One of Toronto's most iconic Indian restaurants just got taken over by something new

More than a year after an iconic Indian buffet in Toronto closed its doors, the space has been reclaimed by a new venture, but don't worry: the change shouldn't be too hard to adapt to.

Whether you frequented Bombay Palace or were merely accustomed to seeing its grand billboard imposing over the intersection of Jarvis and Adelaide (I, regrettably, fall into the latter category), the longstanding Indian buffet was an unmistakable landmark of Old Toronto.

It was, that is, until it quietly closed its doors sometime in mid-2025, redirecting fans to its once-sister, now-sole location in Brampton.

For months, the 87-seat, 2,700 sq. ft. space lay dormant, leaving the buffet's frequenters to wonder what would replace it and, more importantly, whether the usurper would also serve some bangin' samosas.

I come bearing good news, at least on the samosa front. The Jarvis Street restaurant space has been taken over by the sister location of Kensington Market staple Rikki Tikki. 

Dealing in modern Indian fare, the offerings at Rikki Tikki aren't too far a cry from those one could expect at Bombay Palace, though all-you-can-eat doesn't appear on the menu. If anyone from team Rikki Tikki is reading this: something to consider?

What does appear on the menu, however, is an extensive selection of offerings, from street food-inspired snacks like samosa chaat to an impressive lineup of veggie- and meat-based curries, biryanis, and nine different bread variations.

It's always tough seeing a longtime staple fade away in Toronto — especially because it happens so often — but there's a certain comfort that comes with knowing that the fragrant scents of garam masala and cardamom will be drifting down Jarvis once more.

Rikki Tikki is located at 209 Augusta Ave. and, now, 71 Jarvis St.