With all the movies and TV shows filmed in Toronto, it's no surprise that celebrities are spotted here all the time. From Kehlani shouting out her favourite Vietnamese restaurant on TikTok to the constant stream of celeb sightings at restaurants like Pai and Rol San, celebrities dine among us all the time. But the chances of walking into one of Toronto's Michelin restaurants and sitting down at the next table over from an A-lister are about as good as winning the lottery — except for during TIFF. Throughout the festival, the city is teeming with stars, and if you know where to look, your chances of laying your eyes on them increase tenfold. Lucky for you, we've rounded up the best places to hunt for celeb sightings during TIFF.
This year, the movie magic is spreading all over the city, with exclusive TIFF experiences and pop-ups that make you feel like a million bucks. The best bars in the city are rolling out signature TIFF cocktails, while the best restaurants are serving luxurious dishes and tasting menus fit for the rich and famous. But if you're desperate to see a celeb, instead of just dining like one, these are the TIFF hotspots most likely to host celebs.
TIFF runs from September 4 to 14, and will bring in a whole slew of celebrities. Try to catch them at these hotspots and soak in all their stardom — maybe it will rub off on you.
10 hotspots guaranteed to host celebs during TIFF
1. Bisha Hotel Toronto
80 Blue Jays Way
Few spots in the city compare to the Bisha Hotel for celebrity sightings around TIFF. From the Lenny Kravitz-designed suits, to the black marble, this property is dramatic, iconic and — above all else — luxurious. A laundry list of Hollywood’s elite have either stayed here, or been hosted in Bisha’s lauded bars and restaurants, including glam lobby bar Mister C, stunning restaurant Akira Back and rooftop oasis KOST. Once again, the Bisha is an official TIFF partner and will host DEADLINE’s Portrait Studio during the festival.
2. 1 Hotel Toronto
550 Wellington St. W.
During TIFF, camp out in the elegantly earthy Flora Lounge at 1 Hotel. Sip and snack on sustainable offerings made with ingredients from the hotel’s own garden pavilion while you listen to live music, and try to spy celebrities sneaking in and out of The Hollywood Reporter TIFF Studio.
3. Campari Cinema Center Hub
Multiple locations
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Campari Cinema Center is back for TIFF 50, hosting several premiere parties at Drisceta (formerly Marbl | 100 Days) and Jacob’s and Co. Drisceta in particular will be the celeb hotspot this year — we’re expecting appearances from Vince Vaughn, Shania Twain, Al Pacino, Dylan Sprouse, Bella Hadid and Ralph Fiennes, among other big names.
4. Nobu
25 Mercer St.
At a spot as glitzy as Nobu, celeb-spotting is almost guaranteed, even outside the TIFF festivities. The global restaurant, hotel and icon, famed for its black cod with miso, debuted in Canada last year with its Mercer Street location in downtown Toronto. Last year saw William Morris Endeavor, a major talent agency repping big names like Adele, Bruno Mars and Olivia Rodrigo, take over the bar at Nobu. Whether you're trying to snag a seat at the bar or loitering outside the entrance with your camera, let's just say, we fancy your chances
5. Soho House
192 Adelaide St. W.
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Traditionally, this private members club is always closed for the duration of TIFF, but this year, Soho House is throwing the TIFF House Party on September 13. If you can finaggle your way in, this could be your best shot at brushing elbows with someone famous. Who knows? Maybe you’ll even score a rom-com-worthy meet-cute.
6. Minami
225 King St. W. Suite 100
Don’t tell anyone we told you, but one of our favourite spots for aburi sushi and Japanese entrées has been bought out for six days during TIFF. We’re willing to bet that means Minami is hosting full-on celeb soirées for the big names in town. Stroll by once or twice (or a dozen times) to see who you can spot through the large glass windows.
7. One Restaurant
116 Yorkville Ave.
For one of the best chances to bump into a celeb, head to One Restaurant inside Yorkville’s Hazleton Hotel. As Canada's first and only Forbes Five-Star independent luxury boutique hotel, it’s a magnet for stars, who slip in for discreet lunches, meetings and nightcaps. On sunny days, the patio is prime people-watching territory — past sightings include high-profile names like Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Robert De Niro and Emily Blunt. While you’re here, channel the A-list with a stop at The Macallan Bar Cart, where expert mixologists craft cocktails from rare casks and timeless whisky classics.
8. Sotto Sotto
120 Avenue Rd.
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If a restaurant has a special “Drake” table, it’s a pretty safe bet that it’s a celebrity hotspot. This Yorkville trattoria is well-known to have been frequented by the 6ix God over the years, but around TIFF, it’s flooded with tons of other star-studded guests. A-listers like Brad Pitt, Oprah, Ricky Gervais, Liam Neeson and Jennifer Garner have been spotted here. Even if you don’t snag a reservation during the festival, chances are you’ll spot a movie star popping in for a bowls of fresh pasta, Italian cured meats, striploins and more.
9. PAI
18 Duncan St.
Simu Liu, Shawn Mendes and Elijah Wood are just a few of the celebs who’ve dropped by PAI while in Toronto. A scroll through the Thai hotspot’s Instagram feed reveals plenty of celeb cameos, from Hollywood actors to international athletes in town — there’s even a photo wall, documenting its star-studded fanbase. It’s easy to see why: The Michelin-recommended restaurant is beloved by Toronto chefs for its bold flavours and high-energy atmosphere. Plus, its prime location on Duncan Street makes it the perfect pre-premiere stop before hitting the red carpets along King Street during TIFF.
10. Vinny Restaurant & Vinyl Bar
461 King St. W.
Formerly Pink Sky, Vinny is in the perfect location to attract big celebrities for a drink after a premiere. If you pop in for a meal or a drink, you might just rub shoulders with a star — Andrew Garfield, Dakota Johnson, Jude Law and Paul Rudd have all been spotted here. The listening lounge is crammed with vintage speakers, vinyl records and plush booths that are perfect for cozying up with a cocktail while you people-watch.
