One of Toronto’s most exciting new openings of 2025 is
Punch, the latest restaurant from Hanif Harji. This modern, elevated Indian–British concept opened in October 2025 on the ground floor of Hotel Le Germain, located at 30 Mercer Street.
The restaurant accommodates approximately 90 guests, with an additional private dining room for up to 12. The atmosphere is clubby, sexy, and distinctly British—reminiscent of the Polo Bar or a chic London townhouse. Rich wood paneling, a double-height ceiling, and four showstopping crystal chandeliers set the tone. Burgundy tufted leather banquettes, velvet chairs, hardwood floors, and curated décor—from candles and books to artwork ranging from prints to oil paintings—add to its warm, layered character. A small alcove showcases the wine selection, and Tiffany-style stained glass crowns the bar.
The tables are elegantly set with white linens, Rosenthal dishware, Opinel steak knives, heavy silverware, and fine stemware. Music—a mix of Indian house beats and contemporary club sounds—creates energy without overwhelming conversation.
The kitchen is led by Mumbai-born chef Mandar Kulkarni, formerly of Don Alfonso, with Manek Singh as chef de cuisine. The menu focuses on shareable small and large plates that blend Indian flavors with British influences. Highlights included the Hiramasa crudo with tamarind-coconut vinaigrette and pear–kohlrabi relish, a bright and balanced dish, and the Mumbai chaat slaw, bursting with color and crunch from apple, radish, carrot, beet, pomegranate, boondi, crispy leeks, and tamarind yogurt—though it would have been better served less chilled.
The Dum Pukht chicken biryani was beautifully presented and delicately spiced, while the tandoori-marinated lamb chops were exceptional—juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned with cashews and mint. British-inspired selections such as fish and chips, beef Wellington, and butter chicken pot pie round out the menu, along with sides like pub chips and basmati rice with peas, raisins, and dates.
The name Punch nods to the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch—each thoughtfully engaged through the space, food, and drink. The bar menu is equally creative, offering inventive cocktails and a solid list of global wines. My Anika No. 5 cocktail—a blend of tequila, lychee, piri piri, dragon fruit, lime, and egg white—was both playful and refreshing.
For dessert, we were treated to a whimsical chocolate mousse cart, topped with fresh whipped cream, sea salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and caramelized chocolate nibs—an irresistible finale.
Service, led by our knowledgeable and polished server Kenny, was impeccable throughout.
Punch is unlike anything Toronto has seen before—chic, imaginative, and full of personality. It celebrates the vibrancy of Indian flavors through a London lens, resulting in a dining experience that feels both global and deeply personal. Recommended.
Happy dining,
Shanea
11/23/2025
