Indian suggestions for Downtown TO.

Anyone have any good choices for Indian in the theatre district?

S.O. is having a spa weekend with girlfriend.

-Tim

[embee]

I had been really down on Dhaba for several years, and I couldn't understand the hype. The food was blah on a fairly large number of visits (office things) and the service generally unfriendly. But I recently had a meal there that was truly wonderful.

The tandoori rack of lamb was served rare and was redolent of complex spices. Equally good were a Balti chicken dish, a mango lassi, and the naan. The lamb vindaloo had a fabulous sauce, with layers of flavour coming through the requisite heat, though the meat could have been a bit more tender. Saffron rice was adequate.

Service was good. However, it was amusing to see the server's expression and attitude undergo a drastic change when he warned us away from the vindaloo ("too spicy for us") and we told him hot was okay. In a flash. he changed from distant to friendly.

it's a bit out of your way so it depends if you're driving or transiting. if you're driving then i highly reccomend saffron tree on gerrard at elizabeth (just west of bay).

best matar paneer i've ever had, and i've had lots.

DHABA no contest!

The one time I ate at Dhaba, the food was bland, lukewarm and really uninspiring. And the service was incredibly spotty.

I agree. Not one of the better places.

Trimurti on Queen near Duncan.

I enthusiastically second the recommendation for Trimurti. Little India, as others have suggested, is also not bad but I prefer Trimurti over Little India. And I do not recommend Dhaba... their food is overrated and service is rather pushy.

Another vote for Trimurti. Also don't like Dhaba.
Haven't tried Little India.

As far as the Queen West Indian debate goes, I'd give Little India the edge for lunch buffet (and for the meatiest tandoori chicken around), Trimurti for a la carte, with service equally pleasant at both.

Haven't tried the new place next to Little India and consistently surly service at Babur turned me off.

Actually, I agree with your assessment of Little India vs. Trimurti.

[food face]

Babur has really bad service and their food sucks. Little India is delicious. Great Palak paneer and the veg platter is huge...big enough for 2 without a doubt!

I hear very good things about Dhaba. I haven't been there myself. But the word is good.

I don't particularly like Dhaba, but I've only been there once or twice.

My favourite in the neighbourhood is Little India on Queen. It's between John & University on the south side. I think they usually run a buffet, and it's fantastic and inexpensive. There are a few Indian restaurants in that stretch, but Little India remains my favourite.

Little India Restaurant
255 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1Z4
[phone]

I heartily second the recommendation of Little India on Queen West.

The one time we went to Dhaba the food was just okay but the attitude of the staff was awful. I wouldn't go back and don't understand their reputation.