Lao Lao Bar
The Village, Toronto
Restaurant in Toronto, Canada
Book with PearlThe Read
Price
$30–50per person
Dress
Casual
Why go
A strong first pick for contemporary Lao food in Toronto, especially at dinner when the heritage-building room and cocktail-bar side matter. Go for shared dishes such as laap, sakoo yat sai, BBQ chicken, and beef jerky; choose lunch only when convenience matters more than atmosphere.
About Lao Lao Bar
For a Toronto meal where the group wants modern Lao cooking, Lao Lao Bar is a clear candidate. The basics are direct: it is a modern Lao restaurant and cocktail bar from chef/owner Roj Piradechdamrongpan, with lunch and dinner service on Monday–Thursday and Sunday and a casual dress code. The price is $40 per person, so the decision comes down to whether Lao dishes and a cocktail-bar setting are what you want for the occasion.
The appeal is strongest for diners who want to center the meal on Lao cooking rather than a generic Southeast Asian night out. The signature dishes include sakoo yat sai, BBQ chicken, laap, and beef jerky.
Plan around the verified Lao menu anchors
Toronto has a broad dining scene, but Lao food is a more specific reason to choose this restaurant. The kitchen is led by Roj Piradechdamrongpan, and the confirmed dish anchors are laap, sakoo yat sai, BBQ chicken, and beef jerky. Those are the safest starting points for a first visit because they define the restaurant’s Lao identity without relying on menu details.
The cocktail-bar identity also matters. Lunch is available from 12 PM–3 PM on Monday–Saturday, while dinner runs from 4:30 PM–10 PM on Monday–Thursday and Sunday, and from 4:30 PM–11 PM on Friday and Saturday. If you are deciding between services, lunch is the practical daytime option, while dinner is the evening option. For a broader city scan before choosing, use Pearl’s Toronto restaurants guide, then narrow back here if Lao cuisine is the draw.
Book for modern Lao cooking in a casual setting
Lao Lao Bar’s dress code is casual, which makes it an easy fit for a relaxed meal rather than a formal dining plan. The price point is $40 per person, placing it in a manageable dinner-out range for Toronto. Value will depend on whether the group wants modern Lao dishes and a cocktail-bar setting, not on any unconfirmed tasting-menu format, seating style, or room feature.
The confirmed schedule gives you lunch and dinner options on Monday–Thursday and Sunday, so the best service depends on whether you want a daytime meal or an evening visit.
How to place it in a Toronto night out
Use Lao Lao Bar when the point of the plan is modern Lao food in Toronto, especially if dishes like sakoo yat sai, laap, BBQ chicken, and beef jerky sound right for the table. It is also a natural choice when a cocktail-bar setting is part of the appeal. If your priority is a highly quiet room, a specific seating format, or a confirmed tasting menu, choose based on current details from the restaurant before committing.
Planning details
- Hours
- Monday: 12–3 pm, 4:30–10 pm · Tuesday: 12–3 pm, 4:30–10 pm
- Location
- 5 St Joseph St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z3, Canada
- Website
- laolaobar.com
- Phone
- +1 647-948-8018
Venue details
Ambiance
Contemporary, vibrant Lao-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar in a heritage building with a gothic feel; warm lighting, lush design details and a "temple of revelry" atmosphere that feels transportive yet relaxed, encouraging guests to slow down, connect and revel together.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Accessibility
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Upscale Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Leisurely
- Capacity
- Small
- Kitchen
- Modern
- Menu Format
- A la carte, Small plates
- Drinks Focus
- Cocktails
- Dietary
- Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options
- Opened
- 2023
Signature Dishes
- sakoo yat sai (tapioca dumplings)
- BBQ chicken
- laap
- beef jerky
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 5 St Joseph St, Toronto, ON M4Y 1Z3, Canada
Planning details
Hours
- Monday
- 12–3 pm, 4:30–10 pm
- Tuesday
- 12–3 pm, 4:30–10 pm
- Wednesday
- 12–3 pm, 4:30–10 pm
- Thursday
- 12–3 pm, 4:30–10 pm
- Friday
- 12–3 pm, 4:30–11 pm
- Saturday
- 12–3 pm, 4:30–11 pm
- Sunday
- 4:30–10 pm
Location
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Lao Lao Bar guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Lao Lao Bar accommodate groups?
Lao Lao Bar costs about $40 per person, with lunch and dinner service on Monday–Thursday and Sunday, but larger-party details should be confirmed directly with the restaurant.
What are alternatives to Lao Lao Bar in Toronto?
If you want Lao Lao Bar for its modern Lao format, look for other Toronto restaurants that can serve a similar dining occasion. Lao Lao Bar remains the more specific pick when Lao food is the point, especially if confirmed dishes like sakoo yat sai, laap, BBQ chicken, and beef jerky are what you want.
Is Lao Lao Bar worth the price?
Yes, if you want modern Lao cooking in Toronto and are comfortable with the listed $40-per-person price. The value is strongest when dishes such as sakoo yat sai, laap, BBQ chicken, and beef jerky are the reason you are booking.
Is lunch or dinner better at Lao Lao Bar?
Lunch is served Monday–Saturday, and dinner is served daily. Lunch runs from 12 PM–3 PM, and dinner runs from 4:30 PM–10 PM Sunday–Thursday and from 4:30 PM–11 PM Friday–Saturday. Choose lunch for a daytime meal and dinner for an evening visit.
How far ahead should I book Lao Lao Bar?
If your date or time is important, check availability in advance; otherwise, use the confirmed Monday–Thursday and Sunday lunch and dinner hours to plan around the service that works best for you.
