Toronto Thai restaurant opening a new concept that's the first of its kind in Canada

A Thai restaurant in Toronto is gearing up to open an ambitious new flagship in the city that'll be the first of its kind in Canada.

Have you ever had a bite of food so scrumptious that you are instantly transported to its country of origin? Leaside Thai restaurant, Pii Nong, knows all about that feeling, and they're attempting to take it one step further with their latest venture; a vast two-floor and 10,000 square-foot location.

The new spot, which is taking over a space left behind by Riz near Yonge and Lawrence, will offer a whole lot more than just tasty Thai dishes, though — it's billing itself as the first-ever "complete Thai experience" in Canada.

Adjacent to the restaurant space on the main floor, the concept — or, should I say "experience" — will also house a Thai marketplace vending imported goods like snacks, beauty products, clothing, souvenirs and the restaurant's own line of frozen pre-made meals and sauces.

Venture upstairs, and you'll stumble upon a complete spa, where you can unwind before (or after) your meal with a traditional Thai massage or an assortment of other treatments.

"Our vision is to re-create the essence of Thailand’s most iconic experiences right here in Toronto," Jacky Yoh, Pii Nong's Marketing Director tells blogTO.

While the restaurant-meets-market-meets-spa concept might seem like an unlikely pairing, there is something to be said for a one-stop shop.

Other concepts, like Sweat and Tonic, have seen success blending together the unlikely combination of gym, social club, co-working space and cafe, so who's to say that Pii Nong's new flagship won't be the latest hot-spot in the city?

As it stands, the Pii Nong team is still hard at work putting the finishing touches on the flagship, so the exact opening date has yet to be determined, but Jacky confirms to blogTO that the restaurant and market will be opening by mid-December 2024 at the latest, while the spa is set to arrive in early 2025.

Pii Nong's Complete Thai Experience will be located at 3321 Yonge Street.