Top 2025 TIFF hotspots for dining, parties, and celeb spotting

Like us, if you fancy a good celebrity spotting moment, you’re just itching to know where all the A-listers are going to be during TIFF. Lucky for you, we took all the work out of it. We’ve put together the list of the hottest restaurants, venues, clubs, lounges, hotels, theatres and more — where you can definitely expect to see all your favourite celebrities. Oh, and this will be a record year for the number of A-listers in town, so it will be a doozy! You just might spot the likes of Angelina Jolie, Channing Tatum, Charlie XCX, or even Daniel Craig.. Just remember to be cool, calm and collected, and you’ll be just fine.

But don’t let us keep you waiting any longer. Let’s dive right in. Here’s the list of only the BEST vibes, that TIFF has to offer for the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival.

Our annual ultimate list of hotspots VIBES across Toronto:

Of course, these are the spots where you’re almost guaranteed to cross paths with celebrities—the true epicentres of TIFF.

TIFF Lightbox | September 4-14

The centre of it all. 350 King St W.

TIFF Street Festival | September 4-14

The TIFF Street Festival, on King Street from Peter Street to University Avenue, also known as Festival Street, will take place during the first few days of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025. This year’s Festival Street is scheduled from September 4 to September 14, 2025. King Street West will be transformed into a vibrant, pedestrian-only zone, featuring free outdoor screenings, performances, and interactive experiences.

Film Screening Theatres

Here’s a list of all the theatres across the downtown core that will be showing the extensive TIFF film list this year. Whether you’re expecting to watch the film, or simply want to see your favourite star darting in the front of the theatre, or darting out through the back door upon exit… It’s safe to say they are great celeb sighting spots.

Princess of Wales Theatre

300 King St W.

Royal Alexandra Theatre

260 King St W.

Roy Thomson Hall

60 Simcoe St.

Scotiabank Theatre

259 Richmond St W.

Festival hubs, houses and studios

Obviously, where there are celebrities, there is media, but not just local media. TIFF attracts the top media brands of the world. Many of them also set up shop at key venues with portrait studios, etc., so if you stick around them, you are likely to see them running through their press junkets. Some of them even stop for fan photos. Some other hotspots are also where some of the film companies and sponsors set up shop for the festival to host talks, events, gifting lounges, parties and more.

NKPR’s IT House, at Q Tower / People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly and Shutterstock Studio | September 4 – 8

IT House returns September 4–8 at the Q Tower Presentation Centre, transforming into a hub for talent, filmmakers, media, and industry during TIFF’s 50th anniversary. In partnership with PEOPLE, EW, and Shutterstock, the space will host a star-studded photo and video studio, with past guests including Jennifer Lopez, Jamie Lee Curtis, Orlando Bloom, Barry Keoghan, Pharrell Williams, and Selena Gomez.

Alongside exclusive brand activations—from fashion and footwear showcases to book previews—IT House continues its commitment to purpose, supporting Project Paws (yes, puppies will be involved) and Artists for Peace and Justice, which expands education access in Haiti.

Roxstar Entertainment’s Campari Cinema Centre / Collider Studio, at Discreta (formerly Marbl) | Sep 5 – 11

After stealing the spotlight at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, Roxstar Entertainment’s coveted hospitality hub is making its return—this time bigger, bolder, and with Campari in the spotlight. Reimagined for TIFF’s milestone 50th anniversary as the Campari Cinema Center, the week-long takeover promises everything from red-carpet glamour and high-energy media moments to late-night fêtes and the festival’s most buzzed-about premiere parties. With signature Campari cocktails, A-list guests, and a roster of powerhouse brand partners, this is where Hollywood collides with Toronto in true TIFF fashion. Check out all the details here.

RBC House / LA Times Studio, at Petros82

If there’s one golden rule TIFF veterans swear by, it’s this: an RBC House invite guarantees a night to remember. For the festival’s landmark 50th year, Canada’s leading bank is raising the stakes, rolling out star-studded red carpets, industry-forward programming, and A-list soirées that reaffirm its status as a cornerstone TIFF partner

This year’s takeover unfolds at Petros82, right in the pulse of Toronto’s Entertainment District. Think: a guest list stacked with A-listers, an atmosphere that’s anything but ordinary, and insider access that only RBC House can deliver.

Soho House Toronto

As usual, the Soho House is always home to several big TIFF parties with very tight guest lists. Even members don’t get invited unless they are on the guest list for the particular event.

The National Club (Members-only club)

A members-only hotspot that is likely to be a celebrity safe haven. The National Club is a historic 1907 clubhouse blends charming heritage with modern amenities, providing fine dining, networking events, and access to a 40,000-bottle wine cellar. Who wouldn’t want to hide out here?

Rogers Lounge at Cibo Wine Bar (King St W)

In partnership with Liberty Entertainment Group, Rogers is also transforming Cibo Wine Bar into Rogers Lounge, which will play host to some of the Festival’s biggest stars.

The Hollywood Reporter Studio at 1 Hotel Toronto (King West-area)

Last held in 2022, THR Studio returns to TIFF this year at 1 Hotel Toronto. There is no doubt there will be no shortage of celebrities walking through here. The hotel’s Flora lounge will host their nightly events in a reimagined space called the “green room”.

Hotels

Luckily, Toronto has quite a number of luxury hotels across the city. So there is a variety for celebrities to choose from. Some decide to stay a little bit outside of the TIFF hub, like the Four Seasons in Yorkville. While others like to stay close by, like The Ritz-Carlton, which is one of the most iconic TIFF destinations in the city, or something a little more boutique like the Bisha Hotel. Overall, these are all great celeb spotting spots, where even the paparazzi camp outside. Here’s an insider tip: hang out near the back exits, parking garages, etc., for a better chance of catching them on their arrivals or exits, as they rarely do so through the front doors.

The Ritz-Carlton | 181 Wellington St W.

The Ritz-Carlton is definitely one of the larger celebrity hubs during TIFF. From the lobby bars, club lounge (especially now that it’s been upgraded), to the parties, and even just as hotel guests, there are always countless stars hanging around.  Their EPOCH patio is stellar, making it even more appealing for celeb-filled parties and events during festival season.

Bisha Hotel | 80 Blue Jays Way

Located in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district, the glamorous Bisha Hotel welcomes
some of the world’s trendiest guests on a regular basis. 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 one of the sleekest hotspots in Toronto. Also home to both the Deadline Portrait Studio and the Stamina x GMI Content Studio, bringing together some of Toronto’s most iconic independent media brands like Now Toronto, View the VIBE, Gent’s Post, The BG Show and more.

Fairmont Royal York | 100 Front St W.

Located just outside the TIFF area, the Fairmont Royal York is definitely always one of the core TIFF hubs. Especially since their major renovation, there’s no doubt that this hotel will be spewing with celebs. Whether you’re taking in the gorgeous views of the clock tower or people watching in the lobby, you’re bound to see them in and around the hotel for sure.

Four Seasons | 60 Yorkville Ave.

The Four Seasons is always a known destination for many celebrities travelling to the city. With a bar by international restaurateur Chef Daniel Boulud, it’s quite the star-studded dinner and cocktails hotspot in the city. Every year, the Four Seasons rolls out the red carpet for many celebrity guests.

Park Hyatt Toronto | 4 Avenue Rd.

Home to the iconic Writers Room rooftop bar with one of the best views in the city. The Park Hyatt honestly is often underrated, but their recent work to the lobby truly makes it an incredible hot spot both during TIFF and not. Joni is great for people watching and Writers Room for the views. But the suites will without a doubt be frequented by celebs throughout the festival.

Hazelton Hotel Toronto | 118 Yorkville Ave

Is there any hotel more iconically celebrity studded than the Hazelton Hotel in Yorkville? I think now. A mainstay for celebrities year-round and without a doubt a staple for many during TIFF alike. Great for people watching and the views from the patio are spectacular.

Intercontinental Toronto / TheWrap Studio, presented by Moet & Chandon | 225 Front St W

Likely one of the longest standing TIFF hub hotels, once home to all the studios, but this year home to the iconic portrait studio for TheWrap, presented by Moet & Chandon where celebrities are often seen signing their jumbo Moet bottle .

Nobu Toronto Hotel | 33 Mercer St

As a newer addition to the Toronto hotel scene and widely known to celebrities, it’s likely to be a prime option for celebrities and TIFF festivities alike.

St. Regis Hotel | 325 Bay St.

Formerly the Trump Hotel and then later the Adelaide Hotel, it is now renovated into the very first St. Regis Hotel in Canada. The St. Regis Hotel Toronto has become quite the popular destination for A-listers, film crews, and star seekers alike. The word on the street is that more A-listers are staying at the St. Regis during TIFF this year than ever before seen even at The Ritz in prior years.

Soho Hotel (formerly the Soho Metropolitan Hotel) | 318 Wellington St W

Known for their spacious suites, and frequented by several stars on the regular (including Mark Wahlberg), the Soho is a great inconspicuous spot for celebrities to come and go without notice. The Pizzeria Moretti’s also is a great spot for celebrity spotting and the cafe by day is perfect for tucking away to get some work done while you people watch.

Shangri-La Hotel | 188 University Ave.

As a TIFF hotel partner and one of the city’s Festival hot spots, Shangri-La Hotel is abuzz during this exciting time of year. Beyond its five-star service, guests and patrons gather to experience daily live music while surrounded by fashion and art, right in the heart of the festival. Guests can sip like a star at Toronto’s trendiest social spot. Also, the home of the annual opening night party.

Windsor Arms Hotel | 18 St Thomas St

Home to this year’s Artists for Peace and Justice 2019 Festival Gala, the Windsor Arms is a known destination for celebrities visiting Toronto.

Popular event venues & restaurants

Beso by Patria | 478 King St W

Opening a bold new chapter for the beloved Patria, Beso is lively, vibrant, and proudly Spanish. With striking custom artwork and interiors that pulse with energy, it delivers a true taste of Spain in the heart of Toronto. Chef Stuart Cameron’s menu—featuring tapas, paella, fresh seafood, and grilled meat, paired with creative cocktails makes Beso an instant magnet for the A-list. Notable past guests include Pharrell Williams, Andrew Garfield, and more.

Sofia | 99 Yorkville Ave

This stunning newer addition to the Bloor-Yorkville restaurant lineup will definitely be buzzing with stars. Also hosting and participating in the Yorkville Murals block party, and hosting Jennifer Lopez for the premiere dinner of her movie, it will definitely be somewhere you will want to be.

Vinny | 461 King St W

Formerly known as Pink Sky, Vinny is a well-known TIFF hotspot—and 2025 is set to follow suit. The restaurant dishes out globally inspired plates with inventive, playful flair, all set to a curated DJ soundtrack that keeps the vibe electric. When the premieres wrap, Vinny keeps the party going with a late-night menu served well past 11 PM, making it a go-to after-hours escape. Celebrity sightings over the years include: Andrew Garfield, Dakota Johnson, Jude Law, and Paul Rudd.

KOST at Bisha Hotel | 80 Blue Jays Way (44th floor)

The rooftop restaurant has a panoramic view of Toronto and a fantastic outdoor patio that has become a popular destination for celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Halle Berry, Geena Davis and Martin Short. It is also known as one of Toronto’s most Instagrammable spots.

MARBL | 455 King St W

Home to this year’s “Cinema Centre” festival hospitality centre, produced by Rockstar Entertainment, MARBL Restaurant from September 8-11 will be open exclusively for private events, cocktail mixers, galas and more. Marbl consistently offers thrilling events during TIFF, and this year is no exception. Additionally, Collider.com’s Media Studio is making a comeback at Marbl this year, providing a platform for filmmakers, directors, cast members, and others to be part of the festivities.

Mister C at Bisha Hotel | 80 Blue Jays Way (Main floor)

This swanky hotel lobby bar, home to some of the city’s hottest weekly parties, is a common backdrop to some of TIFF’s hottest parties. This year, it’s also set to host the Mr. Dressup post-screening party hosted by Prime.

Mademoiselle | 563 King St W

In a setting where extravagance is regularly found, Mademoiselle ensures that any celebrity will instantly feel right at home. Home to eTalk’s annual TIFF party in recent years, there’s no doubt it will be a hotspot for post-screening parties, cocktail mixers and more.

Cibo Wine Bar King St

Home to this year’s first Rogers Lounge during the festival, and a staple on King West for good home style Italian food, and great deals too.

Blue Bovine Steakhouse & Wine Club

Considering there’s a Maple Leaf, Dragon, and Canadian Hospitality icon at the helm, there’s no doubt in our mind it’d going to be a buzzy hotspot. Especially the members-only wine club.

Have any tips, suggestions or photos you would like to share? Either email them to us at steven@viewthevibe.com, or slip into our DMs at @Viewthevibe on Instagram or Twitter. Want the inside scoop? Keep your eye on our Editorial Director, Steven Branco’s Instagram feed @mr.stevenbranco for it.  If you catch any of them or have any snaps to share, tag us and use #TorontoVIBE, slide into our DMs, or tweet us for a chance to be featured in the recaps.

Hero photo: Kennedy Pollard/Getty Images for RBC (added on Sep 10th)