Theatre guide to Toronto

Although Toronto’s theatre scene is woven into the fabric of the city with mini theatre districts in Old Town and Queen Street West, it is the King Street West theatre district that is truly iconic, with its dazzling marquees, heritage venues, and prestige names.

The area is home to the Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, Roy Thomson Hall, and Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (where the Canadian Opera Company and National Ballet of Canada perform). All are within walking distance of one another, and Toronto’s Financial District hotel cluster. 

King West is itself part of Toronto’s Entertainment District, so there are a lot of options when it comes to planning an unforgettable night out. Here’s what we recommend.

Pre-show dining: Where to eat in Toronto’s theatre district

Start your evening at the best restaurants near the Princess of Wales Theatre, Royal Alexandra Theatre, and other King Street West theatres. 

Aanch

Recently recognized by the MICHELIN Guide, Aanch brings modern elegance to timeless Indian flavours. This intimate and upscale spot isn’t just vegetarian/vegan-friendly; it also features an authentic tandoor oven brought over from India. Premium ingredients, freshly ground spices, and attention to detail give their dishes a signature oomph.

Bar Hop 

Keeping it simple? Bar Hop is a cozy watering hole that boasts mouth-watering pub fare and a wide selection of craft beers. But don’t be fooled by this no muss, no fuss gastropub. Take one look at their rotating tap menu and you’ll know they mean business.

Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen

You haven’t really eaten in Toronto until you’ve had a taste of the local food scene’s rich Jamaican roots. Look no further than Chubby’s Jamaican Kitchen, the neighbourhood’s go-to for soulful hospitality and “likkle bites.” Stand on the top floor to watch the jerk pit grill in action.

Minami Toronto

Specializing in aburi (torched) sushi, Minami is a Toronto staple for high-end contemporary Japanese tapas and cocktails. Its theatrical interior and plates undoubtedly rival those of the show-stopping productions taking down the street.

PAI Northern Thai Kitchen

This local favourite needs no introduction: PAI’s reputation as one of Toronto’s best Thai restaurants is well deserved. With a warm and vibrant ambiance reminiscent of a classic Thai street market, their menu features endless delicious options for meat eaters, vegetarians/vegans, and even those who are spice-averse.

For a more elevated dining experience, check out their sister restaurant Kiin, a short walk away.

Piccolo Caffe E Vino 

Café by day and wine bar by night, Piccolo Caffe E Vino is the neighbourhood’s best-kept secret. Your search for delicious Italian plates and an expansive amaro selection is over. This hidden gem is upscale yet affordable, offering the perfect atmosphere for your pre-show dinner or post-show drinks!

Drinks & nightcaps: Bars near King Street West theatres

There’s no better way to extend your theatre experience than by debriefing over cocktails after the show.

Bang Sue Bar 

Trade the hustle and bustle of Toronto’s theatre district for the vibrant electricity of Bangkok’s night markets. An offshoot of Khao San Road, the electric Bang Sue Bar is tucked away on the popular restaurant’s second floor. Featuring Thai-inspired street food, tacos, cocktails, and desserts, the only thing more colourful than its interior is its menu.

Chamberlains Pony Bar 

Chamberlains Pony Bar isn’t just a timeless watering hole for the elevated equestrian. Its romantic interior pays homage to the old-school British pub (complete with televised horse races), while its menu boasts flavours from far across the pond… and south of the border. Their savoury Tex-Mex dishes pair well with an elegantly crafted cocktail or margarita (or both!), whether you find yourself in a booth and on a bar stool.

Coffee Oysters Champagne | à toi 

Simple meets sophisticated at Coffee Oysters Champagne, home of Canada’s most extensive sparkling wine list. Fusing the charm of Old World Paris with the cool of modern Toronto, this charming bar’s opalescent interior is as light and fresh as its signature oysters.

Modelled as a 1920s Parisienne hotel lobby bar, à toi is a speakeasy decked out in rich jewel tones and elegant furnishings. But heads up: à toi takes its secret bar status very seriously. Their strict no-photos policy is meant to preserve the spectacle and allure of the lore it draws upon.

More things to do along King Street West, Toronto

Got time to kill after a matinee? Here are other cool attractions in and around the Toronto theatre district.

401 Richmond

One of Toronto’s cultural epicentres, 401 Richmond is a historic warehouse that houses over 140 artists, organizations, galleries, shops, cafes and more. Explore the four-story urban oasis with a gallery map or by instinct: there’s something to be discovered on each floor (although Trinity Square Video is a personal fave).

Note: Admission is free, but some spaces may not be open to the public.

Escape Manor Toronto

Whether you’re looking for friendly competition or team collaboration, Escape Manor has all the bases covered. This immersive entertainment lounge features axe throwing, board games, darts, and a roster of high-quality escape rooms, each with a unique theme and varying levels of difficulty. Grab a drink or bite onsite, between rounds to celebrate your win—or to fuel up for your rematch!

TIFF Lightbox 

The TIFF Lightbox is a vital home for the abundance of independent, Canadian, and foreign films you won’t find in your average multiplex theatre. 

Beyond film screenings, you’ll find temporary exhibitions, the film-merch-filled TIFF Shop, and the comprehensive archives of the Film Reference Library (all are free to access).

The onsite café-bar, Varda, makes for the perfect pitstop, where you might just run into a familiar face from the big screen.

Practical tips

Public transportation: For cost, time, and fuel-efficient travel, public transportation and Bike Share Toronto can’t be beat. Toronto’s theatre district sits right on the 504 King streetcar line, and is also a short walk from the St. Andrew subway station.

Car parking: To locate nearby lots and street parking options, the Green P or HONK parking maps will be your secret weapon. 

Mirvish Productions offers four levels of underground parking with comparable rates, attendant supervision, and direct elevator access to the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Accessibility: Although older theatres may present accessibility concerns, Mirvish Productions strives to address mobility, vision, hearing, and sensory challenges at its Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra theatres. All theatres are equipped with barrier-free bathrooms and assisted-listening sound systems. Closed-captioning and audio description devices are also available on demand. 

Due to the unique character of each theatre, the location of seating, number of stairs and access to elevators will vary, so be sure to consult the venue access guide for more information.