As TIFF celebrates its 50th year, Toronto’s dining scene is set to shine just as brightly as the red carpet. From late-night industry haunts to cinematic dining rooms and star-studded hotel lobbies, these are the city’s most buzzworthy celebrity hotspots this festival season.

✨ Vinny Restaurant & Vinyl Bar
Address: 461 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1K4

Formerly known as Pink Sky, Vinny has long been a TIFF favourite—and this year promises to be no different. The restaurant serves globally inspired plates with bold, playful twists, perfectly paired with a curated DJ soundtrack. As the night deepens, Vinny’s late-night menu keeps the energy alive well past 11 PM, making it an ideal after-premiere destination.

Past celebrity sightings: Andrew Garfield, Dakota Johnson, Jude Law, Paul Rudd

✨ Honey Chinese
Address: 600 King St W, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3

Moody, cinematic, and transportive, Honey Chinese channels Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love. Expect nostalgic yet playful takes on Canadian-Chinese classics, complete with neon-orange sauces, glowing red lanterns, and fortune cookies that feel straight out of a film scene.

✨ Primadonna
Address: 600 King St W, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3

A kitschy, stylish nod to Italian mobster legends and glamorous mob wives, Primadonna delivers hearty Italian-American comfort food by Executive Chef Marc in a room filled with vintage art, plush banquettes, and a bold mural made for Instagram. A lively, high-energy space where celebrities can blend in—or make a scene.

Past celebrity sightings: Jessica Chastain, Lucy Liu, Oprah

✨ Beso by Patria
Address: 478 King St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1L7

The vibrant new chapter of beloved Patria, Beso is bold, colourful, and unapologetically Spanish. With dramatic custom artwork and interiors that radiate energy, Beso brings a kiss of Spain to Toronto. Chef Stuart Cameron’s menu—tapas, paella, fresh seafood, and grilled meats—paired with inventive cocktails, makes it an instant A-list draw.

Past celebrity sightings: Pharrell Williams, Andrew Garfield, and more

✨ Animl Steakhouse & Cocktail Den
Address: 420A Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 1E3

Animl is the definition of “elegantly untamed.” Inspired by the glamour and excess of the 1970s—think Studio 54 meets Art Deco allure—the space features gold-leaf ceilings, animal prints, and a dazzling mirror-encased bull suspended overhead. Executive Chef Marc Cheng and his team deliver a modern, refined take on the steakhouse, with dry-aged cuts, fresh seafood, indulgent sides, and a cocktail program designed to tell stories with every pour. A luxurious, mysterious, and primal destination where TIFF stars are bound to gather.

✨ Daphne
Address: 67 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON M5H 1Z5

A breakout star of TIFF 2024, Daphne played host to Vanity Fair’s cover launch with Demi Moore, as well as dinners with Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek. This year, several high-profile red-carpet events are rumoured to take place here. Its chic vibe and exceptional service have already made it a celebrity go-to.

✨ Bisha Hotel
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way, Toronto, ON M5V 2G3

No TIFF guide is complete without Bisha Hotel, the beating heart of celebrity sightings in Toronto’s Entertainment District. With Deadline Studio returning this year, Bisha is once again set to be a must-stop for Hollywood’s elite.

Mister C – The glamorous lobby bar has hosted Justin Bieber, Jude Law, Ben Stiller, Hailey Baldwin, Naomi Campbell, and Michael B. Jordan.

Akira Back – A global culinary hotspot, favoured by Oprah Winfrey, Ryan Reynolds, Meryl Streep, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Zendaya.

KOST – A rooftop with skyline views and star power to match, welcoming Drake, Jennifer Lopez, Ryan Gosling, Sofia Vergara, Shaquille O’Neal, and more.

From cinematic dining rooms to rooftop views, these are the restaurants where stars will dine, unwind, and celebrate during TIFF’s milestone 50th edition.

INK Entertainment, led by CEO and Founder Charles Khabouth and Partner and President Danny Soberano, proudly announces the highly anticipated opening of Portland Square on Friday, July 25th. Located at the iconic intersection of King Street West and Portland Street, Portland Square reimagines an entire corner of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhood as a transformative, multi-level dining destination that blends playful storytelling, bold design, and unforgettable menus.

“Portland Square marks an exciting new chapter for King West, right at its hottest intersection,” says Charles Khabouth, CEO and Founder of INK Entertainment. “We’ve completely reimagined this building to bring something fresh, playful, and unexpected to the neighbourhood: four unique concepts under one roof, each with its own personality but all sharing the vibrant King West spirit. From the kitschy mobster theme of Primadonna’s Italian dining and rooftop patio to the bold flavours of Honey Chinese, the versatile Portland Room event space, and Rodeo Dive, our lively country sports bar, it’s four fun worlds, one destination. Every detail, from the carefully sourced ingredients on each menu to the striking murals and interiors, has been thoughtfully curated to create an atmosphere that feels bold, fresh, fun, and distinctly King West. With this multi-level dining destination, we’re proud to offer an experience that we believe will become the new heartbeat of King West.”

The Four Distinct Concepts:

· Primadonna (4th Floor & Rooftop):
A refreshed, kitschy space that playfully nods to Italian mobster legends and the bold, glamorous world of mob wives. Plush banquettes, vintage art, and playful details channel the spirit of classic red sauce joints, while a standout mural is set to become the must-snap, photo-worthy moment of every visit. Executive Chef Marc explains the menu features hearty, comforting dishes rooted in Italian American tradition, made with love and served with a sense of fun and true hospitality.

· Honey Chinese (3rd Floor):
Designed by award-winning designers Nivek Remas, Honey Chinese unfolds like a forgotten film reel, moody, magnetic, and entirely transportive. Drawing inspiration from the golden age of 1960s Asian cinema, especially Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love, the space pairs velvet shadows and lacquered tables with oversized red lanterns glowing like stills frozen in time. Chef describes the menu as inspired by the nostalgic charm of Canadian-Chinese restaurants many grew up with, combining playful neon orange sauces, over-the-top décor, and even a fortune cookie or two. All delicious, fun, and a little tongue-in-cheek.

· Portland Room (2nd Floor):
A versatile and stylish event space, designed to host everything from private dinners and cocktail receptions to brand launches and special celebrations, all within a design-forward, King West aesthetic.

· Rodeo Dive (Main Floor, opening this fall):
Also designed by Nivek Remas, Rodeo Dive is a lively country sports bar that blends big-game energy with vintage Western accents and playful details. Warm, laid-back, and full of character, it’s designed to become the perfect gathering place for game days and casual nights out alike. There will also be a live component, with a small stage for performances and special events.

Together, these four layered concepts create Portland Square, a destination where bold design meets curated menus, and every floor tells a different story, offers a different flavour, and delivers a different experience, all united by the energy of King West. More than just a collection of restaurants, Portland Square is designed to spark fun, energy, and iconic nights out.

From cinematic interiors and playful, nostalgic menus to rooftop views and photo-worthy design moments, every detail invites guests to linger, celebrate, and experience King West in an entirely new way. Portland Square promises to become more than a place to dine; it’s set to be a new landmark for the neighbourhood and the city.

Portland Square opens Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at 600 King Street W, Toronto.

INK Entertainment drops the needle on VINNY, its newest restaurant and vinyl cocktail bar located at 480 King Street West. Designed by acclaimed Toronto studio NIVEK REMAS, Vinny offers an effortlessly cool, music-driven dining experience, where warm lighting, late nights, and curated vinyl set the tone.

INK Entertainment, led by Founder & CEO Charles Khabouth and Partner & President Danny Soberano, has long pioneered Toronto’s late-night experience—blending hospitality and design to create spaces that transcend dining or dancing. With Vinny, the legacy continues.

“I’m always looking for what’s next — creating more than just a place to eat or dance. With Vinny, we’ve crafted an experience that blends great music, incredible food, nostalgic design, and elevated service into something that feels alive and new every time you walk in.

Inspired by the soulful energy of vinyl and the spirit of the ’70s, Vinny is designed to connect with the neighbourhood and the people who live here, offering a diverse, global menu that speaks to the city’s energy. I believe in tailoring each venue to its neighbourhood and audience, and here, we wanted to create a place where people come for dinner and stay for the music and vibe.” — Charles Khabouth, Founder and CEO of INK Entertainment

Designed by Toronto-based award-winning studio NIVEK REMAS, Vinny is a vinyl sound bar that blends culture, nostalgia, and eclectic design to offer an inclusive experience rooted in music and community. It is a space designed for discovery, where guests are invited to expect the unexpected. The design tells the story of a lived-in home filled with soul, music, and warmth, modelled after “Vinny’s house.” This concept reflects a collector’s haven: stacks of records, walls of vintage speakers, a rich collection of art, and design details that feel collected over time. Located along King Street West in Toronto, Vinny invites the city’s diverse community to gather, eat, sip, and listen.

We had the pleasure of previewing the space and some of its offerings!

Who is Vinny?
Vinny is a powerful female figure who evokes the soul and vibrancy of King West. The name “Vinny” was carefully chosen to set the tone: expect the unexpected. As the symbolic host of the space, Vinny welcomes every guest who comes through her doors (quite literally), her face is on them. She is bold, inviting, inclusive, and unapologetically herself. Walking into Vinny’s is like being welcomed into her home, where everyone is embraced, accepted, and celebrated.

Drawing inspiration from the multicultural vibrancy of Toronto, Vinny is deeply rooted in inclusivity and surprise. The aesthetic pays homage to retro sound lounges and personal record collections while being interpreted through a bold, modern lens. The mural of a woman is a deliberate focal point, symbolizing the feminine energy of the space and its commitment to welcoming all.

One of the most distinctive features is the use of vintage speaker stacks, dramatically painted in dripping pops of colour, a rebellious yet playful choice that anchors the space in sound and artistry. Other standout elements include custom artwork, intentional mismatches, and tactile finishes that invite touch and curiosity.

Chef de Cuisine Ivan Kuuts leads a menu as dynamic as the atmosphere. The cool, low-key dining experience begins at 5 PM, with a curated DJ soundtrack setting the rhythm for the night ahead. The globally inspired menu balances elevated classics with bold, unexpected combinations that surprise and satisfy. Refined yet playful, each dish is carefully crafted to complement the ambiance of the room. After 11 PM, a dedicated late-night menu takes over, offering new flavours, fun twists, and the kind of food that keeps the night going.

Behind the bar, Vinny bridges old and new, serving timeless cocktails alongside modern twists. Toronto’s top vinyl DJs spin an eclectic mix of R&B, soul, funk, house, old-school hip hop, and everything in between, setting the soundtrack for nights that feel intentional and electric.

Vinny doesn’t try too hard… and doesn’t need to. She’s the heartbeat of the space, both a vibe and a presence. Come for the food. Stay for the music. Lose track of time. At 6 PM, the kitchen hums. By 8, the DJ takes over. With upcoming late-night programming, Vinny is bound to keep you intrigued and the energy flowing. The lights dim, the vinyl spins and just like that, your night starts and ends here.

Hours of Operation
Every Day | 5 PM – Late

Website and reservations:
VinnyToronto.com

Follow VINNY on IG:
@Vinny.Toronto

Patio season is finally here and INK Entertainment has some standout patios that are now officially open! It was a wait and we thought the day would never come!

Sofia Yorkville | 99 Yorkville Ave
A refined escape in one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Guests can dine al fresco to live music, surrounded by courtyard murals curated by Taglialatella Galleries.

Amal | 131 Bloor St W
Perched on the second floor with views of Bloor’s luxury strip, Amal offers modern Lebanese cuisine in a bright, airy space—perfect for a stylish lunch or sunset dinner.

Kōst | 80 Blue Jays Way
Soaring 44 floors above King West, Kōst delivers California-inspired fare with unbeatable skyline and lake views from its iconic infinity pool terrace.

Ultra | 12 St. Clair Ave E
Our spacious octagonal patio pairs elevated American-Asian cuisine and late-night DJ sets with sweeping city views. Now with a refreshed experience for the season!

Daphne | 67 Richmond St W
Set in the heart of the financial district, Daphne brings modern American dining to a stylish patio setting. Ideal for power lunches or vibrant after-work evenings.

Cabana is where summer happens! Toronto’s favourite waterside venue is back June 1, 2025 and transformed!

Highlights of the Refresh Include:

Reimagined Seating Areas: All-new movable furniture creates flexibility, while more shaded zones, daybeds, and dynamic configurations offer new ways to chill, dine, or dance.

New Zones to Explore:
Skybar (formerly the Mezzanine) – a stylish rooftop-style retreat
Lotus – a laid-back lakeside lounge
Cove – an all-new activity zone featuring ping pong, foosball, and pool tables
Octagon – a redesigned social zone for larger groups

Interactive Cabana Booths: Every booth now includes a swing, adding a touch of playful charm to the Cabana experience.

Green & Breezy: Enhanced greenery and shaded areas throughout, including the return of shaded back booths and the debut of tipi-style lounge zones.

Lakeside Vibes: A new waterfront-facing bar adds to the vacation-in-the-city feel, with a curated cocktail list served at a dedicated specialty bar.

Some highlights:

Programming & Events

The 2025 summer lineup is already heating up with performances by Steve Aoki, Pauly D, James Hype, Porter Robinson, Sofi Tukker, and more. From headline DJ sets to vibrant weekend programming, summer at Cabana is shaping up to be one for the books.

Opening Party: Sunday, June 1, 2025

Operating Hours:
Fridays: 1 PM – 8 PM
Saturdays & Sundays: 1 PM – 9 PM
(Hours may vary for special events)

Full schedule and tickets available at: cabanatoronto.com

This spring, Akira Back invites guests to step into the magic of Sakura Bliss—an immersive cherry blossom installation paired with a seasonal menu that celebrates the beauty of Japan’s most iconic season.

From April 25 to May 31, 2025, guests will be transported by a stunning floral installation created by boutique design studio The Rustic Vine, offering the perfect setting to enjoy a limited-time menu that highlights the vibrant flavours of spring.

Menu highlights include:

 •Haru ($17): A refreshing cocktail with sake, Campari, grapefruit juice, and a splash of Prosecco—perfect for a springtime toast.

 •Blossom Platter ($130): A vibrant sushi platter featuring sashimi, nigiri, and a signature roll—designed to showcase the season’s freshest flavours. (seen below)

 •Tou-Rin (Peach Orchard) ($17): The featured Dessert will be a delicious white peach mousse, matcha moss and cotton candy.

Reserve now.

After seven successful years since opening its doors November 2017, Bisha Hotel is entering a new era. After recent news of it being acquired by Sunray Group, the stunning boutique hotel on Blue Jays Way, quite literally in the heart of Toronto’s Entertainment District, has rebranded as BISHA, a Luxury Collection Hotel. It has the distinction of being Canada’s first property under Marriott’s Luxury Collection brand.

The Hotel saw a huge profile boost during TIFF ’24 where it hosted prolific DEADLINE Studio. Any and every A-Lister (we’re talking Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Selena Gomez, Demi Moore) or rising star (recent Oscar winner Mikey Madison) passed through its famous black doors. Not to mention, the Hotel houses suites designed by non other than Rock God, Lenny Kravitz.

Still home to some of the City’s finest dining including restaurants AKIRA BACK, KŌST, MISTER C, and FRENCH MADE – which continue to be managed by founder INK Entertainment – the building still holds the same sophistication, precise service and timeless elegance it has. The same attentive and friendly service team are still there to make this a thoughtful stay. But what the future holds with the power of bring a Marriott Luxury Collection property is both enticing and exciting.

We enjoyed a stay at BISHA recently after having admired it for many years, dining at its establishments, and attending many an event there. It exceeds all expectations on every account, standing side-by-side with any five-star hotel in the City. Whether it be its aesthetic, its service, its cleanliness, its views and proximity to anything you could ever need, there are so many reasons to make this your home away from home in Toronto.

The Hotel’s 96 suites and rooms, inspired by and named after some of the greats, include:

The Nina

The Frank

The Yves

The Andy

The Oscar

The Grace

The Stella

The Marilyn

The Olivia

The Alexander

The Bisha Suite

The Nina Mobility/Hearing Accessible Roll-in Shower

The Frank Mobility/ Hearing Accessible Roll-in Shower

The Yves Mobility/ Hearing Accessible Roll-in Shower

The Stella Mobility/ Hearing Accessible Roll-in Shower

We stayed in a double Queen-bed suite, THE GRACE, which felt oversized and intimate, adorned with gorgeous fixtures. Its bed and pillows, primed for a great night of sleep. A small living room set-up by the window was perfect for lounging and enjoying a nibble and sip upon check-in. A desk to do a little bit of work was very handy to have, and perfect for those who are coming to the City for business.

Its bathroom exuded pure style with a walk-in shower and vanity all in black and white marble. The toilet is separated in its own enclosure for privacy.

We appreciated having a Nespresso machine ready for us always, plus a fully-stocked drink and snack bar with only the finest confections and beverages available. And we are literally obsessed with our television, which had access to wide array of channels, embedded within a glass panel.

And most importantly, our hearts were touched by the pet-welcoming setup which included dishes for water and food, plus a sizey bed for our beanie. Our little girl is very anxious in new surroundings, but settled-in very well as you will see from our highlight video below. It is a huge help that our suite was away from the bustle and noise. A challenge with being in Entertainment District is finding a bit of greenery for walks, but just around the corner on Wellington is a very dog-friendly park that also has a leash-free enclosure.

A fitness facility is available on the Hotel’s third floor as well, if you must. Valet Parking also is available for those driving in. And a reminder that CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium, TIFF Lightbox, Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, Roy Thomson Hall, Metro Convention Centre, and Scotiabank Area are all a short walk away.

The presence of hotspot THE WELL has given the area a huge boost. There is an endless variety of great food for all budgets and appetites, retail, and spas like the outstanding ETIKET if you need some rejuvenation.

Our stay was very timely as BISHA was hosting on its 43rd floor Sky Suite, a Women’s Day Market Pop-Up which showcased Canadian businesses led by females. Supporters showed-up in large numbers for a chance to get a free express facial by CAUDALIE, scalp analysis by PALM SUNDAY, Bone Broth Coffee and Hot Chocolate by BECK’S BROTH and more. beanie and I were thrilled to show our support in a time when it is so important to support our local economy.

Some highlights from our weekend:

Reserve now.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

This is a must for all you Football fans! The next best thing to being there in-person!

A Big Game Super Bowl Viewing Party will be held at REBEL in Toronto. It’s set to be the largest and most exciting viewing party in the city, and we’d love for your audience to get in on the action!

Event details:

Date & Time: Sunday, February 9, 2025, 4-11 PM
Location: REBEL, Toronto
Ticket Link: Buy Tickets
Notes: 19+ | Bottle Service Available

From unique set menus to custom cocktails and desserts, each of INK Entertainment spots offers something special for the occasion.

Here’s a look at what each restaurant has in store:

♡Chica: A la carte options and special features, no minimum spend required.

♡Patria: A la carte options and special features, $95 minimum spend.

♡Byblos Uptown: $125 set menu (see menu attached).

♡Byblos Downtown: $125 set menu (see menu attached).

♡Akira Back: $145 sharing-style set menu with a glass of sparkling sake, available Feb 14th-16th (menu attached).
—Special Valentine’s Day dessert: TOU-RIN (Peach Orchard) – white peach mousse, matcha moss, cotton candy (see attached photo).

♡Animl: No minimum spend, plus a custom Valentine’s Day dessert (Strawberry Lemon Mousse) and a special Valentine’s Day cocktail 

♡Daphne: $145 minimum spend.

♡Amal: $125 minimum spend.

♡Laylak: $95 minimum spend.

♡Ultra: $125 minimum spend.

♡Margo: $95 minimum spend.

♡Sofia: $145 minimum spend.

♡KOST: $125 minimum spend.

Toronto offers a wide array of New Year’s Eve celebrations, each a unique way to ring in 2025. Whether you’re craving a luxurious multi-course dinner or an electrifying night at a top club, the city has it all. INK Entertainment’s events cater to every type of reveller. Pick your perfect celebration and welcome 2025 in unforgettable style!

See what’s going on at various INK Entertainment establishments around the City, including some amazing prix fixe menus to feast on. Something for every vibe!

PATRIA

Toast to 2025 the Spanish way with Nochevieja! Join us for a vibrant, Spanish-inspired feast, featuring a special 4-course menu and live DJ. The à la carte menu will be available from 5-7:30PM.

AKIRA BACK

Ring in the New Year in style with Akira Back and indulge in an extraordinary five course Chef’s tasting menu.

CHICA

Spend NYE with your favourite Chica! Countdown to midnight the Spanish way with an unforgettable four-course feast or indulge in the à la carte menu available from 5-7:30PM.

MARGO

Toast to NYE with a 4-course Prix Fixe Dinner experience inspired by the finest flavours of the Mediterranean, then stay for late night entertainment, DJs and festivities.

BYBLOS

Celebrate NYE at Byblos! Experience a vibrant Eastern Mediterranean-inspired evening with a special four-course menu to ring in 2025 at both the Downtown and Uptown locations.

ULTRA

Celebrate with a 4-course Pan-Asian inspired Prix Fixe Dinner, and enjoy a late night supper club ambiance with music by our featured guest DJ.

DAPHNE

Ring in 2025 with Daphne. Indulge in a decadent four-course dinner amidst a live DJ’s vibrant beats and an elegant atmosphere, making your New Year’s Eve one for the ages!

SOFIA

Toast to 2025 with Sofia’s Midnight Kiss New Year’s Eve celebration. Experience a glamorous evening and enjoy a decadent four course dinner, followed by midnight festivities to ring in the New Year!

AMAL

Experience an enchanting New Year’s Eve at Amal — indulge in exquisite Lebanese cuisine, mesmerizing entertainment featuring belly dancers, a percussionist and a live DJ — making for an unforgettable countdown to 2025.

PINK SKY

This New Year’s Eve, pop, fizz, and kiss at Pink Sky! Celebrate 2025 with a decadent four-course dinner. À la carte menu is available from 5-7:30PM.

KOST

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with KOST’s Skyline Soiree — indulge in a decadent three course set-menu while taking in breathtaking views from the 44th floor. Experience an unforgettable evening with a live DJ, marking a truly memorable countdown to 2025.

More here.