Toronto's Top 5 Restaurant Wedding Venues

Photo: Frances Beatty Photography

As couples get more creative planning weddings in unique downtown locations, foodies are looking to restaurants to host their big day. Although restaurant receptions sometimes means a limited guest count (which can be a good or bad thing depending on if you're looking to make some tough cuts) what's sacrificed in seating is made up for in impeccable food.  Meals are typically made to order, and the experienced in-house staff means flawless execution.

Here are some of my favourite restaurant venues I've had the pleasure to DJ weddings at... 

5. George Restaurant - Queen St. East

George Restaurant, photo by Studio2000

If you're not paying attention, this Queen Street East hidden gem is easy to miss.

Unassuming from the outside, George's beautiful private dining room can accommodate up to 110 for a wedding reception. The menu emphasizes local, seasonable and sustainable ingredients, with an in-house sommelier to offer wine pairings.  There's a central courtyard which can host ceremonies and cocktail hour and guest suites available upstairs. They've even got their own spa in the basement!

website: George Weddings

4. Canoe - Financial District

Canoe Restaurant, photo by Jessilynn Wong

If your guests aren't afraid of heights, check out Oliver Bonacini's Canoe.

Perched above the Financial District on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, this power lunch locale provides stunning panoramic views of the city with a spectacular food and cocktail menu to boot. The dining room can accommodate receptions of 140 seated guests or 250 standing, and there’s and adjacent room that can serve as a ceremony space.

One of the city’s most unique venues, when party time comes guests will feel like they’re truly on top of the world.

website: Oliver & Bonacini Events

3. Archeo Trattoria - Distillery District

Archeo Trattoria, photo by Zsuzsipal Photography

It's impossible to walk through Toronto's Distillery District on a weekend without photobombing a wedding party. Among the several heritage buildings turned event spaces, it's not uncommon to see 3 or 4 brides congregated on the main Trinity Street any given Saturday. But of the Distillery venues, Archeo remains my favourite.

Located in the Distillery's old carpentry shop, Archeo's brick and beam design is a perfect spot to host an intimate reception. The room can seat up to 118 guests, and has an adjacent courtyard for ceremony and cocktails. The food here is excellent -- with Chef Joshua Dyer crafting menus that focus on local and sustainable choices. 

website: Distillery Events

2. Böehmer - Ossington Ave

Böehmer, photo by Ally + Nicolas

Chef Paul Böehmer brought his locally-inspired cuisine concept to the Ossington strip in 2010, adding the the growing number of trendy restaurants finding a home in this popular stretch. And a decade later, while the neighbourhood continues to evolve and other businesses have come and gone, Böehmer is still a mainstay in the area.

This intimate venue can accommodate both sit-down or cocktail style receptions, and the street-facing space at the front of the room — with its floor-to-ceiling windows — makes for a brightly lit ceremony location. The room’s decor and art reflects a lot of its creator’s rock n’ roll & Canadiana sensibilities. The menu is fantastic, and the service and staff is top tier.

Weddings here are always so special and it’s not uncommon to see Ossington bar crawlers stop in their tracks, trying to get a peek into the exclusive celebration.

website: Böehmer

1. Mildred's Temple Kitchen - Liberty Village

Mildred's Temple Kitchen, photo by Frances Beatty Photography

In the heart of Liberty Village, Mildred's Temple Kitchen is a beautiful restaurant with great food, exceptional staff and has the perfect layout for an intimate wedding reception... in fact, I recently had my own wedding reception here! Personal bias aside, it's one of the best venues in the city. 

Typically known for their famous pancakes and epic brunch lineups (which can reach up to 2 hour waits), Mildred's is also quickly becoming one of Toronto's most popular restaurant wedding locations. The menu is fantastic and the food is made to order, skillfully executed right before your eyes in the open kitchen.

Mildred's can accommodate up to 100 seated guests, and up to 200 for a cocktail-style reception. There's a couple options for ceremony location if it's happening on site. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows and simple, modern design make it a bright space that looks great as-is, with or without added decor.

website: Mildred's Temple Kitchen

Also check out my list of Top 5 Toronto Boutique Hotel Wedding Venues