This week’s Toronto International Film Festival has renewed urgency for booking dinner: a string of newly opened restaurants near screening venues is drawing industry traffic before and after premieres. For festival visitors and deal-makers alike, these kitchens offer distinct menus and late-night stops that can shape a TIFF itinerary.
Below are five recently opened spots worth considering—each with a different culinary focus, proximity to festival venues, and practical details to help you plan a meal around screenings.
Arbequina — Modern Middle Eastern with a refined touch
Chef-owner Moeen Abuzaid brings a layered personal history to Arbequina, blending influences from New York, Jordan and Palestinian culinary traditions into an elevated menu. The kitchen emphasizes pantry-driven dishes such as freekeh and seasonal vegetable preparations, alongside more substantial plates like sea bass served with a red tatbileh.
Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Arbequina aims to honor classic flavors while presenting them through Abuzaid’s contemporary lens. Expect shareable starters like za’atar bread and composed mains that work well for small groups wrapping up an evening at TIFF.
The Dirty Laundry — Tex‑Mex and cocktails for buzzy late nights
On Queen Street, The Dirty Laundry positions itself as a convivial spot for cocktails and comfort-forward Tex‑Mex dishes. Owner and bartender Robin Goodfellow, working with chef Renelle Joubert, has aimed to keep the menu approachable in both price and execution while leaning into bold flavors.
Standouts include stacked nachos, a crispy catfish sandwich and a house burger; the cocktail list mixes classic forms with signature twists suited to pre-screening gatherings or post-premiere conversations at the bar.
Mizunara — A whisky-forward Japanese bar near Roy Thomson Hall
Mizunara brings a Tokyo-inspired atmosphere close to one of TIFF’s busiest screening venues. Executive chef Alyssa Figueira draws on travel and art for inspiration—dishes range from charred scallops to light summer salads, complemented by Japanese whisky cocktails and highballs.
The menu balances small plates such as agedashi tofu with heartier options like mussels and fries, creating a flexible lineup for both intimate dinners and larger groups moving between festival events.
Bar Romy — Casual Italian at Adelaide and John
From restaurateur Charles Khabouth comes Bar Romy, a relaxed Italian bar and bistro focusing on handmade pastas, simple antipasti and a concise wine list. Chef Ben Heaton emphasizes ingredient-led preparations: fresh pasta, quality imports and straightforward pizzas are central.
Its location makes Bar Romy a practical stop for festival attendees seeking a familiar, unfussy meal near downtown screening venues.
Honey: More Than Chinese — Pan‑Asian flavors on King Street
Honey offers a contemporary Pan‑Asian menu that reinterprets dim sum and regional dishes across Asia. Chef Seunghwa Lee frames the restaurant as a personal map of flavors and places that have influenced her career, translating that into items like har gow, wagyu dumplings and larger plates such as Malaysian-style fried chicken and miso-glazed cod.
The dining room’s moody, red-tinged interior pairs with a cocktail program that nods to the menu’s Asian influences, making it a memorable spot for a festival dinner with visual and culinary impact.
Quick reference
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Signature highlights | Contact / Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arbequina | Roncesvalles | Freekeh, Sea Bass, Za’atar Bread | 325 Roncesvalles Ave — (416) 533‑0786 — arbequinato.com |
| The Dirty Laundry | Queen West | Nachos, Crispy Catfish Sando, Signature cocktails | 1186 Queen St W — thedirtttylaundry.com |
| Mizunara | Adelaide (near Roy Thomson Hall) | Charred Scallop, Agedashi Tofu, Whisky highballs | 235 Adelaide St W — (416) 298‑4321 — mizunara.ca |
| Bar Romy | Adelaide & John | Handmade pastas, Panini, Pizza | 295 Adelaide St W — (647) 794‑1994 — barromy.com |
| Honey: More Than Chinese | King Street | Dim sum, Malaysian fried chicken, Miso-glazed cod | 600 King St W, 3rd Floor — Ink Entertainment |
Practical tip: if you’re attending screenings at Roy Thomson Hall or other central TIFF venues, prioritize reservations and allow extra time for transit—festival traffic and overlapping events can add delays. These openings are attracting film industry crowds, so booking early is the surest way to secure a table before or after late screenings.
