Rooms To Dine For BACK

Old meets mod in the private dining room at Kultura.

 

Toronto is the city of plenty when it comes to event-friendly restaurants. For groups searching for the ultimate in über chic to the finest in wining and dining, establishments abound with ambience and cuisine to suit every palate and budget.

And when the occasion calls, skip breaking bread in public or semi-privacy. Many restaurants have dedicated VIP rooms where you can discreetly continue business negotiations over dinner or host that celebratory luncheon.

Here are a few of our favourite downtown hotspots with private dining space:

Kultura — Infuse a dose of urban cool into the occasion at this three-level resto-lounge on King Street East. A circa 1820's survivor of the Great Fire, mod design works superbly with the historic building's original brick and wood. After cocktails on the main, travel the glamorous back-lit stairway to a room of your own at the top.

Ornate black chandeliers hang low from the exposed beamwork ceiling over a lengthy dining table seating 35 maximum. Two original fireplaces and a trio of oversized mirrors punctuate wall space. A cozy lounge nook overlooks the St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood. Cuisine traverses the globe in tasting dishes for sharing, from fish and chips with truffle tartar to ghee naan with drunken yogurt. DJ, audio-visual and washrooms just for you. Capacity 35 sit-down; 65 reception-style. www.kulturarestaurant.com

The Eliot Room offers intimate elegance at George.

 

George — Gorgeous George should be the name of this restaurant, which is owned by Verity, the private women's club next door. Here, attention to detail runs high from the exquisite décor to the critically acclaimed tasting menu and wine pairings. Intricate wrought iron work, magnificent chandeliers and rustic antiques from around the world accent this upscale beauty.

Hidden behind antique wooden doors are the restaurant's private Georgian Rooms, three artfully designed rooms that merge seamlessly into one grand salon. Together the private rooms seat up to 80 for dining, 120 cocktails. For intimate events, the Eliot Room holds 12 for dinner. Georgian Room 1 seats 40 and Georgian Room 2, up to 30. The rooms flow out to an enchanting courtyard. Sundays and Mondays, pair the rooms with the main restaurant for events up to 200. www.georgeonqueen.com

A room with a view at Canoe Restaurant & Bar.

 

Canoe Restaurant & Bar — Indulge guests in a little Canadiana 54 floors above the city. Aside from being a powerbroker favourite and offering a breathtaking view from its TD Centre perch, this consistent high-ranking culinary star is a study in upscale subtlety and luxury. Inspired cuisine plays up seasonal regionality with masterfully plated presentations.

Two private dining rooms, with a panorama over the islands and lake, can be entered directly from the elevator lobby. The West room accommodates 24 sit-down; the East seats up to 40. Open the bubble glass and wood door partition for group events of 70 sit-down, 90 reception-style. On weekends, the entire restaurant is available for private dos. Capacity 140. www.canoerestaurant.com

Setting up in an Orchid Room at Ki Modern Japanese.

 

Ki Modern Japanese — With a swanky sushi counter, plush tête-à-tête booths and long cocktail bar, this cavernous glamour spot on the ground floor of BCE Place has ingratiated itself with Bay Street suits. Bold original art pieces and dark wood marry with polished steel and glass. In the East wing, just off the sushi bar, groups can tuck into their sushi, sashimi and sake in privacy.

Orchid Rooms A and B, with stunning portraits of the namesake flower presiding over each room, hold 24 diners together, 12 partitioned off. Orchid Room 2 offers a slightly more flexible space for sit-downs of 24, receptions of up to 40. Add in a sushi demonstration and tutored saki tasting to begin. www.kijapanese.com

Dine and meet in privacy at Brassaii.

 

Brassaii — Discreetly tucked into a courtyard off King West, this converted warehouse cum new-world bistro offers a warm casual elegance. Privacy is found in the back room, a 1,200 sq. ft. loft-style space with multi-set up versatility. A back entrance gives easy access to the room along with a private coat check and small reception area.

Huge beautiful sash-style windows offer coverings for when the onsite screen and projector are in use. An in-room bar, sound system and dedicated wait staff keep the service and mood flowing. Well-priced bistro fare receives the fusion touch and bread is freshly baked on-site. Capacity 60 sit-down; 120 stand-up. www.brassaii.com