Local event-planning professionals weigh in on the best restaurants in downtown Toronto where conference attendees can experience the city’s diverse food scene.
The dining options around downtown Toronto’s Metro Toronto Convention Centre are varied and plentiful. Whether you’re looking for a spot to host a quick lunch, an intimate dinner for your top executives or a group event, read on for recommendations from event-industry pros on where your delegates can experience the best of the city’s eclectic and noteworthy food scene.
1. Akira Back
Best for: Experiencing global cuisine
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.
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
Best for: Experiencing global cuisine
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, has used this upscale, innovative resto for a dine-around event, and 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.
3. The Rec Room
Best for: Quick bites and entertainment
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 menu, all while enjoying virtual reality experiences, gaming and live entertainment. Yvonne Dewar, president, Elastic Communications and 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
Best for: Quick bites and entertainment
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-foot high-definition screen and a 100-foot bar—the best way to experience a sporting event outside of an arena—and an 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.
5. 360 Restaurant
Best for: Upscale dining with good 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 feet 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.
6. Don Alfonso 1890
Best for: Upscale dining with good views
When a restaurant is nationally and internationally acclaimed, including garnering a Michelin Star, named second in the Best Italian Restaurant in the World 2023 Awards, and receiving Wine Spectator’s 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.