Toronto event professionals weigh in on where attendees can experience Toronto's food scene. Explore notable nearby (map below!) restaurants, also great for groups.
Whether for a quick lunch, an intimate dinner for your top executives or a group event, the dining options around downtown’s Metro Toronto Convention Centre are varied and plentiful. Read on for recommendations from industry pros on where your delegates can experience the best of the city’s eclectic and noteworthy food scene.
EXPERIENCE GLOBAL FLAVOURS
1. Akira Back
Toronto is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and its diversity is reflected in the global cuisines and authentic flavours showcased at these innovative restaurants.
Lyndsay Munholland, event strategist and team lead at Managing Matters Inc., a full-service association and event management agency, recommends Akira Back at the Bisha Hotel. The first Canadian namesake restaurant for celebrated executive chef, Akira Back, the innovative menu is inspired by the flavours of his Korean heritage and modern Japanese cuisine, and the ambiance is sleek, with layers of gold detailing and carbon black finishes.
Bring your group: Seated dinners for up to 114 guests can be held in the main restaurant and a private dining room seats 22.
2. Chotto Matte
At Chotto Matte, delegates can experience the bold, unique flavours of Nikkei cuisine—a delectable fusion of Japanese and Peruvian culinary traditions. And with eclectic art installations, open kitchens and live entertainment, the vibe is electric. Diane Côté Mihalek, principal, DCM Event Management, who used this upscale, innovative resto for a dine-around, says her group raved about the food.
Bring your group: Private events can be hosted in the main dining room, patio or lounge, and full buyouts for 340 are available.
Reco: Diane Côté Mihalek, principal at DCM Event Management, used Chotto Matte for a dine-around and her group raved about the food.
Quick Bites and Entertainment
3. The Rec Room
When delegates are short on time, but want a diverse menu and entertainment, these nearby venues check all the boxes.
Guests can eat and play at The Rec Room at Roundhouse Park, with Canadian-inspired fare offered on the THREE10 menu and savoury snacks and sweet indulgences from THE SHED while enjoying virtual reality experiences, gaming and live entertainment. Yvonne Dewar, president, Elastic Communications & Events, says, “[it] has something for everyone — video games, car simulators, ping pong, pool and shuffleboard … a great way to meet new people or meet up with friends.”
Bring your group: Several spaces can accommodate group events, including The Hall which fits 400 for receptions. Full buyouts accommodate 1,200 attendees.
4. Real Sports
Favoured by music, entertainment and sports fans alike, Munholland suggests Real Sports in the heart of Toronto’s sports and Entertainment District. The menu showcases seasonal, local ingredients and the venue features two unique spaces: the Arena with a 39-ft. high-definition screen and a 100-ft. bar — the best way to experience a sporting event outside of an arena — and upscale lounge, Resto, with a live-music stage.
Bring your group: Full buyouts accommodate 900 and private suites and VIP rooms are available for small meetings.
UPSCALE DINING WITH HIGH-UP VIEWS
5. 360 Restaurant
When looking to impress the C-suite crowd with an elevated experience, these fine-dining restaurants deliver both outstanding cuisine and breathtaking views.
“Looking for a bird’s-eye view of the GTA? Book lunch or dinner at the CN Tower and while you enjoy your meals, 360 Restaurant will turn slowly so you can see miles around the city,” says Dewar, adding, “after dining – explore the glass floor and observation level.” 360 Restaurant boasts a regional and sustainably sourced steak and seafood menu, the best Ontario wines and an ever-changing view from 1,151 ft. above the city.
Bring your group: With space for up to 1,400 guests, venues include 360 Restaurant, the main observation level, meeting rooms and the Maple Leaf Cinema.
“Looking for a bird’s-eye view of the GTA? Book lunch or dinner at the CN Tower and while you enjoy your meals, 360 Restaurant will turn slowly so you can see miles around the city.”
- Yvonne Dewar, President Elastic Communications & Events
6. Don Alfonso 1890
When a restaurant is nationally and internationally acclaimed, including garnering a Michelin Star in Toronto’s 2022 Guide, named second in the Best Italian Restaurant in the World 2023 awards by 50 Top Italy, and most recently receiving Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence, you know your VIPs are going to be dazzled. In addition to showcasing the cuisine of the Amalfi Coast, Don Alfonso 1890, suggested by Munholland, offers unparalleled harbour and city views from its location on the 38th floor of the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel.
Bring your group: This elegant space can accommodate 82 for dinner and 120 for receptions.