Kateryna Topol –
These are the people who helped us make this place special,” Michael Kapil gestures to the collection of framed photos on the wall beside the host desk. “This is my first employee,” the owner of Bindia Indian Bistro smiles.
Bindia Indian Bistro, named after Kapil’s daughter, is the oldest consecutively running restaurant beside St. Lawrence Market, “it is something we are quite proud of,” he admitted.
Located at 16 Market Street, the bistro was one of the first business openings on the street. “It was challenging at first, the building scaffolding was still up, and people simply didn’t know to look to the other side of the market yet,” he reflected.
Born and raised in Toronto, Kapil felt there was a gap in the Indian culinary scene and decided to open an elevated restaurant in Old Toronto. “I wanted to open something where quality stood out, a place you’d want to bring a date or friends to, with a great wine and martini list.”
That was twelve years ago. Today there is plenty of modern Indian cuisine in Toronto, but the Kapil family is determined to continue making its mark.
Jyoti Kapil is the restaurant’s manager and face, handling guest services and beverage menu direction. In the kitchen is Jyoti’s brother, chef Chandan Mohan, who brings culinary experience from restaurants in India and Vancouver. The north Indian menu uses family recipes where possible, taking the time to cook and simmer, using traditional techniques to develop flavours.
The restaurant is certified by Feast On®, which promotes Ontario food and drink. “It’s something we are really proud of, supporting small farmers and producers, and we’ve been doing so for a long time.”
As a small family-owned and operated restaurant, Bindia does not overstock produce, opting to purchase fresh meats daily and often directly from St. Lawrence Market.
As a neigbourhood restaurant from the start, the Kapils view many guests as friends. In the background, a couple of guests were laughing and joking with Jyoti at the bar.
“Do you have a lot of regulars?” I asked.
“Yes,” Michael replied, “there are a couple at the bar right now… Jyoti lights up when she comes to the restaurant. She’ll know people when they come in, remember who they came with and what they ordered, what they celebrated. She really cares about the people.”
Recently Bindia expanded to include a second dining area, which can be separated into its own private dining room with a private entrance. “We’ve had weddings, corporate parties, and family celebrations in here. Seeing people happy in this space truly brings us joy.”
In addition to the daily lunch and dinner service, Bindia occasionally hosts guided wine tastings.
To learn more and make a reservation, visit www.bindia.ca.
