Leela Indian Food Bar (Gerrard) Best Indian Restaurant Toronto — Restaurant in Toronto

In a strip of somewhat old styled Indo-Pakistani restaurants and clothing boutiques, Leela’s stands out as a somewhat more modern entry. It’s bold and brash from the outside and continues on inside. It has elements of a bar nightclub and may appeal to a younger demographic. It is a refreshing change though I would suggest a more muted neon as it does detract from the presentation of the food. Nothing in here looks the right colour. A candle at the table could help with that I suppose. I do like to see the true colour of the things I’m eating! But when all is said and done it does come down to the taste. And Leela doesn’t disappoint. The service is very friendly and very fast. The restaurant is clean and funky and the food is presented nicely in simple dishes but with an effort to look visually appealing.

I would recommend a visit to this place as it is a great spot in a local strip and is infusing the area with good vibes, good food and a continued cultural influence.

We had the Lasooni cauliflower signature appetizer and it was quite good. But the level of sweetness was a bit overwhelming by the 3rd bite. It was well prepared and I couldn’t help but feel that the dish would have a more sophisticated presentation on the palate if the sugar was cut by at least half. With the amount of sweet and spicy sauce it had elements of American Chinese chicken balls with sweet and sour sauce. That may be unfair as the cauliflower was much better than that but could be so much better still by cutting the sugar. Trust me, it would still be sweet. And if there was more fresh cilantro on it, that would carry this dish further still. That said, we were hungry and went to work. We also ordered the chicken Madras curry and the Palak Paneer (a personal favourite of mine). Both of these were really quite good. I think like many Indian restaurants serving North Americans, they tend to make the dishes so rich and creamy that it really is heavy. That said, the portions are really generous and you can add extra rice so the dishes aren’t so heavy. I think I always make the mistake of not cutting the richness by adding more rice. Both the Madras Chicken and the Palak Paneer were decent choices with the Palak Paneer winning out for me in terms flavour and balance. Not too salty. Great with rice and Naan. The Naan was very good. Looking about the room, there were other dishes that looked interesting and I think one should definitely make this a food stop on their list for Indian food on Gerrard st east. Lastly, the music was modern and refreshingly so. But I like music to take me places as much as I like food to take me places. And the modern mix of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry didn’t work for me. I would suggest modern ethereal like ‘Dead Can Dance’, Delerium or ‘United Future Organization’. Yes those ain’t so modern anymore but they work. And there is likely something that could fit. Bottom line: It’s a great place and I...

A Nostalgic Return Gone Wrong 😢

Having cherished memories of this location from its Bombay Chowpatty days back in 2016, I was genuinely excited to finally experience Leela Food and Bar. The buzz surrounding the restaurant and its undeniably beautiful aesthetic certainly suggested a vibrant and enjoyable evening.

Sadly, my recent visit fell considerably short of these expectations.

While the ambiance is indeed striking, the excessively loud music immediately presented a challenge, forcing us to raise our voices significantly just to hold a basic conversation. This made for a rather strained and less than relaxing atmosphere.

The issues continued with the disjointed timing of the dishes. Our intention was to savour a variety of flavours simultaneously, but instead, we experienced long waits between courses, disrupting the flow of the meal.

We opted for their signature Lasooni Cauliflower, and while the initial bite offered a pleasant flavour, the ginger was overwhelmingly potent. The portion size, given the intensity, felt excessive and ultimately became unenjoyable.

Similarly, the Pani Puri, though packing a flavourful punch, suffered from a severe imbalance, reminiscent of an overwhelming wasabi hit that lingered unpleasantly.

Moving on to the mains, the Butter Chicken was agreeable, but the Lamb Biryani proved to be a letdown. While the lamb itself was cooked to perfection, the rice lacked any significant flavour. The crispy bits within the rice were a welcome textural element, but couldn't compensate for the overall blandness.

Dessert, the Gulab Jamun, further contributed to the disappointment. Instead of the desired milky and comforting texture, it felt more like syrup-soaked bread. While not entirely unpleasant, it simply missed the mark of a traditional Gulab Jamun.

However, the most significant drawback of the evening was the palpable feeling of being neglected by the wait staff. Despite being the only remaining table in the establishment, it took an astonishing twenty minutes to finally get their attention for the bill. Both waiters were occupied behind the bar, with one engrossed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to our attempts to signal them over the loud music.

Frankly, Toronto boasts a plethora of establishments offering similar dishes with a far more attentive and engaged service. It's with genuine disappointment that I have to say my return to this location after so many years was underwhelming.

Leela Food and Bar, while visually appealing, needs to address significant issues with their music volume, dish timing, flavour balance, and most importantly, their attentiveness to customers.

Sadly, based on this experience, I would hesitate to recommend it when there are so many other promising culinary experiences to be had...

Leela Indian Restaurant in Gerrard is an absolute gem waiting to be discovered. As a first-time visitor, I was immediately drawn in by the warm ambiance that greeted me upon entry. The décor exuded an elegant charm, with soft lighting casting a cozy glow over the tastefully adorned interior.

Seated comfortably, I perused the menu, eager to sample the culinary delights Leela had to offer. Opting for a variety of dishes, my order included the signature Goat Biryani, a fragrant blend of tender meat and aromatic spices that left my taste buds dancing with delight. Accompanying it was the Kesar Falooda, a refreshing and indulgent dessert that provided the perfect balance of sweetness to round off the meal.

Next up was the Charcoal Butter Chicken, a unique twist on a classic favorite that exceeded all expectations. The smoky flavor infused into the succulent chicken, coupled with the rich and creamy buttery sauce, made for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Complementing these dishes were the Garlic Naan, impeccably soft and garlicky, and the Hariyali Chicken Tikka, bursting with vibrant flavors and expertly grilled to perfection.

But the true showstopper of the evening was Leela's Flaming Chicken. The tender chicken, marinated in a spicy sauce, delivered a fiery kick that left me craving more with each mouthful.

Throughout the meal, the attentive and friendly staff ensured that every need was met, enhancing the overall dining experience. The restaurant's prime location, coupled with convenient roadside paid parking, makes it easily accessible for both locals and visitors alike.

What truly sets Leela apart, however, is the exceptional quality of its cuisine at a surprisingly affordable price point. Despite the upscale ambiance, the menu remains accessible to all, offering incredible value for the gastronomic journey it provides.

In conclusion, Leela Indian Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience. From the beautiful ambiance to the mouthwatering dishes and impeccable service, it is a culinary haven that promises to delight the senses and leave a...