Toronto’s Hidden Gem | Old Avenue Restaurant 🌍🍖
📍 Why It’s Special? A Google 4.9-star hole-in-the-wall serving slow-braised lamb, chestnut-studded beef stew, and spiced eggplant dip—no frills, just big flavors and bigger portions. 🍽️ Must-Try Dishes (Ranked!) 1️⃣ Braised Lamb Rice 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 ($24) ✔ Not Your Average "抓饭": Tender lamb shank, chickpeas, raisins, cumin-scented rice. ✔ Secret Weapon: Ask for extra yogurt sauce ($2) to cut the richness. 2️⃣ Chestnut Beef Stew 🌟🌟🌟🌟✨ ($22) ✔ Umami Bomb: Fall-apart beef, sweet chestnuts, caramelized onions, thyme broth. ✔ Fun Fact: Chef trained in Armenia + Lebanon—hence the Middle Eastern twist. 3️⃣ Roasted Chicken 🌟🌟🌟🌟 ($26/half) ✔ Juicy + Crispy: Herb-marinated, served with crispy potato coins (addictive). 4️⃣ Eggplant Dip 🌟🌟🌟🌟 ($12) ✔ Smoky & Creamy: Charred eggplant, tahini, pomegranate molasses, warm pita. 5️⃣ Beef "Börek" 🌟🌟🌟✨ ($14/2pc) ✔ Flaky Pocket: Spiced ground beef, phyllo crust, mint yogurt. 💡 Brutally Honest Tips ✔ Go For: Weekday lunches (smaller crowds, faster service). ✔ Budget: $30–50/person (main + appetizer + drink). ✔ Skip If: You want light meals (portions = leftovers guaranteed). #TorontoEats #HiddenGem #NoSadLamb
