CARNIVAL
369 Keele Street
For as long as they can remember,Akshat Chawla and Vedant Jalan have been drawn to the art of creating exceptional food. After honing their skills at top culinary schools, both chefs embarked on careers in prestigious kitchens around the globe. They worked their way up through Michelin-starred restaurants in New Delhi and led renowned establishments in the Greater Toronto Area. Yet, despite their success, Akshat and Vedant felt the pull to carve their own path, seeking the freedom to push their culinary boundaries. That drive led them to take a bold leap—opening their restaurant.
Their vision came to life with Carnival, a refined Indian restaurant in Toronto’s Junction neighbourhood. At Carnival, every meal is an adventure, with bold flavours coming to life on your plate in ways you’ve never experienced before.
Opening a restaurant was no small feat, but Akshat and Vedant are thrilled with what they’ve built. As the driving forces behind Carnival, they have the freedom to shape every aspect of the dining experience, allowing them to push the limits of their creativity, share their passion for food, and offer guests unforgettable moments every day. Alongside a talented team of chefs, servers, bartenders, and staff, they’ve created a space where guests can explore the rich and diverse flavours of India, reimagined with engaging twists. Drawing on years of experience, the chefs blend expert techniques with bold flavours to craft dishes that tell a story with every bite.
Inspired by the art of storytelling, each meal at Carnival is an experiential journey through India’s varied culinary traditions, brought to life with inventive and exciting twists. Visitors can expect fresh, exciting takes on classic Indian recipes with dynamic flavours and imaginative presentations that appeal to all palates. The menu has been carefully curated, tested, and perfected, with highlights including Carnival Chaat, Lobster Tail Curry, and Golden Butter Chicken.
A key part of Carnival’s success is the seamless collaboration between Akshat, Vedant, and their third partner, Devender Thakur. Devender, who oversees the front of house, shares the same passion and commitment to excellence as the rest of the team. His attention to detail and focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience have brought their vision to life. Together, they have created a dining experience that’s more than just a meal. It’s a journey of flavour, hospitality, and unforgettable moments!
With a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere, Carnival offers an immersive dining experience from the moment you walk through the door. Carnival hosts a range of special events to make every visit even more memorable, including cooking demonstrations, themed nights, and tasting menus that highlight the incredible diversity of India’s food culture. True to its name, Carnival creates an environment of excitement, variety, and celebration, where each dining experience feels like an event.
Outside of the kitchen, Vedant and Akshat are passionate travellers. Their adventures around the world fuel their culinary creativity, allowing them to bring new flavours and techniques back to Carnival, keeping their menu fresh and inspired.
With Carnival, Akshat and Vedant have turned their dream into reality—creating a high-end Indian dining experience in the Junction like no other. Every meal is a celebration, every dish tells a story, and every bite shines with creativity and passion. Book your table at Carnival today and join the festivities. Visit their website or Instagram page to learn more and reserve your spot.
Written by: James Watson
Member of the Month
Our Member of the Month features will shine a light on the businesses within the Junction and allow customers to get to know their neighbours who run the shops in our community. If you are a Junction BIA business interested in sharing your story with us and being featured by The Junction BIA, contact Carol Jolly, Executive Director.
