Besides the films and street festivities, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is also all about the stars.
The celebrities in Toronto are a huge draw to the festival, as restaurants and local hot spots play hosts to Hollywood’s biggest stars.
And while not all the parties will be open to the public, there will be plenty of stargazing opportunities on and off the red carpet.
So between September 5 to the 15, keep your eyes peeled, especially at these celeb top spots.
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The best places to spot the stars during TIFF 2019
Soho House
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Known industry-wide as the most intriguing and highly coveted hot spot, the TIFF parties at Soho House always feature some of the festival’s biggest stars. Over the past few years, Soho House hosted film premiere parties for major buzz-worthy films like Theory of Everything, The Imitation Games, Room, Spotlight, Woman Walks Ahead, Before the Flood, Sicario, Molly’s Game, Manchester by the Sea, and The Death and Life of John F. Donovan.
The parties have also seen the likes of Jake Gyllenhaal, Nicole Kidman, Leonardo Dicaprio, Dakota Fanning, Natalie Portman, Salma Hayek, Kate Winslet, Benedict Cumberbatch, Matt Damon, Kit Harington, and Susan Sarandon to name a few.
Where:Â 192 Adelaide Street West
Bisha Hotel Toronto/Mister C
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Located in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, the glamourous Bisha Hotel welcomes some of the world’s trendiest guests on the regular. Between luxe velvet walls of the hotel lobby, the gorgeous green onyx marble top bar inside Mister C and the 43rd-floor private event space, celebs will be sure to flock to this Toronto hot spot.
Stars spotted in the past include: Julianne Moore, James and Dave Franco, Andrew Garfield, Octavia Spencer, Alison Brie, Andy Serkis, Paul Sheer, Richard Jenkins, Sally Hawkins, Christoph Waltz, Ellen Page, Ed Harris, Greta Gerwig, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, Laurie Metcalf, Morgan Spurlock, Sam Keeley, Jake Gyllenhaal, Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Tatiana Maslany, Allison Janney, Sverrir Gudnason, Roland Møller, and Stellan Skarsgård.
Where:Â 80 Blue Jays Way
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Located on the second floor of the Bisha Hotel, Michelin-Star Chef Akira Back and his buzz-worthy menu offers guests a selection of delicious hot and cold plates. With a private dining room and cool décor designed by the award-winning Studio Munge, the space is sure to exceed the celebrity standard. Canadian icons Ben and Jessica Mulroney are loyal patrons of Akira Back, Jessica Biel has been known to indulge in his signature dishes, and even Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently made an appearance.
Where:Â 80 Blue Jays Way
Kost
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The rooftop restaurant has an unparalleled panoramic view of Toronto and a fantastic open-air patio that has become a popular destination for celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Geena Davis, and Martin Short. Known as one of Toronto’s most Instagrammable spots, even high-profile sports stars like Rafael Nadal and Shaquille O’Neal stopped by to pose against the spectacular backdrop of the city skyline.
Where:Â 80 Blue Jays Way
Sofia
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Sofia is a hidden pearl nestled in the heart of Yorkville. The fine-dining restaurant and bar offer Italian-inspired cuisine and a menu designed by Executive Chef Rob LeClair. The luxe space holds the charm of modern dining with a dash of classic Hollywood glamour and checks every box for a TIFF event. The restaurant also offers one of Toronto’s largest private patios that is perfect for any visiting celebrity.
Stars spotted in the past include Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, Mr. Brainwash, Wyclef Jean, Charles Oakley, PK Subban, Phil Kessel, Lindsey Vonn, and Dan Aykroyd.
Where:Â 99 Yorkville Avenue
Byblos Downtown/Storys
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Every year stars flock to this award-winning restaurant for a taste of its authentic Eastern Mediterranean flavours. Sharing the same space as film-fest hub, The Storys Building, many celebrities have been known to attend for post-screening after parties or to stop by for a meal.
Stars spotted in the past include: Jessica Chastain, Kate Mara, Ellen Page, Brie Larson, Alicia Vikander, Emma Stone, Liam Neeson, Diane Lane, Casey Affleck, Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, Jaime Bell, Simon Baker, Priyanka Chopra, Bryan Cranston, Elle Fanning, Ed Harris, Allison Janney, Bel Powley, Maisie Williams, Stanley Tucci, Matthew McConaughey, and Sebastian Stan.
Where:Â 11 Duncan Street
PATRIA
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Discreetly tucked off the bustling King Street West, Patria offers festival-goers the ultimate private dining and party experience. The Barcelona inspired restaurant boasts an impressive Spanish flavoured menu and is home to premiere parties every year. Last year’s ultimate Canadian photo op with Ryan Gosling and Justin Trudeau was during a TIFF event at Patria.
Where:Â 478 King Street West
MARBL
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The newest addition to this year’s hot-spots is King West’s MARBL Restaurant, which will be hosting the Nordstrom Supper Suite during TIFF’s opening weekend. Not only will the Supper Suite be a go-to in the evenings, it will also host press circuits during the day with the Collier Media Studio. Stars at previous Supper Suites include Abbie Cornish, Chris Pine, Elizabeth Olson, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Jennifer Connelly.
Where: 455 King Street West
Weslodge Saloon
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The big yellow doors on King Street West mark the spot where some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Richard Gere, Jason Isaacs, Ben Mendelsohn, and Gary Oldman have walked through to dine and drink during the festivities. Matthew McConaughey even booked out the venue last year for an invite-only tasting of his Wild Turkey whisky.
Where:Â 480 King Street West
Spoke Club
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A staple on the King West strip, the exclusive spot has hosted many galas and premiere parties in its past. Now under the helm of INK Entertainment, the members-only club boasts a newly renovated private rooftop patio and bar that will be ideal for all A-list guests seeking the most exclusive events.
Stars spotted in the past include Penelope Cruz, Bradley Cooper, Christina Hendricks, Clive Owen, Woody Harrelson, Danny Glover, Freida Pinto, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Owen Wilson.
Where:Â 600 King Street West
RBC House
RBC House is the embodiment of RBC’s support of the film and the arts. The TIFF Hotspot, located right in the middle of all the action, is the place to be for star-studded film parties and amazing music performances. This year just steps away from the red carpet, RBC House will be hosting eight private film parties and two music events, offering guests VIP access to some of the top celebrities and creators.
Last year, RBC House hosted a number of film parties that saw some big names such as Matthew McConaughey, Ashley Benson, Cara Delevingne, Elle Fanning, Elisabeth Moss, and Salma Hayek, to name a few.
Where: 11 Duncan Street
RBC Red Carpet Gallery
RBC Red-Carpet Gallery is the go-to spot for movie fans and stargazers to see top-tier talent and celebrities up close and personal. The carpet will be open for all Gala presentations at David Pecaut Square.
Where:Â David Pecaut Square
STK
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STK is not only a year-round hot spot for celebs, but the globally renowned steakhouse is also known for hosting celebrity parties and TIFF events alike. This year, the restaurant will surely see some stars that crave their favourite meals from the familiar upscale steakhouse.
Where:Â 153 Yorkville Avenue
Azure Restaurant & Bar at the InterContinental Toronto Centre
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Azure, located right in the lobby of the InterContinental Toronto Centre draws in some stars for a quick lunch and an easy location for business meetings. Throughout TIFF the hotel will be home to many media outlets conducting celebrity interviews. While the stars might not necessarily stay at the hotel, the InterContinental Toronto Centre has a revolving door of celebrities stopping by to do press.
Where: 225 Front Street West
Montecito
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Located right in the heart of the TIFF action, Montecito, the California-inspired restaurant will be buzzing with the excitement of festival-goers, and will also be hosting a couple of celebrity-filled TIFF parties of its own.
Where: 299 Adelaide Street West
ONE Restaurant at The Hazelton HotelÂ
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Even though Yorkville isn’t necessarily TIFF’s hub anymore, it’s still a spot for some of the swankiest and most loved spots for Hollywood’s elite. Whether its boozy brunch or wining and dining, ONE is still one spot not to miss during TIFF.
Where:Â 118 Yorkville Avenue
TOCA in the Ritz-Carlton
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Being one of the most upscale hotels in the city, celebrities are known to hang out and stay at the Ritz-Carlton. And throughout TIFF, the hotel’s Italian restaurant TOCA should be host to some popular names.
Where:Â 181 Wellington Street West
Thompson Hotel Toronto
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From its stunning rooftop views to its poppin’ lobby bar, the Thompson Hotel gets a huge stamp of approval for TIFF events and parties. From celebrity DJ sets to limited edition TIFF cocktails, this is a place to be and be seen during the festivities this year.
Where:Â 550 Wellington Street West
Buca
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Tucked away from King Street, Buca is a destination for Italian fare year-round. And during the Toronto International Film Festival, this spot becomes a dining experience filled with a cast of A-listers.
Where:Â 604 King Street West
Drake One Fifty
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Located steps away from Festival Street is Drake One Fifty, a hip, downtown oasis that serves up next-level food, drinks, and immersive art. Over the years, the popular Financial District watering hole has welcomed various celebrities during TIFF thanks to its proximity to the festival action. Have to wait to grab a table? Walk a few steps and you’ll find yourself at Drake Mini Bar, a pint-sized hangout serving wicked cocktails and drool-worthy bites.
Where:Â 150 York Street
Sotto Sotto
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Intimate upscale Italian eatery Sotto Sotto might be a hotspot for celebrity sightings year-round, however, it really comes alive during the annual film fest. Over the years Reese Witherspoon, Jennifer Anniston, Susan Sarandon, Ewan McGregor, Johnny Depp, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, and Mia Wasikowska to name a few have been spotted here.
Where:Â 120 Avenue Rd.
With files from Erin Davis.Â