When people ask me what my favourite restaurant in Toronto is, without hesitation I tell them it's Pinky's. It's everything that's good about Toronto's dining scene - casual, fun, embraces the diversity of the city and feels like a hidden gem.
Walking into Pinky's is like walking into the best-catered house party you've never been invited to.
It's loud and dark, the service is great - the staff are always there when you need another teapot full of cocktails - but never obtrusive. It's cool without being pretentious and most importantly, the food is phenomenally tasty.
The Banh Xeo broccoli is the item here that I keep coming back for. The lightly battered broccoli - with a crust that shatters in an addictive way - has the dual winning traits of being fried and feeling slightly righteous (because broccoli). The Tiger's Milk ceviche, wings, and fried rice with soft shell crab are also fantastic.
Long story short: Go to Pinky's. Eat well, drink cocktails, leave smiling. Repeat.