The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off on Thursday last week and Toronto has been thriving with excitement. From Jennifer Lopez showing up on our block, to Tom Hanks surprising a small coffee shop, people are excited for more than just the movies at this year’s festival.

cover photo via the star 

According to SEMrush, during the week leading up to TIFF, Twitter saw an increase of 685% of tweets relating to celeb-spotting in Toronto. As such, we bring you a #TIFF2019 guide to where you should be hanging out if you want to catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrity at TIFF this year.

MARBL

455 King St W, Toronto, ON

MARBL is an official hospitality partner for the festival this year—making the Toronto hot spot a likely hangout for the elite guests of the festival. For the entire duration of TIFF, MARBL will have extended hours until 4:00 am, making it the perfect post-screening spot. The beautiful, fine-dining restaurant also has a luxurious Campaign Lounge, Mademoiselle, in the lower level. With custom vending machines that dispense mini Moët bottles, to the delicious Chef Ryan Morrison menu, MARBL promises to be a great location for celeb-spotting this week.

 

BARO

485 King St W, Toronto, ON

The South American flare of Baro has made the King Street West restaurant a favourite for both Torontonians and visitors alike. The menu, which is heavily influenced by the rich culture of Latin America, is curated by Executive Chef Steve Gonzalez and the cocktail menu includes delicious drinks incorporating imported spirits from across the world. Each of the different floors offer unique menus and different experiences.

Moreover, the LA Times has set up shop in Baro to conduct their interviews with celebrities in town for the festival—making it an almost guarantee that you’ll see someone here.  

 

Calii Love | ft. Barista Brian

367 King St W, Toronto

Barista Brian is a latte artist and he brings a latte to the table. With stunning latte art creations and caricatures, Barista Brian has become internationally recognized and a niche in Celebrity events. This week already, he has painted Eddie Murphy, Matt Damon, Christian Bale, and Kristen Stewart [to name a few] on their lattes at Calii Love. So, if you’re looking to find some of the famous faces at this year’s festival, head on over to the wellness hub that has some of the best smoothie and poke bowls in Toronto.

 

Soho House

192 Adelaide St W

With locations in many countries around the world, this club is a favourite for those working in the creative fields. Whether actor, designer, singer, writer, or otherwise, those with a creative soul make up majority of the membership. This elite spot also has been known to throw many TIFF after parties—and after-after parties.

That being said, unless you’re a member or the plus one of a member, you unfortunately won’t be allowed into the Soho House.

 

Shangri-La

188 University Ave

The luxurious hotel located in the heart of Toronto is a celebrity favourite—and it’s no wonder. The urban sanctuary is equipped with deluxe wellness amenities including a fitness studio, pool, and hot tub, in addition to Miraj Hamman by Caudalie Paris, one of the top-rated spas in the city.

 

Assembly Chef’s Hall

111 Richmond St W, Toronto, ON

Located just steps away from TIFF Bell Lightbox, Assembly Chef’s Hall is the post-screening place to be. The hall is home to 16 unique food spots, each owned and operated by the best chefs in Toronto, making it a renown staple in the downtown core.

Assembly Chef’s Hall is a destination for locals and tourists to experience the city’s diverse culinary landscape. Here you’ll find some of the hottest pre- and post-screening parties, along with the most dynamic and delicious dishes Toronto has to offer.

 

Petty Cash

487 Adelaide St West

Nestled in the heart of the Fashion District, Petty Cash is acclaimed for its incredible drink deals and addictive menu items, featuring both fresh and familiar eats. It’s also one of Shawn Mendes’ favourite Saturday night spots so it’s likely you’ll find him and a few of his celebrity friends frequenting this bar throughout the week—maybe he’ll be out and about with his new boo too, miss Camila Cabello.

 

Sotto Sotto / Yorkville

120 Avenue Rd

Located in Yorkville, which is a go-to location for celebrities in Toronto regardless, this upscale restaurant has welcomed the likes of Johnny Depp, Ewan McGregor, and Dustin Hoffman in the past.

 

TIFF Bell Lightbox

Stars are guaranteed to be spotted here because it’s the TIFF headquarters and hub of the festival with many screenings, interviews, and events taking place right in the Festival Tower at King and John.

 

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