Every so often, a hidden gem opens its doors in Toronto, and Kadak (Vibrant Indian cuisine) at 2088 Yonge Street, in the Yonge and Eglinton area, is one such treasure. Formerly home to 5 Doors North, the space has been completely transformed into a warm, vibrant oasis, with coral-painted walls, peacock-patterned wallpaper, golden velvet chairs, and a charming little bar tucked away at the back. Kadak offers an inviting and visually stunning atmosphere. A private dining room, seating around 20 people, adds an intimate touch.
True to its name- Kadak meaning outstanding or awesome– the restaurant lives up to its
promise. Co-owners and chefs Mukesh Padaya and Akshay Medhekarand the manager, bartender, and co-owner Siddesh Chaudhary, bring a wide variety of Indian dishes to life with creative plating and presentation. Having honed their craft at the Four Seasons Mumbai and later at the Four Seasons Toronto, the chefs skillfully balance the authentic flavours of Indian cuisine while still attracting a North American palate.
Since opening in March 2024, Kadak has curated an extensive menu of classic Indian dishes, many with a modern twist. We savoured the fiery spices, fragrant coastal flavours, and tangy street food-inspired chaats. The menus, which change approximately every two weeks, feature seasonal ingredients sourced primarily from local farmers’ markets. With no walk-in freezer, everything is prepared fresh daily, using only the highest quality ingredients.
Navigating the large menu was challenging, but everything we selected was delicious. The restaurant is family-friendly, offering a customized kids’ menu. The menu is divided into small plates and shareable kebabs and grills, vegetables, biryani and rice, chicken, lamb and goat, seafood, sides, bread, and desserts. Kadak has a separate lunch menu and is open daily from 11:30 am to 10:30 pm.
Standout dishes we tried were the Truffle Cheese Naan, the tender signature Lamb Chops, the Saoji Chicken Curry with dried coconut and chili sauce, and the incredible Crab Xec Xec, cooked in a chef’s special, roasted spice blend with coconut vinegar and tamarind. The crab was so delicious it was literally finger-licking good, and gloves were provided for the dish.
The bar also impresses with craft cocktails in the $15-19 range. For those with a sweet tooth, I highly recommend the signature Peacock drink, a beautifully presented mix of gin, lime, guava, passion fruit, and orange bitters. The Watermelon Basil Martini was also a winner. The restaurant offers a small but well-curated selection of global wines and intriguing mocktails.
Desserts include a cheesecake flambéed with rum, seasonal sorbets, and ice creams, and a unique Gulab Jamun Crème Brûlée that beautifully marries the best of both worlds. Our servers’ warm hospitality added to our overall experience.
In about a month, Kadak plans to introduce a tasting menu alongside the á la carte options. They also offer catering and private event services, with a private room available for bookings. Takeout and delivery are available through third-party apps. Kadak made an exceptional first impression with its warmth, hospitality, bold, vibrant, and remarkable cuisine.
Recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
09/12/2024
