Introducing: Aravind, an authentic south Indian restaurant in Greektown
Set in the midst of gyro-heavy Greektown, new Indian restaurant Aravind is something of an anomaly. It stands out by serving Keralan and southern cuisine (the curry-and-cream dishes of northern India are way more common downtown) and for utilizing Ontario-sourced ingredients when possible. Aravind, which opened last month, is not a bargain joint by any means—mains here range from $14 to $21—but owners hope the local ingredients, dedication to service and the concise, VQA-heavy wine list make up for it.
Aravind Kozhikott, who co-owns the eponymous spot with his family, has been a member of Marc Thuet’s team for the past few years; he helped train ex-cons during season one of Conviction Kitchen. For the time being, Kozhikott’s parents are heading up the kitchen, giving a homemade aspect to such standard Keralan creations as masala dosas, stuffed with potato and onion masala ($14), and saag paneer, doused in a purée of spinach, kale and broccoli ($16). Aravind also does a banana leaf–wrapped Ontario whole fish (pictured, $21). With only seafood and vegetarian options on the menu, it’s a piscivore’s playground.
Formerly the site of Mong Kut Thai (don’t worry, it just moved down the street), Aravind is still getting its footing. Kozhikott says new artwork and a new sign are on the way, as are some expanded menu options. Still, attention to detail abounds: nearly everything is made in house, from the paneer to the dosa rice crêpes to the coriander-infused vodka that Kozhikott uses in his Cochin caesar. Instead of tap water, customers are given mild, cumin-infused, digestion-aiding herbal water, ubiquitous in Keralan households.
As incongruous as Aravind may seem in Greektown, it’s probably a welcome addition for fans of Indian food. The trek to find authentic South Indian in Toronto can be a long one.
Aravind, 596 Danforth Ave. (at Gough Ave.), 647-346-2766.
Excellent food!homy style food..that s what we need.
mmmm. this place sounds good!
mmm. this place sounds yummy.
Maybe it *sounds* yummy but how does it taste? That is a tiny amount of food in the picture. Is it good value?
Been craving Indian food for a while now. Thanks for the recommendation!
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Just returned from eating here tonight. It was absolutely beautiful! Aravind was extremely personable and happily shared information about the dishes. I had the Late-Harvest Vegetable Korma and it was just beautiful. The lentil and squash puree on the side was TO DIE FOR. I highly recommend this restaurant!
Great food,amazing people.
Try it out!
I am not sure if TorontoLife knows about
Maroli Indian Kerala Restaurant .This has been my fav spot in City
I absolutely love this place! My girlfriend and I have gone 3 or 4 times now since our first visit in November of last year.
It’s definitely not like any other Indian food I’ve had before. Everything has been great every time we go, and tonight we’re going again. :D