Where to eat during TIFF 2015 by movie theatre location
TIFF 2015 is here and whether you've purchased tickets in advance or intend to score rush seats, you're going to get hungry. Between hopping from theatre to theatre and queuing up early to get a good seat, festival-goers need to be strategic about where to eat.
Here are my picks for the top places to eat near TIFF 2015 movie theatre locations.
TIFF BELL LIGHTBOX
During the opening days of the fest, King West in front of the Lightbox is closed to vehicular traffic so the best thing to do is grab takeout from a nearby spot like Union Juice or O&B Canteen and park yourself at a picnic table. Not as time starved or in need of libations? Mascot Brewery, Bar Hop or Khao San Road could be the answer.
ELGIN/WINTER GARDEN THEATRES
Need a jolt of caffeine or sandwich between screenings? Walk south to Dineen. Little Fin, Richtree Natural Market or Urban Eatery will work well if you're in a rush and don't need anything fancy. For something more substantial, join the crowds at Paramount, Bannock or Santouka Ramen. For a glam date night The Chase or Richmond Station are your best bets.
SCOTIABANK THEATRE
Get caffeinated at Dark Horse or stop by Kanga (savoury handheld pies) or Me Va Me Express (laffa sandwich) when you need to fill up while waiting in line. Dinner and a movie date nights should check out Pai Byblos or Peter Pan. Thoroughbred couldn't be more conveniently located for after screening cocktails. For beer and highlights of the Jays game there's The Ballroom or Queen St. Warehouse.
PRINCESS OF WALES and ROY THOMSON HALL
Just east of the TIFF epicentre, these two venues will be screening many of the galas and big buzz films. Get into the festive spirit with tacos and tequila on the patio of El Patio or indoors at El Caballito. For pizza and a movie your best bet is Pizzeria Libretto while Momofuku Noodle Bar, The Drake 150 and Ja Bistro are all popular date-worthy spots within short walking distance.
AGO
The Village By The Grange food court is your friend during TIFF offering an abundance of quick and easy edibles just steps from the theatre. Try Mean Bao if you're unsure where to start. If you're not in a rush head up McCaul to Baldwin Village where you'll find Kinton Ramen slinging bowls of noodles soup and Kekou scooping up Asian inspired gelato.
ISABEL BADER
Located on UofT campus means this theatre is slightly removed from the action. Your best bet is to head up to Bloor and dine in style at La Societe or Museum Tavern. Slightly more wallet friendly options include Asuka (sushi), and The Oxley (pub food). For a star spotting kind of night book well in advance to get in at Yorkville hotspots Buca or Kasa Moto.
THE BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA
The theatre in The Annex is well equipped to keep festival-goers fuelled on the cheap. Ghazi situated at the mouth of the theatre has all your juice needs covered, while The Common is a great alternative to all the chain coffee houses in the 'hood. If you've got time to kill between screenings get a table at Guu, but if you're in a hurry snag a slice from Za Pizzeria or falafel from Sarah's Shawarma.
RYERSON
Head to Bulldog Coffee or Balzac's when craving a coffee before queuing up. Quick bites are best had at Banh Mi Boys or Fresh East, while sit down spots Raijin, Guu Izakaya, Reds Midtown and Salad King are within walking distance. When your midnight screening lets out in the wee hours head to Lou Dawg's or Big Slice for some late night grub.
What did I miss? Add more places to eat during TIFF to the comments. Top photo of Mascot Brewery.
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