Old Avenue Restaurant

What is Old Avenue Restaurant? Tucked into an industrial corridor along Alness Street in York University Heights, Old Avenue Restaurant is a delightfully idiosyncratic room dedicated to the robust culinary traditions of Azerbaijan and the Southern Caucasus. The dining space swaps modern minimalism for a vintage 1950s and 60s retro time capsule, decorated with nostalgic curiosities and scenic 3D wall installations. Deep black leather booths provide roomy, comfortable seating designed for leisurely feasts and spirited group dinners.

Old Avenue Restaurant Menu & What to Order The kitchen operates with serious authority over open flames and hearth-baked dough, weaving Georgian cheese breads with Central Asian rice dishes and Azerbaijani braises. Begin with thin, crisp kutab folded around herb or pumpkin fillings before moving to the molten cheese pull of an authentic khachapuri adjaruli. For mains, the charcoal-charred rack of lamb grill and the saffron-perfumed shah plov are undisputed centerpieces, though communal sizzling saj platters are ideal for sharing. Finish with traditional black tea accompanied by rich, walnut-stuffed Azerbaijani baklava.

Know Before You Go Ample plaza parking outside makes driving the simplest route, though TTC buses connect easily from nearby Finch and Sheppard West stations. While solo diners and walk-ins can usually slip into a booth on weeknights, weekend evenings draw celebratory crowds, making table reservations essential for larger parties. The kitchen observes a brief afternoon closure between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. from Monday to Thursday before reopening for dinner service.