Gent’s Guide to TIFF: Where to Eat, Stay, and Sip in Style

TIFF isn’t just about the films—it’s a full-scale cultural takeover. For its 50th anniversary, Toronto will play host to an influx of global talent, industry power players, and discerning guests who know that where you eat, sleep, and sip between screenings matters as much as what premieres you attend.

Whether you’re in town for the galas or moving between press junkets and afterparties, the experience doesn’t begin and end at Roy Thomson Hall. This is a lifestyle festival, and the city’s top hotels, restaurants, and cocktail lounges rise to the occasion. Here’s where the modern gentleman checks in, sits down, and orders a round when it’s time to pause between red carpets.

Where to Stay

The right hotel during TIFF is more than a place to sleep — it’s a staging ground for the day ahead and a quiet sanctuary when the cameras stop flashing. Whether you’re seeking five-star discretion or rooftops with cinematic views, these properties offer proximity, privacy, and polish.

1 Hotel Toronto

The official home of The Hollywood Reporter Studio. Sustainable, design-forward, and ideal for both discreet arrivals and rooftop scene-stealing.

Four Seasons Hotel Toronto

Still the heartbeat of TIFF’s Yorkville energy. Expect high-profile guests, top-tier service, and press junkets just an elevator ride away.

Bisha Hotel

Command central for talent, media, and industry insiders. The rooftop alone is worth the stay.

The Hazelton Hotel

Understated luxury. A favourite for those who prefer private over public, with polished service and a long history of hosting TIFF’s elite.

Park Hyatt Toronto

Refined, quiet, and a well-kept secret among industry veterans. The Writers Room bar is the ideal setting for a post-premiere debrief.

Shangri-La Toronto

A favourite among international talent for its blend of contemporary Asian elegance and discreet, full-service luxury in the heart of downtown.

Fairmont Royal York

Classic and commanding, the Royal York plays host to TIFF’s Tribute Awards and offers old-world charm just steps from the action.

Where to Eat

In a city where business often happens over a cocktail and dinner doubles as a casting session, dining well during TIFF is a non-negotiable. From midday meetings to 2 a.m. bites, these restaurants understand timing, taste, and who’s sitting at the next table.

Power Breakfasts & Midday Meetings

Casa Madera

Organic-focused, stylishly lit, and located inside 1 Hotel. Early enough to be discreet, bold enough to impress.

LOUIX LOUIS

Art deco opulence with a serious menu. Perfect for a brunch that doubles as a business meeting.

Kōst

A high-altitude breakfast at Bisha with sweeping views and a crowd that knows how to dress for it.

Business Lunches & Industry Dinners

Daphne

Refined but buzzing. The new classic for executives, stylists, and talent looking to talk shop over steak and martinis.

Minami Toronto

Pan-Asian precision with standout cocktails. Sit at the sushi bar or tuck into a booth and watch the room.

Aloette Bay

Alo’s newest downtown extension. Smart, quick, and elevated—ideal for squeezing in a meal between commitments.

Late Night

Sofia Yorkville

Tucked away and theatrically lit. Plates come out fast, and the crowd is often more interesting than the films.

Akira Back

Bold Nikkei cuisine by one of TIFF’s favourite chefs. Seating is tight, energy is high, and the drinks don’t disappoint.

Soluna

Late-night Mediterranean with a patio built for conversation. Expect DJs, dim lighting, and a few familiar faces from the big screen.

Oxtail Pho

Unapologetically casual, open until 5 a.m. on weekends. The kind of place you’ll find publicists, stylists, and chefs all at the same table, decompressing over bowls of broth.

Check out View the VIBE’s full guide to late night eats for more.

Where to Drink

TIFF might be about the films, but the conversations that shape them usually happen after hours. These are the bars and lounges where agents seal deals, actors unwind, and discerning guests order something strong, stirred, and served with intention.

Campari Cinema Centre

This year’s official TIFF lounge at David Pecaut Square. Expect bespoke cocktails, curated programming, and a cinematic atmosphere worthy of the red carpet.

Mister C at Bisha

Still one of the city’s most reliable venues for a stiff drink, stylish lighting, and late-night celebrity sightings.

Bar Pompette

Elegant, French, and serious about its cocktails. Arrive early or know someone.

Mother Cocktail Bar

For those who value craftsmanship. Every drink tells a story. Often, so does the person sitting beside you.

The Drake Hotel

The after-hours unofficial headquarters for TIFF insiders and artists. Cocktails with names inspired by the year’s buzziest films and an extended last call.

Where to Recharge

When the schedule runs from morning press junkets to late-night galas, upkeep becomes strategy. These refined grooming and wellness destinations ensure you’re camera-ready and composed — even after a week of running on adrenaline and espresso.

SKINBYVEE

Vee Mistry’s signature cryo-facials have become a TIFF ritual for anyone appearing on camera. Her client list speaks for itself.

Mankind Grooming Studio

Cut, clean-up, or a quick touch-up. Walk in looking fine. Walk out ready for flash photography.

JUKO Studio

Toronto’s bespoke tailoring secret. If you need a last-minute fit, there’s no better place to trust.

Beyond the Red Carpet

TIFF isn’t just a film festival—it’s an ecosystem of culture, fashion, and social capital. For its 50th anniversary, the city is more charged than ever, and the stakes are high, whether you’re in the spotlight or operating behind the scenes.

The right meal, the right hotel, the right glass of something neat—it all plays a role. Because when the cameras are off, that’s when the real moments happen. Consider this your unofficial itinerary. Use it wisely.

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