Whatever your hunger pangs, TIFF-goers this week should be nabbing reservations at these new high-powered hangouts before or after starry movie premieres, or when deal-making comes round.
Arbequina Restaurant
Executive chef and owner Moeen Abuzaid, who came to Toronto by way of New York City and a Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan, pays homage to classic Middle Eastern cuisine with creative and elegant dishes like Freekeh, Jerusalem Artichoke (37) and Sea Bass, Red Tatbileh (65). “I’m not trying to change what they are, but to honor where they come from while expressing them through my own experience as a chef,” he explains. The Michelin Guide-rated TIFF sanctuary also has Za’atar Bread (16) and Angus Beef Shawarma (27).
325 Roncesvalles Avenue, Toronto, 416-533 0786 arbequinato.com
The Dirty Laundry
Crucial cocktails and Tex-Mex delights for TIFF players doing deals will be dished up on Queen Street at The Dirty Laundry. Robin Goodfellow, owner and bartender, tells THR about her menu from chef Renelle Joubert, “Just because something is peak in execution, doesn’t mean it has to cost an arm and a leg. We’re also big Nirvana fans.” There’s Nachos Too (25), Crispy Catfish Sando (15) and a TDL Burger (14). The signature cocktails include The Grove (19) and The Grotto (21).
1186 Queen St West, Toronto thedirtttylaundry.com
Mizunara
This Japanese whisky-first bar and restaurant a block from starry TIFF venue Roy Thomson Hall has a Tokyo vibe by way of globe-trotting executive chef Alyssa Figueira. Her Charred Scallop dish ($28) was inspired by a walk through Park Güell in Barcelona, and her Summer Salad (13) was created after viewing Vincent Van Gogh’s iconic Irises painting. “Time spent traveling through the world, either through work or for fun, has impacted my palette immensely. Art has been a big influence in my career,” she explains. And your palette too with dishes like Agedashi Tofu (18) and Moules Frites (36) enjoyed alongside cocktails like Tetsu Highball (19), Oki Dokey (22) and Rubaiyat (21).
235 Adelaide Street West, (416) 298 4321 mizunara.ca
Bar Romy
Ubiquitous Charles Khabouth has opened the casual Italian bar and bistro at the corner of Adelaide and John, with handmade pastas like Canestri (28), paninis like Genovese (21) and Caprese (19) and pizza like the Margherita (23) and Funghi (25). Chef Ben Heaton points to classic Italian dishes done to perfection: “From handmade pasta and thoughtfully prepared antipasti to quality imported Italian ingredients, everything is rooted in simplicity, flavor and letting great ingredients speak for themselves.” And the wine list is well suited to pre- and post-film screening stops during TIFF.
295 Adelaide St W, Toronto, (647) 794 1994 https://barromy.com
Honey: More Than Chinese
King Street has a Pan-Asian restaurant, with playful takes on classic Dim Sum dishes like Har Gow (16) and Wagyu Beef Dumpling (16), and entrees like Malaysian Fried Chicken (38) and Miso Glazed Cod (32). Executive chef Seunghwa Lee tells THR her menu is a take on “the places, people, and flavors that have shaped my culinary journey and invites guests to explore Asia through a contemporary lens.” The moody dining room with a glowing red décor has cocktails like One Night in Bangkok (25) Red Dragon (19).
Address: 600 King St W, 3rd Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 1M3
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