Chef and restaurateur Hemant Bhagwani has owned and operated dozens of restaurants from Amaya to Kyma. He’s already got another two ready at the pass: Tap n Tandoor in the Junction, and a rooftop restaurant in Mississauga. He takes pride in “breaking the buffet-style stereotype of Indian food in North America.”
For Bhagwani, his ventures, which include street food, fusion and regional specialties, “have demonstrated the immense diversity of Indian flavours to Toronto diners.” Whether it’s pairing fried chicken and caviar or making butter chicken tableside, eating at a Bhagwani joint is always an experience. He’s keen on taking specific cultural narratives and elevating them in a modern way. “I am moving beyond simple fusion, focusing instead on the sophisticated interplay between heritage ingredients and functional, high-performance gastronomy,” he says.
Where else does Bhagwani make a reservation when he wants to eat well? Read on for the rest of his recommendations.
Best date-night spot
Ju-Raku, 2901 Bayview Ave.
“This high-end restaurant specializes in curated omakase and live-cooking teppanyaki. It perfectly balances premium dining with interactive flair.”
Best bakery
Rahier Patisserie, 1586 Bayview Ave.
“No visit is complete without experiencing the Dumas cake. It has truly become a staple for all our household celebrations, serving as the centerpiece for many of our most memorable moments.”
Hidden gem
Satay Sate, 12 William Sylvester Dr.
“The beef rendang at this family-run Indonesian restaurant is intensely flavoured, slow-cooked in coconut milk and spices and red chilies.”
Repeat reservation
Bisteccheria Sammarco, 4 Front St. E.
“I keep going back to this Italian steakhouse for the heirloom radicchio salad (insalata di cicoria), with walnuts and white balsamic and ricotta salata; I have never eaten a better salad in my life. Also exceptional is their fettuccine alla scrofa ‘cento ouva’ with 24-month parmigiano reggiano.”
The last best thing you ate
Mughal Mahal, 7071 Airport Rd.
“Their amritsari kulcha is so good. It’s the best possible version of stuffed naan bread, cooked in the tandoor.”
Current obsession
Chris Jerk, various locations
“The jerk chicken shawarma features spiced, tender jerk chicken prepared in a style reminiscent of shawarma, served in a wrap or on top of rice.”
Fancy dinner
Scaramouche, 1 Benvenuto Pl.
“It’s my all-time favourite, featuring refined, classic, French-inspired dishes. Don’t forget to try the coconut cream pie, too.”
Lunch spot
Magic Noodle, various locations
“Go for the signature handmade noodles. I love The Magic (beef noodle soup) for lunch.”
Best late-night craving spot
Sumaq Iraqi Charcoal Grill, various locations
“The Iraqi-style veal shawarma on tandoori bread hits the spot.”
Best takeout
Urban Hakka, 3305 Yonge St.
“I can have copious amounts of the chilli chicken and vegetable chow mein at this Indo-Chinese fusion spot.”
Favourite weekend breakfast place
The Miller Tavern, 3885 Yonge St.
“This is my hangout place as it’s walking distance from my house. The Florentine benedict is my favourite.”
Favourite coffee shop and my order
% Arabica, various locations
“I love my hot Kyoto latte Japanese-style with regular milk with an extra shot of espresso.”
Best cocktail bar
Suite 115, 532 College St.
“I love the Old Man, an old-fashioned milk tea cocktail.”
Place I’m dying to try
Mozy’s, 114 Atlantic Ave.
“Very interesting, what the chef has done with charcoal chicken there.”
