New snack and cocktail bar hidden in Toronto neighbourhood

One of Toronto’s newest snack and cocktail bars is hidden in a residential neighbourhood.

Vietnamese fusion restaurant, Aisle 3 opened in the Junction’s residential area recently. The space at 2535 Dundas St. W. is surrounded by homes with the shops and cafes of the Junction’s core several blocks away.

Still, it is within walking distance from Dundas West Station, and was previously home to at least two other restaurants. A Ravi Soups was in the spot for a few years until around 2020. Before that, Back to the Garden Cafe occupied the space.

Dozens of lanterns illuminate Aisle 3 and a mural of rice fields, countryside and a dragon decorates one wall for a colourful atmosphere.

This new venture comes from siblings Philip and Mimosa Nguyen. Toronto foodies may recall Chef Philip Nguyen teamed up with Brian Nguyen of Banh Mi Boys, for a Vietnamese food pop-up in the summer 2020.

Aisle 3 fuses Vietnamese street food with cuisines from around the world for a truly Toronto multicultural experience.

“Experience authentic flavours elevated with modern techniques and global influences, celebrating Vietnamese heritage with bold, innovative dishes,” Aisle says on their website.

Menu items include the bún bò huế tacos, a dish that combines Vietnamese spices, oaxaca cheese, pickled onions, cilantro cabbage, and served with bún bò hue consommé.

Bún bò huế tacos

The snackable shrimp toast employs jalapeno relish, dill, scallion aioli, lemongrass and chilli.

Shrimp toast

Crispy duck leg confit features five-spices, egg noodles and lemongrass coconut curry.

Pan-seared seabass

And the pan-seared seabass has a bright, green Muối ớt xanh sauce, gai lan, cilantro, and watermelon radish.

Don’t forget dessert. Aisle 3 has a five-layer ice cream cake with a pretzel crust, espresso crumb, maldon salt, mocha whipped cream, caramel and salted caramel.

Five-layer ice cream cake

There’s also a range of creative cocktails and mocktails.

1. Aisle 3