and culinary innovation. Chef Esau Garcia—whose roots span Mexico and Toronto’s top kitchens—crafts a seven-course tasting menu of 16 plates that evolves weekly, celebrating Ontario’s micro-seasons through techniques like fermentation, whole-animal butchery, and dry-aging, all while minimizing waste. The restaurant’s bright decor, featuring a vibrant mural inspired by the owner’s Ecuadorian childhood, creates an elegant yet inviting atmosphere. It’s a dining journey that unfolds like a beautifully curated film; perfect for festival-goers craving depth, creativity, and a dash of local charm during TIFF.
Minami Toronto
Photo provided by Minami Toronto
If you’re seeking an unforgettable dining experience during TIFF, Minami Toronto offers a blend of culinary artistry, chic ambiance, and immersive design that makes it a standout choice. Located in the heart of King West, Minami is renowned for its signature Aburi Oshi Sushi—lightly torched, pressed sushi that delivers a smoky, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Their menu also features innovative dishes like the Roasted A5 Japanese Wagyu with peppercorn jus and pickled wasabi, crafted in collaboration with Michelin Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa. Minami Toronto is the place to be and be seen.
Radici Project
Photo credit: Radici Project
Radici Project in Toronto’s Little Italy offers a masterful blend of Italian and Japanese flavors, crafted with seasonal Canadian ingredients. Founded by husband-and-wife team Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, the restaurant features a thoughtfully curated tasting menu that changes with the seasons, highlighting sustainability and local sourcing. The warm, inviting space perfectly complements the inventive cuisine, creating an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a pre-screening dinner or celebrating a festival night, Radici Project delivers a culinary experience that is as artful and memorable as the films of TIFF itself.
