{"id":1690757,"date":"2026-09-10T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/observer.com\/?post_type=listicle&#038;p=1690757"},"modified":"2026-09-14T15:03:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T19:03:16","slug":"toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars","status":"publish","type":"listicle","link":"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to Eat and Drink in Toronto During TIFF"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Toronto International Film Festival, better known as TIFF, marks the shift into the fall season. Both the largest public film festival in the world and one of the most prestigious, <a href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-canada-travel-city-guide\/\">the event draws an annual influx of visitors who build on an existing scene of cinephiles<\/a> and TIFF members who attend year-round screenings at the Lightbox and beyond.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Every September, as many as 400,000 attendees descend on the city for a week and a half of all things cinema, but the number of locals who can access tickets and attend feature films, shorts and documentaries is what makes it such a beloved event.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aside from the films, one of the other major perks of visiting Toronto\u2014and of spending time in the downtown core, specifically\u2014is the chance to indulge in the city\u2019s excellent restaurant scene. From the sky-high tasting menu at Canoe to the Italian-leaning steakhouse offerings at Sammarco, there\u2019s no shortage of places to dine like studio royalty in between a packed screening schedule.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Venture slightly further afield for cozy French bistros like Milou and newcomer Brasserie C\u00f4te, where wine pairings are just as essential as the plat du jour, or stick close to the theater district to enjoy contemporary French cuisine with global influences at the newly renovated Alo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are our picks for some of the best places to get drinks, dinner or a long, leisurely lunch during the madness that is TIFF, so you can indulge in the best of what Toronto has to offer that\u2019s still just a quick trip away from the next buzzy screening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__container\">\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"h2 wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__title\">\n\t\t\tWhere to Eat and Drink in Toronto During TIFF\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__list-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#ristorante-sotto-sotto\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRistorante Sotto Sotto\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#richmond-station\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRichmond Station\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#pai\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPai\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#daphne\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDaphne\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#mizunara\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMizunara\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#alo\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAlo\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#brasserie-cote\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBrasserie C\u00f4te\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#liliana\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiliana\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#byblos\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tByblos\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#canoe\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCanoe\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#prime-seafood-palace\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrime Seafood Palace\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#sammarco\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSammarco\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#sunnys-chinese\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSunny&#8217;s Chinese\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#milou\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMilou\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element-wrapper--hidden\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__element\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#reign-restaurant\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReign Restaurant\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button type=\"button\" class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle-toc__expand\">\n\t\t\t\t\tView all 15 items\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"ristorante-sotto-sotto\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sottosotto.ca\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRistorante Sotto Sotto\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#ristorante-sotto-sotto\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Ristorante Sotto Sotto' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>120 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON M5R 2H4<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">This charming Italian spot is one of Drake\u2019s favorite restaurants in Toronto, and for good reason. An upscale Yorkville landmark with a strict dress code, it\u2019s the perfect place to get decked out and potentially spot some celebrities, especially during TIFF. Owner Marisa Rocca opened the restaurant in the early \u201890s after moving to Toronto from Rome, and it\u2019s been a local go-to ever since. Maintaining a packed dining room for over three decades isn\u2019t easy, but Rocca makes it seem effortless. The expansive menu is replete with Roman classics like amatriciana and carbonara, plus all manner of Italian comfort food staples, from beef carpaccio to veal scaloppini. The wine list is just as compelling as the food selection, and it needs to be since the restaurant doesn\u2019t allow corkage. Come on a night when you\u2019re ready to sip some serious Italian reds and pair them with several courses of pastas, seafood and grilled meats, all served in a candlelit setting.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/SOTTO-SOTTO-RISTORANTE-TORONTO.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSotto Sotto.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSotto Sotto\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"richmond-station\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/richmondstation.ca\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tRichmond Station\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#richmond-station\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Richmond Station' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>1 Richmond Street West, Suite 120, Toronto, ON M5H 3W4<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Some chefs hem and haw about the fraught state of the restaurant industry, while others, like Carl Heinrich, take action to change it. Heinrich opened Richmond Station shortly after he won <em>Top Chef Canada <\/em>in 2012, with the aim of creating a restaurant that offered a better experience for staff and guests. Richmond Station is a no-tipping establishment, so the cost of paying all their staff is baked into the menu prices. Every <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/richmondstation.ca\/hospitality-included\/\">member of the kitchen and front-of-house team<\/a> earns a living wage and has health insurance. That quality of life and peace of mind comes through in the experience, as the food and service are utterly fantastic.\u00a0<br><br>For a quick bite, don\u2019t miss the polenta fries, and pair them with one of the best burgers in the city. However, the six-course chef\u2019s tasting menu, at $115 per person, is the best way to get the full scope, and it\u2019s also available as a vegetarian option. The dishes rely heavily on locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and producers, so offerings change rapidly: expect rotating pastas, layered salads anchored by local lettuces and regional proteins like New Brunswick salmon and duck from Ontario\u2019s Tanjo Farms. Lunch runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with its own $49 two-course prix fixe for a quick but hearty midday meal. Dinner service begins at 4:30 p.m. sharp, leaving plenty of time to sneak in an evening meal before a show.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Richmond-Station.jpeg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRichmond Station.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRichmond Station\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"pai\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/paitoronto.com\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPai\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#pai\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Pai' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>18 Duncan Street, Toronto, ON M5H 3G8<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">After initially collaborating on the Curry Shack in Thailand, chef Nuit Regular and her husband, Jeff Regular, now operate several restaurants in the greater Toronto area, including the original downtown location of Pai. Close proximity to the entertainment district makes Pai a great choice for a meal during the event. Chef Regular is from northern Thailand, so her take on khao soi, a coconut curry soup with both soft and crispy noodles, is the must-order dish. From pad thai and papaya salad to pad graw prow (holy basil stir-fry) and red panang curry, there is no wrong dish to order from the large menu of Thai takeout classics. If Pai is too packed, head a few blocks over to Kiin and sample Regular\u2019s take on Royal Thai cuisine, served either as a thoughtful tasting menu for $195 or \u00e0 la carte. A special three-course menu for TIFF is also available for $99, inclusive of a glass of prosecco. Here, the signature khao soi is topped with seared scallops, which can be upgraded to lobster for even more decadence.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Pai-credit-Michael-Graydon-Nikole-Herriott.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPai.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMichael Graydon and Nikole Herriott\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"daphne\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/daphnetoronto.com\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tDaphne\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#daphne\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Daphne' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>67 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1Z5<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">One of the hottest reservations in Toronto right now, Daphne is a sculptural, multi-room restaurant with Art Deco and mid-century flourishes, plus a 2,000-square-foot garden. Hidden away in the middle of the Financial District, you\u2019d be hard-pressed to find a more cinematic bistro, with room after room of vibrant colors and glamorous decor by Studio Paolo Ferrari. The pi\u00e8ce de r\u00e9sistance is the open kitchen, where live-coal grilling and wood-fired preparations anchor a modern American menu of steaks, a signature branzino in jalape\u00f1o salsa, and cheeky trappings like tempura squash crescents in labneh honey or a twice-baked potato with \u2018ndjua pork and cr\u00e8me fra\u00eeche. Pizza and pasta round out the offerings, with mains like a goat cheese and zucchini tart and an appetizer of Iberico ham proving the team here is just as comfortable with international influences and vegetarian staples.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Daphne.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tDaphne.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDaphne\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"mizunara\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/mizunara.ca\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMizunara\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#mizunara\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Mizunara' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>235 Adelaide St W, Toronto, ON, M5H 0A7<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">This newly opened spot is built entirely around Japanese whisky. The venue, which describes itself as a \u201ccocktail restaurant,\u201d comprises three distinct experiences: a lounge, dining room, and whisky bar. Guests can organize themselves based on their preferences. This kind of breakdown is perfect during an event like TIFF, when diners&#8217; needs can vary greatly depending on their schedules. The dining portion is helmed by chef Alyssa Figueira, whose resume includes stints at Michelin-starred kitchens such as Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, Frantz\u00e9n in Stockholm and Belcanto in Lisbon. Figueira\u2019s constantly shifting, hyper-seasonal menu currently includes a complex take on moules-frites, served with a side of milk bread to sop up the vadouvan-verjus sauce, and delicate citrus-marinated scallops with bok choy and buttermilk dashi. The opening drinks menu includes five whisky cocktails and one rum-based cocktail, plus beer, wine and sake. If there ever were a room designed for cinema-goers to sit and discuss film, this is it.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Mizunara.jpeg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMizunara.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMizunara\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"alo\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/alorestaurant.com\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tAlo\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#alo\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Alo' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>163 Spadina Ave.Toronto, ON M5V 2L6<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Toronto\u2019s fine dining scene owes a debt to chef Patrick Kriss, who opened Alo over a decade ago and helped raise the bar for culinary excellence across the city. Plenty of the restaurants on this list have an Alo alum on staff, which speaks to Kriss\u2019 wide-ranging influence. Fresh off a brief closure for a complete renovation, the new and improved Alo, located on the third floor of a historic brick building downtown, is performing even better than before. This is a serious, lengthy dining experience that\u2019s absolutely worth your time. Four-, six- and 10-course menus are available, along with supplements, and both wine pairings and non-alcoholic options are on deck for drinks. Kriss trained at Daniel in New York and La Maison Troisgros in France, a background that informed his meticulous French style, but plenty of contemporary and international flourishes keep things interesting. Menus are seasonal and may change quickly, but the level of precision on display during a meal at Alo is always astonishing.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Alo-Credit-Jon-Adediji.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAlo.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJonathan Adediji\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"brasserie-cote\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/brasseriecote.ca\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tBrasserie C\u00f4te\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#brasserie-cote\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Brasserie C\u00f4te' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>400<\/em> <em>Bloor<\/em> <em>St<\/em> <em>W, Toronto,<\/em> <em>ON<\/em> <em>M5S<\/em> <em>1X5<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">For a far less formal (but no less delicious) French meal, head over to The Annex to experience one of the best new restaurants in Toronto. From the team behind <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cotedeboeuf.ca\/\">C\u00f4te de B\u0153uf<\/a>, a butcher shop so popular it shapeshifted into a neighborhood restaurant, this walk-in-only bistro, which opened this spring, is already known for a frequent line out the door. Arrive around noon, right when they open, to snag a lunch slot and settle in for escargots with butter and parsley, ch\u00e8vre salade with smoked lardons or a traditional beef tartare with duck-fat toast and house fries. A charcuterie section is great for pairing with a bottle of wine off the predominantly French wine list, and the all-day menu runs from afternoon until 10 p.m., just in case you need a late-night snack. Chef Damien Cochez executes Parisian-style classics, but they\u2019re all made with local Ontario ingredients and seafood, and rotating daily specials often have international flourishes that reflect Toronto\u2019s effortless culinary diversity.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Brasserie-Cote.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBrasserie C\u00f4te.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBrasserie C\u00f4te\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"liliana\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lilianatoronto.com\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tLiliana\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#liliana\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Liliana' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>1198 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1J6<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">There are plenty of Toronto institutions focused on Italian decadence, but Liliana\u2019s chef, Marvin Palomo, brings a surprising twist to classic recipes. Palomo trained in Italy and Hong Kong, and his time spent cooking in China, along with his Filipino heritage, inspired him to incorporate both Asian and Italian flavors at Liliana. Here, the beef carpaccio is served with furikake, spaghetti is topped with chili crisp, and tiger shrimp with Manila clams is doused in XO sauce. A prime striploin with a Szechuan demi-glace and confit garlic is another hit, along with a whole menu of cocktails and highballs that continue to pair Italian staples with Asian ingredients. Blending such distinct traditions can go awry, but Palomo pulls off the integrated menu with surprising ease. Located on Queen Street West, just on the edge of Little Portugal, this newcomer (it opened last September) is outside the festival fray, but well worth a visit thanks to the inventive, rather singular plates.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Liliana.jpeg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLiliana.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiliana\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"byblos\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/byblosdowntown.com\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tByblos\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#byblos\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Byblos' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>11 Duncan St, Toronto, ON M5V 3M2<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Classic cocktails have their place, but for those looking for a more unexpected tipple, head to Byblos. The cocktail menu includes a take on a gin fizz with sumac, an Old Fashioned infused with Turkish coffee, and a trio of cold tea drinks inspired by eastern Mediterranean tradition. Even the nonalcoholic choices use housemade ingredients. Move into some mezze snacks that stick with flavors found along the eastern Mediterranean coast. Halloumi with wildflower honey and pistachio, as well as the decadent hummus royale with beef tenderloin, pomegranate and barbari bread, are easy crowd-pleasers, and the lamb rack with merguez-spiced yogurt is a standout main. Always get at least one order of the sweet jeweled rice, which pairs well with practically every dish, and do not skip dessert. Go for baklava or a saffron baba with pistachio creme anglaise, and savor it with a Turkish coffee. Nota bene: This restaurant has both an uptown and a downtown location, but for visitors in town for TIFF, downtown is more convenient.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Byblos.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tByblos.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tByblos\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"canoe\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.canoerestaurant.com\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tCanoe\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#canoe\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Canoe' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>66 Wellington St W 54th floor, Toronto, ON M5K 1E9<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Canoe is your favorite chef\u2019s favorite restaurant, and one of the most extravagant special occasion destinations in Toronto. It\u2019s an impressive eatery with an even better atmosphere, and tends to be bustling during TIFF. Prime positioning on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower offers diners an up close and personal look at the CN Tower, and panoramic windows on all sides mean there\u2019s also spectacular views of Toronto Island, the lake and the rest of the downtown sprawl. With a focus on all things Canada, everything from the wine list to the ingredient sourcing is focused on showcasing the best of the country, and if you\u2019re looking to explore Ontario wine, this list is superb for exploring local vintages. An \u00e0 la carte menu is available, but the Taste Canoe prix fixe, which runs seven or eight courses, is one of the best tasting menus in the city. It starts at $170 per person, with wine pairings for another $125. For a more affordable approach, Canoe is also open for lunch on weekdays, offering a shorter three-course prix fixe for $65.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Canoe-Dining-Room-Credit-Hector-Vasquez.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tCanoe.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHector Vasquez\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"prime-seafood-palace\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.primeseafoodpalace.ca\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPrime Seafood Palace\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#prime-seafood-palace\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Prime Seafood Palace' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>944 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G8<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">It\u2019s difficult to make a Toronto restaurant list without mentioning chef Matty Matheson, whose hilarious turn on <em>The Bear <\/em>catapulted the Canadian into international fame. Matheson may play a goofball on the silver screen, but Prime Seafood Palace was his attempt at something more grown-up, and it paid off in dividends. The warm space features architecture from Omar Gandhi, with a vaulted ceiling of white maple slats, pale pink booths and gold light fixtures. Matheson\u2019s frequent culinary partner, <em>Top Chef <\/em>winner Coulson Armstrong, helped design the venue and serves as the executive chef. The venue lives up to its name with palatial fruits de mer dishes: start with chilled seafood offerings like the Sicilian crudo, a platter of hiramasa, king salmon and bluefin tuna, then move on to warm seafood dishes, like the scallops Rockefeller. Chophouse DNA is another throughline here, as illustrated by a 30-ounce c\u00f4te de boeuf and a duck breast with seared foie gras. A playful atmosphere with serious food, this place is a fitting introduction to Matheson\u2019s irreverent style, implemented with surprising polish.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Prime-Seafood-Palace-Sicilian-Crudo-Credit-Bao-Dao.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tPrime Seafood Palace.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBao Dao\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"sammarco\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sammarco.ca\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSammarco\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#sammarco\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Sammarco' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>4 Front St E, Toronto, ON M5E 1G4<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Toronto is bursting with excellent steakhouses, but newcomer Sammarco is operating entirely in its own lane. It\u2019s one of the most beautiful venues in the city, and it currently hosts the largest collection of Canadian art in a single restaurant. Modeled after an Italian steakhouse (bisteccheria), the red leather booths, gilded plates and hand-poured terrazzo flooring are in keeping with Art Deco booths and lighting, plus what it touts as a \u201cBarolo-colored\u201d marble bar. Unfolding across this dramatic canvas, there\u2019s an abundance of beef, from tenderloin and short rib to ribeye, porterhouse and both Canadian and Australian wagyu. Raw bar offerings and seafood entr\u00e9es are equally impressive, but the plate that graces every table is a signature pasta: a 100-egg fettuccine tossed with Ontario\u2019s own St. Brigid\u2019s butter and parmigiano-reggiano. The gilded pasta looks as if it&#8217;s bathed in liquid gold and tastes just as decadent. Pair it with a bottle from their extensive wine list or one of four signature Negronis for an unforgettable meal.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/2x4samm22c.jpg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSammarco.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSammarco\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"sunnys-chinese\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/sunnyschinese.com\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tSunny&#8217;s Chinese \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#sunnys-chinese\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Sunny&#039;s Chinese ' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>60 Kensington Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2K1<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Kensington Market has long been a draw for Toronto foodies, but Sunny\u2019s Chinese attracts far more attention than most vendors in the casual street market. Restaurateur David Schwartz and chef Braden Chong first opened the eatery as a pop-up for takeout during the pandemic, but the concept proved so popular that it took on a life of its own. Chong\u2019s cooking style is deeply influenced by the pan-Asian food scene of his hometown, so much so that a whole chunk of Sunny\u2019s website is dedicated to recommending other Chinese restaurants in the area. The pair also runs a more formal venue, <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/mimichinese.com\/\">Mimi Chinese<\/a>, but the buzzy feel of Sunny\u2019s is enticing to any visitor eager to experience Toronto\u2019s energetic dining scene\u2014notable patrons have included celebrity chef Matty Matheson and producer Benny Blanco. Most dishes ring in under $30, and the silver needle noodles, steamed and then fried, are among the most popular orders.<br><br>Husband and wife beef is ideal for diners who can handle tripe (beef stomach), and the orange chicken is the platonic ideal of the dish, perfect crunch magnified by a hint of spice. An entire charcoal grill section is not to be missed, nor is the Hong Kong toast, stuffed with black sesame jam and dripping in oolong condensed milk.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Sunnys.jpeg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSunny&#8217;s Chinese.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSunny&#039;s Chinese\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-right wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"milou\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/miloutoronto.com\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tMilou\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#milou\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Milou' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>1375 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1Y3<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Milou is an all-the-time restaurant that makes any brunch, lunch or even shared bottle of wine feel like a special occasion. Located further downtown outside of the entertainment district in Dundas West, the neighborhood bistro is decidedly French, and upholds one of the country\u2019s best traditions by regularly offering a rotating plat du jour. Many of these plates lean vegetarian, and regular entr\u00e9es like the lentil falafel ensure that there\u2019s always an option for everyone. Snacky classics like a shrimp cocktail, bitter green salad and steak frites are go-to accompaniments for a round of cocktails, best enjoyed during their happy hour from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. The extensive wine list and cozy corner tables encourage long conversations over a few glasses of a crisp French white or a bold Italian red, and if you come by in the morning for crepes or eggs, there\u2019s plenty of sparkling wine to be had. Milou works well as a quiet escape from the endless chatter of TIFF, until you realize a pair of screenwriters is hashing out a script at the next table over.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/Milou.jpeg?quality=80&#038;w=966\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tMilou.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMilou\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle wp-block-observer-listicle--align-left wp-block-observer-listicle--vertical-center has-image\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__text\">\n\t\t\t<h2 class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__title h3\" id=\"reign-restaurant\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reigntoronto.ca\/\"  rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tReign Restaurant\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy-button copy-to-clipboard\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-hidden=\"true\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-tooltip-text=\"Copied to clipboard!\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-clipboard-text=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/#reign-restaurant\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Copy link to 'Reign Restaurant' to the clipboard\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M12.763 7.4a.79.79 0 0 1 .175.87.807.807 0 0 1-.64.485l-.107.007a.809.809 0 0 1-.571-.233 3.266 3.266 0 0 0-4.423-.138l-.147.139-4.52 4.458-.122.13c-1.108 1.235-1.066 3.199.128 4.378 1.239 1.223 3.332 1.223 4.571 0l2.523-2.49a.815.815 0 0 1 .788-.223.803.803 0 0 1 .58.572.791.791 0 0 1-.226.779l-2.523 2.49c-.867.856-2.013 1.314-3.177 1.37l-.25.006c-1.25 0-2.499-.459-3.428-1.376-1.8-1.776-1.857-4.74-.17-6.592l.17-.177L5.906 7.4a4.897 4.897 0 0 1 6.856 0Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M18.606 1.376c1.804 1.78 1.857 4.753.159 6.604l-.168.171-4.504 4.45A4.867 4.867 0 0 1 10.665 14a4.866 4.866 0 0 1-3.428-1.4.79.79 0 0 1 0-1.127.816.816 0 0 1 1.142 0 3.267 3.267 0 0 0 4.422.137l.148-.138 4.514-4.457c1.239-1.221 1.239-3.289 0-4.511-1.192-1.177-3.178-1.22-4.43-.131l-.14.13-2.524 2.492a.814.814 0 0 1-.466.227l-.107.006-.106-.006a.807.807 0 0 1-.64-.486.79.79 0 0 1 .176-.87l2.532-2.499.16-.148c1.874-1.676 4.884-1.624 6.688.157Z\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t  fill=\"currentColor\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__subtitle-element\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<em>100 Front St W, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3<\/em>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__copy\">Two of the city\u2019s best bars share space in the glamorous lobby at Fairmont\u2019s Royal York hotel. <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.clockworktoronto.com\/\">Clockwork<\/a>, a champagne bar with plenty of cocktails, is an Art Deco-style lobby bar with a looming two-story bronze clock that adds an air of gravitas. It\u2019s a little bit Gatsby, in a good way, and sits right near the entrance to Reign, a chophouse with French influences that prioritizes local ingredients. Quebec foie gras, Ontario burrata and a whole list of Canadian beef drives the point home, and the restaurant\u2019s self-described \u201cmanor house\u201d style is reflected in the wood paneling, strong cocktails and an expansive bottle list. They\u2019re also serving a special TIFF menu of oysters and champagne, sea bass, beef tenderloin and cherry chocolate cake for $130. If you\u2019re still in the mood to drink after dinner, head back out into the lobby and find your way to the <a target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fairmont.com\/en\/hotels\/toronto\/fairmont-royal-york\/dining\/librarybar.bar.html\">Library Bar<\/a>. This tucked-away martini institution cultivates a speakeasy feel, though you won\u2019t need a password to get in. Dinner is also served here, but a Birdbath Martini, presented with proprietary vodka or gin and decked out with corresponding accouterments, is the move. Get it \u201cluxe\u201d with an accompanying soft pretzel and caviar.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/09\/REIGN-Restaurant.jpeg?quality=80&#038;w=970\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\talt=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tloading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdecoding=\"async\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figcaption class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__caption\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tReign Restaurant. \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-block-observer-listicle__image__credit\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tReign Restaurant\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The culinary scene in The 6ix has never been better, especially around the downtown core, where most of the film festival\u2019s screenings take place.<\/p>\n <a class=\"moretag\" href=\"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/\">Read More<\/a>","protected":false},"author":178000265,"featured_media":1690777,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"apple_news_api_created_at":"","apple_news_api_id":"","apple_news_api_modified_at":"","apple_news_api_revision":"","apple_news_api_share_url":"","apple_news_cover_media_provider":"image","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_cover_video_id":0,"apple_news_cover_video_url":"","apple_news_cover_embedwebvideo_url":"","apple_news_is_hidden":"","apple_news_is_paid":"","apple_news_is_preview":"","apple_news_is_sponsored":"","apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_metadata":"\"\"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_slug":"","apple_news_sections":[],"apple_news_suppress_video_url":false,"apple_news_use_image_component":false,"footnotes":""},"post_tag":[423808862,423999617],"company":[424017474,424013008,424019172,424019171,424019175,424019173,424019167,424019187,424019174,424019176,424019170,424019166,424019177,424019178,424019169,424019168],"channel":[2286,423977823,1662,424015910],"location":[423943021,8301,2443,27172],"nyo_column":[],"person":[714470,423984247,424004564,424019179,424019180,424019181,424019182,424019183,424019184,424019185,424019186],"coauthors":[424007615],"class_list":{"0":"post-1690757","1":"listicle","2":"type-listicle","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"tag-toronto-international-film-festival","7":"tag-travel-to-canada","8":"observer_company-alo","9":"observer_company-brasserie-cote","10":"observer_company-byblos-downtown","11":"observer_company-canoe","12":"observer_company-daphne","13":"observer_company-liliana","14":"observer_company-milou","15":"observer_company-mimi-chinese","16":"observer_company-mizunara","17":"observer_company-pai","18":"observer_company-prime-seafood-palace","19":"observer_company-reign-restaurant","20":"observer_company-richmond-station","21":"observer_company-ristorante-sotto-sotto","22":"observer_company-sammarco","23":"observer_company-sunnys-chinese","24":"channel-lifestyle","25":"channel-nightlife-dining","26":"channel-restaurants","27":"channel-all-features","28":"location-toronto","29":"location-international","30":"location-canada","31":"location-ontario","32":"nyo_person-drake","33":"nyo_person-matty-matheson","34":"nyo_person-david-schwartz","35":"nyo_person-carl-heinrich","36":"nyo_person-jeff-regular","37":"nyo_person-nuit-regular","38":"nyo_person-alyssa-figueira","39":"nyo_person-patrick-kriss","40":"nyo_person-marvin-palomo","41":"nyo_person-coulson-armstrong","42":"nyo_person-braden-chong"},"acf":{"homepage_position":"","homepage_title":"","homepage_excerpt":"","alternate_list_left_right":true},"apple_news_notices":[],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/observer.com\/list\/toronto-tiff-best-restaurants-bars\/","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":[],"rendered":"","tracker_url":"https:\/\/cdn.parsely.com\/keys\/observer.com\/p.js"},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1690757","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/listicle"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/178000265"}],"version-history":[{"count":22,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1690757\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1692671,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listicle\/1690757\/revisions\/1692671"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1690777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1690757"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_tag?post=1690757"},{"taxonomy":"observer_company","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/company?post=1690757"},{"taxonomy":"channel","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/channel?post=1690757"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=1690757"},{"taxonomy":"nyo_column","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/nyo_column?post=1690757"},{"taxonomy":"nyo_person","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/person?post=1690757"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/observer.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=1690757"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}