259 Host

Brothers and business partners Jay and Sanjeev Sethi opened 259 Host, the fourth Host restaurant in the Greater Toronto Area, earlier this month. But the pair decided to brand their new downtown locale - ”a multilevel restaurant on Wellington Street West - ”differently than their Indian restaurants in Yorkville, Richmond Hill, and Mississauga. Although the restaurant serves authentic Indian food, it does so in a more creative manner.

The menu includes appetizers like panir and Brie cheese croquettes in a savory crust of gram flour and lentil flakes and tangy chaat of rice cakes served with crispy spinach fritters, yoghurt and fresh date chutney. Main courses such as lobster tail coated with fresh red pepper paste, coconut, and baby spinach (cooked in a tandoor) are offered. Four-year-old aged basmati rice accompanies each dish.

The entire space seats 80, with room for 40 on each of the two levels, and an outdoor patio can hold 20 in the warmer months. The upper level, which overlooks Wellington Street, has its own bar and can accommodate business meetings and private functions.