Rony Goraichy, the owner-chef who founded Tabule 20 years ago, is one of the foundational figures in Toronto’s Middle Eastern dining scene.
Where Chefs Eat
Where Chefs Eat is a weekly series that asks Toronto chefs and restaurant owners to name their favourite places to dine in the city: where they go for everything from weekend brunch to late-night cravings, fancy dinners to dessert.
This week: Rony Goraichy, owner-chef and founder of Tabule
Known for: Delicious, approachable Middle Eastern food.
He opened Tabule’s first location in midtown. Now, they have opened several more locations, including one in the east end and one in Oakville, along with the fast-casual spot, Souk Tabule. Goraichy is a chef inspired by simple, soulful cooking: dishes that feel “honest, approachable without being fussy.” Recently, he’s been drawn to more vegetable-forward dishes, always looking for ways to elevate traditional recipes.
Here are the Toronto spots that Goraichy is drawn to when he’s in need of something deeply delicious.
Best date-night spot
La Banane, 227 Ossington Ave.
la banane
“They have great service and a cool, comfortable ambience. I love the seared foie gras, pomme aligot and maitake mushroom.”
Hidden gem
sorrel
“It’s elegant without being overly formal. I love their steak tartare, scallop ceviche and Chilean sea bass, plus the service is always friendly and professional.”
Repeat reservation
Ristorante Sotto Sotto, various locations
sotto sotto
“It’s a family favourite — we joke our kids are half-Italian as they always want to eat Italian. We get the cacio e pepe and spaghetti carbonara, beef carpaccio, and arugula salad, as well as their legendary tiramisu, both the traditional and their strawberry one. If we ask them where they want to go for dinner, they will pick there.”
The last best thing you ate
Pukka, 778 St Clair Ave. W.
Pukka
“We enjoy going to Pukka for Indian; we went last week. I love the dal makhani with creamy black lentils and the boatman’s fish and prawn curry dish in a tamarind and lemon coconut broth. Pumpkin curry is our standard order every time we go. The owners, Derek and Harsh, are also lovely, and so is their staff.”
Current obsession
Joso’s, 202 Davenport Rd.
joso’s
“It’s a long-time favourite and one of my first dates with my wife, going back 30 years. I crave the seafood risotto and Sicilina spaghettini, a squid-ink pasta. It’s a classic Toronto restaurant for great high-quality seafood.”
Fancy dinner
Hexagon, 210 Lakeshore Rd. E.
hexagon
“Since we just opened a Tabule location in Oakville, we have spent a lot of time there and have tried many places. We really enjoyed our dinner at Hexagon. The server was really great and unpretentious, the space was comfortable with good energy and sophisticated, and the food was impressive. While we enjoyed the entire meal, the stand-outs for us were the Hokkaido scallop and the black cod.”
Comfort food
Athens Restaurant, 707 Danforth Ave.
athens
“My happy place is Greece, and my wife is Greek and we go almost every summer; I love traditional Greek food, like moms and grandmas used to make, but it’s hard to find in Toronto. There is a soup called youverlakia that my kids call meatball soup, that comes with an egg-lemon sauce. I crave it; it’s my comfort food. Add a hioratiki salad and some zucchini fries, and I am a happy guy.”
Best dessert
Patisserie Royale, various locations
patisserie
“They make the best Syrian and Lebanese pastries in the city. I love their mafroukeh, which we order for special occasions.”
Lunch spot
Cherry Street BBQ, 275 Cherry St.
cherry
“I enjoy the smoked brisket and the sides; the coleslaw and beans hit the spot for a protein-packed lunch.”
Best late-night craving spot
Rosie’s Burgers, various locations
rosie’s
“My daughter recently introduced me to Rosie’s classic with onion rings and the banana pudding.”
Best takeout
North of Brooklyn, various locations
north of brooklyn
“The classic pepperoni and vodka verde is our go-to order for the family.”
Favourite weekend breakfast place
Bonjour Brioche, 812 Queen St. E.
bonjour
“I always order the quiche lorraine with the classic green salad and dressing.”
Favourite coffee shop
The Black Canary Espresso Bar, various locations
black canary
“I frequent this place for my cortado. The coffee is perfect, the space is nicely decorated and staff is friendly.”
Place I’m dying to try
Alo
“I have been wanting to try Alo for a while, but I am not organized enough to make a reservation in advance that I know I can keep in this business!”
