Who hasn’t dreamed of living like a celebrity? From lavish restaurants, to decadent hotels, it’s a fun thought to entertain, even if just in passing. Toronto is a hotbed of celebrity activity for those who come up north, especially during the month of September when TIFF takes over the city. But for those of us who live here year-round, there are plenty of world-class hotspots to visit, that have attracted celebrities and regular citizens alike.
Here, we dive into 13 hotspots to eat, drink, stay, and shop in Toronto that have received a stamp of approval from celebrities.
STK
With a location in Toronto and others in glam cities like London, Ibiza, Las Vegas, and Milan, STK is the steakhouse/lounge combo that’s super popular among celebrities. Cardi B was spotted dining here when she was in Toronto for OVO and Veld Music Festival this past summer.
Patria
You can’t get more Canadian than Ryan Gosling and Justin Trudeau, and that’s exactly what happened at Spanish restaurant, Patria last year. Gosling was present for an after-party celebrating his film First Man, Trudeau was there to support, and the rest, as they say, is history. Swoon-worthy sightings aside, Patria serves up classic Spanish food (think tapas and paella) alongside fresh seafood, and a lengthy cocktail and wine list.
Montecito
Numerous celebrities have darkened the doors of this Californian-inspired Montecito, especially during TIFF. Owned by director Ivan Reitman (of Ghostbusters and Space Jam fame), it’s steps away from the TIFF Bell Lightbox and serves up farm-to-table cuisine. Famous faces like Bill Murray, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Bell, Sandra Bullock, and Robert Downey Jr. have all been spotted here.
Terroni
It wouldn’t be a proper list without mentioning our favourite Duchess who used to live in Toronto! trendy Italian restaurant, Terroni was a known favourite of Meghan Markle, who used to frequent when she lived in the city for seven years filming Suits. She even recommended the Peperoncini Piccanti chili condiment to Vanity Fair.
Byblos
Toronto local Rachel McAdams is reportedly a regular at this fancy, two-story Eastern Meditteranean restaurant. Byblos serves up a variety of dishes and cocktails in a Persian rug draped setting, with a celeb guest list that includes the likes of Matt Damon, Michelle Williams, and Gerard Butler, Dakota Johnson, and Jason Segal, all of whom have been spotted here in the past.
Rhum Corner
Actress Samira Wiley took Vanity Fair to this bar on a tour around Toronto, dubbing it “very cool, very chill” and “a real gem!” A low-key affair with an affinity for rum and fun (their rum list is very, very long), Rhum Corner serves up authentic Haitian dishes in a cozy, muraled setting. Wiley’s go-to is the Wray and Ting, a mix of Jamaican rum and grapefruit soda.
Petty Cash
Advertised as your neighbourhood bar, Petty Cash is a casual mix of gastropub food and cocktails consumed around pool tables, topped off with money-themed decor. The King West staple made quite a stir for all the right reasons last Halloween, when Shawn Mendes was spotted making drinks from behind the bar. We’re guessing tips were more than generous that night (even for a place named ‘Petty Cash’.)
Hazelton Hotel
Kate Moss herself was spotted (or papped, rather) here a few years ago, eating a bagel with a glass of wine. (For those who want to recreate the moment, it was a lox bagel and a glass of white.) Located conveniently close to the city’s poshest shops and restaurants, names like Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have stayed here at the world-class luxury Hazelton Hotel.
Bisha Hotel
This boutique luxury hotel in the heart of the Entertainment district is a triple threat—featuring the extremely instagrammable KŌST on the 44th floor, celebrity chef restaurant, Akira Back, on the second, and Parisian pastry cafe, French Made, on the ground floor. Previous guests of the trendy residence include Lenny Kravitz, Margot Robbie, Ellen Paige, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci, and Jake Gyllenhaal, just to name a few.
Windsor Arms
With a plush Victorian-style interior, this past-century heritage hotel almost makes you feel as though you’re a celebrity yourself. Stars such as George and Amal Clooney and Eminem have taken advantage of the hotels ‘discreet luxury’ policy. Pro tip: even if you’re not staying in a room, the high tea here is excellent.
119 Corbo
An upscale specialty boutique with only the highest of designer brands and shoes—word on the street is that 119 Corbo was responsible for bringing Jimmy Choos and Manolo Blahniks to Toronto before Sex and the City made them staples in any fashionista’s closet. The boutique also has exclusivity to cutting edge brands like Haider Ackermann and Ann Demeulemeester and also features others like Dries Van Noten and Rick Owens. None other than Kimye themselves stopped by during Kanye’s tour stop in 2016, and apparently Jennifer Hudson and Michelle Fairley (from Game of Thrones) are also fans.
Mjölk
You really can’t get any more aesthetic than this. This homeware store comes recommended by Sarah Rafferty toVogue last year for “beautiful home furnishings.” Featuring pieces by artisans from Scandianvia and Japan, the store is peak minimalism and most definitely celebrity-worthy.
Augustina Boutiques
Another high-end fashion staple in Yorkville, Augustina Boutiques founder Cristina Burgess is known for scouting out up-and-coming and lesser known celebrity-loved brands such was Anita Ko jewelry, Sydney Evan and Temple St. Clair. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jessica Chastain has been spotted shopping here, as well as Margot Robbie when she was in town filming Suicide Squad.
Articles You May Be Interested In:
Iconic Toy Company Fao Schwarz Is Opening A Pop-Up Store In Toronto
7 Of Meghan Markle’s Favourite Toronto Spots
A New WINNERS Is Now Open In Toronto’s Liberty Village
11 Toronto Stores To Shop For Unique Holiday Decorations
The 12 Best Spots To Host Your Holiday Party In Toronto
Every year like clockwork, summer arrives and Toronto morphs into a patio obsessed city. Don’t get us wrong, we’re not complaining. Patios are the lifeblood of summer in the 6ix, because the warm weather comes and goes in the blink of an eye. While some prefer the people watching of a street patio, the true hidden gems of Toronto come in the form of a rooftop patio – where you get to feel like you’ve actually escaped the city.
Here are 19 of our favourite rooftop patios in Toronto
The Thompson Hotel
Instagram/@marnilokash
If fancy is you’re after, The Thompson Hotel rooftop delivers in spades. Drinks here are on the pricier side of things but the quality and spectacular views will ensure your money is well spent.
Gusto 101
Instagram/@gusto101to
Gusto 101 is always a favourite with its modern take on southern Italian classics and industrial-style setting. There’s always lots of seating too which makes it a popular place all summer long.
Paupers Pub
Instagram/@pauperspub
Low-key and hidden away in the Annex, the Paupers Pub rooftop patio is the perfect spot for a quick drink before catching a summer movie at Christie Pits Park!
The Broadview Hotel
Instagram/@broadviewhotel
The Broadview Hotel’s stunning rooftop patio is half indoors and half outdoors so it’s great when the weather is so-so. You can’t miss the amazing view of the city skyline from Toronto’s east end where you can enjoy drinks and yummy snacks.
The Porch
Instagram/@theporchto
The Porch is situated above busy King Street it offers some of the best views of the CN Tower you will find in the city. This means it might require some waiting time to get a table on a weekend, but once you’re up there with a drink in hand, you’ll be happy you waited.
Lavelle
Instagram/@penthousequeen
The exclusive Lavelle is a little on the pricier side but just wait until you see the view! It basically feels like you’re sitting on a beach in the sky. You can enjoy a cocktail by the pool at this rooftop patio.
Kasa Moto
Instagram/@baileyroseking
The easy-going Japanese restaurant, Kasa Moto, has a huge rooftop patio that’s glam and has fabulous views of Yorkville. Bring lots of friends, enjoy the large comfy chairs, and good vibes.
Sky Yard At The Drake Hotel
Instagram/@thedrake
Enjoy the most perfect aesthetic and dreamiest vibes on this rooftop patio at The Drake Hotel. This spot is the best places for after work drinks and snacks, plus there’s always amazing music, too!
Terroni on Price Street
Instagram/@brittanyamark
Terroni on Price Street in Summerhill has an unbelievable rooftop bar and some of the most delicious Italian food in the city. With it being sangria season, this is the place to go for a pitcher.
Bar Hop
Instagram/@nadinemariesimard
Located in the heart of downtown at Queen and Peter Street, Bar Hop is the perfect spot if your looking for a relaxed atmosphere with lots of craft beer options. Catch some rays and try one (or more) of the 36 beers on tap.
The Tiki Bar
Instagram/@woman.meets.world
Don’t let the exterior fool you! Bovine Sex Club may look a little rough around the edges on the outside, but hidden above is The Tiki Bar. Escape the city to find a tropical oasis complete with a Tiki bar and torches.
Hemingway’s
Instagram/@hemingways.to
Hemingway’s is one of our favourite open-all-year-round rooftop patios, but it’s obviously incredible during the warmer months. Dine here if you’re looking for low key pub-style eats and a great view of Yorkville.
The Chase
Instagram/@_0.01a
The menu at The Chase, comprised of surf and turf offerings, will make you drool but so will the spectacular view. Located in the historic Dineen building on the 5th floor, this patio should be your first pick if your feeling like some fancy seafood.
Baro
Instagram/@chicchimmm
Baro’s patio is like the secret garden you want to escape to! Featuring lots of greenery and a calm, cool atmosphere, this trendy spot was made for cocktails as well as bites to share from their delicious snack menu.
Falcon SkyBar at Hotel X
Instagram/@bypeterandpauls
If you’re ever in the west end by Exhibition Place or the Budweiser Stage, make sure to stop by at Hotel X’s Falcon SkyBar. Warning: you may feel incredibly bougie as you sip your cocktail and look out over the stunning skyline.
Soco Kitchen on Lower Simcoe Street
Instagram/@dudko_iryna
The Lower Simcoe outpost of Soco Kitchen is a must-see this summer in Toronto. Located in the sleek Delta Hotel, this rooftop patio won’t leave any part of the Entertainment District to the imagination.
The One Eighty
Instagram/@desilvagihan
In terms of rooftop patios, the 51st floor is definitely high up and it’s where The One Eighty resides. Go here if you feel like treating yourself to some fine dining and cocktails, along with some upscale views.
Trattoria Nervosa
Instagram/@rach.dacosta
Craving pasta? Yorkville’s Nervosa offers delicious Italian fare that can be enjoyed on the beautiful rooftop patio. It also may be somewhere you want to bring your boo as reviews claim the spot to be pretty romantic too.
K?st
Instagram/@mercuryyuki
Kost is located on the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel, so you no doubt are going to have amazing panoramic views. Specializing in flavours from the California coastline, this is a great spot for a fancy friend gathering or girls night out.
Featured Image: Instagram/@theporchto
Articles You May Be Interested In:
100 Things To Do In Toronto For The Ultimate Summer Bucket List
The Most Gorgeous New Patios In Toronto Worth Checking Out
9 Boozy Drinks to Keep You Buzzed All Summer Long
25 Of The Most Instagrammable Places In Toronto
The 15 Best Beaches To Visit This Summer In & Near Toronto
Even though Meghan Markle is American, she became an honorary Torontonian thanks to all those years she spent living here and filming Suits. The now-Duchess spent nearly six years living in our glorious city so she obviously discovered some local faves of her own. With the Markle Effect in full force and all eyes on everything she wears over in the United Kingdom, over here in Toronto, there is still major interest in finding Meghan’s former go-to spots. If you’ve always wanted to know where in Toronto Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex used to hang out in, then keep reading to find out.
Here are 7 of Meghan Markle’s favourite Toronto hot spots!
Gee Beauty
Instagram/@amble_studio
Situated in the heart of Rosedale is Gee Beauty and it was one of Meghan’s go-to shopping destinations. Meghan told Elle Canada, that the store is “amazing for all the creature comforts you want—truth be told, I spend so much time in hair and makeup for work that in my off time I indulge with maintenance and relaxation vs. glam.”
Drake General Store
Instagram/@drakegeneralstore
Known for its selection of cute Canadiana gifts and fun essentials is Drake General Store and Meghan was reportedly spotted shopping here during the holiday season for gifts in 2016.
Terroni
Get your Italian food at Terroni just like Meghan Markle did while she was a Toronto resident. Apparently, she was a huge fan of the restaurants red chilies in oil (pepperoncini piccanti). You can purchase the chilies online, but we recommend coming in and enjoying a full meal — then take your beloved hot peppers to-go!
Blackbird Baking Co.
Instagram/@bbirdco
It’s no secret that Meghan loved spending time in Kensington Market while she was living here in TO. One of her go-to spots was Blackbird Baking Co. and we hear her fave was the bakery’s Kensington sourdough loaf that’s made with red fife flour.
Sentaler
If you’ve paid any attention to Meghan’s wardrobe over the last few years, you’ll see that she has an appreciation for a well-made coat. One of Meg’s go-to designers happens to be Toronto-based Sentaler and she’s been spotted rocking the brands pieces many a time. The Duchess even wore a Sentaler coat during her first Christmas at Sandringham.
Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie
Miraj Hammam Spa
We can’t even begin to imagine the stress that Meghan must have been under as her new relationship with Prince Harry blossomed under public scrutiny. Meghan found solace and zen at the Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie that’s inside the Shangri-La Hotel. In a 2014 chat with Glamour, she called it her go-to spot for massages and facials.
Soho House
Instagram/@sohohousetoronto
In a short video shot for Holt Renfrew, Meghan described Toronto’s Soho House as her “working headquarters.” This members-only club is known for its celeb clients and the London location was where Meghan and Harry met for the first time. Back in her pre-Duchess days, Meghan managed to make an incognito appearance at the club’s Halloween party, according to journalist Katie Nicholl in her book, Harry: Life, Loss and Love.
Featured Image: Instagram/@novniel
Articles You May Be Interested In:
8 Canadian Fashion Brands The Royals Love
10 Affordable Brands That The Royal Family Loves
8 Of The Chicest Places To Check Out In Rosedale
Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Kensington Market
How Meghan Markle’s Fave Denim Brand Is Changing Lives