Explore Toronto’s vibrant nightlife


Whether you’re in Toronto for business or pleasure, it’s worth extending your day to check out the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.

An outdoor event at Assembly Hall. Image credit:
An outdoor event at Assembly Chef’s Hall. Image credit: Assembly Chef’s Hall

Whether you’re looking for great cocktails for one, a place to toast a business deal, or just a place to enjoy good food all night long, we’ve rounded up some of the best recommendations across the city.

Where to eat and drink

Baro Restaurant and Bar

This restaurant and bar is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its trendy, laid-back atmosphere over three different spaces. Relax in Baro’s dining room on the main floor to indulge in Latin American cuisine, or head to the seductive, dimly-lit second floor, affectionately known as Pablo’s Snack House, for drinks and sharing plates,  perfect for groups. 

If you’re dining solo, ask for a “Hot Seat.” These seats are near the open kitchen so you’ll be entertained by the chefs expertly preparing dishes. The rooftop Loft space is perfect for hosting private events or corporate parties.

Assembly Chef’s Hall

Enjoy the range of spaces and dining options at this popular eatery. Image credit: Assembly Chef's Hall
Enjoy the range of spaces and dining options at this popular eatery. Image credit: Assembly Chef’s Hall

Assembly Chef’s Hall has tons of room to mix and mingle, and 17 unique food vendors to cater to all palates. The counter service-style dining space (and the great people-watching) makes it a fun place to dine solo, but there’s also plenty of space for large groups.

MARBL Restaurant and Champagne Lounge

With upscale fare and expert service, you’ll feel like a VIP dining in the main room at MARBL. For a little more fun, use their custom vending machine to purchase a mini bottle of Moët, or head downstairs to Mademoiselle Champagne Lounge for bottle service.

Rosalinda Restaurant

 Enjoy a refreshing cocktail among the green leavy ferns at Rosalinda Restaurant. Image credit: Rick O'Brien
Enjoy a refreshing cocktail among the green leavy ferns at Rosalinda Restaurant. Image credit: Rick O’Brien

Vegans, vegetarians, and those just looking for delicious Mexican food and craft cocktails should head to the bright and airy Rosalinda Restaurant. Even in the coldest winter months, this vibrant space offers a dreamy setting and south-of-the-border cuisine.

Kojin Japanese Steakhouse

A wood-fired steak from Kojin. Image credit: Nadia Alam

Those familiar with the Momofuku Group and their legendary namesake restaurant will want to try out their new restaurant concept, Kojin, which just opened in June 2019. 

Kojin combines elements of a Japanese steakhouse with Latin American flavors, with meats and vegetables cooked over a wood-fired grill. If you’re a purist, Momofuku Noodle Bar is in the area, too.

d|bar Cocktail Lounge

In the luxurious Four Seasons hotel is the posh d|bar with its renowned drinks and expert mixologist, Melissa Hart. The drink menu changes regularly to include seasonal ingredients and to reflect timely events and holidays, plus there’s a food menu so can settle in for the evening. 

Its street-level location along trendy Yorkville Avenue in the affluent Bloor-Yorkville neighborhood makes for excellent views as the sun sets.

Get Well Bar

If craft beer is your drink of choice, you’ll want to head to Get Well for an impressive selection of bottled brews and taps. Spend the evening playing vintage-style arcade games at this casual spot and order a pizza for a late-night snack.

Snakes and Lattes Board Game Cafe

If you’re traveling with friends or colleagues and are looking for some low-key late-night entertainment, check out one of the four Snakes and Lattes locations for snacks, beer, hot drinks, and board games. All of the locations are open late daily, until 2 a.m. on weekends.

Royal Ontario Museum Friday Night Live

The Royal Ontario Museum opens its doors at night for a few months every year. Image credit: ElectriCITY Events
The Royal Ontario Museum opens its doors at night for a few months every year. Image credit: ElectriCITY Events

For a couple of months each year, the Royal Ontario Museum stays open late on Friday evenings, offering food vendors and bartenders for a unique night out.

Hotel hotspots

Toronto’s top luxury hotels are places to see and be seen. Not only are these hotels great places to stay to be near popular neighborhoods and attractions, but they’re also the perfect spots for meeting up for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap.

St. Regis Toronto

The Louix Louis bar at St. Regis Toronto. Image credit: St. Regis Hotel
The Louix Louis bar at St. Regis Toronto. Image credit: St. Regis Hotel

The first St. Regis hotel in Canada, St. Regis Toronto, just opened its doors in November and offers a range of upscale nightlife options. 

Most notably, take the elevator to the 31st floor for stunning views from Louix Louis restaurant and bar, where dark liquors are highlighted in the well-stocked bar and conversation is encouraged in the quiet, elegant room. 

Start your evening off in the Astor Lounge for the nightly champagne-sabering ritual and a drink or two in the elegant lobby lounge.

The Ritz-Carlton Toronto

A corner suite at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto. Image credit: Ritz-Carlton Toronto
A corner suite at The Ritz-Carlton Toronto. Image credit: Ritz-Carlton Toronto

At The Ritz-Carlton Toronto you’ll find an extensive assortment of classic and original-recipe cocktails at The Ritz Bar, including their famous martinis and liquid nitrogen-topped drinks.

Hotel Fairmont Royal York

Cocktail bar Clockwork. Image credit: Hotel Fairmont Royal New York

Hotel Fairmont Royal York recently underwent extensive renovations and added two new restaurants, and the buzzy champagne and cocktail bar Clockwork. Visitors to Canada will want to check out Reign restaurant for an all-day-and-night menu that focuses on different Canadian ingredients, cooking methods, and cuisine. 

Their historic Library Bar transforms from a spot for afternoon tea into a dark, seductive bar where whiskey is the star of the drink menu.

The Drake Hotel

If you want to party, head to Drake Underground in The Drake Hotel for live music and late-night drinks. For something a little tamer but still lively, their restaurant lounge serves up great food and drinks in a vibrant community hub that appeals to locals as much as visitors. 

In the summer months, enjoy the warm air and setting sun on The Sky Yard rooftop bar for city views. This is perhaps the ultimate Toronto nightlife spot to get a sense of the city and its people. 

Whether you’re traveling between attractions, on your way to a meeting, or need a ride home at the end of the night, book a Blacklane professional car service in Toronto. When it’s time to leave Toronto, be sure to check out our guide to Toronto Pearson International Airport.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Breanna Mroczek

Breanna is a writer and editor with a background in travel and lifestyle publications and projects. She was named one of the top 30 under 30 rising stars in media by FIPP network for global media.