Group dinners and celebratory events are best held in a private dining room. Your party can enjoy the company, food, and restaurant ambiance without worrying they are getting too loud or disturbing other tables in some way. So if you’re planning a dinner party for your family or colleagues, here are some of the best private dining rooms in Toronto you must check out.

Blu Ristorante

Looking for a private dining room in Yorkville, Toronto? Book Blu Ristorante. The restaurant features contemporary interiors that can serve as the perfect backdrop for your intimate group dining event. It offers a small private room that can accommodate ten to 26 guests and a medium semi-private dining room for 16 to 28 guests. Expecting 30 to 60 guests? You can reserve the entire mezzanine level for your large party. Best of all, the food is great! The group menus can even be customized to suit dietary needs or any theme. 

Gusto 101

Gusto 101 is popular for its private wine cellar that accommodates up to 20 people. With long wooden tables, warm decor, and a spacious area, Gusto 101’s industrial wine cellar is the perfect place to have a good conversation while enjoying family-style meals. The restaurant offers a wide selection of Italian dishes your group can enjoy sharing. If you have a larger group, you can opt for the rooftop or do a restaurant buyout to accommodate between 50 to 200 guests.

Barberian’s Steak House

Want another option for a wine cellar private dining? Check out Barberian’s Steak House. It features a private dining room housed in their beautiful wine cellar. The area is lined with over 1800 bottles and features elegant chandeliers to make the dining experience more luxurious. The area is also divided into two: the upper area can seat 14, while the lower can hold up to 30 people. What about the food? You can enjoy classic steakhouse offerings! 

Rodney’s Oyster House

Rodney’s Oyster House has been serving fresh seafood since 1987. So if your family or colleagues is fond of eating oysters and other seafood dishes, hold your dinner party here! This charming seafood restaurant has several areas for big groups, where guests can enjoy buffets, a full-table service, or family-style meals. You can even book a personal oyster shucker to shuck and dress oysters for the entire party during the private dining event. 

Richmond Station

Planning a dinner party for an intimate group of eight or ten? Check out The Pantry at Richmond Station. The Pantry is a semi-private dining room that comfortably seats twelve guests. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy an intimate gathering in a buzzy atmosphere. Plus, you can choose from several fixed-price menus, each featuring the famous Stn Burger! 

George Restaurant

If you fancy a tasting menu for your family dinner or a group party, head to George Restaurant. It offers inventive tasting menus that put a spotlight on the best local ingredients. Plus, it has three separate rooms for intimate dining events. Do you have a large party? You can open up the three private rooms into one majestic room for parties of up to 120 pax. 

Terroni Adelaide

Want to enjoy Italian classics with your group of friends? Planning an intimate dinner to celebrate a family milestone? Book a semi-private dining room at Terroni Adelaide. It also features a patio for al fresco dining, which is best enjoyed in the warmer months. Best of all, the restaurant offers a wide selection of Italian classics, from pasta & pizza to affogato. 

Bosk

Bosk is a chic private dining spot located in the exquisite Shangri-La Hotel. It features a modern room accentuated with wood panelling and creative lighting. It’s perfect for corporate dining events or any upscale group dinners you need to plan soon. The food is equally exquisite, too! Bosk serves Asian spins on modern Canadian cuisines. How many people can fit in Bosk? It accommodates 36 people for a seated party or 45 for a cocktail event. 

Planning a corporate dinner event may seem like a daunting task. You may need to scour the internet to find a good restaurant for your group. That’s not to mention you have to consider every guest’s dietary requirements when choosing a menu. But don’t fret, as we’re here to help. Here are some tips on how to plan a corporate dinner event. 

Find a restaurant in a good location.

What are the considerations when looking for a restaurant for a corporate dinner event? First, find a restaurant that can accommodate your group size. So it’s essential to finalize the number of attendees before booking a restaurant. Also, you have to consider the restaurant location. Is it near your main office? Are your guests coming from a hotel? Be sure to consider the distance from the hotel or office to ensure the guests won’t arrive late and potentially miss their meal. And once you find the perfect venue, book it promptly.

Reserve a private or semi-private dining room.

Is the event more than a dinner? Will there be speeches, awards or presentations? It might be better to reserve a private or semi-private space rather than booking multiple tables. A private dining room will have enough space for everyone and the activities you plan to do. Also, it often has the AV equipment you need for speeches or presentations. Go for semi-private rooms if you don’t have a program set but still want to experience exclusivity. 

Ask the guests about their dietary needs.

Since it’s a dinner event, it’s crucial to consider the dietary requirements of each guest. So go out of your way to ask the guests before finalizing the dinner menu. It’s also best to include vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. If someone requests a low-carb meal or a gluten-free dish, make sure to inform the restaurant. And don’t forget the specific allergies your guests bring to your attention. Plan and coordinate with the restaurant promptly; most chefs will accommodate your requests and be happy to offer you various suitable options.  

Pre-select wines, cocktails and other beverages.

Beverages can be one of the highest costs at corporate dinner events. If you don’t want to go over your budget, coordinate with the restaurant to only offer beverages within your budget. Ask to pre-select wines, cocktails and other beverages you want to include in the drinks menu. This way, your guests will still have suitable options when the waiter comes around.

Don’t forget about the event swags.

Giving your guests a swag bag after the event is an effective way to promote your brand. So after settling on the menu and venue, plan the gift bag next. You can include some of your products or items that best resonate with your brand. Make sure the bag is well-designed with your logo. You can even design it with the corporate dinner theme in mind. And don’t forget to include a thank-you note. Pro tip: if your budget permits, opt for high-quality swag items rather than the mass-produced plastic items often handed out at trade shows. 

Allow some time for networking.

Since it’s a corporate dinner event, allow your guests to have some time for networking. Consider scheduling around 30 minutes for it. That will give your guests a chance to meet each before they sit down for dinner. It will also help give people who may be running late a chance to arrive on time for the meal. Prior to the event, be sure to inform your guests about the dedicated time for networking. That way, they will be prepared to bring their business cards, handouts, or any items they may want to give to other people at the dinner event. 

Planning a corporate dinner in Yorkville? Come to Blu Ristorante. 

Located in the heart of Yorkville, Blu Ristorante’s luxurious and contemporary interiors set the perfect backdrop for your corporate dinner event. We offer private dining rooms that accommodate ten to 60 guests; you can also reserve the entire restaurant for up to 110 guests. Best of all, we have a trained staff ready to help make your event smooth, fun and memorable. We can arrange pre-set menus, audio-visual equipment, flowers etc. 

Give us a call today. Let’s talk about your corporate dinner plans.

The holiday season is here, which means it’s time to start planning for your office party. Toronto is buzzing with restaurants, pubs, and clubs, but when it comes to a corporate party, you want to pick the best venue to make sure your colleagues have a memorable experience.

Here are the 10 best Toronto restaurants you can consider to host your upcoming holiday party. 

1. Blu Ristorante

Located on Avenue Road, Yorkville, Blu Ristorante is an exquisite Italian restaurant, offering lip-smacking food, a tasteful interior, and a dedicated space available for hosting private parties or events. The exclusive menu created by Chef Eric Bucher, Pradhan Jan, and the team gives you the taste of authentic Italian cuisine with a contemporary touch. This place has a capacity of hosting 110 guests, which makes it the perfect venue for your upcoming office holiday party. 

2. Sassafraz

Sassafraz is situated in the heart of Yorkville, boasting a beautiful interior and a soothing ambiance. You could choose to dine inside with your colleagues, enjoying the greenery on the walls, or you can host your party in the outdoor dining area on the patio. Here you can enjoy Canadian cuisine from Sassafraz’s seasonal menu curated by chef Geoff Webb. 

3. Momofuku

Another great place for hosting a corporate party in Toronto would be Momofuku. Situated on University Avenue, Momofuku impresses guests with its stunning interior, Asian cuisine with a modern touch, and a wide variety of options available on the menu. There are 3 levels of seating arrangements available—Noodle Bar, Nikai, and Kōjin. They are suitable for office parties with up to 120 attendees. 

4. New Orleans Seafood & Steakhouse

If you have a small number of attendees for your upcoming Christmas or new year’s party, New Orleans Seafood & Steakhouse located on Scarlett Road, Toronto, would be a great option. The aesthetic interior and the melody of jazz tunes put you in a good mood instantly. Their menu consists of fresh seafood, pasta, desserts, wine, and more. The place is open for sit-down dinners or corporate parties for up to 40 guests. 

5. Moxies Toronto Downtown

Moxies is yet another cool place that will make your office holiday party extra happening. Located on University Avenue, this place has an easygoing vibe, with a chef’s special menu for events offering scrumptious food. The modern interior makes guests feel at home, making it a perfect choice for your next event. 

6. Auberge du Pommier 

If you want to serve French cuisine at your holiday party, consider Auberge du Pommier, located on Yonge Street. During this time of the year, you can enjoy Chef Doug Penfold’s special menu, and indulge in your choice of drinks, be it wine, beer, or cocktails. The French country-inspired architecture and interior decor make the dining experience truly authentic, and it’s also perfect for your office party. 

7. Carisma 

This Toronto Street restaurant marvels its guests with its simple and tasteful interior, warm hospitality, and Italian cuisine. You can host formal corporate events or holiday parties here during the upcoming festive season. 

8. Madrina 

This one’s an ideal venue if you’re planning to have a sit-down holiday dinner with your colleagues. Located on Trinity Street, this place boasts a charming interior. Here you can indulge in Spanish tapas by Chef Ramon Simarro and a wide array of drinks including imported wine and gins. 

9. The Sultan’s Tent & Cafe Moroc 

The Sultan’s Tent & Cafe Maroc on Front Street, East Toronto is a well-known Moroccan restaurant. If you want to jazz up your corporate party and make it out of the box, this place is just what you’re looking for. The vibrant interior, the cozy vibes, and the use of textured fabrics, rugs, and cushions create a warm atmosphere, making your celebration a lot more joyous. Enjoy delicious dishes from their Moroccan-French menu and a variety of cocktails to complement the meals. It can host office parties with up to 200 attendees. 

10. Terroni – Adelaide

Located within the York County Court House, Terroni Adelaide has a warm and welcoming ambiance. The stellar dining room and the blend of modern styling with age-old architecture catch your eyes instantly, while the carefully crafted food menu delights your tastebuds. Terroni has a dedicated space for hosting corporate parties for up to 350 people, which makes it a great pick if you’re hosting a grand holiday celebration. 

To book corporate events and parties at Blu Ristorante, Yorkville, contact us here. 

• As the patio season comes in, people start to crave spending more time outdoors. And the easiest way to do that is to dine out the al fresco way. But what exactly is al fresco dining? 

What’s with the term? What is al fresco dining?

Al fresco is an Italian term that means “in the fresh air” or “in the shade.” Dining al fresco simply means eating outside or out in the open air. But you shouldn’t confuse it with going on a picnic and eating at the park while sitting on a blanket. Al fresco dining typically involves comfortable seating, refined tablescapes, and a casual yet party-like atmosphere. 

What does al fresco dining include?

Al fresco dining can take many forms and happen anywhere—from cafes and gastropubs to lavish restaurants. But generally, here are the ever-present elements of this type of dining:

• Outdoor setting: A defining characteristic of an al fresco dining experience is it takes place out in the open air. So when you dine out and are offered to eat al fresco, you can expect to be seated on a patio, terrace, or rooftop bar. 

• Warm weather: Restaurants usually offer al fresco during warm weather or patio season. It’s a good way to experience the cheerful weather with your loved ones. Some patios are heated to ensure a good temperature during breezy summer nights.

• Casual party-like atmosphere: Patios and terraces for al fresco dining are often decked with lounge furniture, plants, umbrellas, awnings, and other elements that make the space casual and welcoming. These spaces can usually seat ten or more to truly create a party-like atmosphere perfect for hanging out or people-watching. 

What are the common al fresco dining ideas?

While restaurants can technically serve any food or drinks al fresco, here are some dining ideas that are perfectly suited to an outdoor setting: 

• Candlelit dinners: Having a candlelit dinner on a tree-lined patio while gazing at the stars and listening to soothing live music sounds romantic. And that’s exactly what you can get in some patio restaurants in Yorkville. It’s a great dining option for anniversaries and other special occasions with your lovely spouse or partner. 
• Afternoon tea: There’s nothing more elegant than enjoying your afternoon tea the al fresco way. You can enjoy your tea and biscuits or finger sandwiches while relaxing under the shade of a luxurious-looking parasol on a gorgeous street-level patio.

• Special or seasonal menus: Most restaurants create a special menu for their al fresco diners. They use seasonal produce and offer meals perfect for the outdoor setting. These could include summer salads, barbecue classics for sharing, grilled peaches with mascarpone cream, and fruit-filled desserts suitable for the weather. 

What are the other benefits of al fresco style dining?

Still on the fence about the al fresco style? Here are a few more reasons to consider it:

It’s relaxing and helps improve your mood. 

Dining in the open air improves your mood and helps you relax. After shopping or walking around the neighborhood for hours, stop by one of the patio restaurants nearby. Order a cup of tea or a salad plate, ask to be seated on a patio or rooftop terrace and enjoy the view. You will surely feel relaxed as you hang out and enjoy the al fresco-style dining. 

It’s less cramped than indoor dining.

Patios and terraces suited for al fresco dining are often less cramped than indoor restaurants. The tables and chairs are usually spread out to maximize the space. So if you prefer proper social distancing when dining out these days, al fresco dining is perfect for you.

The al fresco style is also conducive for intimate conversations or heart-to-heart talks, given the open space and distance between tables. It’s great for dates and catch-ups with friends.

Food tastes better when enjoyed outside.

We’ve said it: food tasted better when enjoyed outside. It’s all because of the atmosphere—from the open air & lush greenery to chill music and soft lighting. You will surely relish your laidback lunch with friends or dinner dates with your spouse. 

Final words 

Because of its outdoor setting and casual yet intimate atmosphere, al fresco dining is a good alternative to the traditional indoor dining experience. So as the warm season comes in, maximize your time outside by dining in one of the must-try patio restaurants in your area.

Have an upcoming event in Toronto but not sure how to pick a venue? 

If you’re looking for a place in downtown Toronto, there are quite a few Yorkville restaurants with private dining rooms, beautiful patios, and good food. 

But before you finalize and reserve a place for the event, you have to keep in mind some vital factors. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the perfect event venue in Toronto. 

1. How’s the Ambiance? 

The ambiance of the venue sets the mood of the event. Whether it’s a corporate event or a private celebration, you don’t want the venue to be so loud and happening that you can hardly spend quality time with your guests. Look for a place that has a soothing and cheerful atmosphere, where both you and your guests will have a gala time, and the event will be a success. 

2. Convenient Location

When you’re choosing a private dining event venue, the location has to be easily accessible for everyone. So try to pick a place that’s situated in a well-connected locality, where there are ample amounts of public transport available. If you have people coming over from different cities, it’s important they can easily navigate the venue without complications. 

3. Seating Capacity

Another crucial thing you have to consider is the seating capacity of the place you’re booking. If you have a guest list of 20 people, you don’t need a massive venue—a small one or a specific portion of a larger venue would be sufficient. And likewise, if your event will have a large number of attendees, you need a space that can comfortably accommodate all the people. Before you finalize a venue, take a look at the available space yourself, and inquire with the manager of the venue about its seating capacity. 

4. Parking Capacity 

Not just seating, you’ll also have to make sure the venue has enough parking space for your guests. It’s always a good idea to have a prior estimate of the number of cars you’d be expecting because a lack of parking area could create a big mess on the day of the event. Check with the venue manager for the parking capacity of the space you’re planning to book. 

5. Is It Indoor or Outdoor? 

When you’re hosting an event, you can choose either an indoor space or an outdoor space as the venue. Indoor seating or private dining rooms are often the most preferred option, because they keep you protected from unpredictable weather changes, offer privacy, and feel cozier in general. But if the event is during summer or fall and there’s no chance of rain, you could very much enjoy your event under bright sunshine. So first decide whether you’d like to go outdoors or indoors, and then find a suitable place. 

6. What’s on the Menu? 

A vital part of your event is the food. Before deciding on a venue, know about its catering menu, the cuisines and drinks that they will be serving, and whether you can customize the menu or not. If you’re booking a restaurant, you might speak to the chefs about their specialty dishes that will surely impress your guests. 

7. Bonus Tip: Plan in Advance 

Be it a personal or corporate event, the key to a successful event is to plan in advance, if possible. From budget to guest list, food, venue, and other logistics—you’ll be able to manage everything perfectly when you have enough time at hand. Moreover, restaurants Toronto with private dining rooms can get reserved quite fast, so the earlier you make your booking, the better.

Private Dining Toronto: Book Blu Ristorante for Events 

If you’re looking for Yorkville restaurants with private dining rooms, Blu Ristorante is the best place you can find. Thanks to the beautiful interior, charming ambiance, and lip-smacking authentic Italian food, it has become a popular venue for the corporate events Toronto offices host. Here you get to experience the best private dining Yorkville has to offer, thanks to the mezzanine level that’s ideal for romantic dinners, large gatherings, or any other event. 

Read in detail about our private dining facility here, and contact us at [email protected] for making a reservation.