he fall of Saigon meets SoHo. Groovy crowds surge in to whisper and sigh over top-shelf pad Thai, fiery Thai red curry and generally anything that's ever seen a wok. In fact, it's flatly impossible to order poorly at lunch.

Faster than you can say "gentrification," this now ultra-stylish restaurant has reinvented itself. The slick design, by Bennett Lo of Dialogue 38, uses an expansive glass facade to make the , 1,500-square-foot interior seem larger. The glass wall at the front of the street-level eatery is bordered by sleek planks of stained oak. Indochine, however, is no newcomer; it just appears so. Located on this tiny street for twelve years, it has received a hefty makeover last year, thus gaining a new edge, a new customer base.

Better yet, the Pan-Asian menu is refreshingly the same, so you can gnosh on sexy plywood cafeteria chairs, secure that you'll have money for your light bill. Reliably good Thai and Vietnamese food has made this location a safe bet all along, especially in the Yonge/Bloor district.

The portions of pad Thai or fiery hot yellow curry with chicken, potatoes and beans are big enough to share. The grilled Saigon-style sea bass is a Chinatown staple; skewered Hanoi chicken satay over baby mesclun is lifted bya citrus vinaigrette; slow-cooked beef brisket curry; purple Thai basil beef with char-broiled peppers and onions.

The best deal on the already inexpensive menu is the meal-in-one pho – beef, chicken or seafood is soft and sweet, perked up a level by a tart sweet-sour sauce loaded with cilantro and red bell peppers – in a tamarind-scented broth garnished with Chinese garlic chives.

The meager dessert list, however, is disappointing, as there isn’t one. But thoroughly Western papaya sorbet is usually on standby. Finish it off with a sweet iced coffee and congratulate yourself on becoming a participating member of the Canadian economy.
- A. G.


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Reader Reviews

Rosy and warm
Steph, Toronto
January 31, 2004
Had dinner with friends here recently and everyone loved it. Lots of choices for those who like it hot and also for those who don't. We sat in the private backroom, which was great, and the staff gave us lots of time to sit and chat before ordering. Great service all around. On a non-food related note, the lighting at Indochine is super flattering. Everyone looks rosy and warm without even trying. What a bonus! Indochine is a favourite.


becky, toronto
March 23, 2003
their crab in curry sauce is the best dish i ve ever had. its good for two people but i could easily eat it all becuase its so good. th right amount of hotness just perfect!!! its best to just order it in because its very messy to eat. worth it though. also try their special fried rice.


good thing going!
Joshua Isenberg, Oshawa, ON
Nov 26, 2002
Great neighborhood find - nightly specials such as Pad thai and peanut soup were wonderful, and the staff was great. Laid back atmosphere and prices to match. Bite exceeded our expectations, and we'll definitely be back!