Aroi Thai is an elegant Thai restaurant tucked away in Toronto's lively Leslieville neighbourhood.

Owner Shamikca Chandran has always had a soft spot for Thai food. As a child, her father owned a Thai takeout spot, and as an adult, her family made frequent trips to Thailand.

The more Shamikca immersed herself in Thai culture, the more she noticed the lack of mid-range Thai restaurants in Toronto.

"Most of the Thai restaurants in the city are either takeout or fine dining," she explained. "There's not really a middle ground."Intent on filling this perceived gap in the market, Shamikca created Aroi Thai, a restaurant that offers high-quality dishes at reasonable prices.Much like the menu, the restaurant's decor is upscale but understated. Whites, greens and greys dominate the dining room's colour palette, with hints of gold in the cutlery and dishware.

Shamikca's head chef is from Northern Thailand, so many of the dishes take inspiration from the culinary traditions of the region.

Aroi Thai also offers a wide range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, ensuring that there's something to eat regardless of your dietary needs.The Guava No-tini ($10) is a light, refreshing mocktail, intended to evoke the flavour of a guava martini. Soda water subs in for gin here, bringing a welcome fizz to the fruity drink.The Ube Cocorita ($16) is a bright purple beverage, whose colourful appearance belies a surprisingly sippable mixture of ube, tequila, orange liqueur, coconut milk and lime juice.

The Sakura Smoke ($20) is slightly stronger than the cocktails I typically gravitate to, but it still managed to leave a positive impression.

Japanese whiskey is combined with premium sake and orange bitters, then garnished with a smoking cinnamon stick. The scent alone would have been enough to make me fall in love with the drink, but the presentation took it to a whole other level.Roti mataba ($12) is a filling appetizer, made from unleavened flatbread stuffed with spiced potatoes. Savoury massaman dipping sauce is served on the side, along with a tangy cucumber relish.

Pomelo salad ($21) is a refreshing mixture of sliced pomelos, grilled shrimp, crispy shallots and roasted coconut.

Peanuts, cashews and fried chilis create a satisfying crunch, while lemongrass and sawtooth coriander enhance the flavours of the fruits and vegetables.

Finally, everything comes together under a drizzle of coconut-lime dressing.
Scallop ceviche ($25) comes swimming in a pool of coriander oil, garnished with kaffir lime leaves and Thai chilis. Lotus root and taro crisps are served on the side and can be used to scoop up chunks of seafood.Short rib khao soi ($32) is a unique variation on the classic noodle dish. In addition to the requisite egg noodles, pickled greens and ginger, this dish features braised short rib, beef ravioli and yellow curry. 

Crying tiger verde ($32) is made with tender triple-A striploin, topped with an assortment of fresh vegetables. 

Though the meat is flavourful enough on its own, nam jim jaew and Thai-style chimichurri can be added to elevate the taste even further.

Kabocha yellow curry ($23) is a thick, hearty curry, made with kabocha squash, yellow curry paste and sliced onions. The meal is garnished with crispy shallots and served with your choice of side. 

We opted for a bowl of sticky rice, which pairs perfectly with the spicy sauce.

Aroi Thai is located at 1216 Queen Street East.