Image courtesy Montecito.

MONTECITO

The Vibe: Co-owned by filmmaker Ivan Reitman (of Animal House and Ghostbusters fame), this 12,000-square-foot, California-inspired restaurant is just steps away from the TIFF Bell Lightbox. The central location means King Street-sleek, so dress downtown cool. Black-and-white movie stills, film paraphernalia, and director-inspired chairs will transport you to Hollywoodland. Head to the upstairs lounge if you’re in the mood for cocktails.

Who would go: Jennifer Garner, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Bell

What to order: Try the Pimm’s Cup ($14) with strawberry, grapefruit and Peychauds bitters, or the Gorgeous Gunners ($12) made with Montecito lime-leaf vodka, Montanaro bianco and house strawberry tonic. Don’t miss the house specialty JW Chicken ($24) roasted and served on herbed greens with fresh salsa verde. Finish with the Ghostbusters tribute dessert, the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man baked Alaska ($12): marshmallow ice cream, marshmallow fluff and fluffy-crisp meringue … yes, please.

Visit montecitorestaurant.ca.

—Nancy Gray