#TIFF26: MR. WILL’S OFFICIAL 2026 TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL PARTNERS

It’s our time! We’re thrilled to ring-in the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, by introducing you to our official supporting partners for this year, the 51st edition of the Festival, running September 10 to 20, 2026! We absolutely live for this, the world’s greatest Film Festival and our team can’t wait to share with you our reviews, our sightings, our thoughts and exciting giveaways!

For now, see our esteemed Team weigh-in on their most notable films of the Festival here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

Reviews and sightings to be updated daily here. Please bookmark and check often!

On that note, we’re thrilled to name our generous official partners for the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival! We couldn’t do it without their generosity and support.

CP24 – This is our 17th year contributing to CP24‘s ongoing tiff coverage. Throughout the Festival, you will be seeing our candid captures of stars out in the wild, and we will be highlighting for you the best spots to see the stars and the Films you need to be paying attention to at the Festival. Stay tuned! We will be on for sure September 9th (in the PM) and 10th (in the AM) to start.

SoHo Hotel Toronto – There is so much history at this Hotel and Residence, situated right in the thick of all the tiff excitement, between Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the bustle of King Street. Since opening in 2003, many A-Listers have chosen this quietly luxurious establishment as their place to stay including the likes of Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Deepika Padukone, Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, Will Smith and several more. And did we mention that red-hot Hudson Williams even filmed scenes in Heated Rivalry here? 23 years of star-studded history. beanie and I look forward to our stay, enjoying the amenities including Moretti Caffe and Pizzeria Moretti, bringing you or daily updates from our luxurious suite.

ACURA Canada – Our ride of choice for tiff will be the 2026 ADX Platinum Elite A-Spec, a top-tier, luxury-packed trim from Acura’s subcompact SUV lineup, operating at 190 horsepower, a 360 camera system, Bang & Olufsen sound system, moonroof and several luxurious flourishes. We’re thrilled to see where it takes us!

SHEIN Canada – We get so many compliments about our styling and we thank SHEIN Canada for that. Their fun, versatile, comfortable selection are highlighted by value and affordability, but most of all comfort. When we feel comfortable, we feel our most confident. We can’t wait to show you our tiff looks!

Starbucks Canada – Our favourite coffee always and preferred way to stay alert during these long Festival days. Did you know PSL Season is officially here? New this year are offerings like  Iced Pumpkin Cream Shaken Espresso, Iced Pumpkin Cream Matcha, Pumpkin Spice Chai, Banana Bread Latte,  Iced Banana Bread Chai, and Iced Chaider. And let’s not forget those irresistible new Canadian-made Mini Pumpkin, Pecan and Apple Crumble pies! 

RILEYS & BLACK + BLUE: Located right in the heart of Entertainment District, these sister restaurants hailing from Vancouver, have made a huge splash in Toronto. Offering a consistent and elevated experience, these steakhouses offer a refinement, accessibility and sophistication. Black + Blue not only serves phenomenal steaks, their sushi and Beef Wellington are superb. Rileys offers also excellent seafood and unique tableside experiences (Martinis, anyone?) as well. Rileys currently has a Pre-Theatre three-course $65 menu, perfect for tiff, and both offer Happy Hours as well.

PAI & KIIN: Toronto’s premier quintessential Thai restaurants are a perfect option to dine at during tiff and are almost guaranteed to be bustling! It’s little wonder why stars like Oscar Isaac, Dominic Monaghan, Guillermo del Toro, and essentially any major actor or athlete passing through, frequent them. And even more impressively, both under Chef Nuit Regular’s vision, have achieved Michelin recognitions. PAI is offering a free bag of their Tom Yum Popcorn for those who show their same-day tiff ticket – one bag per table – and KIIN is offering a $99 three-course prix fixe with a glass of Prosecco!

HELLO NORI: Fast, efficient and satisfying, Hello Nori‘s four-to-six hand roll sets are the easiest and quickest lunch, made fresh before your eyes. Its location on York Street is walking distance from all the tiff excitement, and there also is location to serve you at King x Bathurst, with a location in Yorkville coming soon! Toronto is loving this sensation from Vancouver! During tiff, they will have a $55 six-course prix fixe menu! For now, you can get a $10 Gift Card right here to enjoy Hello Nori! Here for more.

MINAMI: Situated right between Princess of Wales Theatre and Roy Thomson Hall, we don’t deserve the convenience of this elevated Japanese establishment, which will be hosting the VISA Infinite Studio during tiff, and offering special curated dishes Wagyu x Tartare and Aosa Lobster Tempura and special cocktails during the Festival.

RADICI PROJECT: Known for their Italian-Japanese seasonal immersive tasting menus, this beautiful and intimate establishment in Little Italy celebrates each occasion and season with honour and beauty.

LAI WAH HEEN: This institution located inside DoubleTree by Hilton has been a force since 1995, known for their luxury Cantonese cuisine. After extensive renovations and a relaunch, they are entering a new era under Chef Heyden Sin, with a re-imagine Cocktail program by Oliver Leung. In celebration of tiff, they’ve introduced an auspicious and sumptuous $8888 Roasted Goose Dish called The Treasure of Fortune, which has gone viral!

ZOVEL SPA – Inspired by nature, perfected by artistry. Where time-honored Eastern rituals and advanced skincare innovation create harmony, radiance, and renewal. They offer the very best, including offers medical-grade SkinCeuticals Treatments. We look forward to a fresh face!

Check-out our Top Five spots to eat at in the heart of the tiff bustle!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

Throughout tiff, we will be giving away gift cards to dine with our amazing partners, with seven days of giveaways to come on our IG and Facebook:

Giveaway Schedule:

RILEYS x BLACK + BLUE $200 Gift Card – September 10, 2026

MINAMI $100 Gift Card – September 11, 2026

STARBUCKS CANADA $25 Gift Card – September 12, 2026

PAI $100 Gift Card – September 12, 2026

KIIN$100 Gift Card – September 13, 2026

HELLO NORI $100 Gift Card – September 14, 2026

LAI WAH HEEN $100 Gift Card – September 15, 2026

RADICI PROJECT $100 Gift Card – September 16, 2026

You must be following to qualify. Stay tuned for the official contest posts!

Happy tiff! We can’t wait to see what the Festival brings us!

Thank you for all your continued support and loyalty!

Mr. Will

#FOOD: RILEY’S TORONTO PATIO NOW OPEN

Riley’s patio is now open for service. In the short time they’ve arrived in Toronto, the praise has been unanimous for their elegant dining and warm service.

As Toronto’s patio season is in full swing, Riley’s Fish & Steak has unveiled its expansive 1,500-square-foot, 85-seat covered patio, offering one of downtown Toronto’s premier outdoor dining destinations.

Located in the heart of the Entertainment District, the patio serves Riley’s full menu of premium steaks, fresh seafood, and handcrafted cocktails in a stylish, open-air setting designed for everything from casual lunches to celebratory dinners. Fully covered and equipped with heaters, the space is open year-round, rain or shine and is also available for event and group bookings and can be configured to create smaller private rooms within it.

Reservations available now here.

#FOOD: RILEY’S FISH & STEAK TORONTO PRESENT PRE-THEATRE PRIX FIXE MENU

As Toronto’s theatre and live entertainment scene heats up for summer, Riley’s Fish & Steak is introducing a new pre-theatre prix fixe menu designed for downtown diners looking for a refined meal before the curtain rises. Menu available here.

Located steps from Toronto’s major theatres and concert venues, Riley’s has launched a new pre-theatre prix fixe menu that offers guests a polished three-course dining experience before a night out. It’s available daily between 4:00-6:30 pm for only $65.00 per person.

At a time when consumers are increasingly seeking curated experiences and value-driven prix fixe menus, Riley’s is tapping into a growing appetite for elevated dining that fits seamlessly into an evening of culture, entertainment, and celebration.

Reserve now at Riley’s.

#FOOD: WORLD CUP TORONTO DINING OPTIONS ROUND-UP

World Cup frenzy is hitting the City of Toronto, with many international visitors looking for the best places to dine at while they’re in town. Here are some ideas in and around the City that showcase some of the best Toronto has to offer!

Takja BBQ House
Takja BBQ House, where chefs Jeff Kang and Edward Bang are continuing to raise the bar for Korean dining in Canada with an updated Hansang experience for spring/summer. The new menu features elevated seafood offerings, premium cuts grilled tableside, and a Mushroom Stone Pot Rice prepared in the Anseong Jumul Gamasot — a traditional Korean cast iron pot currently used at Takja exclusively in Canada. Reservations here.

Oroshi Fish Co.
Oroshi Fish Co. offers thoughtfully curated sushi platters for your World Cup viewing parties with family and friends! These stunning sushi sets come with chopsticks, seasoned soy, wasabi and gari which allows the party host to focus on spending time with friends and the game instead of worrying about food prep. Order here.

George Restaurant
GEORGE Restaurant is a MICHELIN-recommended fine dining destination located in a restored 19th-century chocolate factory in Toronto’s Old Town. Since 2003, Executive Chef Lorenzo Loseto has led the kitchen with a philosophy rooted in seasonal ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and deeply personalized tasting experiences. GEORGE is owned by the Verity Group of Companies, founded by Mary S. Aitken, C.M. Reserve here.

Chaiiwala of London
For those running to catch the game or want to order takeout for a World Cup watch party, Chaiiwala of London offers quick, easy and tasty traditional chai and South Asian street foods with a nod to contemporary food trends. Signature offerings include Karak Chaii, Pink Chaii, Karak Coffee, and street food favorites like Desi Breakfast, Bombay Toastie, and indulgent Gulab Jamun Cheesecake. Find your nearest location here.

Riley’s Toronto
Toronto’s hottest new opening is the Michelin-recognized Riley’s. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable steakhouse and seafood concept that reimagines modern dining through craftsmanship, comfort, and community. It combines the refined service and theatrical flair that Glowbal Hospitality is known for with a menu that celebrates premium Canadian beef, sustainable seafood, and a curated raw bar experience. Reservations here.

Black + Blue Toronto
Located in the financial district, Black + Blue is Canada’s premier steak dining experience. They offer the magic of a classic steakhouse combined with a modern and energetic twist. They take great pride in being Kobe Beef certified, in addition to offering our guests a selection of the world’s rarest cuts. Black + Blue has private dining room options to host your watch parties with friends and colleagues. Reserve here.

Isaan Der
Isaan Der is Toronto’s only Northeastern Thai restaurant, led by Chef Ko. During the World Cup, they are offering a World Cup Grilled Platter and Beer Tower at only $109!

The World Cup Special includes: Grilled short ribs, Grilled pork ribs, Moo ping, Isaan sausage, Wings, Som tum, Shrimp chips, Sticky rice Beer Tower!! The combo platter is perfect for sharing with 5–6 people as you cheer for your favourite team! More here.

Hello Nori
Hello Nori is a premier dining destination specializing in innovative Japanese hand roll sushi, aburi oshi, and premium sake experiences. With multiple locations in Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary, they are pioneers of the hand roll experience in Canada. The team is committed to using fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced both locally and directly from Japan while delivering exceptional hospitality.

The striking restaurant designs and attention to detail are central to their brand, creating a memorable atmosphere that captivates the guests’ imaginations. Focusing on sustainability, they proudly collaborate with local and Japanese import partners and have partnered with Ocean Wise to minimize their environmental impact. More here.

Simpl Things
SIMPL THINGS is a cozy, all-day cocktail, wine, and snack bar in Toronto inspired by vintage Miami design. Known for its playful seasonal menus, inventive drinks, and community-driven atmosphere, SIMPL THINGS celebrates connection through thoughtful food, genuine hospitality, and good vibes—from brunch to last call. Reserve now here.

(Photo credit: BMO Field)

#FOOD: RILEY’S TO LAUNCH AT 144 WELLINGTON ST. W

Glowbal Restaurant Group is bringing its signature West Coast hospitality to Toronto once again with the upcoming launch of Michelin-recommended Riley’s Fish & Steak, a refined fish-and-chophouse dining experience set to open at 155 Wellington St. W (beside the Ritz-Carlton) in the heart of the city’s bustling downtown core.

Following the celebrated debut of Black+Blue Toronto, Riley’s marks the next evolution in Glowbal Restaurant Group’s expansion into the market, which will offer a sophisticated yet inviting setting for locals, visitors, and business diners alike. Riley’s Toronto will bring together the finest offerings from Canada’s oceans, pastures, and farms in an expansive space designed for connection, celebration, and culinary excellence.

Guests can expect standout chophouse classics such as Oysters Rockefeller, Crab Cakes, and the show-stopping King Chilled Seafood Tower, alongside new chef-driven creations including Lobster Pot Pie, Shrimp Bolognese, and Prime Rib carved tableside. Signature sides and starters round out the menu, as well as a curated cocktail list, top-tier wine program, and selection of local craft beers complete the experience.

“Toronto is one of the most dynamic culinary cities in North America, and we’re thrilled to expand our presence here,” says Emad Yacoub, President & CEO of Glowbal Restaurant Group. “With Riley’s, we’re building a destination around exceptional food, unforgettable hospitality, and live entertainment – a place people will want to return to again and again.”

Complementing the menu is a room design inspired by the soft hues of sunrise and sunset – warm oranges, golden tones, and deep purples create a tranquil ambiance that transitions beautifully from day to night. Sculptural ceilings, handcrafted tables, and curved architectural features add to the elevated yet comfortable setting, with an emphasis on intimacy and contemporary elegance.

Adding to the dynamic atmosphere, Riley’s will feature live music five nights a week, showcasing a rotating lineup of local talent. The entertainment program brings energy and soul to the space, making every evening at Riley’s feel like a special occasion.

For opening updates and sneak peeks, follow @rileysfishandsteak on Instagram or
visit rileysrestaurant.ca.

About Riley’s Fish & Steak
Set to open in early 2026, Riley’s Fish & Steak will introduce a fresh take on upscale fish-and chophouse dining to Toronto’s Financial District. Known for its commitment to premium ingredients, bold flavours, and exceptional hospitality, Riley’s is part of the Glowbal Restaurant Group portfolio — which also includes Toronto’s Black+Blue, and Canadian West Coast destinations like Glowbal, Coast, Black+Blue Vancouver, and Five Sails.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

#FOOD: THE RARE TOUR TORONTO STOP: BLACK+BLUE X CAPA

Globally-renowned culinary series THE RARE TOUR makes its only Canadian stop in Toronto at BLACK+ BLUE STEAKHOUSE in Financial District, running now through March 28, 2025. For this limited engagement, Executive Chef Morgan Bellis teams up with CAPA‘s Chef Casper Sobczyk on a special Four Hands Dinner, which some fortunate diners will get to experience. For those who don’t know, Michelin-rated CAPA has been named the number 23 World’s 101 Best Steakhouse and Sobczyk flew-in specially to give Toronto a taste of something unique and rare.

The sumptuous four course dinner with wine pairings is a delight to the senses, highlighting the premium cuts of meat that make BLACK+BLUE the standout that it is, along with flavours and inspiration that have made CAPA famous. This cannot be missed.

We had the privilege of enjoying the FOUR HANDS DINNER. We were surprised by a Beef Tenderloin and Oyster pairing, floored by B+B‘s exquisite sushi, mesmerized by the spinach crêpe and pastry-wrapped Beef Wellington prepped by Chef Dennis Peckham, plus their otherwordly dessert called The Apple. Let’s not forget a very intentionally Canadian wine list.

Highlights below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by William Wong (@mrwillwong)

Reservations here.

EMAD YACOUB, Founder and CEO of Glowbal Restaurant Group, which BLACK+BLUE is a part of, tells us that his Vancouver sensation RILEYS FISH & STEAK is on its way soon next to Toronto!

BLACK+BLUE also hosts Happy Hour daily 2:30 to 5:30 PM.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)