I'M HUNGRY!! Where can I get food?
The whole area around King St. W. will be flooded with people from around the World for the
Toronto International Film Festival #Tiff50. 50 Years of many incarnations of the Festival, to where it's a leading festival around the World.
With all the already existing condos and people working in the area, and then add stars, journalists, fans, and people working in the Film Industry or even the Festival. One thing everyone has in common is where and what they are going to eat during the festival.
Some of my friends live on hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and snacks. I can't do that anymore. After the 4th day, I just want to run home and go to bed.
So, I am putting this list of all kinds of options from street meat to Happy Hour treats.
This list is mostly within walking distance of the Theatres around King St. and Richmond Street.
There are a few new ones and some just great, consistent restaurants.
I will break it down by Theatres.
2025 RESTAURANT LIST
TIFF LIGHTBOX - 350 King St. W. (King and John St.)
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New -
SAME SAME - (Happy Hour) - 303 King St. West. (right across from Lightbox)
This is a new Thai restaurant that is sleek, clean and huge. Headed by a Chef from Vancouver who has a Michelin Bib recognition.
I went for Happy Hour before a film at the Lightbox. I had the Shrimp Toast and 3 Oysters. They were both fantastic. The Shrimp toast comes with a cucumber relish, and you can add a peanut sauce. I recommend the sauce. The Oysters were amazing. It has a chili jam, and the fried, crunchy shallots added an extra crunch. I will be going back for those during Tiff for sure.
Cheap Eats
- Hot dogs at the southeast corner of King and John. Always seems to be open.
- A&W Hamburgers- 60 John Street, south of King. There's always some kind of deal available, but sadly, they've removed the Pret section, so you can't grab some other fresh items.
- Wendy's -110 Blue Jays Way- It's at the corner of King and Blue Jays way. Pretty standard cheap eats, but at least you can get a salad to go.
- Shelby's Shawarma- 297 King St. W. - they just opened last year. I haven't been yet but their menu looks very interesting with a Shawarma poutine and even mac & cheese.
- Gabby's- 309 King St. W. - My friends like going here because they have a nice patio and it's close and fairly reasonable. It's pretty standard pub fare though.
TIFF Lightbox - 350 King St. W. - There are a few places to eat inside the lightbox. On the main floor is the Canteen with inside and outside seating. They have show day deals, but I don't know if that will be on during the festival. There is also Luma on the second floor, which is a bit more upscale and sometimes booked for parties. Also on the same floor is the Founders Lounge, where you can sometimes get a drink and small bites. Also, sometimes booked for events. On the 3rd Floor, you have Varda, which was renovated last year. It's a lounge with small bites and drinks. It gets hectic in there. I had the chocolate cheesecake last week, and that hit the spot. You get a discount if you are a Tiff member. There are also concessions on the 2nd Floor and an Event space way at the top.
If you want a fun place, you can try Tulum, a Mexican Restaurant. 291 King St. W. I walked in once, and they had music and a Mexican dancer. Sadly, they didn't have room for dinner. Pick a slow day.
ROYAL ALEXANDRA THEATRE
PAI- 18 Duncan Street- Celeb favourite Thai food. Good luck trying to get in but you can prob do one of the deliveries and pick-ups yourself. Known for their Pad Thai. They also have a new late-night fun place on Adelaide that opened recently.
PRINCESS OF WALES THEATRE
Figo- 295 Adelaide St. W. - This place has been renovated and reopened not that long ago. They have Happy Hour, Brunch, lunch, and dinner. They have wood oven pizzas, and my favourite thing is these fried zucchini slices. They are addictive. This has been on my list in the past, but bringing it back because they reopened.SCOTIABANK THEATRE
*New -
Bestco Fresh Foods- 102 Peter Street - This just opened, and I did a walkabout and checked it out. I only got some fried dim sum for $5. They have a hot table and prepared sushi so you can grab snacks, bubble tea or some hot food. This place is especially great if you live close by and can grab something frozen to cook up fast.
Salus Fresh Foods- 101 Peter Street - I don't usually go that far looking for food, but if you are at the Hyatt or Scotiabank, it's great if you are craving healthy food to go.
ONE EYED JACK- 287 Richmond St. W. - If you want to meet up with friends after a film to discuss it over drinks this is close to Scotiabank and has an outdoor patio. Also busy. We tried to get in one night and couldn't.
*
NEW -
Lucky House Chinese- 304 Richmond Street West. - This is directly across from the Scotiabank Theatre and I just saw it when I was scoping out the area. I did a quick look at the menu and it looks like they have a good lunch special. I will try it on my Scotiabank days.
MIZZICA Gelateria- 307 Queen Street West- If you watch an Italian movie and you crave some Gelato, then this is the place to go. Be prepared for insane lineups. Choose your flavour wisely. Some are better than others, but it's always busy there and only a block from Scotiabank.
*
New -
Nord Lyon - 250 Queen St. W. - This location is fairly new. This used to be a very busy Starbucks because it's across the street from City TV. If you have an early morning screening and need a croissant and coffee this is the place to go to.
Aux Merveilleux de Fred- 224 Queen Street West. - Just a little bit closer to University Ave. - They also have croissants, cakes, and French Pastries. They have locations all over the world.
Ginger - 212 Queen Street West- This place has been around forever and still thrived during the pandemic. It's cheap, filling, and always good. I love the banh mi sandwiches. If it's cold, you might want to get a big bowl of soup.
ROY THOMPSON HALL
Oklahoma Burgers - 214 King St. West. - They opened last year as well. You can't really eat in because they only have a small stand-up counter. I wouldn't consider them a cheap fast eat because it took me a while to get a burger, and it's about $8.
MORE TO COME
There were so many places that were around a year ago that are gone, and new places are springing up. I will make a note of anything new that I spot during the festival this year and will post all my food adventures on my Instagram accounts.
I skipped some that I have listed in the past, and some places I think you probably won't be able to get into during the festival.
Let me know if I missed any hidden gems. I tried to give you a wide range of places for locals and for people only in town for the festival.
I hope you like some of my choices.
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