Picture yourself diving into a steaming plate of aromatic biryani, bursting with flavors that transport you straight to the bustling streets of India. Well, get ready, Toronto foodies! We’ve handpicked the top biryani havens in our city, guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!
Our guide will lead you on a culinary adventure through Toronto’s finest biryani restaurants, sampling dishes ranging from mild to spicy to suit your palate. Consider this blog your one-stop shop to find the best biryani in the GTA.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Makes a Great Biryani?
Not all biryanis are created equal. Here are some important factors you have to check when finding the best biryani.
Quality of Ingredients
The first and perhaps most important factor is the quality of the ingredients. A great biryani uses high-quality, long-grain basmati rice that is aged to perfection. The meat or vegetables should also be fresh and of good quality, as they form the base of the dish.
Balance of Flavors
A great biryani should have a balance of flavors that is both complex and harmonious. The spices should be well-balanced, with each one contributing to the overall flavor of the dish without overpowering the others. The dish should also have a good balance of heat, sweetness, and acidity, depending on the recipe.
Texture
Finally, a great biryani should have a wonderful texture. The rice should be fluffy and light, with each grain perfectly cooked and separate. The meat or vegetables should be tender and succulent, adding depth to the dish.
Every little thing counts, and when everything comes perfectly balanced, you’ll have an unforgettable biryani experience.
| Best Biryani in Toronto | Google Rating | Google Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| Charminar Indian Cuisine | Scarborough | 4.5 | 2,795 |
| Leela Indian Food Bar – Dundas | 4.8 | 2,307 |
| Dil Se Indian Restaurant & Bar | 4.8 | 1,255 |
| Indian Desire | 4.6 | 772 |
| The Great Maratha | 4.6 | 733 |
Where to find the Best Biryani in Toronto
Google My Maps Link:
Charminar Indian Cuisine | Scarborough
“Savor the fragrant Biryani flavor”
Charminar’s biryanis are an exotic and complete meal in themselves. (Image source: Charminar Indian Cuisine Instagram)
Indian food in Toronto is just one example of the city’s diverse and delicious restaurant scene. Finding the best biryani in town can be a challenge given the city’s abundance of Indian restaurants. Charminar Indian Cuisine, however, is one exception.
Each biryani at Charminar is cooked to perfection. (Image source: Charminar Indian Cuisine Instagram)
Charminar is a massive Indian restaurant known for its excellent biryanis. Their biryanis are a complete meal unto themselves, an exotic medley of rare spices infused in the meat and fragrant long-grain basmati rice. You absolutely must order the Hyderabadi Goat Biryani from among their many dishes. Their portions are large and filling, making them perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on your own.
Pricing: Starts at $13.99
Pros
- Great service and friendly staff
- Authentic South Indian food
- Good collection of Biryani
Cons
- Lack of attention to detail in takeout orders
Location: 925 Warden Ave. Unit 2, Scarborough, ON M1L 4C5
Google Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 (2,795 reviews)
Leela Indian Food Bar – Dundas
“Cooked to perfection, bursting with flavors”
Savor every bite of this delicious shrimp biryani at Leela Indian Food Bar. (Image source: Leela Indian Food Bar Instagram )
Leela Indian Food Bar, a cozy restaurant inspired by the roadside eateries of India, offers a biryani that is cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Whether you dine in or take out, you’re in for a treat.
And it’s not just the taste that impresses; the food is made with care and love, ensuring that every bite is a delight. Plus, the fast and efficient service means that you’ll be enjoying your meal within 20 minutes of ordering.
Don’t miss out on the chance to try the Leela Indian Food Bars’ Chicken biryani. (Image source: Leela Indian Food Bar Instagram)
If you’re worried about prices, fear not – the portion sizes and quality of the food more than justify the cost. And with the option to take it out, you can enjoy the same great taste at home. Don’t miss out on the chance to try the best biryani in Toronto – head to Leela Indian Food Bar today.
Pricing: $16.99
Pros
- Has a beautifully designed and executed interior with a rustic feel.
- The staff is friendly, accommodating, and attentive to customers’ needs.
- The portions are very good, and leftovers can be taken home.
Cons
- Parking may be an issue if the street is busy, as there may be a need to walk a bit to get to the restaurant.
Location: 3108 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M6P 2A1
Google Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5 (2,307 reviews)
Dil Se Indian Restaurant & Bar
“Great Punjabi Dhaba style cooking”
Generous portions and on-point flavors – that’s what you can expect at Dil Se. (Image source: Dil Se Indian Restaurant & Bar Instagram)
For those in search of classic Indian dishes with authentic flavors, Dil Se Indian Restaurant & Bar is a must-visit. This dine-in restaurant in Toronto offers a menu of freshly prepared North Indian delicacies, including biryanis, curries, and paneer. The name Dil Se, meaning “From the heart” in Hindi, speaks to the passion and care put into each dish.
Every dish at Dil Se is beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. (Image source: Dil Se Indian Restaurant & Bar Instagram)
At Dil Se, each dish is beautifully presented. And with generous portions, you’re sure to leave feeling satisfied. The restaurant even offers a private space downstairs for hosting private events.
Plus, with online pictures of the menu items, you can see exactly what you’re ordering before it arrives at your table. Don’t miss the chance to try the Punjabi Dhaba style cooking and rich spices that make Dil Se Indian Restaurant & Bar a standout in Toronto’s food scene.
Pricing: starts at $12.99
Pros
- Loved by many customers who enjoy authentic Indian food with great flavors and perfect cooking.
- Staff is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience.
- Restaurant has a nice atmosphere with good music and lighting
Cons
- Doesn’t accept reservations for larger groups, making it difficult to plan for events.
Location: 335 Roncesvalles Ave, Toronto, ON M6R 2M8
Google Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5 (1,255 reviews)
Indian Desire
“Artistic takes on traditional Indian dishes”
Freshly prepared ingredients and traditional spices make every dish at Indian Desire a treat. (Image source: Indian Desire Instagram)
For those seeking artistic takes on traditional Indian dishes, Indian Desire is a must-visit. This new restaurant located in downtown Toronto offers both a la carte and tasting menus, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. Using traditional Indian spices and freshly prepared ingredients, the food at Indian Desire is not only tasty but beautifully presented as well.
The lamb biryani is a standout dish at Indian Desire. (Image source: Indian Desire Instagram)
The standout dishes at Indian Desire include lamb biryani and curry chicken, but don’t overlook the vegetarian options like the Aravalli dal and paneer curries.
And for special occasions, the restaurant offers beautifully decorated birthday desserts. The thoughtfully laid-out food and dishware design add to the overall ambiance and atmosphere of the restaurant.
Pricing: Starts at $14.65
Pros
- Extraordinary service with attentive and friendly waitstaff.
- Distinctive and delicious drinks.
- Cool technology, like the robot cat that delivers food.
Cons
- Small serving sizes for some dishes, like the samosas.
Location: 469 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1X9
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (772 reviews)
The Great Maratha
“ The rich flavors of North Indian cuisine”
Get a taste of authentic North Indian cuisine with the Goat Biryani at The Great Maratha. (Image source: The Great Maratha Instagram)
The Great Maratha, a renowned North Indian restaurant, boasts an authentic taste and ambiance that truly sets it apart. Nestled in the northern part of downtown Toronto, this eatery serves as an ideal destination for those yearning for delectable Indian cuisine.
With a particular focus on biryanis, The Great Maratha’s Chicken Dum Biryani stands out as an essential dish for biryani aficionados. Skillfully prepared, this biryani features a harmonious blend of spices that beautifully enhances the succulent chicken.
The vegetable Biryani at The Great Maratha is packed with flavor. (Image source: The Great Maratha Instagram)
In case you’re seeking variety, The Great Maratha presents equally scrumptious alternatives such as Beef Biryani and Goat Biryani. Customer favorites like Murgh Malai Tikka and Chicken Tikka Masala are also not to be missed. Lastly, the Royal Platter emerges as another signature dish, boasting a sizzling medley of perfectly cooked meats and vegetables.
Pricing: $13.95
Pros
- Quick and good service
- Good portion sizes
- Friendly and attentive staff
Cons
- Limited ambiance and decor
Location: 965 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M6C 2C4
Google Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5 (733 reviews)
Biryani So Good You’ll Ask For More
For centuries, people all over the world have enjoyed biryani as a traditional dish. With its flavorful blend of spices, tender meats, and fluffy rice, it’s no wonder biryani remains a crowd-pleaser.
So why not plan your next dining experience around biryani and indulge in this classic dish? We can guarantee that you won’t be disappointed. With its comforting flavors and rich cultural history, biryani is a dish that is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and connected to the world around you.