Amelie CameronEver since I tried butter chicken and tasted its rich, buttery perfection, I’ve been in love with Indian cuisine. Indian dishes are simply bursting with flavor—a mix of smoky, savory, sweet, and spicy—and they also smell so good they make me drool.
That’s why I tend to crave Indian cuisine frequently, and when I’m with a group, I like to recommend checking out an Indian restaurant. I don’t miss an opportunity to introduce a new friend or a relative to the wonderful world of Indian cuisine.
So far, here are the Indian restaurants in Toronto that I wholeheartedly love and unabashedly recommend to anyone I know.
Aanch Restaurant
– From: aanchrestaurant
Address: 259 Wellington St W, Residence Inn Toronto
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 9:45 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—11:30 am to 10:45 pm
Contact Number: +14165990513
Aanch Restaurant honors the classic culinary traditions of Indian cuisine while also implementing a bit of a modern twist. That’s why the food here feels nostalgic and fancy at the same time.
My go-to order here is the Kadhai Chicken. The chicken is tender and juicy, and it’s cooked with peppers and onions in a tangy gravy. I love to pair this dish with fluffy basmati rice, but sometimes, I get the signature roti and use it to scoop up bits and pieces of chicken and gravy.
| Pro Tip: You can host an event at this restaurant. If you already have a venue, you can book their catering services instead. |
The Grand Indian Dining
– From: thegrandindiandining
Address: 507 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday—5 pm to 10:30 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—12 pm to 10:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14376602815
I love the casual atmosphere at The Grand Indian Dining, which is why it’s one of my favorite places to go to hang out with friends after work.
I always get the lamb chops because they’re so good every time. The spices used are aromatic and penetrate deep into the meat, and the chops are then roasted in a clay tandoor, giving them a nice char that adds smoky flavors to every bite.
If you love desserts, then you should try the tiramisu rasmalai. It’s like the classic tiramisu, but this one has paneer balls soaked in flavored milk instead. The paneer soaks up all the sugary goodness from the milk, making them so decadent to bite into!
| Pro Tip: If you want to book a party here or hire them as a caterer, you need to message them via WhatsApp. |
Leela Indian Food Bar
– From: leelaindianfoodbarongerrard
Address: 1386 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +14164618088
Get a taste of Mumbai’s iconic street foods by stopping by Leela Indian Food Bar! I really like the vegetable samosa because it’s so crispy on the outside, and the filling is earthy and salty. The dish is also served with coriander and tamarind chutneys that add a zing and extra sweetness to every bite.
If you want something more filling, get any of the biryani. The rice is aromatic and tastes savory, tangy, and spicy, and the meat (I usually get the chicken, but you can choose lamb, shrimp, or fish) is cooked to perfection—still tender and with a slight char.
| Pro Tip: If you want to book an intimate dinner with a partner or a group, I recommend reserving your spot ahead of time. This place tends to get fully booked fast. |
Angara Indian and Hakka
– From: angaraindiancuisine
Address: 536 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:45 am to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—11:45 am to 3 am
Contact Number: +14163619990
If you’re craving North Indian and Hakka dishes in particular, then you need to check out Angara. It has two locations: one in downtown Toronto and another in Etobicoke. I prefer the downtown one because it’s nearer to where I work.
I recommend getting the aloo tikki chaat if you just want a nibble. These are potato patties doused in chutney and yogurt. They’re crispy and salty, and with the additional sauces, they can taste refreshing and tangy as well.
Of course, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to try the butter chicken. The sauce is incredibly creamy and somewhat spicy. I can’t get enough of it!
| Pro Tip: If you want to book a party here (complete with a party planner) or get their catering services, you can inquire by calling the restaurant or filling out this form. |
Madras Masala
– From: madras_masala_toronto
Address: 796 Bloor St W #1
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10:15 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +16473424359
Madras Masala is a great place to go when you want to treat yourself to delicious and authentic South Indian dishes. This spot also has a lovely cozy vibe, making it perfect for a chill hangout session with friends.
I like to get the chili egg with dosa. The dosa slices are rolled in spices, so when you use a chunk to scoop the egg, a spicy explosion occurs in your mouth. To cool myself down, I tend to end my meal with a mango ginger ice cream. It’s creamy and refreshing!
| Pro Tip: Free Wi-Fi is available here! Simply ask the staff for the password. |
Gully
– From: gully_ca
Address: 521 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—5 pm to 11 pm
- Thursday—5 pm to 1 am
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +14165169099
What makes Gully stand out is that it takes traditional Indian dishes and puts a Western influence on them. The result is a unique gastronomic experience that you shouldn’t miss out on.
I really like the Old Delhi Butter Chicken Sandwich. The chicken patty is crispy and smoky, then it’s slathered with a makhani sauce that makes it extra buttery. Chutney is also spread on the toasted buns, so every bite has zesty notes.
| Pro Tip: If you want to host a party here, fill out this form. If you already have a venue, you can book the catering services instead. |
Rikki Tikki
– From: rikki.tikki.to
Address: 209 Augusta Ave
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 12 am
Contact Number: +14167923229
Located in Kensington Market, Rikki Tikki specializes in modern Indian flare.
I recommend starting your meal with paneer tikka fries, which are crispy and topped with a spicy-sweet sauce. Then, for the main course, you should get the chicken madras. The gravy has a coconut milk base, so it’s creamy and slightly sweet.
To pair with your protein, get a cup of rice or a plate of naan or roti. I usually get the mint chili naan; its minty, buttery, and spicy flavors always compliment my main course.
| Pro Tip: There’s also an extensive beverage menu here. I recommend getting the Rikki Tikki Special, a cocktail that’s refreshing and sweet at the same time. |
Dil Se Indian Restaurant and Bar
– From: dilse.ca
Address: 335 Roncesvalles Ave
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 11:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 12:30 am
Contact Number: +14165346344
Dil Se Indian Restaurant and Bar has a homey feel to its surroundings and food, which is part of the reason why I love coming here. It’s almost like I’m relaxing in a friend’s house, enjoying homemade food.
I love the bhatti ka chicken tikka, which is made of boneless chicken breast pieces that are marinated in yogurt and spices. This dish is quite tangy, and though it’s not painfully spicy, you can definitely feel some tingling on your tongue after a while.
To wash everything down, I get a mango lassi. It’s simple—sweet and refreshing—but I can’t get enough of it.
| Pro Tip: If you’re on a budget, there are lunch special combos that already include rice, your protein of choice, a side dish of vegetables, and a drink. |
Bar Goa Toronto
– From: bargoato
Address: 36 Toronto St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—12 pm to 2:30 pm, 4 pm to 10 pm
- Friday—12 pm to 2:30 pm, 4 pm to 10:30 pm
- Saturday—4 pm to 10:30 pm
- Sunday—4 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14378808317
Bar Goa has been featured in the Michelin Guide. That should be enough to convince you to give this place a try!
I recommend trying the omakase menu. This is a multi-course meal for a fixed price, so you’ll be full afterward. Of the seven courses I tried, the main standout was the keema pau, which was made with bison keema, pickled watermelon radish, and butter pau.
The bison meat was tender and slightly sweet, and the pickled watermelon radish added a nice zing to every bite.
| Pro Tips: During Diwali, there’s an exclusive multi-course menu, and I recommend you try it out. You can host a special event here! |
Bawara
– From: bawaratoronto
Address: 1570 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11:30 am to 1:30 am
- Thursday to Saturday—11:30 am to 2:30 am
Contact Number: +14165322323
Another great place to check out if you’re craving Indian and Hakka cuisines is Bawara. This spot also has vegan and gluten-free options, which is great news for vegan and gluten-sensitive foodies.
The masala chicken chili is a must-try. It’s an Indian street food made of fried chicken that’s tossed with onions, green chilies, and sauce. The sauce is tangy and spicy, and though my mouth feels numb afterward, I still lick my fingers clean because it’s so delicious.
| Pro Tip: Book their catering services for your special event. They cater to all sorts of gatherings, big and small. |
Tamasha
Address: 1835 Yonge St Unit 101
From: tamashasocial
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16475084455
What I love about Tamasha is that it offers a fine dining experience without the hefty price tag. Because of this, it’s one of my favorite spots whenever I’m hosting a dinner with my loved ones to celebrate an important milestone.
I really like the truffle malai chicken tikka. The chicken thigh pieces taste tangy and smoky, and they taste even better when you eat them with the mildly flavored cheese. The dish is also drizzled with a bit of truffle oil, making it taste earthy.
| Pro Tip: Complete your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails. I recommend the Hazziee Mist, which is an Indian twist of gin sour. It’s refreshing and a bit spicy! |
Indraprastha Indian Cuisine
– From: _indraprastha
Address: 3300 Lawrence Ave E, Scarborough
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 12:30 am
Contact Number: +14164391111
At Indraprastha Indian Cuisine, the main dish you should try is the biryani because that’s the specialty here. I recommend the Royal Seema Paneer Biryani. The rice is super fluffy, and every grain absorbs the flavor from the spices. The paneer pieces also add a nice spongy texture to the dish.
For dessert, you should get the gulab jamun. It’s a ball made of milk solids, and it’s soaked in a light sugar syrup that’s flavored with saffron, rose water, and cardamom. Every bite is an explosion of decadent sweetness. Yum!
| Pro Tip: I recommend you reserve your spot ahead of time, especially if you’re dining with more than one person. |
Mumbaikar
– From: mumbaikar.toronto
Address: 1063 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11:30 am to 10:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14165331576
Mumbaikar is a halal restaurant that specializes in Mumbai-style food, but its menu also features other beloved dishes from other Indian regions.
My favorite thing to order is the Colaba seekh kebab. The minced lamb is juicy and packed with savory and earthy flavors; it’s also very aromatic, so I’m already drooling even when I haven’t taken a bite yet.
Pair that dish with a buttery naan, and I’m immediately in heaven!
| Pro Tip: If you have any allergies or dietary concerns, tell your server so that the chef can accommodate your needs. |
Shaaz
– From: shaaz.ca
Address: 2300 Lawrence Ave E unit 20a, White Shield Plaza, Scarborough
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +14378808259
Shaaz is a favorite of one of my friends, so I decided to try it out because I was curious. Now, it’s one of my favorites as well!
The nalli burra kebab is my ultimate recommendation. The lamb shanks are slow-cooked, so they’re incredibly tender, and the flavors from the spices penetrate the meat. The dish also has a subtle tanginess and a lovely charred flavor.
| Pro Tip: If you want to book their catering services, you need to fill out this form. |
Barkat
– From: barkatcanada
Address: 712 Queen St W
Operating Hours:
- Monday and Tuesday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday—5 pm to 1 am
- Saturday—12 pm to 1 am
- Sunday—12 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +16477455167
Looking for a fine dining establishment that serves Indian cuisine? Look no further because that’s exactly what Barkat offers!
You should get the Boatman Shrimp Curry. The marinated shrimps are cooked in a tamarind curry with fenugreek seeds, so their flavor profile is a combination of sweet, sour, and herby.
Once I’ve already finished eating all the shrimp, I dip my butter naan into the remaining sauce. It’s the perfect way to end a meal!
| Pro Tip: This restaurant offers catering services. |
Spice Bros
– From: spicebros
Address: 3353 Bloor St W, Etobicoke
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11 am to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 2 am
- Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14165513008
If you’re in a hurry, then Spice Bros is the spot to check out. This place serves dishes quickly, so you can eat your fill before going to work or any other destination in no time!
The Brotein Bowl is my go-to order because it’s loaded with everything I like—tandoori chicken, chickpea masala, roasted vegetables, and more—so I always feel full afterward.
If I’m just looking for a snack, I order the butter chicken poutine. The rich, buttery goodness of the butter chicken pairs really well with the salty and cheesy fries.
| Pro Tip: You can hire this restaurant as your caterer for your special event. |
