Amaya: The Indian Room
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416-322-3270
w: http://www.amayarestaurant.com/
Owners Hemant Bhagwani and Derek Valleau have aggressively expanded the Amaya empire to include takeout joints, food court kiosks and a line of sauces, but their flagship remains one of the best South Asian restaurants in the city. Smartly decorated in a style that should be patented as masala bistro, the room fills night after night with loyal Leasiders. Chef Dinesh Butola takes a contemporary approach to Indian cuisine with lighter textures and more focused flavours than the traditional cheaper Indian spots. Verdant chard and crunchy water chestnuts star in crisp, ungreasy pakoras, detonated with green chili and perfumed with caraway seed; mint and tamarind sauces provide a nice balance of cool sweetness. Five tandoori-spiced lamb lollipops come in a pitch-perfect reduction of fenugreek and mint. Naan is so light it practically floats over from the tandoor. Desserts, however, need work. Even Greg’s dreamy roasted marshmallow ice cream can’t save the unconventionally hot gulab jamun, so tooth-achingly sweet, your dentist better be on speed dial. Oenophiles will be pleasantly surprised by the interesting wine list, thoughtfully chosen with the robust cooking in mind. Service is efficient, though lacking in warmth. Mains $17–$24.
Description
Category Features
Vegetarian: Yes
Price Range: Dinner for $60 - $90
Editor's Star Rating: 2.5
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