Shangrila

What is Shangrila? Anchoring Queen Street West near Sorauren Avenue on the border of Parkdale and Roncesvalles, Shangrila is one of Toronto's original Himalayan fixtures, run by founder Tsering Dolker and her family since the early 2000s. The intimate dining space is warm and unpretentious, outfitted with traditional Tibetan accents, standard dining tables, and a coveted raised platform with cushioned floor seating. It serves as an essential neighborhood institution centered on deeply comforting Tibetan and Himalayan home cooking.

Shangrila Menu & What to Order Handmade momos anchor the table, served steamed or pan-fried with a pungent house chili paste that delivers a direct, garlic-heavy kick. Deep-cut regional specialties shine brightest here, including fiery beef sukuti sauteed with garlic and ginger, comforting aloo phingsha stewed with beef and glass noodles, and the spiced cheley khatsa made with beef tongue and roasted peanuts. Vegetarians have ample options like the flash-fried crispy cauliflower and vegetable thenthuk hand-pulled noodle soup, best paired with savory salted Tibetan butter tea or a cold mango lassi.

Know Before You Go Walk-ins are welcomed, but the cushioned floor section is in high demand during peak dinner hours and weekend evenings, so call ahead if you are dining with a group. The 501 Queen streetcar stops steps from the front entrance, while metered street parking lines Queen West. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and open for continuous lunch and dinner service from Tuesday through Sunday.