Hey guys!

I actually live in Toronto, but I'm planning a surprise birthday party for my boyfriend. He loves Indian food, and even though I hate it, I'd like to pick an Indian restaurant. Problem is - I've never been to any! Can anyone tell me where their favourite place to Indian in Toronto is? Thanks!

Try Dhabba at 309 King West across from the Holiday Inn. It is on the second floor.

Another good restaurant is
Shar-E-Punjab on the Danforth at Jackman.

Swaad - my neighbourhood Indian restaurant (unfortuntely way out in the West end in Etobicoke on the Queensway near Royal York Road.
For something slightly different, you might want to consider The Blue Cafe (located where Dundas and Ronvcessvalles meet). (he food from the island of Mauritius - located bewteen India and Africa. The main food influences are Indian, French and African - the results are fantastic. Best samosas I have ever had and their Daube of Chicken and Shrimp Mascarenas are to die for.

Do you care if the restaurant is dumpy, considering it's a birthday celebration?

I have an Indian friend in the restaurant business (not an Indian restaurant) and I'll ask him for advice this week.

My memories of Sher E Punjab are that it might best be described as cheap and cheerful, but it has been a while.

BAK

Oops ! - I meant The Blue BAY Cafe

I don't care if the place is "dumpy"...I would rather it not be one of the more fast food like restaurants but a sit down atmosphere, but I would not want it to be expensive since I will be having the guests pay for themselves (University student!).

Has anyone ever been to Indian Flavour (it has a buffet) at 565 Bay Street?

I can think of a number of possibilities. The Gerrard/Coxwell area, Little India, has lots of good restaurants; our favourite is Siddhartha, which is about two blocks east of that intersection, on the north side. They have a buffet and you can also order from the menu. Another choice is Kama, on King Street just across from Roy Thomson Hall; their dinner buffet is very good.
If you totally hate Indian food and don't mind going out to the west end, the Queen's Arms pub on the Queensway near Islington is a British pub that serves excellent Indian food but you can also get British pub food like fish and chips, steak and kidney pie, etc. so you would be able to enjoy the dinner too. It's not a fancy place but not all that dumpy either.

Sorry, I made a mistake - Siddhartha is WEST of Coxwell on Gerrard, not east.

I'm planning on taking him to Kama sometime before his birthday to see how he likes it - so thanks for the suggestion, Meesthare, I'll let you know how it goes!

You're welcome. I hope you both enjoy your dinner!

Debu Saha's Biryani house right opposite Wellseley station is awesome. If you dont mind the commute, Nirvana in Mississuaga is very good to. Curry twist in high park has excellent food but is pretty small.

I've been to Trimurti 265 Queen West and enjoyed it very much. CLean modern decor, not too expensive.

http://www.trimurti.ca/

Indian Rice Factory on Dupont is good.

Cuisine of India is said to be one the city's best. North Yonge Street.