123Dzo brings a deliberately different take on Vietnamese cooking to Jarry East, one that favours restraint, sharing, and a sense of play. The name itself—dzô, a casual Vietnamese toast—sets the tone: this is a place built around the table. Rather than an encyclopedic menu, the kitchen pares things back, offering a tight lineup of small plates meant to circulate. There’s a single pho, tiny imperial rolls that disappear in two bites, and a strong emphasis on grilled skewers, crisp snacks, and bright salads that lean sweet, sour, and herbal.

The room mirrors that approach: colourful without being loud, social without feeling chaotic. Service moves confidently, guiding diners through the menu and into cocktails that borrow freely from Vietnamese flavours. In Villeray, 123Dzo is full of familiar references, sharpened focus, and a clear idea of how people like to eat: together.