Reel Business Lunch: Where Suits films in Toronto
Hit American legal drama Suits doesn’t shy away from showing off the luxurious wardrobes of its characters – from tailored crisp suits for the fellas, to Dior and Prada for the ladies. But, with a NYC plot, the show’s Toronto filming grounds are kept on the down-low. We’ve, however, spotted some of the restaurants that made the cut, and they just so happen to fit the bill for a classy business lunch downtown.
Bymark
66 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5K 1K2When Jessica Pearson learns that Mike Ross lied about obtaining a law degree from Harvard (in Season 2, Episode 1), she takes him out for dinner, of course. Despite Mike’s charm, she knows he’s a fraud. But, as always, she remains composed…until she sees Harvey. They were at Bymark in the TD Towers, the heart of Toronto’s bustling financial district. This ultra-chic restaurant serves internationally Canadian dishes like grilled Korean-style chicken, hand-made linguine, shrimp tacos and daily oysters you can share as appetizers. It’s a go-to for many Bay Street professionals, making it a safe bet for business lunches.
Luma
350 King St W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5Harvey Specter walks into this classy Atlantic City restaurant in Season 2, Episode 6, to save his client from a napkin-deal he lost during a poker game. This casino diner is actually Luma at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, an upscale, yet cozy eatery with floor-to-ceiling windows brightening the space. With tables separated for just-enough privacy, this is the perfect place for business lunches. In a rush? Order the chef’s daily sandwich or chimichurri shrimp – ready in 45 minutes or less. Or, warm up the convo with Café Nanaimo, a cappuccino infused with spiced rum and a white chocolate liqueur.
1 Hotel Toronto
550 Wellington St W, Toronto, ON M5V 2V4Harvey’s and client Ava Hessington’s view from the Thompson Rooftop Lounge was pretty breathtaking – too bad it was interrupted by a murder arrest in Season 3, Episode 3. They could have stayed awhile, enjoyed the weather and Toronto skyline, before snacking on some sliders or fish tacos. The Rooftop Lounge is one of the downtown core’s great escapes from the office, and a refreshing environment to meet for business. Enjoy a creative cocktail with a selection or few from the small-but-delicious menu to nibble on.
The Consort Bar
37 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1E9And so they meet again (in Season 3, Episode 4), at the suave Consort Bar. Harvey sneaks up on Ava after Mike fools a Wall Street journalist from meeting her. This bar is located in the Omni King Edward Hotel on Yonge and King. It mimics an upper class British gentleman’s club with its brown and orange interior, patterned wallpaper, carpets and couches. With just a short stroll from King Station, this spot is easily accessible for a lunch meeting downtown. Enjoy simple, yet satisfying meals like grilled shrimp, soups, salads, club sandwiches, and other bites, big and small.
The Chase Fish & Oyster
10 Temperance St, Toronto, ON M5H 1Y4Things get fishy (in Season 4, Episode 3) when Mike walks in on Harvey’s meeting at what is actually Toronto’s The Chase Fish & Oyster. Since they’re battling on opposite sides of a takeover, he’s there to call Harvey’s bluff. The restaurant looks a tad different on the show; really, it boasts a themed décor of nautical blue and sailboat reminiscent wood panelling. The dish presentation is just as eye-catching as the beautiful interior. They serve up a delicious seafood menu, including large platters, named after Toronto streets (Yonge and Bay), which are great for group meetings.
Hy's Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar
265 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5H 2V1“They keep this place open late for you?” says Harvey to shady billionaire Charles Forstman (in Season 4, Episode 9), smoking his cigar all mellow and solo. The spot is actually Hy’s Steakhouse, a family-owned restaurant since 1955. Extremely spacious, with high ceilings and classic, timeless décor, this is an impressive business luncheon location. Hy’s is known for its aged New York steaks and extensive wine list. Available on the lunch menu are many salads and sandwich options. Not really in the mood for lunch? Talk business over the cheese toast for two and a glass of wine.
Locale Mercatto
330 Bay St, Toronto, ON M5H 2S8Harvey meets Louis Litt at this fine café (in Season 4, Episode 10) to help him secure a job since he committed a felony and was forced to resign from Pearson Specter. Louis must have been feeling the ambiance when he said, “This is Rome, you’re a gladiator and so am I,” because while this bellissimo spot is not quite Rome, it is Mercatto at Bay and Adelaide, a classic Italian restaurant serving delicious homemade dishes (chitarra alla carbonara anyone?). Reserve your seat and opt for the patio if you’re lunching for business (psst: it’s quieter there).
Momofuku Shoto
190 University Ave, Toronto, ON M5H 0A3Mike learned from the best, hitting the culprits when they least expect it. In Season 4, Episode 12, he initiates a meeting at what is, in reality, Momofuku Daisho, to save the not-so-noble Professor Gerard. Crisp and clean like a man in a suit, this spot – by the oh-so-classy Shangri-La Hotel – will impress business associates. Located on the third floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the streets of University Avenue, Daisho provides an elegant space for professional lunching. Enjoy a modern spin of Asian steakhouse, with individual and shareable dishes, like the hanger steak ssäm or the seafood platter.
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