Lao Lao Bar
Lao Lao Bar
(647) 948-8018
http://www.laolaobar.com/
Over all: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Service: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Food: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Atmosphere: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The staff, particularly Esteban (our bartender) and Allyssa, worked tirelessly to manage the full room. We especially appreciated their attentiveness when Allyssa and Esteban handled our feedback on the spring rolls so professionally. Their effort and warmth truly elevated the service experience.
Drinks & Cocktails
La Passionista Mocktail (3/5):
Served with a promising chili-salted rim and a Thai chili garnish, the drink looked fantastic. However, while the presentation was on point, the execution fell slightly short. The drink leaned too heavily on the citrus, leaving the passion fruit flavour low-profile. A touch more sweetness and the addition of some passion fruit seeds would give this mocktail the balanced, tropical punch it deserves.
Appetizers: Areas for Refinement
The appetizer round offered the most opportunity for improvement.
Fresh Rolls (2/5):
These rolls, featuring mango, mint, cilantro, cucumber, red pepper, vermicelli, and a beautiful peanut sauce, didn't quite meet expectations. While the raw vegetables were perfectly fresh, the use of mixed greens was overkill; switching to delicate micro greens would significantly refine the texture. Furthermore, the presentation could be elevated with a more thoughtful, artistic plating arrangement. That said, the accompanying peanut sauce was outstanding—aromatic and softly spiced.
Spring Rolls (Deep Fried) (3/5):
As a long-time seeker of the perfect Toronto spring roll, I was eager to try this rendition featuring glass noodles, carrots, and taro. Unfortunately, they were slightly dry. The outer shell felt as though it had been sitting under a heat lamp, and the interior filling lacked moisture, though the flavour was subtle and good. This is an easy fix in the kitchen, and we were grateful the staff addressed our concern.
Satay Chicken (3/5):
The satay skewers were tender, perfectly bite-sized, and the flavour balance of satay sauce and coconut milk was great. The chicken was tender and the flavours were balanced. However, two issues kept this from being a 5-star dish: it arrived lukewarm, not hot, and the onion and cucumber salad was basically garnish, offering little to the dish. Another detail was that the ends of the skewers were sticky with residual marinade. For a dish that is meant to be held and eaten with your hands, wiping the marinade from the skewer handles would be a small detail that enhances the street-food authenticity without sacrificing comfort.
Main Courses & Dessert:
The kitchen truly shines with its main dishes and dessert, proving the culinary talent is definitely there.
Massaman Curry (4/5):
A richly aromatic and satisfying plate. The braised beef, cooked with tamarind, clove, and cinnamon in coconut milk, was perfectly tender. The curry itself had a delightful thickness and complexity of flavour that was deeply comforting.
Jungle Curry (4/5):
This dish was a spicy, aromatic triumph. Featuring chicken, green peppercorn, and holy basil, the heat was managed beautifully, building to a smooth, lingering warmth rather than a shocking initial hit. While I personally would have preferred it to be slightly thicker, the menu clearly noted that this version is made without coconut milk, making its thinner consistency intentional and authentic.
Coconut Milk and Pineapple Sorbet (4/5):
A fantastic finish. The sorbet was velvety and creamy, with the integrated pineapple jam creating an experience better than any piña colada. The only minor detraction was the crispy sesame rice garnish, which felt texturally out of place.
Lao Lao Bar has created a visually stunning, warm, and highly functional dining environment backed by a stellar service team. The main courses and dessert are excellent and capture the vibrant flavours of Laotian cuisine. The restaurant is already operating at a high level, but to achieve true perfection, the kitchen should focus on the consistent execution of its appetizers (addressing temperature and moisture) and small plating details (like the mixed greens and sticky skewers). Finally, for a venue this beautiful, the facility maintenance (specifically the restrooms) needs immediate attention—a quick wipe-down and larger bins would be simple improvements.
Overall, it was a good experience, and the strengths of the atmosphere and main dishes definitely warrant another visit.
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