Choosing a rehearsal dinner space can be just as challenging as finding a wedding venue. You will need to know your party size, have a budget in mind and offer an agreeable menu for most of your guests. Luckily in Toronto, we have a good selection of unique restaurants to suit a variety of tastes. Keep reading for 10 restaurants for a Toronto wedding rehearsal dinner.
Ruby WatchCo
Ruby WatchCo continuously receives high reviews for its food and service with celebrity Chef Lynn Crawford leading the charge. Located on Queen St. E. just East of the DVP, this restaurant is worth venturing a little bit out of the main downtown core for.
Fare: Comfort food
Price: $$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Private dining upstairs for up to 24 people, or 30 with six guests seated around a separate island
- Restaurant buyout: 40 guests (maximum 60 seated)
Additional details: Price per person includes a set menu of salad, main course with sides, cheese plate and dessert and wine pairing.
More information: Ruby Watchco
The Good Son
Located on Queen St. West, The Good Son comes from chef Vittorio Colacitti, as seen on Top Chef Canada. The food features a variety of cuisines that deliver satisfaction to its patrons along with its cozy ambiance.
Fare: Cross-cultural mix
Price: $$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Semi-private dining (in a part of the restaurant) for up to 20 people
- Dining (main area) for possibly up to 40 people, with full pre-set dinner
- Restaurant buyout: 40+ guests (maximum 120 seated)
More information: The Good Son
Drake One Fifty
In the heart of Toronto’s Financial District lies the Drake One Fifty. The restaurant draws its inspiration from and gives a modern Canadian take on classic historic brasseries and taverns, remaining a popular hot spot for tourists and Torontonians alike.
Fare: Upscale Canadian
Price: $$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Dining (main area) or semi-private dining in a section of the restaurant for up to 100 people (plus up to 80 on the patio, available seasonally)
- Restaurant buyout: maximum 125 guests plus 80 on the patio, available seasonally)
More information: Drake One Fifty
Lee
Nestled within downtown Toronto, Lee is stylish, urban and inviting. Culinary experiences with celebrity Chef Susur Lee make this restaurant unique and their private dining room offers an intimate space for a group.
Fare: Asian French fusion
Price: $$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Private dining room 10-30 guests
- Restaurant buyout and semi-buyout options available
Additional details: Celebrity chef Susur Lee offers unique dining experiences for private parties including cooking class in the kitchen and custom roaming bar cart service.
More information: Lee
Sassafraz
Located in the heart of Yorkville, this modern restaurant serves up French-inspired cuisine. The downstairs dining room features a waterfall wall and green wall, for an organic yet elegant backdrop. Upstairs offers a couple options, including a private balcony and private dining space.
Source: Sassafraz
Fare: French-inspired Canadian cuisine
Price: $$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Restaurant offers a number of options for semi-private and private dining
- Separate restaurant buyout options upstairs (110 seated) and downstairs (150 seated) with minimum spends on food and beverage
Additional details: Time windows for bookings of over 10 people on a Friday or Saturday are at 6pm-9pm or 9pm-11pm (end of night). Comprehensive details can be found on the Catering section of their website.
More information: Sassafraz
Böehmer
With a chic and modern decorated flair, Böehmer on Ossington Avenue lends a rich atmosphere to its patrons without feeling pretentious. If you’re looking for a trendy space with French fare, this would definitely fit the bill.
Fare: French-inspired dishes and seasonal drinks
Price: $$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Private dining for up to 20 people
- Semi-private dining at the back of the restaurant for up to approximately 30 people
- Restaurant buyout: up to client; dinner service seats 76 guests in entire restaurant (maximum 100 if buyout)
More information: Boehmer
BOSK
The signature restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel, BOSK delivers Asian-inspired but distinctly Canadian modern cuisine made with seasonal, regional ingredients. If you’re having your wedding at the Shangri-La, it’s all the more reason to host your rehearsal dinner in the sleek and sophisticated atmosphere that BOSK can provide you.
Fare: Asian-Canadian
Price: $$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Private dining for up to 30 people (in fall and winter); for spring/summer, inquire with the restaurant
- Restaurant buyout: maximum 60-80 guests
Additional details: In the summer months, the restaurant offers table service for 40.
More information: Bosk
Auberge du Pommier
Another restaurant with French Cuisine, Auberge du Pommier is greatly suited for a fine dining experience and has received raving reviews for its food and customer service. An Oliver & Bonacini restaurant in North York, Auberge delivers a decadent and satisfying experience, though it comes with a high price tag.
Fare: French
Price: $$$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Private dining for up to 30 (Sophie Room) or 48 people (Oscar Room)
- Restaurant buyout: maximum 145 guests
Additional details: The beautiful garden terrace may be a preferable choice for your rehearsal dinner instead of one of the indoor, private rooms.
More information: Auberge Du Pommier
Canoe
This restaurant is known for the fantastic view and always tops restaurant lists for being the best in the city. Their private dining space opposite the restaurant offers a private dining experience with floor to ceiling views of the water. The room can be split into two for a smaller group or used as one large dining space. Minimum spends will apply to book the private dining spaces.
Fare: Canadian
Price: $$$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- West room: 24 seated, 40 reception
- East room: 40 seated, 60 reception
- West and East room combined: 64 seated, 100 reception
More information: Canoe
TOCA
Toca is an iconic Canadiana inspired restaurant, with the name standing for Toronto, Canada. Located in Toronto’s Performing Arts & Theatre District, TOCA lies within the Ritz-Carlton hotel and features a unique take on Italian cuisine with seasonal flavours and local produce. If you want an indulgent experience, this would be a great place to have it. Bonus: For an extra special personal touch, create unique charger plate designs for your guests from the resident artist.
Fare: Italian and Canadian
Price: $$$$
Rehearsal dinner options:
- Private dining for up to 12 people or seating at the chef’s table for 10
- Semi-private dining for up to 27 people in the front bistro
- Restaurant buyout: maximum 105 guests (up to 220 if including outdoor space, available seasonally)
Additional details: TOCA features a selection of 35 local and international cheeses, some of the most acclaimed varieties in the world.
More information: Toca