With the arrival of TIFF, Fairmont Royal York has introduced a limited TIFF 2026 menu at REIGN and I was invited to sample it! The prix fixe menu features innovative seafood and beef dishes overseen by Executive Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme and is the perfect meal to enjoy before or after a TIFF screening.
We arrived on the first day of TIFF – Thursday, September 10, 2026 – and were seated in one of the intimate rooms at REIGN. The warm, candlelit aesthetic was created with oak wood panelling, green velvet chairs, and murals of Ontario farms and leaned towards traditional, but with a contemporary touch. Our server, Mohammed, introduced himself and offered us cocktails or wine to start. As I don’t drink, I ordered an orange juice, while my dining partner – my mom – ordered a Riesling…her favourite wine.
One of the restaurant’s sommeliers, Jason, handpicked a Hidden Bench 2020 Riesling from Felseck Vineyard. Jason explained that many excellent vintages do not appear on the shelves of the LCBO because the small quantity did not meet the minimum requirements for the Ontario government retailer. My mom enjoyed this fruity Riesling, although she found it a bit too acidic.
We started with Oysters & Champagne, which were two Colville Bay oysters in a sauce of Champagne Granita, cucumber, green apple, with Maison Kaviari Caviar. The oysters were on a plate of salt to prevent their shells from spilling the exquisite juice. These oysters were plump and meaty and had a sweet aftertaste. I loved the refreshing addition of cucumber and apple, which balanced the brininess of these sea morsels. The rich-tasting caviar from the premium Parisian caviar specialist just elevated this appetizer to a new standard.
The second course was a Seared Sea Bass on a bed of smoked leeks, wild mushrooms and roasted corn with a sauce Américaine. Executive Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme focuses on local ingredients so it was great to see that he had incorporated wild mushrooms, corn and in the next dish, spinach, which are all currently in season in Ontario. This dish hit all the high notes: the fish was melt-in-your-mouth tender while the leeks and wild mushrooms provided a burst of earthy flavour. I did sidestep the corn as I’m not a huge fan of that yellow vegetable, but the sauce Américaine was satiny smooth. The portion was well considered: not too large, since it was not a main course item, but just enough so that you could really taste the delicious bass. This dish inspired me so much that I plan to make a seafood recipe with leeks and wild mushrooms!
Now for the star of the night: Beef Tenderloin “Rossini”, which was served with seared Foie Gras, wilted spinach, pomme purée, brioche and truffle jus. The filet mignon was perfectly cooked “Medium Rare” as we had requested and it was a sizeable piece of meat! I had trouble finishing it and I was hungry! I took a few bites of the silky, savoury Foie Gras, but couldn’t finish it as it is quite filling. I loved the delicious spinach and the lovely, whipped potatoes balanced the heavy, but delicious beef.
Jason selected another wine for my mother: ALTREJO 12 Meses from Ribera del Duero, a Spanish red wine made from 100% Tempranillo (black) grapes. He advised us that this winery handpicks grapes to ensure the best quality. The wine has a black fruity flavour, blended with vanilla and oak notes, which are stronger since the wine is aged in new oak barrels to provide a more oaky taste. My mother enjoyed this pairing with the beef tenderloin.
It should be noted that the service was impeccable. Our server, Mohammed, attended to our culinary needs and we were delighted to meet both Executive Chef Roland Torok-Ducharme and Jason, our sommelier, who provided so much information regarding the wines we were offered.
The final course was a spectacular Truffle Cherry Chocolate made with Valrhona Sablé Breton, Cherry Compote, Chocolate Fudge Cake, and Red Cherry Ice Cream. The cake was rich and satisfying while the sweet ice cream provided a beautifully complementary flavour.
We absolutely loved the TIFF 2026 menu at REIGN. It was an exquisite meal!
The cost is $130 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reserve online.
REIGN Toronto, Fairmont Royal York, 100 Front Street West, Toronto, ON M5J 1E3
You may be interested in reading, “Events and things to do in Toronto in September 2026”
