Ottawa might have a thriving food scene of its own, but sometimes the most exciting culinary stories come from just down the highway in Toronto, and this one is worth knowing about before your next visit.
Chef Hemant Bhagwani, one of Toronto's most prolific restaurateurs, has pulled off something genuinely rare in the restaurant world: a complete concept reinvention that actually works. His Little Italy spot, once known as Oro Luxury Dining, is now Naari Thai BBQ: and it's already gearing up to change again.
A Restaurant With Seasons (Literally)
When Oro Luxury Dining was announced back in spring 2025, Bhagwani pitched it with an unusual hook: the restaurant would operate like a TV series, rotating through distinct concepts or "seasons" on a rolling basis. Menus would shift, the identity would evolve, and diners would essentially be tuning in for a new episode each time.
It sounded like a bold experiment. As of January 2026, we have our first proof of concept, and it's a strong one.
Naari Thai BBQ Is the New Season
Oro's Mediterranean-Indian fusion plates have been replaced by something completely different: Thai-style barbecue. The menu at Naari leans into bold, shareable street food energy, with highlights like sticky rice short rib tacos, chicken pandan, and duck kra pao sitting alongside classics like green curry and Tom Yum soup.
It's comfort food with edge, the kind of menu that's designed to be ordered communally, which fits the convivial atmosphere Little Italy has always done well.
Why Ottawa Diners Should Care
For Ottawa residents who make regular trips to Toronto, whether for concerts, shopping, or just a weekend escape. This is exactly the kind of spot worth pencilling in. Little Italy is already one of the city's most dependable culinary corridors, and a restaurant that's actively reinventing itself gives you a reason to return.
It's also a reminder of something Ottawa's own restaurant scene is still growing into: the idea that a single space can hold multiple identities over time. Ottawa has seen its share of pivots and rebrands, but a fully premeditated concept rotation of this scale is still relatively rare here. As Ottawa's Hintonburg, Centretown, and Westboro dining strips continue to mature, it'll be interesting to see whether any local operators take a similar swing.
What's Next?
Bhagwani has already signalled that another transformation is in the works, a third "season" is coming, though details haven't been revealed. That unpredictability is either the restaurant's greatest asset or its biggest risk, depending on who you ask.
For now, Naari Thai BBQ is open and drawing early buzz. If you're planning a Toronto trip and want something more memorable than your usual go-to spots, this one's worth the detour.
Source: blogTO
