Adrak Yorkville — Restaurant in Toronto

You’ll pay a pretty penny for the meal, where an appetizer papad ki tokri, essentially an assortment of papadams and chutneys will cost $16. It’s a dish that’s sometimes given away freely at other places. At Adrak they provide three different crispy crackers to dip into finely chopped salsa, a spiced beet dip, and a fruity chutney. It’s something that arrives quickly to keep diners placated and awaken the taste buds.

Unlike my experience at their Richmond Hill counterpart, Adrak Yorkville doesn’t shy away from spice. The batter of their onion bhajia ($16) is a cacophony of flavours with different spices coming through as you bite through the crispy onion fritter ending with a heat that lingers on the tongue. The mint chutney doesn’t calm down the sting at all but acts as a delicious condiment for other dishes as well.

Such as the thecha paneer tikka ($22), an interesting creation where two discs of soft Indian cheese are tossed with spices, roasted, and filled with finely chopped nuts, creating a delicate bite with a bit of texture. While there is a smear of curry and green chili sauce topping the paneer, I found the mint chutney (from the bhadjia) adds a bright refreshing element that makes it even better.

For a more traditional take on paneer, the paneer khurchan ($28) keeps the cheese in large chunks so it’s soft within the savoury tomato sauce. It’s great for tucking into a piece of the garlic naan ($5 a piece; 2 pieces shown) that’s so fluffy with lightly blistered crispy edges.

Adrak’s pork vindaloo ($38) uses a unique preparation, slices of pork tenderloin that’s pan fried and drizzled with the slightly vinegary spicy sauce, rather than being braised in the vindaloo. So, while this dish is listed under the “curries” umbrella of the menu, it’s not saucy.

Consequently, something our waiter pointed out when we tried to order the naan, “But, what are you going to eat this with?” Um… the vindaloo and paneer khurchan, we pointed out. Which is when the final characteristic of the Yorkville handbook came out – a helpful but sometimes snooty feeling air.

Apparently, those two dishes would not be enough to warrant ordering naan. He then suggested a full explanation of the menu before we order. Truthfully, I was taken aback from his response, there were already so many titles and descriptions of the menu that surely it should be self explanatory? No, it’s not.

Yet, with some simple changes, it could work. For example, the “Adrak Signatures” dishes are not the typical chef recommendations, rather just more expensive and interesting takes on their appetizers. My suggestion: just call the section “Adrak Signature Starters” and the confusion is solved. And if the pork vindaloo is not a curry than move it to another section.

In the end, this exchange with their staff irked me. Sure, he was probably trying to be helpful and make sure we were aware of Adrak’s special take on dishes, but there was almost a condescending tone that came through – let me explain and order for you because you obviously you don’t know what you’re doing is how I felt the exchange transpired.

This is a long review, head to Gastroworld...

Allow me to regale you with the exquisite culinary journey I embarked upon at Adrak Restaurant, an oasis of gastronomic delight that left my taste buds singing in pure ecstasy.

From the very first tantalizing bite, it was evident that Adrak was no ordinary establishment. The Dal Makhani, a true masterpiece of Indian cuisine, was a symphony of rich, velvety flavors that danced upon my palate. Each spoonful was a testament to the chef's mastery of spices and a harmonious blend of ingredients. It was, quite simply, Dal Makhani at its finest.

The kebabs, oh, the kebabs! Succulent, perfectly marinated, and grilled to absolute perfection, they were a carnivore's dream come true. The tender, juicy meat practically melted in my mouth, leaving an indelible impression of smoky, aromatic goodness.

And then, the pièce de résistance, the Butter Chicken, a dish that dreams are made of. The creamy tomato-based sauce clung lovingly to each morsel of chicken, creating a flavor explosion that was nothing short of divine. It was as if the chef had discovered the secret to bottling happiness.

The naans, those humble yet essential companions to any Indian meal, were nothing short of extraordinary. Light, airy, and with a delightful crispness, they served as the perfect vessel for savoring every delectable bite of the meal.

To accompany this culinary symphony, I had the pleasure of sipping on a cocktail crafted by none other than a high-end bartender. The libation was a work of art, a perfectly balanced blend of flavors that complemented the meal with finesse. It was evident that the mixologist's expertise was on full display.

In summary, Adrak Restaurant is a culinary gem that stands as a testament to the heights that Indian cuisine can achieve. The Dal Makhani, kebabs, and Butter Chicken were nothing short of exceptional, and the naans were the stuff of legends. To top it all off, the expertly crafted cocktail was the cherry on this already magnificent cake. Dining at Adrak is not just a meal; it's a gastronomic experience that will leave you craving for more. This, my friends, is the pinnacle of...

An Unforgettable Anniversary Celebration at Adrak Yorkville

Our anniversary dinner at Adrak Yorkville was nothing short of magical—a symphony of flavors, elegance, and impeccable hospitality that made our evening truly special. From the moment we stepped into the beautifully designed space, we were enveloped in warmth and sophistication, setting the perfect stage for a memorable celebration.

We began our culinary journey with the Rani Kachori, a delightful explosion of crispiness and tangy-spiced goodness, each bite awakening our senses.

The cocktails were a masterpiece of mixology—vibrant, refreshing to complement the flavors of our meal.

The Chicken Tikka arrived sizzling, its smoky aroma teasing our appetite before we even took our first bite. Tender, juicy, and infused with rich spices, it was simply divine.

The Soya Chaap, a standout vegetarian delight, was marinated to perfection and had a melt-in-the-mouth texture that left us craving more.

For the mains, the Dal Makhani was pure indulgence—slow-cooked, velvety, and bursting with deep, buttery flavors. The Garlic Naan was the perfect accompaniment, warm and fragrant with just the right amount of char. The Mix Veg Raita provided a refreshing contrast, its cool creaminess balancing the richness of our meal beautifully.

And then came the grand finale—Falooda, a dessert that was both a treat for the eyes and the palate. Layers of silky vermicelli, fragrant rose syrup, and luscious ice cream created a nostalgic yet refined ending to our meal, leaving us with a lingering sweetness, both literally and figuratively.

Every dish at Adrak Yorkville was a testament to culinary artistry, blending tradition with innovation in the most exquisite way.

The impeccable service, attention to detail, and warm hospitality made our anniversary truly unforgettable.

If you’re looking for an extraordinary dining experience that celebrates Indian flavors with Michelin-star finesse, Adrak Yorkville is an...