Dzo

What is Dzo? Perched along Dundas Street West directly across from the Art Gallery of Ontario, Dzô Viet Eatery is an energetic hangout founded by partners Jackson Mou and David Tong. Rooted in the lively Vietnamese tradition of *nhậu*—communal drinking, grazing, and unwinding over street eats—the multi-level space features vivid neon accents, glowing paper lanterns, and an upbeat hip-hop soundtrack. Seating ranges from intimate dining room tables and lively bar stools to an outdoor seasonal patio and the upstairs late-night cocktail haven, Bar Đêm.

Dzo Menu & What to Order Chef David Tong draws on family recipes from his late mother ("Mama 9"), playfully modernizing Vietnamese staples into punchy shareables and comfort bowls. Start with the Photine—crisp fries showered in cheese curds, pho-spiced beef, and deeply aromatic pho gravy—alongside betel leaf-wrapped beef Viet tacos. For mains, order the house dry pho paired with a rich dipping broth or the caramelized Thit Kho To braised pork belly claypot. Drinks lean equally inventive, featuring lemongrass-infused sips, the savory Bun Bo Hue Caesar, and pandan-spiked Sticky Mango Rice cocktails.

Know Before You Go Reservations can be booked in advance via OpenTable or their website, which is highly recommended during weekend peak hours and post-gallery rushes. Walk-ins are welcomed, particularly for bar seating, though Friday and Saturday evenings see quick lineups. The restaurant is easily accessible via the 505 Dundas streetcar, with street parking along McCaul and nearby Green P garages.