Finally, it’s possible to clock in actual in-person face time with clients –building bonds, strengthening business relationships, and closing deals in the process.
Whether you’re in the market for a casual café or to go all out on the wining and dining front, Toronto is full of options to connect with clients.
From long-time storied staple spots to shiny new additions, here are some of our favourites.
10 Best Places in Toronto to Entertain Clients
Flora Lounge at 1 Hotel Toronto
Located in the lobby level of the recently opened 1 Hotel Toronto, Flora Lounge shines in the vibe department. Offering a lush, plant-filled garden environment, the sustainably designed spot brings a sophisticated atmosphere that’s somehow refrained from venturing too far into an obnoxious “see and be seen” feel. Instead, it offers a relatively low key ambience for cocktail sipping. Find more into here.
Baro
For a memorable meal to impress, make a reservation at Baro. The three-storey King West restaurant and lounge houses creative and sharable Latin-inspired dishes and cocktails. The spot’s Pablo’s Fiesta Hour at the second floor Pablo’s Snack House has become a quick crowd-pleaser for the after work set; from Tuesday to Saturday, guests can enjoy $6 drinks and snacks from 5pm to 7pm. Find more into here.
Falcon SkyBar at Hotel X Toronto
For a five-star feel and some of the best views in the city, head to the sleek Falcon SkyBar at Hotel X Toronto. The recently renovated three-level rooftop bar features unobstructed views of the city skyline and Lake Ontario and is perfect for bonding with clients over snacks, sharing plates, and creative cocktails. Find more information here.
Daily Ritual Café
For an elevated client coffee client date or quick lunch, hit the newly opened street level coffee, breakfast, and lunch spot Daily Ritual Café in One King West Hotel. The light-filled space features dramatically high ceilings and is packed with all of the locally-sourced goodness your heart could desire – from savoury snacks, to comforting sandwiches and soups. Find more into here.
Chotto Matte
In the financial district, Japanese-Peruvian spot Chotto Matte offers a no-fail option for after-work client drinks or dinner. Complete with a bustling vibe, the restaurant features sharable dishes and photo-worthy cocktails. If the client conversation is lacking, the restaurant is full of no-fail talking points – from the well-presented food to the stunning décor and eye-catching mural art throughout. Find more into here.
Canoe Restaurant
Treat your out-of-town clients to sky-high views of the city with drinks or dinner at long-time financial district staple Canoe Restaurant. Located on the 54th floor of the Toronto Dominion Centre, the celebrated and sophisticated Oliver & Bonacini restaurant serves inventive Canadian cuisine and recently introduced a new tasting menu that’s guaranteed to impress high-rolling clients. Find more info here.
Clio
For the private members set, the freshly opened Clio – which took over the King West real estate of the former Spoke Club – is a solid spot for brainstorm sessions, wining, and dining. Like the former members club, Clio features a screening room and private areas that can be booked out, as well as dining and lounge spaces. Clients will appreciate both the inspirational vibe and the exclusivity factor. Find more information here.
Moretti at the SoHo Hotel Toronto
Located off the lobby of the freshly renovated SoHo Hotel Toronto, the Moretti brand now offers both a sophisticated daytime café and a bustling restaurant. Moretti Café brings an old-world Italian vibe and is open until 5pm, when the neighbouring Moretti Restaurant opens. The latter offers comforting Italian fare, including pizza worth posting about. Find more info here.
Library Bar at the Fairmont Royal York
The freshly reopened Library Bar in the iconic Fairmont Royal York is back in business, with a new look but same refined timeless vibe. The famed, discretely tucked-away cocktail den has been synonymous with classic cocktails and its eccentric character for decades. The hotel’s storied past makes for no shortage of conversation starters before deal-sealing. Find more into here.
The Rooftop at the Broadview Hotel
On the east side of town, the rooftop bar at the Broadview Hotel offers a relaxed but sophisticated vibe for cocktail sipping and snack sharing. The spot comes with a solid ice-breaking backstory; it was once a decades-old strip club called Jilly’s, and many elements of its storied past are incorporated in the décor. Stunning west-facing skyline views add to the appeal. Find more information here.