TIFF Tips

It’s early September. The kids are back in class, the nip is back in the air and the magic folk are back in our midst.

The ever-loving party that is the Toronto International Film Festival—starting up September 9 and running 10 glorious, celebrity-studded days—affords countless stargazing opportunities for those informed few who know where to gaze. Here’s some help.

South of Temperance, 20 Adelaide St. W.

The buzz: This emerging hotspot—the only freestanding licensed establishment in the financial district—is an official TIFF partner, which means it’s going to get tight come movie time. Get there early and often. 

Spice Route, 499 King St. W.
The buzz: Check out the can at this vast eclectically Asian tribute to al fresco hedonism, where stars and regulars alike come to dine on Indo-Asian cuisine. Tilda Swinton, the Coen brothers and Brad Pitt have.

Bistro 990, 990 Bay St.
The buzz: Perennial TIFF hotspot, even in spite of the festival’s drift to the south. Past celeb drop-ins have included Nicole Kidman, Sly Stallone and Kiefer Sullivan. Lots of wine stocked at this carnivore-catering, service-heavy bistro.

Lakeview Restaurant, 1132 Dundas St. W.
The buzz: No shortage of greasy goodies on offer here 24 hours a day at this restored 1930s-era diner, including burgers, sandwiches and all manner of all-day breakfast options. Wash it down with draught beer, fortified coffee or Toronto tap water (it’s on the menu). Keep an eye out for Tom Cruise eating a plate of Lakeview’s in-his-honour-named nachos.

Scarpetta, 550 Wellington St. W.
The buzz: The resident eatery at Toronto’s swanky Thompson Hotel promises much for its inaugural festival encounter. Expect to find emerging starlets Natalie Portman and Carey Mulligan comparing tan lines with Canadian director Xavier Dolan at the rooftop pool. New York chef Scott Conant presides.

The Drake Hotel, 1150 Queen St. W.
The buzz: Rock out at this trendy TIFF mainstay where a casual atmosphere prevails and the sushi sings. A boutique hotel much removed from the central action, the Drake’s considered unofficial festival headquarters. Shooting stars of the past have included Jessica Alba, Paul Gross and Mike Myers.

Accents, 955 Bay St.
The buzz: The Sutton Place Hotel has a storied association with this city’s film festival, and its resident eatery—celebrated for its relaxed atmosphere, fine art-lined walls and dealmaking diners—caters to a range of tastes. The bar’s open late, so you can still score a tasty stirfry long after the other kitchens have clammed up.

Joso’s, 202 Davenport Ave.
The buzz: Naked mermaids and autographed wall photos hold court at this seafood outpost that has attracted a raft of A-list talent in the past.

Sotto Sotto, 116 Avenue Rd.
The buzz: Celebrity spottings at this cozy Italian bistro include Jake Gyllenhall, Johnny Depp and Jason Bateman. Last year, one Oprah Winfrey rented the place to host a Precious party.

Lou Dawg’s Southern Sandwiches, 589 King St. W.
The buzz: Belly up to the window with a beer at this quirky newcomer, and watch for Woody Allen. Invite him back for a bowl of chicken and cheese chili. Said to have the most authentic BBQ north of Houston.

Nyood, 1096 Queen St. W.
The buzz: Sharing is the thing at this high-ceilinged, stainless-steel-encased Queen West hotspot where plates of variously adorned flatbread fly. The menu’s all about the Mediterranean.

Saving Grace, 907 Dundas St. W.
The buzz: Michael Cera put this place on the map with Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. No doubt visiting celebs will want to drop in for corncakes with apricot chutney to investigate the noise.

One, 116 Yorkville Ave.
The buzz: The restaurant in residence at the Hazelton Hotel, One’s long attracted the beautiful people, drawn to the rich and inventive French and Italian classics of chef Mark McEwan. Hang out on the patio and look for the cream of the TIFF crop, a select group whose past members have included George Clooney, Julia Roberts and Brangelina.

Luma, 330 King St. W.
The buzz: As much anticipated as feared, the TIFF Lightbox opens its doors at last. Along with the cinemas, exhibition galleries, central atrium, box office and film library, the place boasts a second-floor dining establishment featuring international cuisine. Luma is a mirror, wood and leather-adorned 8,000-sq.-ft. restaurant and bar lounge that will accommodate 230 inside and another 50 out. Its long wraparound bar spaceis touted to be the place to be, festivalside.

The Fifth Grill & Terrace, 221 Richmond St. W.
The buzz: An elegantly classic French dining loungewhose menu is celebrated for its variety of grilled meat. Stars can pick liquid accompaniment from a cellar of redolent reds.

Sassafraz, 100 Cumberland St.
The buzz: Think TIFF, think Sassafraz. Long has the link between this Yorkville central character and the film festival thrummed. Discreet restaurant and bar areas guarantee a kind of dining solace, separate from the dissonance of the dedicated drinkers. Rub shoulders with power players over shrimp gazpacho

For more suggestions visit Dine.TO's Toronto International Film Festival Restaurant Guide.