As the Toronto International Film Festival is host to premieres, galas, parties and celeb sightings, there’s another fun way to be in the same room as the rich and famous.
That is, to find out where they dine in their spare time.
This year the festival takes place September 5 to September 15, and like years before, you might spot stars of the silver screen in various upscale establishments around the downtown core.
One of those might be Marked Restaurant. Located at 132 John Street in Toronto’s bustling Entertainment District, Marked is a place where culinary artistry meets warm hospitality, offering an immersive dining experience that is both an experience, and best in class.
In 2023, their TIFF parties included Anatomy Of A Fall, Perfect Days, We Grown Now, Seagrass, His Three Daughters, Day of Happiness, Robot Dream, New York Times cocktail reception, and Australian High Commission. Actors like Simon Baker and Swann Arlaud enjoyed last year’s dining experience.
This venue effortlessly combines urban elegance with downtown energy, offering a culinary and visual journey, that celebrates the rich culture and flavours of South America, now complemented by additional tastes from around the world.
The restaurant is divided into multiple distinct spaces, each offering a unique atmosphere. The Pan-Am Lounge channels a Miami-like vibe with its chic, vintage style reminiscent of the 1950s Pan American airport lounges. This area is perfect for cocktail receptions and private tastings, with a capacity of 60 guests standing.
The Comedor dining room, adorned with vintage-style South American travel posters and oversized chandeliers, offers a more intimate setting for seated dinners and presentations. The Tucano private dining room, with its vibrant rainforest-inspired decor, provides a secluded space for smaller gatherings. The Corsair cocktail bar, located at the back, is a modern space dedicated to crafting inventive cocktails, blending tradition with high-tech alchemy.
Marked’s menu is a celebration of South American cuisine, featuring a mosaic of flavors from Brazil, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The culinary philosophy is centered around live wood-burning cooking, using local ingredients to create dishes that are both traditional and contemporary. The menu is designed for sharing, with a variety of small plates that allow diners to explore a wide range of flavors.
Signature dishes include the Octopus Tostada, featuring crispy tortilla, avocado, charred jalapeño, and cilantro crema, and the fresh Argentinian Empanada, filled with braised short rib and house chimichurri. The restaurant also offers a selection of grilled meats, such as the Brazilian-inspired picanha, served with chimichurri and piri piri sauces. For those seeking lighter options, the ceviche, made with fresh fish, avocado, and Peruvian corn, is a standout choice.
The Kale Salad is like a half-meal in a bowl, containing crunchy breadcrumbs flavoured with rosemary and garlic; aged Italian cheese, organic kale, arugula, pickled pearl onions and “green goddess dressing.” The grilled chicken wings are a beautiful appetizer, where you and a date can each sample a few of these spicy joys, that slip right off the bone. The Lamb Sirloin, with barbacoa marination, olive puree, aged balsamic, is a real presentation treat, as well as the right kind of tender.
Marked boasts an impressive beverage selection, with a strong focus on handcrafted cocktails. The Corsair bar offers a bespoke cocktail menu that includes innovative drinks like the Costa Colada, a playful take on the classic Piña Colada, and the Spring cocktail, a floral and herbaceous concoction served in a round bottle. The restaurant also features a selection of homemade sodas and non-alcoholic cocktails, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
The open-air bar and spacious outdoor seating make it an ideal spot for enjoying a meal on a warm summer evening. The service is friendly and attentive, with a team server approach that ensures guests’ needs are met promptly.
A special hat tip to Peter, who served Swagger’s table attentively, professionally and with excellent answers to our questions about menu items.
Marked Restaurant is a culinary gem in Toronto, with its diverse menu, inventive cocktails, and vibrant ambience. It is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the rich flavours and spirited traditions of Latin American cuisine.
Whether you’re planning a casual brunch, an elegant evening soirée, a lively celebration, a celebrity party, or a romantic dining experience, Marked is the bull’s eye.
