Markaz Grill and Shisha Lounge
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416-340-7401
At midnight in the club district, Markaz, the only dry lounge on the block, is packed with dressed-up 20-somethings. Up on the rooftop patio, these Saturday night revellers smoke high-quality Al Fakher tobacco from shiny new shisha pipes, and the mini-skirted girls snuggle under complimentary fleece blankets to keep out the autumn chill. Full-flavoured house masala chai, traditional Moroccan mint tea and a rich brew of Turkish coffee also help warm things up. Downstairs in the Morocco-chic main lounge, the exposed brick wall is lined with low sofas for indoor tobacco-free smoking (a custom-made date-molasses substitute is imported from Egypt to keep within the confines of Ontario’s tobacco laws). The air contains only a mild fruity hint of the water pipe’s usual heady aroma, which means you can enjoy the Middle Eastern food without smoke. The menu veers across Pakistan, Afghanistan, Morocco and Egypt, but everything coming out of the kitchen is first-rate. Pancake-like chapli beef kebabs are tender and well spiced, along with moist chicken shawarma in creamy garlic sauce. Salads, like the mango kachumber with cucumber, tomato and unripe mango, are fresh, bright examples of what raw veg should be. Flavour-packed Pakistani baba ghanouj breathes fire, slices of perfectly cooked butternut squash are perfectly cooked, and tangy yogurt–doused papri chaat is fun for sharing. It’s all certified Halal, hence the absence of alcohol. Painfully slow service from sweet but beleaguered staff. Unlicensed. Closed Monday.
Description
Category Features
Vegetarian: Yes
Kitchen open past midnight on weekends: Yes
Outdoor Dining: Yes
Price Range: $30 Gourmet
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Cambodian, Midday, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Greek,