Celebrity-spotting at TIFF

Our favourite places to see the stars come out to shine

The RITZ-CARLTON

181 Wellington St. W. Just a few steps away from the TIFF Bell Lightbox, this luxury hotel always has an influx of A-listers (Idris Elba and Ryan Gosling gave it their stamp of approval). If you’re willing to splurge on cocktails, the Deq Terrace Lounge is open to the public.

Momofuku

190 University Ave. Celebrity chefs attract other celebrities (it’s science). Last year, American TV personality David Chang’s glitzy, glassy restaurant hosted cast dinners for Downsizing (Matt Damon, Kristen Wiig) and Battle of the Sexes (Steve Carell, Emma Stone).

STORYS BUILDING

11 Duncan St. This old four-storey building three minutes from the Lightbox has become an after-party staple and one of the most popular spots for autograph hounds. Rachel McAdams, Bryan Cranston, Kevin Hart and Nicole Kidman were all spotted here last year.

Bisha Hotel

80 Blue Jays Way Towering above Blue Jays Way, club king Charles Khabouth’s hotel opened a few days before last year’s festival—just in time to host a rooftop patio party for Brad’s Status, with Ben Stiller, Jenna Fischer and Luke Wilson, and Kings, with Daniel Craig and Halle Berry.

STK TORONTO

153 Yorkville Ave. The Yorkville steak house hosted last year’s highly anticipated Call Me by Your Name after-party, with Armie Hammer and Timothée Chalamet on the VIP list. It also hosted a high-profile awards gala in 2016, which brought out Jennifer Connelly, Nick Cannon and Dakota Fanning.