PUNCH

Born from the Hindi word pañch, meaning “five” and pronounced punch, the name carries a dual meaning. In the 17th century, punch became known as the world’s first cocktail; a blend of spirit, sugar, lemon, water, and spiced tea, originating from the Indian subcontinent before being carried to England by the East India Company. True to its namesake, PUNCH, continues that story of two cultures colliding, where heritage meets reinvention. Punch also refers to the five senses invited to take part in the experience. It is a bridge between worlds, crafted with taste, soul and style. 

Punch is both deeply personal and profoundly cultural. The food tells a story, rooted in flavours passed down through generations and reimagined with a contemporary vision. Service is refined yet inviting, delivered with a generosity of spirit that makes guests feel instantly at home. 

“I feel privileged to share a menu that reflects my own story and cultural roots. At PUNCH, my goal is to immerse guests in the flavours and spices that echo Indian tradition, while encompassing my training in global dining flavour. We aim to offer a truly one of one experience unlike anything the city has seen before,” said Executive Chef Mandar Kulkarni (Le Select Bistro, Don Alfonso 1890, BISHA, BUCA Osteria & Bar). 

Dishes are drawn from family recipes, reinterpreting the flavours of Indian aunties and British mums. Tradition is the foundation, but imagination is at the forefront. The menu is designed for sharing, echoing the warmth of meals enjoyed at home while channeling London’s esteemed gastronomic culture. The Mumbai Chat-Slaw layers crisp vegetables with tamarind yogurt and boondi for a playful nod to street food. The Madai Crudo is finished with crisp pear-kohlrabi relish, bay leaf powder and herb oil, while the Beef Wellington pairs tenderloin and wild mushroom duxelles with Swiss chard, sunchoke purée, and a Rogan Josh jus. The Butter Chicken Pot Pie reinvents the British staple with tender chicken in rich makhani sauce beneath golden pastry, bridging comfort and exotic flavour. 

““Our vision was to bring a spark of London’s daring energy to Toronto - a city that’s already a global hub,” said Marie Pier Germain, Co-President of Germain Hôtels. “At Germain Hôtels, we’ve celebrated sophistication with a boutique Canadian twist and PUNCH takes that spirit even further. We wanted to create something truly unique that resonates with tastemakers and world travellers alike who are seeking a modern, cultured experience with a playful edge.”

Set to a backdrop of Indo house beats, the bar, backed by stained glass and a towering display, is anchored by a striking two-toned marble floor of green and beige. It’s here that the cocktail program comes alive, blending imagination with unexpected flavour combinations. Pimm’s Remix playfully twists the British classic with vodka, jasmine tea, coconut, passionfruit, and a fiery piri-piri finish, while the Crown Jewel infuses gin with Darjeeling tea, and a subtle lift of pineapple-anise bitters. 

Designed by Block Plan Studios, the 91-seat dining room evokes the spirit of a timeless British guild hall enriched with exquisite verde marble, masterfully finished wood paneling, and rich textures that are equally luxurious and modern. The effect? An understated opulence that feels like it has been tucked away on Mercer Street for decades. Warm tones of mustard, golden amber and pine green decorate the space while whimsical art animates the wood walls. 

The main dining room glows with light from intricately crafted custom fixtures, crowned by four breathtaking chandeliers that combine Baccarat-style brilliance and English Regency charm to anchor the over-height ceilings with artisan precision.

The private dining room unfolds like a secret garden; its walls dressed in hand-painted foliage and delicate birdsong motifs. The space feels like a privé salon and features an exclusive bar for moments that feel both personal and celebratory. It hosts up to 18 guests for an intimate dinner or 35 for a cocktail-style gathering. 

Tucked just off the Germain Hôtel lobby, the chic, martini-focused Library Lounge offers a refined hideaway surrounded by warm bookcases and low-slung seating. For walk-in guests, it’s the perfect place to linger with a cocktail while awaiting a table at PUNCH. PUNCH is open for dinner and will introduce brunch later this year. 

For more information, please visit punchtoronto.com. 
Reservations are available on Open Table. 
PUNCH is located at Le Germain Hotel Toronto Mercer, 30 Mercer Street, Toronto.
Valet service is available.