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About
Pukka
Welcome to Pukka, a culinary gem located on the bustling St Clair Avenue West in Toronto. Nestled at 778 St Clair Ave W, this modern Indian restaurant has quickly become a favorite among locals, attracting diners with its vibrant atmosphere and exquisite menu. With thoughtfully curated dishes that promise to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey, Pukka has solidified its place as a must-visit destination for those seeking an elevated Indian dining experience.
As you step inside, the dimly lit ambiance envelops you, creating a cozy yet sophisticated environment. The service here is attentive and welcoming, instantly making you feel at home. Often noted in reviews, the friendly staff, led by the owner, goes the extra mile to ensure your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.
The menu showcases a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes. Here are some highlights that are sure to leave a lasting impression:
- Pickerel Five Spice Crusted – A beautifully grilled dish accompanied by grilled asparagus and parsnip-cauliflower puree (CA$39.00)
- Punjabi Chicken – A spicy homestyle curry prepared with garlic, ginger, tomato, and chili (CA$27.00)
- Butter Chicken – Indulge in the rich flavors of this dish featuring a tomato-infused butter sauce (CA$28.00)
- Garam Masala Duck – A standout dish that features a seared duck breast complemented by a wild blueberry curry (CA$38.00)
- Boatman's Fish & Prawns – A unique curry accented with tamarind and lemon-coconut broth (CA$42.00)
- Lamb Lollipops – For meat lovers, these tender lollipops are a must-try!
Among our reviewers, it’s the Garam Masala Duck that often receives high praise for its perfect cooking and delightful balance of flavors. Jessica Yeow raved about the “incredible” dish that expertly merges richness with a touch of sweetness. Another frequent standout is the Punjabi Chicken, as mentioned by Paul Robitaille, who noted the symphony of flavors that truly “scream out” at first bite.
Beyond the mains, Pukka offers an array of refreshing beverages. They serve delightful non-alcoholic options, such as a creamy Mango Lassi for CA$9.00, perfect for complementing the spicy dishes. If you're in the mood for something a bit more spirited without the alcohol, try their NA Spicy Margarita at CA$14.00, a creative twist on a classic.
In summary, if you're on the lookout for creative Indian fare presented with elegance and flair, Pukka should be at the top of your list. With its ideal blend of flavorful dishes, thoughtful service, and a modern vibe, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you even leave the table. Don’t forget to indulge in the vibrant atmosphere while savoring a culinary journey that celebrates both tradition and innovation!
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“ New fav spot on St Clair. Best modern Indian. Fresh food. Dim-lit mood. Thoughtful service. I’ve been here twice in a week, and I will be coming back. ”
“ As soon as we walked in the owner greeted us and took our coats.. ensured we were comfortable at the bar as we waited for our table, and kept checking in on us. Before long we were comfortably seated and took a bite of our Pukka Chaat salad, I heard the first words from my partner which were “all the flavours just scream out at you” and I agreed. We shared the Punjabi Chicken with a side of buttered Naan bread and rice. Just amazing. I can say that from the moment we walked in until the moment we left, we had an incredible experience and would highly recommend it. ”
“ Absolutely loved my dinner at Pukka! The Garam Masala Duck with wild blueberry curry was incredible! Perfectly cooked duck with a curry that was rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness . The vibe of the place is modern and welcoming, and the service was top-notch. Definitely a must-visit for anyone looking for creative Indian food in Toronto! ”
“ We had an amazing evening at Pukka. The food and service is always amazing here. A cozy place, we started the evening with refreshing Indian inspired cocktails like Lady Grey or Bombay Sour. The food is delicious, elevated Indian dishes full of flavour. On the menu are a variety of seafood, chicken, lamb and short rib in aromatic classic Indian Curries and Masala. Presentation here is always on potent! There is a variety of amazing vegetarian dishes that you should try as well. The dishes are generous and moderately priced. If you need help, the servers are there to guide you in the right direction for a great experience One of the best places in the city for Indian cuisine! If you haven’t been here, you should definitely put this place on the top of your list. ”
“ Very nice restaurant. I had the chicken 65, which was great and not too spicy. I also tried the eggplant tartare, which wasn’t my favourite, but still ok. The garlic naan was very good as well. It’s a little bit on the pricy side, but overall a nice restaurant and worth a try. ”
“ Excellent upscale Indian restaurant with tasty appetizers. A friend and I split the chicken 65, signature chaat, okra fries and stuffed paneer. Star of the show was definitely the paneer. This dish is simply beautiful with the vibrant green inviting you in. The curry is rich, creamy and the mushroom falling from the paneer adds nice texture. Okra fries were crispy and fun to nibble on. Chaat was also another dish with a lot of variety and textures in every bite. ”
“ Pukka was incredibly lively on Saturday night, with vibrant colours, flavours and aromas. Service and atmosphere were fantastic for our table of 5 with every bit of our journey feeling seamless. Despite avoiding TO ‘licious for many years, I was highly recommended by friends to make a trip to Pukka during this Winterlicious. I’d say they were right. The Gobi 65 and Chicken Tikka were great, though I’d say I prefer the Gobi. Lamb was a popular dish across the restaurant and we had to partake. The optional Naans were a great addition to the meal and recommended! For dessert, I heard great things about the rice pudding but personally opted for the Chai panna cotta, which was a smooth and light ending to our lamb entree. Would recommend! ”
“ I've been many times as it's one of our favourite Indian restaurants in the city. The food is really, really good. Specifically the chicken 65 (a must order) and the chicken tikka. The gunpowder prawns are also quite tasty. The dishes are on the small-moderate portion sizing but the flavours are great! The owner almost always comes around during the meal just the check in which is always appreciated. It's a great spot and highly recommend it. Have been back many times and still exceptional! That chicken 65!!!!! Back again! Dining room this time and everything was superb. That chicken 65...outrageously delicious. The chaat is also superb. Once again, never disappoints. We had the pumpkin curry this visit which was delicious. ”