Pukka

What is Pukka? Occupying a warm, exposed-brick space at 778 St. Clair Avenue West, Pukka strips away dated dining tropes in favor of elevated, bistro-style Indian hospitality. Founded by restaurateur Harsh Chawla and sommelier Derek Valleau alongside Executive Chef Dinesh Butola, the dining room pairs modern woodwork and intimate banquettes with a polished concrete bar. It remains one of Wychwood's most reliable evening draws, balancing neighborhood warmth with refined service.

Pukka Menu & What to Order The kitchen prioritizes bright, layered spice profiles and seasonal ingredients over heavy sauces, complemented by a thoughtful, spice-friendly wine program. Start with the tamarind-glazed lamb lollipops finished with mint and turmeric, or the crunchy, tangy Pukka Chaat. For mains, the rich butter chicken and pan-seared gunpowder prawns are perennial crowd favorites, while extensive vegan options like the coconut pumpkin curry and sweet-and-sour Hakka tofu hold their own. Finish with the chai-spiced sticky toffee pudding or sip a smoky Tamarind Mezcalita.

Know Before You Go Tables fill up quickly from Thursday through Sunday, making advance dinner reservations on the restaurant's website or OpenTable essential, though early walk-ins can often snag seats at the bar. Drivers will find a Green P surface lot directly across the street, while transit riders can hop on the 512 St. Clair streetcar directly to the door. Dinner runs nightly starting at 5:00 p.m.