Whether we like it or not, there’s a big shift toward a return to the office happening in the Greater Toronto Area, and that means team gatherings at unique private dining rooms in Toronto are making a comeback.
Return to the office and return to corporate events
Five years after the pandemic began, many individuals have become accustomed to enjoying the perks and privileges of working from home. No commute? Sweatpants? Yes, please.
But returning to work isn’t all that bad. There’s something to be said about in-person interactions and how beneficial they can be for our mental well-being. And no, I’m not talking about those gossipy water-cooler moments; I’m talking about getting out of the office with your team and colleagues and discovering those unique private dining spots in Toronto.
Many studies show how beneficial hosting corporate events can be for your team. One Forbes article highlights the positive effects corporate events can have:
- Improving company culture
- Building stronger client connections
- Fostering relationships with colleagues beyond the typical day-to-day
- Creating unique opportunities for collaboration and creativity to thrive
Your next private dining experience is not in King West
Now that you’ve decided to take your team out or plan a corporate event, where should you go? The private dining options in Toronto can be overwhelming, so we’ve broken down seven of our top recommendations for those looking beyond the typical spots in Toronto’s west end.
Toronto's east end boasts numerous intriguing spots, both historic and contemporary. Your office might be in the downtown core, but that doesn’t mean you have to host your next corporate event there.
Step away from the hustle and bustle, and you’ll discover hidden gems and unexpected private dining rooms in nearby neighbourhoods:
- Lawrence Market
- Cabbagetown
- Old Town
- Corktown
Best East End Spots for Private Dining Toronto locals love
Here’s a list of hidden gems in the east end, and by east, I mean east of Yonge Street and west of the Don Valley Parkway. So, if you’re downtown, these spots aren’t far—15 minutes by Uber at most.
The restaurants below all have private dining rooms, which vary in size, features, and price but are sure to impress your colleagues or clients.
Underrated classics
1. George on Queen
Neighbourhood: Old Town
Location: 111c Queen St. East
Opened: 2003
Private Room Pick: Georgian Room One
Capacity: 32 seated | 50 standing
Features: Secluded and elegant spaces that are artfully designed. Private dining rooms can accommodate up to 64 guests seated and 120 guests for standing cocktail events.
Menu highlights: Rack of lamb, scallop ceviche, duck breast
More info: George on Queen Private Dining Package
2. Biagio Ristorante
Neighbourhood: King East
Location: 155 King Street East
Opened: 1989
Private Room Pick: The Wine Cellar
Capacity: 18 guests
Features: Traditional and charming atmosphere with white tablecloths. Located in the historic St. Lawrence Town Hall Building. Private dining rooms can host up to 200 guests.
Menu highlights: Tiramisu, Roasted Rack of Lamb, Veal Medallions, Osso Buco
More info: Biagio Group Bookings
Make a reservation for Biagio easily on OpenTable:
3. Carisma
Neighbourhood: King East
Location: 15 Toronto Street
Opened: 2010
Capacity: 40 guests
Features: The private room features a bar for cocktails, a view of the wine cellar, and a private coat check. The restaurant is known for its impeccable service and authentic Italian food.
Menu highlights: Risotto Del Giorno, Four Cheese Gnocchi, Osso Bucco
More info: Carisma Restaurant Website
Upscale Texas-style BBQ
4. The Carbon Bar
Neighbourhood: Moss Park
Location: 99 Queen Street East
Opened: 2013
Private Room Pick: The Green Room
Capacity: 28 people seated | 40 standing
Features: 60” flat screen with HDMI, private wine bar and server. Unique restaurant serving comfort BBQ in a modern industrial setting.
Menu Highlights: Pitmaster Platter, Bison Burger, Korean Fried Cauliflower
More info: Carbon Bar Group Bookings
French with a feminine twist
5. Maison Selby
Neighbourhood: St. James Town
Location: 592 Shelbourne St.
Opened: 2020
Private Room: The Rose Room
Capacity: 32 seated | 35 standing
Features: This unique restaurant is located in the 139-year-old C.H. Gooderham House. It gives off Emily in Paris vibes – chic, modern, stylish, and fun.
Menu Highlights: French Onion Soup, Beef Tartare, Seared Duck Breast
More info: Maison Selby Events Package
Local Tip: There's a hidden speakeasy in the basement called Bar Sous Sol!
New kid on the block
6. The Joneses
Location: 33 Yonge Street, Unit 100
Opened: 2023
Neighbourhood: Financial District
Private Room Pick: The Kitt
Capacity: 32 seated | 40 standing
Features: Modern American, trendy, and cool, it has retro charm in a vibrant and eclectic space. It feels fancy but approachable.
Menu Highlights: Detroit-style pizzas, pressed sushi, premium steaks
More info: The Joneses Event Package
Private dining in Toronto’s historic Distillery District
If you haven’t experienced Toronto’s Distillery District, you’re missing out. Whether you’re visiting Toronto on a work trip or for leisure, it’s a must-see with its stunning 19th-century buildings and pedestrian-only pathways.
7. Cluny Bistro and Boulangerie
Location: 35 Tank House Lane
Opened: 2014
Neighbourhood: Distillery District
Private Room Pick: The Cluny Private Dining Room
Capacity: 64 seated or can be divided for gatherings of 24 or 40.
Features: Stunning aesthetics, including Aztec blue tiled floors. Eclectic, trendy, and casual atmosphere with a non-pretentious menu.
Menu Highlights: French Onion Soup, Hanger Steak Frites, Madame Duck Confit
More info: Cluny Private Room Details
New corporate buildings popping up in Toronto’s east end
Some companies are opting to relocate from the downtown core to Toronto’s east end. The stunning new St. Lawrence Market North building is one example of that. The newly redeveloped five-story building opened at 92 Front Street East on April 5, 2025, and now accommodates over 300 staff from Toronto’s Court Services.
The EQ Bank Tower is another example of an office building making strides in the east end. A 23-storey office building at 25 Ontario Street (at Adelaide Street East and Ontario Street) in Old Town is currently under construction and will attract even more workers to the east end.
Choose the east end for your next private dining experience
Private dining in Toronto’s east end means more parking options, less traffic and some truly unique spots. Don’t be afraid to get out of the downtown core and explore what Toronto has to offer.
Impress your colleagues by picking a hidden gem in Toronto’s east end for your next corporate event.
Custom Google Map
Resources
Return to Work Toronto
Why Social Interaction at the Office is Important- https://www.bupaglobal.com/en/your-wellbeing/healthy-mind/importance-of-social-interaction-at-work-and-beyond
- https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesagencycouncil/2019/09/04/five-reasons-why-your-company-should-consider-throwing-events/
St. Lawrence Market Redevelopment
EQ Bank Tower
Restaurant Sites
- https://www.blogto.com/restaurants/n/35/st-lawrence-market-toronto/
- https://www.opentable.ca/r/carisma-toronto
- https://thejonesesrestaurant.com/
- https://www.biagioristorante.com/group/
- https://clunybistro.com/
- https://www.maisonselby.com/
Private Dining Room Lists
- https://www.opentable.ca/private-dining/restaurant/1073137?lang=en-US&correlationId=18233f57-7fb1-46d4-8490-c1c077d73fa6
- https://torontolife.com/food/private-dining-rooms/
- https://www.opentable.com/private-dining/metro/toronto-ontario
