tiff restaurants

15 bar and restaurant hotspots for TIFF 2016

For TIFF 2016, these bars and restaurants will probably be teeming with A-listers. And if you're looking to rub shoulders with celebrities, you should probably lurk around King West or Yorkville. Sure, you can always stand behind a barricade and hope for a selfie, or you can shell out some cash and wine and dine like the stars.

Here's a round-up of bar and restaurant hotspots for TIFF 2016.

Fring's
This Drake-affiliated restaurant wasn't open during last year's festival. But now that it is, it'll probably attract a slew of celebs, especially since it's located right on the King West strip.

Montecito
Ivan Reitman's restaurant on Adelaide Street West is hosting at least two high-profile after parties. BBC is also holding all of its junkets at this Entertainment District spot.

Thompson Hotel
As the site of numerous exclusive parties, the Thompson will be teeming with celebrities this weekend. Your best bet might be trying to get into the Hyde Miami Beach events at Wildflower.

Lavelle
Joseph Gordon Levitt might be playing whistle-blower Edward Snowden in a new biopic, but it's no secret that he'll likely be attending a party in the movie's honour at Lavelle. The La La Land after-party, with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, is also here.

Brassaii
It's easy to grab brunch at this King West restaurant and club. And while you're eating, be sure to keep your eye on the side room because from September 9 to 13, it's transforming into the Hollywood Reporter lounge.

Patria
A couple of years ago, Bill Murray led a conga line through this Spanish resto that's nestled into a courtyard off of King West. This spot is filled with quiet corners, so who knows who'll you'll run into this year.

Buca
Buco on King serves up top-notch Italian food that's sure to make visiting actors swoon. Numerous celebs have been spotted here before, so head to this basement eatery and dig in.

Momofuku
Noodles and TIFF go hand-in-hand apparently. For celebs staying at the Shangri-La, a trip to chef David Chang's Toronto outpost seems like a no-brainer.

Sotto Sotto
TIFF might not be centred in Yorkville anymore, but this long-standing eatery still attracts a notable clientele - Drake's endorsement probably helps.

CafĂŠ Boulud
The recently revamped restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel is another easy-to-access spot for visiting A-listers. Head here to dine on casual French fare as you try to spot your favourite stars.

Sweet Jesus
Jake Gyllenhaal paid this ice cream parlour a visit last year and Kim got a pimped-out cone just last week. Perhaps this pint-sized spot is the next celebrity hotspot - hallelujah!

The Drake Hotel
The Drake Hotel is located way outside the festival radius, but it's still a party place that's been popular with the star. This year, it's LA-themed so our Hollywood visitors will feel right at home.

Byblos and the Storys Building
This restaurant and multi-floor event venue on Duncan Street held the Magnificent Seven after-party last night and it looks like the parties here will continue throughout the festival.

Lena
Saks Fifth Avenue's newly opened restaurant is done up with gorgeous art deco details. And the food looks pretty impressive too. Stop by this spot at Yonge and Richmond if you're craving some South American fare.

Ricarda's
With a location at the base of distributor eOne's headquarters, the Mediterranean restaurant is sure to be a hit with Hollywood big wigs. Good thing this place is open from breakfast all the way into the late evening.

Photo of Ricarda's by Jesse Milns.


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