The FIFA World Cup kicks off this Friday in Toronto, and with about 300,000 tourists expected to descend upon the city throughout the tournament, restaurants could be much more crowded than usual! To discourage no-shows, some restaurants and bars are adding a bit of fine print to their match-day reservations: diners can expect everything from minimum spends and timed seating to table fees, advance tickets and even credit-card guarantees.
Here’s what you can expect from some of your fave spots.
At The Parlour (642 King St W), expect structured seating and timed reservations for World Cup matches, with limited walk-in availability during high-demand games. You’ll have to arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff, and your reservation includes up to three hours of total experience time. And then there’s the minimum spend. For first-round matches, a $50/person minimum spend is required, while premium matches (including Canada games), knockout rounds and other high-demand fixtures are listed at $75 to $100/person, before tax and tips. Oh, and speaking of tips: an 18% gratuity will automatically apply during FIFA matches.
The Queen & Beaver Public House (35 Elm St) is also taking reservations throughout the tournament, although the venue warns that “seating is tough” and lists a $25/person minimum spend for the games.
At King Taps (100 King St W and 620 King St W), fans can reserve their spot for matches, with VIP table bookings available for groups of four or more (all reservations are subject to a two-hour maximum once seated).
World Cup viewing parties at RendezViews (229 Richmond St W) are first-come, first-served, with an RSVP guestlist available (and even that doesn’t guarantee entry or seating). For some matches, the restaurant warns that guests will need to give tables back as soon as the match ends so the patio can be cleared and reset for the next game (diners will have to exit the patio and line up again if they want to re-enter). If you want something a bit more secure, choose the “Best Seats in the House” table-request option.
At Gibbons Irish Pub (26 Duncan St), a cover charge may apply at the door for World Cup viewings for guests without advance tickets or reservations. Dublin Calling (250 Adelaide St W) is also using advance tickets for some World Cup watch parties: Canada’s June 12 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina is listed at $10 plus fees (this gets you game-time entry, but no front-of-line privileges).
In Little Italy, Café Diplomatico (594 College St) requires a flat $250 minimum spend per table for World Cup reservations, with each table accommodating up to five guests (the new policy reportedly comes after past tournaments where some guests reserved tables for big matches and then simply didn’t show up.
Fox on John (106 John St) is hosting World Cup 2026 watch parties all tournament long; just make sure to reserve a table early for big matches!
For both Man of Kent (202 Ossington Ave) and Roxton Public House (1112 Dundas St W), it’s first-come, first-served for June and July, with no reservations, guestlist, tickets or price increases. There is, however, a $25 minimum spend per person per game during the group stage. As always, communal seating is mandatory, and there’s no seat-saving.
Steam Whistle Brewing at the John Street Roundhouse is walk-in friendly, with no cover or ticket required. Elephant & Castle (212 King St W) is going a similar route, with seating offered on a first-come, first-served basis for all matches from June 11 to July 19.
Of course, there are tons of other FIFA watch parties you can attend, as well as community-based World Cup celebrations. Just make sure to check whether reservations or tickets are required before you head out!