#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT CELEBRATE 1ST ANNIVERSARY WITH GUEST MURAL

One of Toronto’s most serene and compelling dining rooms is marking its first year in a way that feels exactly on brand: intimate, thoughtful, and rooted in community.

Beginning April 23 and leading up to its official anniversary on April 30, Radici Project is inviting guests to become part of the restaurant itself, literally.

Each evening from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, guests can stop by to have their name hand-written in Japanese calligraphy by co-founder and sake sommelier Kayo Ito. Every name will be added to a custom jigsaw puzzle that will live permanently in the restaurant, forming a collective artwork built by the very people who have supported Radici Project since day one. Reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

It’s a simple but striking idea that blends Japanese tradition with Italian philosophy – a nod to radici, or “roots,” and the belief that a restaurant is only as meaningful as the community around it.

“Radici has always been about the connection between cultures, ingredients, and people,” says Ito. “This felt like a natural way to honour everyone who has walked through our doors and supported us in our first year.”

The activation runs daily from April 23 to April 29, with guests encouraged to drop in early before dinner service to participate.

The celebration continues online with a one-week Instagram giveaway, also running from April 23 to April 29. Guests can enter to win dinner for four featuring Radici’s Essence Menu by following the restaurant, liking the post, and tagging the friends they’d bring along.

On April 30, Radici Project will mark its official anniversary with understated in-room touches rather than a traditional party. Guests dining that evening will be welcomed with a complimentary sparkling sake toast and a caviar bump, adding a celebratory note to the experience without disrupting the restaurant’s signature atmosphere.

The completed calligraphy puzzle will be unveiled and installed in the space following the anniversary, becoming a permanent fixture and a reminder that Radici Project’s first year was built not just by its team, but by its community.

Radici Project was founded by Chef Emiliano Del Frate and sake sommelier Kayo Ito, who first met while working together in Toronto. Their partnership grew over time, from collaborators to partners in life, shaped by travels across Europe and Japan that continue to influence their work today. The restaurant is a reflection of that shared journey, with its name, Radici (“roots” in Italian), serving as both a tribute to their story and a symbol of the life they’ve built together in the city where it all began.

At its core, Radici’s menu draws from Itameshi — a style of cooking that blends Japanese and Italian traditions — brought to life through high-quality Canadian ingredients and a strong sense of seasonality. The result is a thoughtful, technique-driven approach where both cuisines meet naturally in their shared respect for simplicity and precision.

In a city where restaurant anniversaries often lean loud, Radici’s approach is refreshingly intimate and all the more meaningful for it.

Radici is located on 588 College Street in Toronto. Reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

About Radici Project
Radici Project is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, the restaurant explores the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions through seasonal menus rooted in sustainability and Canadian ingredients. Radici’s dual-concept space features both a natural wine bar and an intimate chef’s table dining experience, offering thoughtful sake and wine pairings alongside its cuisine.

#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY EXPERIENCE

Little Italy’s Radici Project (588 College St.) will transform its dining room into a tranquil Japanese tea setting on Sunday, March 22, for one afternoon only. It will be led by tea masters Mika Sato and Satoshi Yoshikawa of Mika, a Toronto-based Japanese botanical and craft studio. The event will run from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, and will introduce guests to ceremonial matcha and premium Japanese teas through guided tastings paired with seasonal bites by Executive Chef Emiliano Del Frate. It is designed for tea enthusiasts and matcha lovers who wish to explore the deeper nuances of these exceptional teas, offering a hands-on experience that reveals the ritual, precision, and craftsmanship at the heart of Japanese tea preparation.
Tickets are $80 per guest (inclusive of taxes and gratuity), and include the tea ceremony and seasonal bites. Due to the ceremonial format and limited seating of 12 guests, reservations are expected to sell quickly. Bookings can be made HERE.

During the event, Mika and Satoshi will also showcase and offer their handmade ceramics and tea wares for purchase, allowing guests to experience the craftsmanship behind the ceremony firsthand.

The Experience

The event will run across the seatings from 12:00–1:30 p.m., accommodating 12 guests. Participants will be divided into two groups and rotate between two tea stations, spending approximately 40 minutes at each before switching.

This tea ceremony will feature two matcha teas by each master.

At the first station, Satoshi Yoshikawa will guide guests through ceremonial matcha preparation.

Participants will taste usucha, the lighter whisked matcha most commonly served in tea ceremonies, and koicha, a thicker and more concentrated style of matcha known for its deep umami flavour and formal cultural significance. For matcha enthusiasts, koicha offers a different profile than the familiar bowl of matcha — richer, more intense, and traditionally served in smaller portions.

The next station, led by Mika Sato, will highlight premium Japanese loose-leaf teas, including gyokuro, a shade-grown tea prized for its sweetness and layered umami, and charcoal-roasted sencha, whose warm roasted notes provide a striking contrast to the delicacy of matcha.

To complement the teas, Chef Emiliano Del Frate will present seasonal finger foods paired to each tea, perfectly reflecting Radici Project’s philosophy of blending Italian technique with Japanese culinary influence.

The Philosophy
This collaboration reflects the philosophy behind Mika, the Toronto studio founded by Mika Sato. Inspired by the countryside of her childhood in Hiroshima, Sato created Mika as a space to bring the calming presence of nature and Japanese craft into urban life. Her work blends botanical design, pottery, and traditional Japanese aesthetics—an approach shaped by her study of ikebana, the centuries-old Japanese floral art form.

Joining her is Satoshi Yoshikawa, a ceramic artist originally from Okayama, Japan, who trained in pottery across Okinawa, Okayama, and Bizen. Specializing in wood-fired ceramics used for tea and sake, Yoshikawa draws inspiration from traditional Japanese kiln techniques and has exhibited his work in Japan before continuing his practice in Canada.

For Toronto’s growing community of matcha enthusiasts and tea lovers, the event offers an experience of traditional tea preparation, handcrafted ceramics, and the meditative philosophy behind Japanese tea culture—all within the intimate setting of Radici Project. Bookings can be made HERE.

About Radici Project
Radici Project is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, the restaurant explores the intersection of Italian and Japanese culinary traditions through seasonal menus rooted in sustainability and Canadian ingredients. Radici’s dual-concept space features both a natural wine bar and an intimate chef’s table dining experience, offering thoughtful sake and wine pairings alongside its cuisine.

About Mika
Founded by Hiroshima-born artist and designer Mika Sato, Mika is a Toronto-based studio and retail space that blends Japanese craftsmanship with nature-inspired design. Drawing from her upbringing in the Japanese countryside, Sato creates botanical works and handcrafted ceramics—including kokedama moss balls, terrariums, and unique pottery—that bring a sense of calm and natural beauty into urban spaces. Since opening in 2017, MIKA has become a destination for thoughtfully curated plants, handmade goods, and Japanese cultural pieces that encourage a more mindful connection to nature.

#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT WELCOME PASTRY CHEF AIKO UCHIGOSHI FOR ONE NIGHT EXPERIENCE

On March 12, Little Italy’s Radici Project, located at 588 College St, will welcome MICHELIN-starred pastry chef Aiko Uchigoshi as guest chef for a special one-night dining experience. The seasonal dining experience brings together chef Emiliano Del Frate’s Global fine-dining pedigree and chef Aiko’s mastery of elegant Japanese desserts. Chef Aiko will present her desserts, crafted with specialty ingredients sourced from Japan, across both the Immersive and Essence menus. The eight-course Immersive menu featuring five savoury dishes, one petit fours from chef Emiliano, and 2 desserts from chef Aiko, will be priced at $195 (plus taxes & gratuity). The five-course Essence menu, featuring four savoury offerings from chef Emiliano and one dessert from chef Aiko, will be priced at $110 (plus taxes & gratuity), with an option to add another dessert at an extra cost. Reservations can be made for the Immersive menu HERE and Essence menu HERE.

Designed as a cross-cultural experience, the menus pair savoury courses from executive chef and co-founder Emiliano’s Italian-Japanese techniques, with Aiko’s precise, detail-driven pastry work.
Originally from Italy, chef Emiliano has trained at internationally acclaimed kitchens including DaNico, Noma, and Don Alfonso, and has played a key role in shaping fine-dining restaurants in Toronto and abroad. At Radici, he upholds sustainability while exploring the dialogue between Italian and Japanese cuisine.
Hailing from Yamaguchi, Japan, chef Aiko Uchigoshi brings more than 2 decades of impressive knowledge and experience in the art of pastry. She incorporates her mastery of Japanese flavours and French baking techniques into her breathtaking desserts and has been awarded multiple times for her skill in the sugar arts and cake craftsmanship. Chef Aiko began her career with Aburi Restaurants Canada in 2012 and was an important member of the Miku Toronto opening team when the restaurant brand expanded in 2015.

Reserve your seats now via OpenTable HERE and HERE to enjoy this special dinner!

About Aiko Uchigoshi
Chef Aiko Uchigoshi is the MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef at Aburi Hana and also leads the pastry programs at Minami Toronto, Miku Toronto, and Aburi Tora at Yorkdale. She brings over two decades of experience and a mastery of Japanese flavours to her elegantly crafted desserts, shaped by her journey from Yamaguchi to the heart of Toronto’s Aburi culinary scene. Uchigoshi has won multiple awards in sugar and cake competitions in Japan, notably securing first place for three consecutive years in a distinguished pastry competition for chefs under 23, a reflection of her refined technique and creative artistry.

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

#FOOD: VALENTINE’S DAY 2026 MENUS – MINAMI, ANTLER, LYLA, RADICI PROJECT, MIKU, FICOA, ABURI TORA, NO VACANCY, FAVORITES THAI

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with some of Toronto’s most compelling dining destinations—including award-winning and MICHELIN-recognized restaurants—each offering thoughtfully crafted menus and elevated experiences designed for the occasion. From refined tasting menus and seasonal pairings to intimate, ingredient-driven dinners, Minami Toronto, Miku Toronto, Radici, No Vacancy, Lyla, Antler, Aburi Tora, and Favorites Thai invite guests to mark the holiday through exceptional food, thoughtful beverage programs, and warm hospitality. Whether planning an intimate dinner for two or a special evening out, each restaurant offers a distinct approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Toronto.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

Minami Toronto invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with an elegant five-course tasting menu created by Head Chef Nao Akutagawa and MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi. Available from February 13 to 15 at Minami Restaurant starting at 4:00 pm, the experience is priced at $110 per person plus tax and gratuity and is designed for a relaxed and romantic evening. The menu highlights contemporary Japanese cuisine, including a surf and turf main featuring Japanese Wagyu and Alaskan scallops. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional four-course wine pairing or a featured Valentine’s cocktail, crafted to complement each course. Guests can book this romantic evening HERE.

Whether planning an intimate date night or a special celebration, Minami offers a sophisticated setting where contemporary Japanese cuisine, artful presentation, and warm hospitality come together. Minami’s Valentine’s Day experience is a memorable way to mark the occasion and share an evening centered around exceptional food and connection.

Valentine’s Day menu | $110
Wine Pairing I $40

Featured Cocktail I $16
Rose Kiss
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Rosewood Rosé
Strawberry Syrup, Mint, Soda Water

Toro & Ikura Monaka
Caviar, Kimizu
Santa Margherita Prosecco, ITA

Aburi Sashimi
Hamachi, Maguro, Hokkaido Scallop
AIX Provence Rosé, FRA

Sushi Selection
Aburi Madai Nigiri, Aburi Chutoro Nigiri, Snow Crab Nigiri,
Botan Ebi with Salmon Oshi Bite, Wagyu Uni Don
Stratus Chardonnay, CAN

Surf & Turf
Japanese Wagyu X, Alaskan Scallop,
Peppercorn Jus, Cauliflower Puree
Marc Jambon Beaujolais Villages, FRA

Hojicha Tiramisu
Ladyfinger Sponge, Hojicha Ganache

Miku
IG. @mikutoronto
📍10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto will celebrate Valentine’s Day with two special experiences, inviting guests to spend the day and evening indulging in contemporary Japanese cooking and floral artistry.

Earlier in the day, Miku Toronto will host a Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon featuring acclaimed Ikebana artist Aya Sugino, priced at $150 per person plus tax and gratuity, with the Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, also available.

In the evening, the restaurant will present a seven-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero and MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi at $180 per person plus tax and gratuity, accompanied by live music and an optional wine and sake pairing available for an additional $55. The Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, will also be available for $17.

Together, the experiences offer couples the option to celebrate with a creative daytime luncheon, a romantic evening tasting menu, or both. Guests can reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon HERE, and reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day tasting menu HERE.

Valentine’s Day 7-course Menu I $180
Wine Pairing I $55
Featured Cocktail I $17
Scarlet Silk
Hornitos tequila, Soho lychee liqueur, peach schnapps,
cranberry, yuzu, edible pink glitter

The Uni Cocktail
Uni, Botan Ebi, Hamachi, Chutoro, Cauliflower, Romanesco,
Swiss Chard, Cucumber, Arare, Sorrel, Truffle Ponzo Dashi
Jansz Premium Cuvee

Hassun
Mozuku Crab Kaiso Salad with Ikura
Scallop with Kabocha Velouté
Lobster Tart with Edamame & Pea Purée
Steelhead Smoked Salmon with Caviar
Herring Roe with Miso Crumble & White Strawberry
Octopus Glazed in Soy & Citrus
Masumi Suzumisake Junmai Ginjo

Sashimi Duo
shared plate
Oysters with Pear Mignonette, Akami Rose, Hotate,
Kobujime Hirame, Kanpachi
Château Maligny Chablis

Umi Tomato Dashi
Mussels, Clams, Cod, Squid
Tanaka x Chartier Blend 001

Sushi Duo
shared plate
Torotaku Heart Maki with Amaebi & Ankimo
Tachiuo & Foie Gras Bites
Atlantic Salmon Temari with Yukari Rice
Wagyu Nigiri with Truffle Powder & Black Truffle
Costaripa Rosa Mara Valtenesi

Brome Lake Duck Duo
Togarashi Spiced Duck Breast & Duck Confit Croquette, Duck Jus,
Roasted Grapes, Pickled Mushroom, Sweet Potato, Pea Shoots
Château Teyssier, Montagne St Emilion

Oishii Strawberry Shortcake
Oishii Koyo berries, Salted Valrhona Dulcey Glacé, Pistachio Cookie Crumble

The Valentine’s Day tasting menu unfolds over seven courses, beginning with seafood-driven dishes and concluding with an Oishii Strawberry shortcake layered with Valrhona Dulcey glacé and pistachio crumble by Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi.

The Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon includes a guided one-hour Ikebana session with Aya Sugino, with all materials provided, including vase, flowers, and floral décor, followed by an Ikebana-inspired sushi set curated by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero.

Radici Project
IG. @radici_project
📍588 College St.

Radici Project will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a seasonal multi-course tasting menu designed to highlight the creativity of the kitchen and the best of the season’s bounty. Priced at $200 per guest plus tax and gratuity, the Valentine’s Day experience invites guests to celebrate love through a thoughtfully composed dining journey. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional seasonal wine and sake pairing for $70, or a non alcoholic pairing featuring house-made juices and crafted zero-proof cocktails for $50. Guests can reserve a spot HERE.

Valentine’s Day Tasting Menu

Rose
Cranberry Lemon

Aperitivo
Cacio e pepe takoyaki
Oyster- Quince, Horseradish oil
Scallop- Prosciutto broth, Soba, Beets
Nori waffle- Smoked tofu, Black truffle

Crab
Sunchoke, Caviar, Smoked hay

Karaage
Sorrel, Latticello

Somen
Parmigiano, Sea urchin, Caviar

Spoja Lorda al Cuore
Heart-shaped stuffed pasta, baccalà mantecato, black trumpet mushroom dashi

Canadian Wagyu
burnt celeriac, Saskatoon berry, pomme soufflé, water spinach

Dessert

Heart roses kogashi

Strawberry shortcake
Rose cream

Petite Fours

Set in Radici’s intimate dining room, the evening will unfold with soft music in the background and artistic Ikebana floral arrangements throughout the space, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that mirrors the beauty and creativity of the dishes being served.

No Vacancy
IG. @novacancyto
📍74 Ossington Ave

From February 13-15, No Vacancy invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s —or Galentine’s— with a limited lineup of exclusive, themed cocktails crafted for the occasion. Set within its signature candlelit atmosphere, the bar will offer an intimate backdrop for evening gatherings, date nights, and celebratory toasts alike.

A destination for couples, friends, and groups celebrating any occasion, the experience highlights the venue’s late-night atmosphere while introducing limited-time Valentine’s cocktail features available throughout the weekend. Reservations are recommended and can be made HERE.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lyla with a four-chapter Prix Fixe Dinner designed for sharing. On February 13-15, guests are invited to settle in at Lyla for a $119 per person, family-style menu that moves from a Petit Plateau of oysters, hamachi and scallop ceviche to crowd-pleasing mains like linguine all’aragosta and Canadian prime striploin, finishing with Fraisier, a bright, strawberry-forward dessert with passionfruit, vanilla sponge, and a silky ganache. For those looking to elevate the evening, guests can add a $69 beverage pairing or a $49 caviar tin alongside the first course.

Guests can reserve this showstopping dinner via OpenTable HERE.

Valentine’s Day Prix Fixe Dinner
$119 per person | Served Family Style
Chapter 1
Petit Plateau
East Coast Oysters
ponzu pearls, chervil, shallots
Hamachi
topped plum wine jelly, ponzu, pomegranate seeds
Scallop Ceviche
potato, cilantro, lime juice
Chapter 2
Cauliflower
hummus, pomegranate, honey, confit garlic sauce, mint
Burrata
marinated roasted red peppers, fried capers, sourdough, salsa verde
Chapter 3
Linguine All’Aragosta
atlantic lobster, vsop lobster bisque
Striploin
10 oz Canadian Prime Striploin, gruyère pomme purée, au poivre jus, sauteed spinach
Chapter 4
Fraisier
strawberry & passionfruit gel, sour cream panna cotta, vanilla sponge cake, chocolate soil, white chocolate ganache, strawberry sauce
Add-ons available:
Optional Valentine’s Day Beverage Pairing: $69.00
Optional Add on Caviar Tin to your Petit Plateau: $49.00

Antler
IG. @antlerkitchenbar
📍1454 Dundas St. W

Antler invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with a thoughtfully composed five-course tasting menu available Saturday, February 14, 2026. Offered exclusively for one night, the experience is priced at $129 per person plus tax and gratuity, with an optional $65 wine pairing designed to complement each course. Available from 3:00 pm to 9:45 pm, the menu reflects Antler’s distinctly Canadian approach, highlighting carefully sourced ingredients and refined technique.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
$129 per person + tax and gratuity
Optional Wine Pairing: $65 + tax and gratuity
Maritime Oysters
Heart and Soul
roasted bone marrow & heart tartare
Sturgeon Roulade
fennel, tomato & caviar
Bison Tenderloin
uni butter & dauphinoise potato
Chocolate Torte
whiskey barrel ice cream

Whether planning an intimate Valentine’s dinner or a special celebration, Antler offers a warm, refined setting to mark the occasion through seasonally driven dishes and thoughtful hospitality. Reservations are now available HERE.

Ficoa
IG. @ficoa.to
📍585 College St

Ficoa invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s weekend in Toronto with a special dining experience available Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14. Throughout the weekend, Ficoa will exclusively offer its signature tasting menu ($120 per person) alongside a dedicated Valentine’s Day menu priced at $95 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuity. An optional cocktail pairing is available for $75 to complement the menu. Seating times are offered at 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 9:00 PM, creating multiple opportunities to enjoy the experience. Reservations are available at the link HERE.

Valentine’s Day Menu
$95 per person + tax and gratuity
Optional Cocktail Pairing: $75 + tax and gratuity
Bienvenida
PEI oyster in xoconostle aguachile, served with Prosecco
Primero
Ceviche Caribeño – Scallop, aji amarillo leche de tigre, coconut-agave gel, prosecco, crispy ginger, taro
Segundo
Gaonera de Wagyu – Tortilla maiz, guacamole, salsa de molcajete
Tercero
Moqueca de Langosta – Peppers, coconut cream
Cuarto
Pay de Queso chocolatoso – Strawberry & hibiscus compote, strawberry & rosewater shortbread
Final
Oishii Strawberry

Whether planning a romantic evening or a celebratory night out, Ficoa’s Valentine’s weekend offering highlights the restaurant’s bold, contemporary approach to Neo-Latin cuisine, pairing vibrant flavours with thoughtful hospitality in an intimate setting.

Aburi Tora
IG. @aburitoratoronto
📍612B-3401 Dufferin Street

Aburi Tora, located inside Yorkdale Shopping Centre, is featuring a Valentine-inspired feature menu called Be My Love, created by Young Son, that celebrates romance through refined Japanese flavours and playful touches of sweetness. Available from February 11–28, this limited-time offering highlights delicate seafood, vibrant seasonal ingredients, and elegant desserts — each dish thoughtfully designed for sharing, indulgence, and moments worth savouring.

From the luxurious Truffle Lobster Nigiri to the visually striking Aburi Hotate Sashimi with strawberry shiso salsa, alongside heart-themed cocktails and classic wagashi, every item balances sophistication with a subtle nod to Valentine’s Day. Whether for date nights, celebrations, or simply treating yourself, Be My Love Features invites guests to experience love at first bite. No reservations are needed to dine here.

Be My Love Features
Heart Highball
strawberry puree, lychee, lime juice, whiskey, gingerale, heart-shaped strawberry
Truffle Lobster Nigiri
lobster, black truffle, truffle miku sauce
Red Roll
Yellow fin tuna, crab meat, tamago, asparagus, wasabi masatake
Aburi Hotate Sashimi
Hokkaido scallop, strawberry shiso salsa, strawberry puree, Hanoho flower
Wagashi
White bean paste, red bean paste

Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai
📍141 Ossington Ave

For those planning a Valentine’s dinner for a more intimate and chef-driven approach, Favorites Thai will offer a 6-course prix fixe experience priced at $110 per person–exclusive of tax and gratuity– on February 14. Guests have the option to add beverage pairings for an additional $50 per person. Led by head chef Ronnie Xu, the four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand–recognized restaurant recently introduced a refined menu shaped by his travels through East Asia, emphasizing charcoal cooking, fire-driven technique, and balanced Thai flavours. Guests can expect signature Thai flavour profiles alongside evolving dishes that highlight Japanese binchotan charcoal grilling and foundational elements such as nam jim, delivering bold yet precise flavours in a warm, energetic setting suited for date nights or small gatherings.

Reservations are available on Opentable HERE.

#FOOD: VALENTINE’S DAY 2026 MENU ROUND-UP – MINAMI, MIKU, RADICI PROJECT, LYLA, ANTLER

This Valentine’s Day, celebrate with some of Toronto’s most compelling dining destinations—including award-winning and MICHELIN-recognized restaurants—each offering thoughtfully crafted menus and elevated experiences designed for the occasion. From refined tasting menus and seasonal pairings to intimate, ingredient-driven dinners, Minami Toronto, Miku Toronto, Radici, Lyla, and Antler invite guests to mark the holiday through exceptional food, considered beverage programs, and warm hospitality. Whether planning an intimate dinner for two or a special evening out, each restaurant offers a distinct approach to celebrating Valentine’s Day in Toronto.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

Minami Toronto invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with an elegant five course tasting menu created by Head Chef Nao Akutagawa and MICHELIN starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi. Available from February 13 to 15 at Minami Restaurant starting at 4:00 pm, the experience is priced at $110 per person plus tax and gratuity and is designed for a relaxed and romantic evening.The menu highlights contemporary Japanese cuisine, including a surf and turf main featuring Japanese Wagyu and Alaskan scallops. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional four course wine pairing or a featured Valentine’s cocktail, crafted to complement each course. Guests can book this romantic evening HERE.

Whether planning an intimate date night or a special celebration, Minami offers a sophisticated setting where contemporary Japanese cuisine, artful presentation, and warm hospitality come together. Minami’s Valentine’s Day experience is a memorable way to mark the occasion and share an evening centered around exceptional food and connection.

Valentine’s Day menu I $110
Wine Pairing I $40
Featured Cocktail I $16
Rose Kiss
St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Rosewood Rosé
Strawberry Syrup, Mint, Soda Water

Toro & Ikura Monaka
Caviar, Kimizu
Santa Margherita Prosecco, ITA

Aburi Sashimi
Hamachi, Maguro, Hokkaido Scallop
AIX Provence Rosé, FRA

Sushi Selection
Aburi Madai Nigiri, Aburi Chutoro Nigiri, Snow Crab Nigiri,
Botan Ebi with Salmon Oshi Bite, Wagyu Uni Don
Stratus Chardonnay, CAN

Surf & Turf
Japanese Wagyu X, Alaskan Scallop,
Peppercorn Jus, Cauliflower Puree,
Marc Jambon Beaujolais Villages, FRA

Hojicha Tiramisu
Ladyfinger Sponge, Hojicha Ganache

Miku
IG. @mikutoronto
📍10 Bay St.

Miku Toronto will celebrate Valentine’s Day with two special experiences, inviting guests to spend the day and evening indulging in contemporary Japanese cooking and floral artistry. Earlier in the day, Miku Toronto will host a Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon featuring acclaimed Ikebana artist Aya Sugino, priced at $150 per person plus tax and gratuity, with the Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, also available. In the evening, the restaurant will present a seven-course Valentine’s Day tasting menu by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero and MICHELIN-starred Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi, $180 per person plus tax and gratuity, accompanied by live music and an optional wine and sake pairing available for $55. The Valentine’s featured cocktail, Love is in the Air, will also be available for $17. Together, the experiences offer couples the option to celebrate with a creative daytime luncheon, a romantic evening tasting menu, or both. Guests can reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon HERE, and reserve a spot for the Valentine’s Day tasting menu HERE.

Valentine’s Day 7-course Menu I $180
Wine Pairing I $55
Featured Cocktail I $17

The Uni Cocktail
Uni, Botan Ebi, Hamachi, Chutoro, Cauliflower, Romanesco,
Swiss Chard, Cucumber, Arare, Sorrel, Truffle Ponzo Dashi
Jansz Premium Cuvee

Hassun
Mozuku Crab Kaiso Salad with Ikura
Scallop with Kabocha Velouté
Lobster Tart with Edamame & Pea Purée
Steelhead Smoked Salmon with Caviar
Herring Roe with Miso Crumble & White Strawberry
Octopus Glazed in Soy & Citrus
Masumi Suzumisake Junmai Ginjo

Sashimi Duo
shared plate
Oysters with Pear Mignonette, Akami Rose, Hotate,
Kobujime Hirame, Kanpachi
Château Maligny Chablis

Umi Tomato Dashi
Mussels, Clams, Cod, Squid
Tanaka x Chartier Blend 001

Sushi Duo
shared plate
Torotaku Heart Maki with Amaebi & Ankimo
Tachiuo & Foie Gras Bites
Atlantic Salmon Temari with Yukari Rice
Wagyu Nigiri with Truffle Powder & Black Truffle
Costaripa Rosa Mara Valtenesi

Brome Lake Duck Duo
Togarashi Spiced Duck Breast & Duck Confit Croquette, Duck Jus,
Roasted Grapes, Pickled Mushroom, Sweet Potato, Pea Shoots
Chateau Teyssier, Montagne St Emilion

Oishii Strawberry Shortcake
Salted Valrhona Dulcey Glacé, Pistachio Cookie Crumble

Love Is In The Air cocktail
Scarlet Silk
Hornitos tequila, Soho lychee liqueur, peach schnapps,
cranberry, yuzu, edible pink glitter

The Valentine’s Day tasting menu unfolds over seven courses, beginning with seafood driven dishes and concluding with an Oishii Strawberry shortcake layered with Valrhona Dulcey glacé and pistachio crumble by Executive Pastry Chef Aiko Uchigoshi.

The Valentine’s Day Ikebana Luncheon includes a guided one hour Ikebana session with Aya Sugino, with all materials provided including vase, flowers, and floral décor, followed by an Ikebana inspired sushi set curated by Chef de Cuisine Michael Acero.

Together, the experiences offer guests two distinct ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, from a daytime luncheon to an evening tasting menu, or the opportunity to enjoy both.

Radici Project
📍588 College St.
IG. @radici_project

Radici will celebrate Valentine’s Day with a seasonal multi course tasting menu designed to highlight the creativity of the kitchen and the best of the season’s bounty. Priced at $200 per guest plus tax and gratuity, the Valentine’s Day experience invites guests to celebrate love through a thoughtfully composed dining journey. Guests can enhance the experience with an optional seasonal wine and sake pairing for $70, or a non alcoholic pairing featuring house made juices and crafted zero proof cocktails for $50. Guests can reserve a spot HERE. Pairing prices may increase based on the cost of seasonal wine and sake.

Set in Radici’s intimate dining room, the evening will unfold with soft music in the background and artistic Ikebana floral arrangements throughout the space, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere that mirrors the beauty and creativity of the dishes being served.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
📍60 Sudbury St

Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lyla with a four-chapter Prix Fixe Dinner designed for sharing. On February 13-15, guests are invited to settle in at Lyla for a $119 per person, family-style menu that moves from a Petit Plateau of oysters, hamachi and scallop ceviche to crowd-pleasing mains like linguine all’aragosta and Canadian prime striploin, finishing with Fraisier, a bright, strawberry-forward dessert with passionfruit, vanilla sponge, and a silky ganache. For those looking to elevate the evening, guests can add a $69 beverage pairing or a $49 caviar tin alongside the first course. Guests can reserve this showstopping dinner via OpenTable HERE.

$119 per person // Served Family Style

Chapter 1
Petit Plateau
East Coast Oysters
ponzu pearls, chervil, shallots
Hamachi
topped plum wine jelly, ponzu, pomegranate seeds
Scallop Ceviche
potato, cilantro, lime juice

Chapter 2
Cauliflower
hummus, pomegranate, honey, confit garlic sauce, mint
Burrata
marinated roasted red peppers, fried capers, sourdough, salsa verde

Chapter 3
Linguine All’Aragosta
atlantic lobster, vsop lobster bisque
Striploin
10oz Canadian Prime Striploin, gruyère pomme purée, au poivre jus, sautéed spinach

Chapter 4
Fraisier
strawberry & passionfruit gel, sour cream panna cotta, vanilla sponge cake, chocolate soil, white chocolate ganache, strawberry sauce

Add-ons available:
Optional Valentine’s Day Beverage Pairing: $69.00
Optional Add on Caviar Tin to your Petit Plateau: $49.00

Antler
IG. @antlerkitchenbar
📍1454 Dundas St. W

Just days after reopening in its newly reimagined space, Antler invites guests to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Toronto with a thoughtfully composed five-course tasting menu available Saturday, February 14, 2026. A MICHELIN-recognized restaurant, Antler will offer the experience exclusively for one night, priced at $129 per person plus tax and gratuity, with an optional $65 wine pairing designed to complement each course. Available from 3:00 pm to 9:45 pm, the menu reflects Antler’s distinctly Canadian approach, highlighting carefully sourced ingredients and refined technique.

Valentine’s Day Dinner
$129 per person + tax and gratuity
Optional Wine Pairing: $65 + tax and gratuity
Maritime Oysters
Heart and Soul
roasted bone marrow & heart tartare
Sturgeon Roulade
fennel, tomato & caviar
Bison Tenderloin
uni butter & dauphinoise potato
Chocolate Torte
whiskey barrel ice cream

Whether planning an intimate Valentine’s dinner or a special celebration, Antler offers a warm, refined setting to mark the occasion through seasonally driven dishes and thoughtful hospitality. The menu is subject to change. Reservations are now available HERE.

#FOOD: NAGAN X RADICI PROJECT COLLABORATION

On Friday, January 30, 2026, Little Italy’s Radici Project, located at 588 College St, Toronto, ON, will host a standout chef collaboration with Naagan, ranked No. 9 on Canada’s 100 Best New Restaurants 2025. Running from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, the immersive dining experience brings together Italian Japanese technique at Radici Project with Chef Zach Keeshig’s Indigenous culinary perspective from Naagan for a 10 course collaborative tasting menu, celebrating contrast, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling through food. Tickets for this unique event will be priced at $200 (plus taxes & gratuity) and are available for purchase HERE.

Beverage pairings will be chosen on-site, with guests selecting between alcoholic or non-alcoholic options. Non-alcoholic options for the evening are designed by MICHELIN-trained beverage consultant Hugo Togni, co-founder of Toronto’s acclaimed Bar Pompette—ranked No. 1 on Canada’s 100 Best Bars 2025, No. 55 on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, and No. 7 on North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025—and founder of the beverage consulting company Mirabelle. Beverages are not included in the ticket price.
Guests will be welcomed with a non-alcoholic welcome drink during the reception from 6:30 pm to 7:00 pm where they will have an opportunity to mingle with chefs Emiliano Del Frate and Zach Keeshig, alongside Hugo Togni.

The collaboration is rooted in a shared philosophy of cooking with intention, passion, and respect for craft. At Radici Project, Italian Japanese technique serves as a foundation for thoughtful, innovative storytelling, while Naagan approaches food as a reflection of land, community, and Indigenous tradition. Together, the chefs create an experience that honours culture, creativity, and the belief that meaningful cooking begins with care for both ingredients and the stories they carry.

With limited seating, this chef collaboration offers an intimate opportunity for guests to experience two celebrated culinary masters in one room for one night only. Reservations are required and can be made HERE.

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

About Naagan
Naagan, meaning “dish” in Ojibwa, is an intimate 17 seat restaurant located in the heart of Owen Sound, Ontario. Rooted in Indigenous culture, Naagan is a space where food, art, and education come together to celebrate hyper local abundance and the natural beauty of the land. The menu is guided by close relationships with Mother Earth, featuring ingredients that are foraged, grown, or sourced from local farmers, fishers, and hunters, with non local ingredients replaced by regional flavours such as sweetgrass and sea buckthorn. Through its seasonally evolving tasting menus, Naagan is committed to elevating Aboriginal cuisine and placing it alongside the world’s most celebrated culinary traditions.

#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT AND OZAWA CANADA PARTNER ON SAKE DINNER PAIRING

Radici Project, a Japanese-Italian fine dining restaurant located at 588 College Street, invites guests to an exclusive sake dinner in collaboration with Ozawa Canada, taking place on Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. This event will feature a 6-course dinner paired with 7 sakes from Ozawa Canada’s wide range of sakes. The menu, curated by Radici Project’s Executive Chef Emiliano Del Frate, will highlight the restaurant’s signature blend of Japanese and Italian flavours through an elevated dining experience. Guests will also be joined by Shotaro Ozawa, President of Ozawa Canada, who will lead the sake experience and guide guests through each pairing.

Tickets are priced at $190 (plus taxes & gratuity), with limited seating available. Guests can reserve their spot now via OpenTable HERE.

Co-owned by husband-and-wife Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, who also serves as Radici’s manager and sake sommelier, Radici Project is a family-owned restaurant where every guest is welcomed as part of that extended family. This evening will be no exception. Chef Emiliano and the Radici team will guide guests through each of the six courses, while Shotaro Ozawa offers insight into the selection, temperature, and nuances of each sake. With Radici’s unique concept, the dinner also highlights how sake can beautifully complement more than just traditional Japanese cuisine. Each pairing has been thoughtfully curated to enhance the flavours of the menu and celebrate the harmony between Italian and Japanese culinary artistry.

With only a select number of seats available, this evening promises an intimate, immersive experience that brings together Toronto’s vibrant culinary and beverage communities for one memorable night.

About Radici Project

Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

About Ozawa Canada

For 40 years Ozawa has been a pioneer and leader in supplying authentic and quality Japanese food, alcohol, and restaurant supplies to restaurants and hotels in Toronto and beyond. Family owned and operated, our exceptional personal service has resulted in over 80% of Toronto. Japanese restaurants putting their trust in Ozawa.

#FOOD: RADICI PROJECT FALL MENU LAUNCHES NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 21, 2025

Radici Project introduces its new Fall Menu, available now through December 21. Curated by Executive Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Pastry Chef Erick Paraizo, the seasonal menu reflects Radici’s commitment to sustainability and creativity, blending Japanese and Italian philosophies through thoughtful technique and local ingredients sourced from Ontario farmers. The seven-course tasting menu is priced at $180 per person, with the option to elevate the experience through a seasonal wine and sake pairing for $70 or a non alcoholic pairing for $40, featuring house-made juices and crafted zero-proof cocktails. Reservations can be made HERE.

Founded by husband and wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici Project is built on the principle of connection through food and storytelling. Emiliano brings experience from MICHELIN-starred restaurants, including Noma in Copenhagen, as well as Toronto’s DaNico and Don Alfonso 1890. Kayo, a certified sake sommelier, has led beverage and service programs at Nobu Toronto and JONI at the Park Hyatt, curating hospitality experiences rooted in harmony and balance. Together, they offer a distinctive culinary vision that bridges Italian warmth and Japanese precision.

The new Fall Menu showcases premium ingredients such as BC Dungeness crab, matsutake mushrooms, New Brunswick caviar, and Jupiter grapes, woven into dishes that express the flavours and textures of the season.

Fall 2025 Immersive Menu
Amuse-bouche
Crab, hazelnuts, matsutake, caviar
Duck, Jupiter grapes, lardo, ratafia
Karaage, mushroom, sorrel, latticello
Udon allo scoglio
Fagottini, squash, wasabi, dashi, truffle
Beef, iridofu
Lobster alla Catalana, beets
Apple pie
Kogashi
(piccola pasticceria)

Reserve your table HERE to enjoy this amazing Fall menu.

About Radici Project
Radici is a contemporary Italian-Japanese restaurant located in Toronto’s Little Italy. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Chef Emiliano Del Frate and Kayo Ito, Radici offers Italian-Japanese cuisine through a seasonally evolving menu rooted in sustainable practices and the use of Canadian ingredients. The restaurant features a dual-concept layout, with a casual à la carte natural wine bar at the front and an intimate chef’s table experience at the back. With thoughtful sake and wine pairings and a serene, locally inspired space, Radici brings a new kind of storytelling to Toronto’s dining scene.

#TIFF25: MR. WILL PRESENTS OFFICIAL PARTNERS FOR THE 2025 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

It’s Will Wong season, everyone! We are delighted to be back and at it in our thriving season as tiff50 is before us! We are so grateful for your many years of support. Having a loyal, passionate readership and following makes it all so worthwhile and we promise not to let you down! Team Mr. Will is ready to go, ready to deliver you reviews of all the hottest films to present at the Festival, and also stars, big and emerging to visit for the Festival!

Be sure to follow for all the updates:

Dave Baldwin (@dmabaldwin)

Amanda Gilmore (@gilmoreamanda)

Justin Waldman (@dubsreviews)

Nicholas Porteous (@picolas)

Mr. Will (@mrwillwong)

We are thrilled to present to you our amazing official partners for the Festival this year. We wouldn’t be able to bring you the Festival at the scale we do without their generosity and support. And there just might be something in it for you guys too! That’s why you need to be following on FB, IG and X.

CP24 – This will mark our 16th year contributing to CP24’s TIFF coverage. Stay tuned to Southwestern Ontario’s leading news channel for our exclusive sightings and updates, and as always we will be appearing live throughout the Festival. There may even be a beanie sighting! We’ll be on multiple times, starting with appearances on August 31, 2025 on Live at 5, September 4, 2025 and September 9, 2025 in the morning.

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GOOGLE PIXEL & GEMINI LIVE – Google Pixel is an official partner of TIFF ’25 and we are thrilled also to using this wonderphone for our TIFF coverage, including those “world famous selfies”! Together with its Circle Search to see what celebs are wearing (and hence, finding affordable dupes) and also Magic Editor to remove unwanted distractions from photos, this is the perfect phone for us! The star of the show will be Gemini Live on our phone, will help us quickly whip together a schedule for TIFF, plus which films suit our personal preferences!

HONDA CANADA – We are teaming-up with our friends at Honda Canada to drive a 2025 Honda Accord Touring Hybrid this year at TIFF. Where will our chariot take us? We soon will see! The midsize luxury sedan with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, 16-Valve DOHC with Dual Variable Timing Control (VTC) engine, Luxury and purpose, a perfect drive for our every day and hectic lifestyle. Incredible fuel economy at 5.0/5.7/5.3 litres/100 km and a litany of active and passive safety features.

STARBUCKS CANADA – We are proud to partner once again with our longtime supporters once again. TIFF and PSL Season are synonymous with one another! The PSL is back for its 22nd year at Starbucks, while TIFF is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Fun fact – The PSL is the #1 limited-time offering in Starbucks history. New to the Fall menu this year are the Pecan Oat Cortado & Mini Everything Bagels!

HARBOUR SIXTY – This Toronto icon is known as THE SPOT that stars go to while in the City, to enjoy the creations of Chef Solomon Mason and team. After a gorgeous renovation and the introduction of new event spaces and superb Italian by Ariana, this icon is reborn and better than ever! Exceptional beef, ambience, and a top-tier dining experience.

FICOA – Situated in the heart of Little Italy, FICOA is re-defining Latin cuisine with an inspired flare under Chef Esau Garcia (Madrina Bar y Tapas), who is known for his Michelin-recognized work. Brunch, A la Carte and Tasting Menus are available, with a strong focus on their outstanding cocktails.

RADICI PROJECT – Also in Little Italy and founded by culinary power couple Chef Emiliano Del Frate (Don Alfonso) and Kayo Ito (Nobu), this beautiful spot fuses Italian and Japanese influences together for exquisite tasing experiences and more!

HELLO NORI – This sensation from BC quickly have made a splash in Toronto since arriving earlier this year, expanding already to a third location in the bustling downtown core. They are one of our favourites for delicious, elevated and fuss-free dining. We will never turn down a hand roll and nobody is doing it better than them! Their house Sake and Draft Matcha also are luscious.

OEB BREAKFAST CO. – The Brunch authority from Calgary has found a welcome home in Toronto, with two thriving locations in the City already. In addition, they are a returning official TIFF hospitality partner again this year. Hands down, our favourite spot to brunch at with the most drool-worthy poutines, blue plates, benedicts, and more.

ETIKET – After some amazing results last TIFF, we are delighted to partner again with this amazing results-driven skincare spa and boutique, selling rare and hard-to-find beauty products and fragrances. Proudly hailing from Montreal, and located at Toronto’s THE WELL, this is an experience unlike no other. Being able to go into the Festival with a fresh face gives us rejuvenation and confidence to approach this very hectic time.

SHEIN – This marks our first time collaborating with this online fashion giant, which has propelled to the forefront these past few years. Even before collaborating with them, I could not resist their chic designs and inclusive sizing. beanie even sports SHEIN. We look forward to showing-off some of our TIFF ’25 looks for you.

PALM SUNDAY – Combining technology, innovation and artistry, this hair salon on Harbord Street delivers not just a look, but a statement! They offer scalp assessments for individual scalp care, transformational hair cuts and colouring.

MANDY’S – The salad queens from Montreal continue to revolutionize the way Torontonians are eating, and well they are eating. Now serving breakfast, and also starring Smoothies, Bowls, and the best cookies too! Three very popular locations in Toronto, and two more to come!

Our top tips to surviving TIFF50!

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We told you there’d be something it it for everyone! One lucky reader will walk away a grand prize winner. Not only will we hand-deliver your prize to you during the Festival, you will win:

-$200 The Radici Project Gift Card
-$150 Ficoa Gift Card
-$100 Hello Nori Gift Card
-A VIP Brunch for 2 at OEB Breakfast Co.
-$25 Mandy’s Salads Gift Card
-$25 Starbucks Canada Gift Card
-Oversize Tote Bag from SHEIN

A value of over $650 CAN!

Throughout the Festival, stay tuned to our social media as there will be additional opportunities to win a $250 gift card at Harbour Sixty, $25 Starbucks Canada Gift Cards, and an OEB Breakfast Co. VIP Brunch as well! You won’t want to miss this!

To enter to win MR. WILL’S TIFF ’25 SURVIVAL PACK, “like” this post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK, IG or X. Tag a friend in the comments you’ll share some of the goodies with. Multiple entries permitted. You MUST be following on Social Media.

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You must be in the Greater Toronto Area or willing to coordinate a visit to pick-up your prize. You must be following on these channels.

Rules and regulations here.

#FOOD: DINING OPTIONS TIFF 2025 – BAR XXX, ARIANNA AT HARBOUR SIXTY, FICOA, MINAMI, RADICI PROJECT, LYLA, DEAUVILLE CLUB RESTAURANT

With TIFF returning to Toronto this September 4–14 2025, the city will be buzzing with film premieres, celebrities, and dining experiences that capture the spotlight. Festival goers can look forward to a range of exciting special offerings and activations, from signature cocktails by Bar XXX, Arianna, Minami, Ficoa, and Deauville Club to standout dishes from Lyla, Radici Project, Minami, and Ficoa.

Bar XXX

A speakeasy tucked beneath Little Sister, Bar XXX has long held its place on Canada’s Best Bars list and is debuting a TIFF-exclusive cocktail.

TIFF No. 42 (Martini): Off-menu, available exclusively throughout TIFF, price $26

“No. 42” references The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams — the “Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.”

Arianna at Harbour Sixty

Arianna, located in the iconic Harbour Sixty building, features an exclusive cocktail crafted by award-winning mixologist Tiffany Desbiens.

The “Her” Cocktail: Off-menu, available exclusively throughout TIFF, price $28

Inspired by the allure of Old Hollywood, this drink captures the grace, poise, and cinematic elegance of the golden era’s leading women — Hugo spritz meets lemon drop martini.

Image of the “HER” cocktail, garnished with bergamot perfume, mint and an edible flower

Ficoa

Mexican chef, Esau Garcia Ramos, brings his MICHELIN roots to TIFF with a specially curated menu for Ficoa, located on College St.

Ficoa presents its own “Director’s Cut”, a series of a la carte menu items inspired by the film Like Water for Chocolate. With the chef stepping into the role of director and taking full creative reign, these dishes will be available exclusively as part of Ficoa’s a la carte menu throughout TIFF.

Cocktail: PÉTALOS DE ROSA – $20

Gin, guava, strawberry, and rose water

Special Dish: CHILES EN NOGADA – $35

Picadillo stuffed poblano pepper, Nogada sauce, and pomegranate

Dessert: CHABELA’S CAKE – $10

Chocolate Cake featuring Mokable

Minami Toronto

As an official TIFF partner, Minami promises to be one of the hottest spots for celebrity sightings this season, featuring an exclusive TIFF cocktail alongside two special dishes.

Cocktail

    The Golden Anniversary Sour, price $25

Dishes

Wagyu Skewers On Hot Stone Plate priced at $49 (4oz)

Black Garlic Miso, Sweet Soy Glaze, Mini Potato, Broccolini, Mini Pepper

A5 Wagyu Tartare Monaka With Volzhenka Osciètre Caviar priced at $40 (2pc)

Yuzu Kosho, Rakkyo, Green Onion

From Left to Right: Image of A5 Wagyu Tartare Monaka and Wagyu Skewers

Radici Project
Radici Project, founded by husband-and-wife duo Emiliano Del Frate, formerly of NOMA and Dan Alfonso and DaNico, and Kayo Ito, with experience at Park Hyatt and Nobu, bring world-class expertise to the table.

Radici Project will feature a limited-time Cacio e Pepe topped with beef tataki and Canadian caviar. The dish blends a Roman classic with grilled beef, paying homage to Italy’s Ferragosto barbecue season. Inspired by the Italian food film Il Pranzo di Ferragosto, it highlights themes of tradition, care, and the joy of shared summer meals.

The dish will be presented as the amuse-bouche on both tasting menus:

Essence Menu: condensed and affordable tasting menu

Immersive Menu: full-size, larger tasting menu

Additionally, during TIFF, all à la carte guests will be welcomed with a complimentary cacio e pepe. While it will not appear on the à la carte menu, it will be offered as a welcome bite for à la carte diners and served as the amuse-bouche (alongside a waffle) for those enjoying the tasting menus.

Lyla

Lyla, located in Liberty Village, celebrates TIFF’s red-carpet spirit with a decadent lobster pasta topped with caviar and finished in champagne dashi.

Lobster Caviar Pasta, available exclusively throughout TIFF, price $159

1.5lb Atlantic Lobster served with an Ontario grass fed beurre blanc, osetra caviar, grana duro chittara, with borage to garnish. The whole lobster is paired with a rich dashi made from its shells, butter, and Veuve Clicquot, then finished with caviar, gyosho, and fresh lemon. Tossed with pasta and garnished with lobster head and borage, the dish balances decadence with vibrant flavour and colour.

Mokable x Deauville Club Restaurant

Perched above the city on the second floor of Revery Toronto Downtown, Deauville Club is where French sophistication meets global culinary flair, and this TIFF season, it’s unveiling a cocktail unlike any other. The star of the glass? Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila, elevated with Mokable -– a coffee confectionery that captures the whole essence of a coffee bean by microgrinding whole coffee beans. Born in Japan, and winner of the 2025 Grand Prix Japan Food Selection, Mokable’s innovative approach has been appreciated by Toronto’s MICHELIN and award winning chefs and mixologists.

To bring this creation to life, Deauville Club is teaming up with guest bartender, Troy Gilchrist of No Vacancy, who will be behind the bar for this exclusive collaboration. Don’t forget to ask about off-menu Cocktail, FRANKENFOAM!