TIFF 2026: Five Toronto Hotspots to Know Beyond the Red Carpet
Toronto’s TIFF season is about more than film premieres and red carpets. Once screenings wrap, the city’s restaurants, cocktail lounges, and nightlife spots become part of the festival experience.
For TIFF 2026, several Liberty Entertainment Group destinations are worth keeping on the radar, especially for visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of stars, musicians, athletes, and entertainment insiders away from the theatre.
Liberty Entertainment Group has built a large Toronto hospitality portfolio that includes restaurants, nightlife concepts, and event venues.
The company says its properties welcome a wide mix of A-list celebrities, sports figures, and industry leaders, making its venues natural places to watch as the city gets busier during festival season.
The Liberty spots to know
Cibo King
Cibo King has already played a role in TIFF’s after-hours scene. The King West restaurant previously hosted the Rogers Lounge, an invite-only gathering where studios, filmmakers, and guests could celebrate following screenings.
Its mix of Italian dining and a lively atmosphere makes it an easy choice for groups looking to continue the night after a film.
Powder Room
Yorkville’s Powder Room is the newer name on this list, but it has quickly gained attention. The supper club and cocktail lounge opened in 2025 and combines upscale dining, cocktails, music, and a stylish setting.
Nick Jonas has already appeared at the venue for an intimate performance. Liberty Entertainment Group executive Luca Di Donato told Toronto Life, “Securing Nick Jonas was the culmination of years dedicated to cultivating strong industry relationships,” highlighting the connections behind the venue’s high-profile events.
Paris Texas
For a louder night, Paris Texas brings a different energy. The Fashion District venue mixes country and sports-bar influences with cocktails, music, and a busy dance floor. Liberty describes it as a major destination in Toronto’s nightlife scene.
Past notable visitors have included Bebe Rexha, Tate McRae, The Kid LAROI, as well as players from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Raptors. During TIFF, its late-night setting could make it a natural stop after premieres and parties.
DaNico
Located in a historic bank building on College Street, DaNico offers contemporary Italian cuisine with modern Asian influences. The restaurant is led by Michelin-starred chef Daniele Corona and earned its first Michelin Star in 2024.
Shawn Mendes and Guy Berryman are among the notable names associated with the restaurant, adding to its appeal for guests looking for a polished dinner before or after a screening.
Don Alfonso 1890
For a more refined evening, Don Alfonso 1890 remains one of Liberty’s strongest celebrity-spotting destinations.
Set on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle, the Michelin-starred restaurant pairs modern Mediterranean cuisine with wide views of Toronto’s waterfront.
The Quick Guide
Here’s a quick look at what each spot is best known for during festival season:
- Best for dinner: DaNico and Don Alfonso 1890
- Best for cocktails and nightlife: Powder Room
- Best for a high-energy night: Paris Texas
- TIFF history: Cibo King previously hosted the Rogers Lounge
- Celebrity appeal: Liberty’s portfolio has hosted A-list celebrities, athletes, and industry figures
TIFF 2026 will bring plenty of attention to Toronto’s cinemas, but the festival’s social scene will stretch well beyond the red carpet.
From Cibo King’s TIFF history to Powder Room’s growing celebrity profile and Don Alfonso 1890’s polished dining room, Liberty Entertainment Group’s venues provides several ways to experience the festival atmosphere after the credits roll.
Which Liberty Entertainment Group spot would you pick for a TIFF 2026 celebrity sighting? Let us know in the comments.
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