#FOOD: “MOTHER OF ALL TALKS” JUNE 2026 FEATURING HEMANT BHAGWANI, SAMRA ZAFAR, JON RENNIE AND DYLAN MOSCOVITCH

On Tuesday, June 2 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., an intimate evening of conversation, cocktails, and community will unfold at Naari in Toronto’s Little Italy. The latest edition of Mother of All Talks  — a free-to-attend keynote speaker series presented by Valley of Mother of God Gin— explores the theme of “Reinvention.” The evening’s speaker lineup includes Hemant Bhagwani, restaurateur and founder; Dr. Samra Zafar, bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for equity; Jon Rennie, chef and co-owner of MICHELIN-recognized Odd Duck; and Olympian and broadcaster Dylan Moscovitch. 

Guests can RSVP via Eventbrite HERE.

Guests will be welcomed with a complimentary cocktail featuring Valley of Mother of God Gin alongside light bites from Naari. Additional cocktails and beverages available via cash bar at regular venue pricing. Following the talks, attendees are invited to continue the experience over a communal four-course prix fixe dinner alongside the speakers at a special all-inclusive price of $60 exclusive of tax and gratuity per person. Dinner guests will also receive a complimentary glass of sparkling. Beyond the complimentary sparkling welcome pour, Naari’s specialty cocktail and beverage menu will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Capacity for dinner is limited to 20 guests.

Reservations for the dinner experience must be made separately via Naari’s OpenTable under Experiences HERE.

Created as a platform for honest, thought-provoking conversations, Mother of All Talks brings together influential voices across hospitality, business, wellness, sports, and culture to share stories rooted in personal growth, transformation, and lived experience. Each edition is centred around a monthly theme, pairing meaningful dialogue with a social dining atmosphere designed to encourage openness, connection, and conversation long after the talks conclude

This month’s speakers will explore the many forms reinvention can take, from rebuilding identity and redefining success to evolving creatively and professionally.

Hemant Bhagwani is a Toronto restaurateur and hospitality entrepreneur known for building some of the city’s most recognizable dining concepts. As the founder behind venues including Naari, Bhagwani has built a reputation for creating restaurants that blend culture, storytelling, and experience. His perspective on reinvention is deeply tied to entrepreneurship, hospitality, and continuously evolving the way people gather around food.

Dr. Samra Zafar is an award-winning speaker, bestselling author, and educator whose story of resilience and transformation has inspired audiences around the world. Through her advocacy, writing, and public speaking, Zafar shares powerful insights on overcoming adversity, reclaiming identity, and redefining one’s future on their own terms.

Jon Rennie is the chef and co-owner behind MICHELIN-recognized Odd Duck in Kitchener, a restaurant celebrated for its ingredient-driven approach and deep relationships with local farms and producers. Known for his thoughtful, ever-evolving culinary perspective, Rennie approaches reinvention through creativity, seasonality, and a commitment to constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary Canadian dining.

Dylan Moscovitch is a retired Olympic medalist, speaker, and creator of Threshold™ — a framework centred around navigating life’s defining moments of transformation. After an 18-year international figure skating career, Moscovitch experienced a profound personal shift that challenged him to rebuild his identity and sense of purpose beyond sport, an experience that became the foundation of his work today. Known for his grounded perspective, honesty, and humour, he now supports individuals and organizations through transition while encouraging people to move through change with clarity and intention.

Event Details:
Where: Naari (501 College St, Toronto)
When: Tuesday, June 2 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free to attend | Includes speaker series access, welcome cocktail, and light bites (RSVP on Eventbrite HERE)
Optional: $60 communal prix fixe dinner with speakers + complimentary sparkling (book via Naari’s OpenTable under Experiences HERE)
Capacity: Limited to 50 guests

Space is limited. RSVP via Eventbrite HERE and purchase dinner tickets via Naari’s OpenTable under Experiences HERE.

About Naari
Located in Toronto’s Little Italy, Naari is a modern Indian restaurant rooted in bold flavours, live-fire cooking, and elevated hospitality. Led by restaurateur Hemant Bhagwani, Naari blends regional Indian influences with contemporary culinary techniques to create a vibrant, immersive dining experience centred around food, beverage, culture, and community.

About Valley of Mother of God Gin
Valley of Mother of God Gin is a Canadian premium gin brand rooted in craftsmanship, storytelling, and community. Known for its contemporary approach to hospitality and culture-driven collaborations, the brand partners with leading chefs, bartenders, and creatives to create memorable experiences that bring people together through food, beverage, and conversation.

#FOOD: BAR BATTLE RETURNS MAY 25, 2026 AT NAARI

Naari and Valley of Mother of God Gin are bringing together two of Toronto’s rising stars in the bar industry for an evening of cocktails, competition, and community with an intimate Bar Battle from 5:30PM–7:00PM on Monday, May 25 at Naari. For one evening only, Walter Reis of Lyla, known for vibrant tropical cocktails inspired by his Brazilian roots, and Julian Manley of Radici Project, whose bold, high-energy cocktail style draws from his background in punk and metal music, will go head-to-head in a live cocktail competition where guests and an industry judging panel will crown the evening’s winning cocktail.

Purchase tickets via Naari’s OpenTable under Experiences HERE.

The lineup for the battle includes Walter Reis representing Lyla and Julian Manley representing Radici Project. For $30 per person, guests will sip on one original cocktail from each competing bartender featuring Valley of Mother of God Gin, paired alongside curated light bites from Naari’s culinary team. Guests will also have the opportunity to cast their vote for their favourite cocktail in the evening’s People’s Choice category.

Representing Lyla, the Queen West Mediterranean-inspired restaurant known for its vibrant atmosphere, design-forward interiors, and hospitality-driven approach to dining and cocktails, is Walter Reis. A Brazil-born hospitality professional recognized for his energetic, guest-focused presence, Walter brings a cocktail style rooted in tropical flavours, fresh ingredients, and balanced modern technique. Reflective of Lyla’s refined yet lively approach to contemporary hospitality, his cocktails blend creativity, approachability, and vibrant flavour profiles inspired by his roots.

Representing Radici Project, a contemporary Italian/Japanese Toronto dining destination rooted in ingredient-driven hospitality, seasonality, and modern culinary craftsmanship, is Julian Manley. Known for his bold, high-energy approach to cocktails, Julian brings an expressive and boundary-pushing perspective behind the bar, creating unexpected flavour combinations inspired by his longtime background in punk and metal music. Reflective of Radici Project’s thoughtful and refined approach to hospitality, his cocktails balance creativity, technique, and guest experience in ways designed to surprise and engage.

Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to interact directly with the bartenders, sample each cocktail, and experience the creativity and hospitality shaping Toronto’s cocktail scene today.
To conclude the evening, an industry judging panel will select the Judge’s Choice winner while guests in attendance will vote live for the People’s Choice cocktail. Both winners will be announced at the end of the event.

Guests will also enjoy light bites from recently launched Naari – a unique Thai restaurant that blends Thai barbeque with Chinese, Indian and Burmese influences.

#FOOD: “THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA 2” INSPIRED MENUS AND COCKTAILS IN TORONTO

The Devil Wears Prada 2 is officially here, and Toronto’s dining scene is serving a series of fashion-forward ways to toast the beloved film’s return. Top restaurants including Minami, Naari, and No Vacancy are rolling out exclusive cocktails and secret‑menu creations inspired by the movie’s iconic glamour. By all means, do not move at a glacial pace; these specials will be gone before you can say “that’s all.”

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
📍225 King St. W

Renowned for its innovation and award‑winning design, Minami Toronto is serving an experience worthy of Miranda Priestly herself. With five new secret‑menu items crafted exclusively for the film’s release, the lineup is as stylish as it is indulgent. Specials range from Prada and Pearls, a luxurious caviar presentation with layered textures, to The Miranda Cut, a melt‑in‑your‑mouth Miyazaki Wagyu striploin. Guests can pair their picks with bold, aptly named cocktails. Sip on “Florals, for spring, groundbreaking”, a sakura‑forward gin cocktail, or try the Dragon Lady, a spicy‑melon margarita with real bite. Reservations are available HERE.

Minami Secret Menu

Florals? Groundbreaking $17
Roku sakura gin, Aburi ginjo sake, salt-cured sakura blossom, sakura bitters

Dragon Lady $20
Spicy melon margarita

Prada and Pearls $30
O-Toro and Caviar Duo- sturgeon caviar, bluefin tuna belly on a bed of sushi rice

The Miranda Cut $48
3 oz Roasted A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Striploin- an elegant dish featuring the finest, richest Japanese beef and a silky, smooth peppercorn sauce

Runway Finale $16
Silken tofu dark chocolate cream, dark chocolate almond sponge, mango passion fruit curd, mango passion fruit sorbet, genmai tea cacao nibs tuile

Naari Thai Bbq
IG. @naarithai
📍501 College St

Naari Thai is joining the Devil Wears Prada festivities with a cocktail that fits seamlessly into the restaurant’s bold, modern approach. Hot Off the Runway brings together reposado tequila, mango, chipotle, lime, agave, Tajin, and a touch of mango smoke for a drink that’s vibrant, lightly spicy, and easy to enjoy. It’s a straightforward pick whether you’re stopping in before the movie or meeting friends after the screening to keep the evening going. Reservations are available HERE.

Naari Thai Secret Menu
Hot Off the Runway $20
Mango Chipotle
Reposado Tequila | Mango | Chipotle | Lime | Agave Nectar | Tajin | Mango smoke

No Vacancy
IG. @novacancyto
📍74 Ossington Ave

Fresh off its inclusion in Canada’s 100 Best Bars, No Vacancy is bringing exclusive after‑party energy to its Devil Wears Prada activation. Located in the heart of Ossington, the bar is rolling out a trio of cheeky new cocktails, priced between $21 -$25, curated for the film’s debut. Please Bore Someone Else blends vodka, gin, and activated charcoal into a moody, spirit‑forward creation; Gone to Paris offers a creamy, citrus‑bright mix of soju and gin; and I’ve Had Dreams About This layers tea, port, and botanicals into something as intriguing as its name. Open until 1 a.m., No Vacancy is the perfect place to keep the night going after the credits roll, the kind of spot where a movie night with friends naturally turns into a full evening out. Reservations are available HERE.

No Vacancy Secret Menu

Please Bore Someone Else $25
Dillons Vodka + Olive Oil Wash + Activated Charcoal + Plymouth Gin + Vermouths + Yuzu Bitter

Gone to Paris $21
Soju + Roku Gin + Citrus Oleo + Cream + Pernod

I’ve Had Dreams About This $24
Tanqueray Gin + Omija Tea + Burdock-Gentian Liqueur + Fonseca White Port + Grapefruit

#FOOD: TORONTO PATIO SEASON 2026 ROUND-UP

This patio season, Toronto’s top dining destinations are bringing their best outdoors. From waterfront tables and garden patios to lively terraces and cocktail-forward spaces, spots like Minami Toronto, Tondou Ramen, Favorites Thai, Lyla, Taberna LX, Bar Pompette, Bar Allegro, Little Sister, and Naari Thai BBQ offer standout ways to dine al fresco all summer long. Whether you’re after a sunny afternoon lunch or drinks that turn into dinner, each delivers a distinct patio experience worth booking.

Minami
IG. @minamitoronto
225 King St. W

Minami Toronto brings a polished, waterfront patio experience to the Harbourfront, offering a seamless blend of contemporary Japanese cuisine and vibrant city energy. Open from April through October, the patio accommodates approximately 40–50 guests and transitions effortlessly from relaxed daytime dining to lively summer evenings. Reservations can be made HERE.

At the core of the experience is Minami’s signature aburi-style sushi, paired with a menu that balances precision, premium ingredients, and visual artistry. Guests can explore a curated Happy Hour Menu featuring items such as Mini Poke Nachos and Truffle Dashi Pork Gyoza, alongside a broader selection of sushi and seasonal plates designed for sharing or full meals.

The beverage program plays a central role, with an extensive offering of wine, sake, and signature cocktails, complemented by dedicated Happy Hour selections during early evening hours.

With its waterfront setting and refined atmosphere, Minami is especially well-suited for date nights, social evenings, and after-work gatherings where elevated food and ambiance are equally prioritized.

TONDOU

596 College St, Toronto

Step into patio season with Tondou Ramen, where a Yatai-inspired patio sets the tone for a lively, casual outdoor dining experience with seating for up to 36 guests. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:30 PM (last call at 11:00 PM), the concept invites guests to enjoy bold, flavour-forward ramen in a vibrant street food setting. Signature favourites include the Tonkotsu Special Ramen and Okinawa Soba, alongside a seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20), with Hiyashi Chuka, a refreshing cold ramen, arriving in May for the summer months. The average spend ranges from $20–30 per person. Reservations can be made HERE.

Seasonal Menu
Seasonal Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)
Hiyashi Chuka (Cold Ramen – available starting May)
Key Dishes
Tonkotsu Special Ramen
Okinawa Soba
Seafood Tonkotsu Ramen ($20)

Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai
141 Ossington Ave

A four-time MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient, Favorites Thai brings one of Ossington’s most consistently sought-after patio experiences back for the season. The modern Thai restaurant in Toronto’s west end pairs MICHELIN-recognized credibility with a lively, flavour-forward approach to outdoor dining, centered on bold, shareable dishes and an energetic neighbourhood atmosphere. Reservations can be made HERE.

Open Tuesday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the 18–20 seat patio is ideal for group dinners, casual nights out, or spontaneous spring and summer plans from May through September. Guests can enjoy Favorites Thai’s full regular menu outdoors, with the option to order à la carte or settle into Chef’s Choice, a six-course experience priced at $100 per person. Guests can add a four-pairing wine experience for $45 per person, with any additional wine pairing available for $10 each. It’s a strong fit for everything from a spontaneous Ossington dinner to a more curated evening that unfolds course by course on the patio. Paired with fruit-driven cocktails and rotating drink features throughout the season, the experience feels polished yet approachable. The full menu can be found HERE.

The patio carries the same tone as the interior—simple, relaxed, and a little bit electric—set against the backdrop of one of Toronto’s most vibrant streets. Rather than a fixed seasonal menu, Favorites Thai highlights its current offerings, with evolving features introduced throughout the summer. The result is a dynamic experience that leans into bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and an easygoing, high-energy atmosphere.

Lyla
IG. @lylatoronto
60 Sudbury St

Lyla welcomes patio season in Queen West with a fully redesigned outdoor space returning in early May (weather permitting), offering an elevated open-air dining experience across multiple dayparts. Ideal for group dinners, stylish brunches, and after-work Aperitivo, the space features U-shaped booths for 6–8 guests and banquette-style tables for smaller parties. Reservations can be made HERE.

Guests can enjoy a Mediterranean-driven menu rooted in seasonal ingredients, raw bar selections, handmade pastas, and premium meats, alongside a curated Aperitivo program with cocktails and bites under $20. Service runs daily for dinner (5:00 PM – 11:00 PM), weekday lunch (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM), Aperitivo (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM), and weekend brunch (10:30 AM – 3:00 PM), with pricing ranging from approximately $25–$45 for lunch, $85–$150+ for dinner, and $35–$60 for brunch. It’s especially well-suited for everything from relaxed daytime dining to polished evening occasions.

Lyla’s redesigned 2026 patio introduces a more immersive, design-forward outdoor space with ambient lighting and lush greenery, seamlessly transitioning from daytime lunches into Aperitivo and refined evening dining.

Lunch (Monday–Friday)
Beef Tartare ($21)
Canadian prime beef, pecorino, quail egg, sourdough.
Cavatelli all’Amatriciana ($25)
pork cheek, San Marzano tomato, stracciatella
Steak Sandwich ($33)
grilled picanha, gruyère, crispy shallots, horseradish aioli
Aperitivo at Lyla (Monday–Friday, 4–6 PM)
A curated selection of cocktails, wine, and mixed drinks offered at preferred pricing
A dedicated Aperitivo menu featuring refined bites, each offered under $20

Dinner
Hamachi Crudo ($33)
Ponzu, tempura, citrus
Linguine all’Aragosta ($65)
Atlantic lobster, bisque
12oz Canadian Prime Striploin ($89)
au poivre, rosemary
Weekend Brunch
Pain Perdu ($21)
brioche bread, caramel sauce, vanilla bean gelato
Shakshuka ($23)
tomato, peppers, poached eggs, sourdough
Steak & Eggs ($35)
grilled steak, eggs, breakfast potatoes

Taberna LX
IG. @taberna_lx_to
1161 Dundas St W

Taberna LX, a modern Portuguese restaurant in Toronto’s West End, invites guests to experience its rooftop terrace, an elevated, Lisbon-inspired space anchored by a striking 26-foot mural by Canadian artist Madison van Rijn, offering a refined yet playful menu of shareable petiscos, signature mains, Azorean volcanic wines, and globally influenced cocktails led by Isabo Leblanc. Ideal for media, tastemakers, and group dining, the rooftop accommodates approximately 44 guests for à la carte service (first-come, first-served) and is also available for private bookings and full venue buyouts (up to 180 standing / 120 seated), with typical event durations of 4–5 hours during the warmer months. Menu highlights range from $16–$56, with cocktails around $19–$20, showcasing bold, ingredient-driven Portuguese cuisine without a fixed seasonal menu but a strong focus on shareable plates and curated beverage programming. It’s great for stylish rooftop dinners, late-night drinks, and high-energy gatherings in a design-forward setting that feels transportive and distinctly different from the city’s typical patio scene. Reservations and event inquiries can be made HERE.

Sample Menu
Cafe Steak ($56)
A nod to our LX namesake with a nontraditional take on the classic dish.
Francesinha ($27)
Our signature take on the classic—sirloin, mortadella, chouriço, and a fried egg between thick slabs of brioche.
Salt Cod Fritter ($16)
A traditional favorite of salt cod in a very non traditional potato dumpling
Seafood Rice ($32)
A rich seafood rice stew packed with sweet shrimp, cuttlefish and XO sauce
Paixao ($20)

A fun, fresh, and playful take on a sour, featuring lemongrass-tinged Ketel One vodka and passionfruit. An instant summer classic.
Porto ~ Cola ($19)

A bartender’s cocktail and a highly smashable summer entry. Graham’s 10 matching our mural Per Se and house made cherry syrup. Soon to be canned as a “ready to drink ” takeaway cocktail.

Bar Pompette
IG. @barpompette_to
607 College St

Recognized by North America’s 50 Best Bars, Canada’s 100 Best, and ranked among the top cocktail destinations in the country, Bar Pompette, a French inspired bar, reopens its 35-seat patio this May, bringing one of Toronto’s most acclaimed drinks experiences back outdoors for the season. Set in the heart of Little Italy, the patio extends the bar’s signature polished yet effortlessly relaxed atmosphere, now paired with a fresh lineup of seasonal cocktails launching alongside the opening. Expect bright, spring-forward flavours and thoughtfully layered drinks that make the most of the warmer months.

Operating on a walk-in only basis, Bar Pompette is ideal for spontaneous evening plans, whether that’s an after-work drink, a late-night round, or an easy weekend catch-up. The bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM, and Friday through Saturday from 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM, giving guests plenty of room to settle into the night. With its award-winning bar program, extended late-night hours, and effortless walk-in format, it remains one of the city’s strongest patio destinations for cocktail season.

European-inspired and built around modern aperitivo culture, Bar Allegro moves seamlessly into the season with its 50-seat glass veranda already open, ahead of the outdoor patio debut in May. Designed for elevated snacks, slow sips, and shared moments, the space brings a refined yet easygoing energy that feels ideal for spring evenings and stylish catchups. The transition into patio season feels especially natural here, with the covered veranda already offering a bright, polished setting before expanding outdoors for warmer nights.

Open 7 days a week on a walk-in only basis, Bar Allegro welcomes guests Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Friday through Saturday until 1:00 AM. Whether it’s an after-work aperitivo, a relaxed date night, or a longer evening over cocktails and snacks, the experience is designed to unfold at an effortless pace with a distinctly European rhythm.

Little Sister
IG. @littlesisterto
2031 Yonge St
102 Portland St

Patio season returns to Little Sister in mid-May, weather permitting, with both the Portland and Yonge Street locations reopening just in time for spring dining in the city. The Yonge Street location, known for its Indonesian cuisine, will feature a 45-seat street-facing patio, making it a great choice for lively after-work drinks and spring evenings downtown. Meanwhile, Portland brings a Dutch-Indonesian dining experience, with two distinct outdoor options: a 20-seat front patio and a newly refreshed back patio reserved for private group dining, accommodating up to 16 guests across 6 tables. With Portland’s patio relaunch expected the weekend before Victoria Day, the refreshed setting will feel especially timely for the season. Reservations for Portland location HERE and reservations for Yonge location HERE.

To mark the warmer months, Little Sister’s spring/summer drink menu launches in the last week of April, led by a playful seasonal feature: the “Watermelon, Sugar… High” cocktail, made with Absolut Tabasco vodka, watermelon, lime cordial, and fresh mint. Guests visiting throughout the season can also enjoy the daily Happy Jam menu from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with food and drink specials starting at $7. As produce comes into peak season, the cucumber watermelon salad is expected to return in late May, adding a fresh seasonal element that pairs perfectly with patio dining. It’s an easy fit for everything from casual happy hour meetups on Yonge to more intimate group dinners on Portland’s private back patio.

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai
501 College St

Patio season at Naari Thai BBQ brings the restaurant’s bold, fire-driven energy outdoors with an intimate 20-seat patio in Little Italy, ideal for warm evenings built around shareable plates and cocktails. Rooted in Southern Thai flavours and live-fire cooking, the outdoor experience is especially suited to dishes like BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay, Charred Scallops, grilled meats with sticky rice, and wok-fired favourites, all designed for a lively, communal meal. The Southeast Asia–inspired cocktail program, led by Sakshi Humne, adds to the patio appeal with standout sips like Gloomy Daizy, Tamarind Honeycomb, and Mango Chipotle. With its vibrant neighbourhood setting and a chef-led menu built on brightness, balance, and flame, Naari’s patio is poised to be one of Little Italy’s most exciting new spots for the season. Reservations can be made HERE.

Minami Toronto
W. minamitoronto.com
IG. @minamitoronto

Tondou Ramen
W. tondoutoronto.com
IG. @tondoutoronto

Favorites Thai
W. Favorites Thai
IG. @myfavethai

Lyla
W. lylatoronto.com
IG. @lylatoronto

Taberna LX
W. tabernalx.com
IG. @taberna_lx_to

Bar Pompette
W. pompette.ca
IG. @barpompette_to

Bar Allegro
W. pompette.ca/bar-allegro
IG. @barallegro_to

Little Sister
W. Portland: https://www.littlesisterto.com/ls-portland
W. Yonge: https://www.littlesisterto.com/yonge-street
IG. @littlesisterto

Naari Thai BBQ
IG. @naarithai

#FOOD: NAARI THAI BBQ NOW OPEN

Naari – a unique Thai restaurant with Indian and Burmese influences celebrates its grand opening tomorrow at 501 College Street in Little Italy. The restaurant introduces a modern, fire-driven approach to Thai cuisine, with a menu rooted in Southern Thai flavours and layered with broader regional influences that often come together on a single plate.

The April 9 grand opening offers a lively first look at the space, featuring lion dancers, special surprises, and complimentary champagne and dessert for guests.

Reservations are now open and can be made via OpenTable HERE.

The restaurant is backed by Kyma hospitality group with an expanding presence in Toronto, and brings together a team with experience across Thailand, Dubai, and Canada.

Culinary Program
The kitchen is led by Chef Nagu Kandan, whose approach is rooted in the food he grew up with and continues to seek out. His early exposure to Thai cooking came through observation—watching ingredients come together at home, from shallots hitting hot oil to chilies being pounded into paste, and lime balancing richer coconut-based dishes.

Naari’s menu reflects a mix of Southern Thai flavours and technique-driven cooking. Dishes are layered with ingredients like lemongrass, makrut lime, chili, and coconut, with an emphasis on freshness and clarity.

The meal often begins with smaller bites such as savoury coconut-based starters or seafood served with herbs and spices. From there, the menu moves into shareable dishes like fried chicken, pandan-wrapped proteins, and grilled meats served with sticky rice and citrus.

Live fire and wok cooking form the core of the offering, with dishes like marinated flat iron steak, grilled fish with lime and chili, and stir-fried greens. Curries and rice-based dishes round out the menu, alongside familiar Thai staples like khao soi, pad Thai, and fried rice.

Kandan later spent time in Southern Thailand, where his approach was shaped by local markets, street vendors, and fire-based cooking techniques. That experience continues to inform the menu at Naari, where dishes are built around brightness, balance, and restraint.

A la Carte Menu
The menu is designed to be approachable, with one-bite starters, shared plates, and larger-format dishes that centre on live fire and wok cooking. Featured dishes include Khanon Krop- Crispy Chicken, BBQ Coconut Chicken Satay, and Charred Scallops.

Omakase Experience
In addition to the à la carte menu, Naari offers a $65 omakase designed as a structured introduction to the kitchen’s approach. The experience moves through a progression of dishes that highlight different techniques and flavour profiles across the menu.

Optional pairings are available for an additional $35 per person, with both beverage and wine options designed to complement the dishes.

Beverage Program
The beverage program is led by Sakshi Humne, who also oversees front-of-house operations. She brings experience from several Toronto restaurants, including MICHELIN-recognized Bar Goa.

The cocktail list draws influence from Southeast Asia, with a focus on balance and ingredient-driven flavour. Highlights include Gloomy Daizy, Tamarind Honeycomb, and Mango Chipotle.

The Space
Naari is located in Little Italy, a neighbourhood that continues to evolve as a dining destination in Toronto. The space is designed to feel relaxed and welcoming, aligning with the restaurant’s approach to food and service.

Hours & Details
Naari Thai BBQ recently soft launched with varied hours for the duration of March.
Starting April 1, Naari Thai BBQ will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
Reservations can be made via OpenTable HERE.

About Naari Thai BBQ
Naari Thai BBQ is a contemporary Thai restaurant in Toronto’s Little Italy, focused on fire-driven cooking, regional influence, and approachable dining. The menu is shaped by Southern Thai flavours and global experience, with an emphasis on balance, freshness, and technique.

We were so lucky to visit. Some highlights!

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