TorontoRentals
Among Torontonians, Japanese food is almost always a favourite, if not for the fresh ingredients and awesome prices (sometimes), then for the huge diversity that’s available in Japanese-style cooking.
From izakaya to sushi to ramen, here are 10 of the best Japanese restaurants in Toronto:
Sushi
Probably the Annex‘s best sushi restaurant is Sushi Couture, an unassuming eatery on Bloor with ridiculously fresh and high quality fish. The presentation is lovely and the prices, moderate.
The Entertainment District‘s sushi hotspot for suits is JaBistro, an upscale restaurant with artistically prepared sushi, many of which are blowtorched. The aburi is a fan favourite, but be prepared to pay a healthy sum for what you get.
A little hole in the wall on Spadina, Simon Sushi’s staff are friendly, and their sushi is fresh and delicious, and sometimes comes with free side dishes. It’s great for lunch or for take out.
Big portions are one of the best features at Nami in downtown Toronto, as are the kimonos on the servers, the traditionally Japanese decor and the friendly staff here. The prices are on the higher side.
Kotta isn’t anything fancy, but the sushi is great and the prices are good. Located near Liberty Village, it has a huge variety of decently priced rolls, combo plates and sashimi dishes.
Izakaya
The homey wooden walls inside Kinka’s original location on Church add to the great atmosphere in here, which lights up in the evening thanks to its robust selection of sakes, yummy side plates and crazy staff that are always shouting. It’s loud, but it’s well-loved.
With three locations in Toronto, Zakkushi does a yakitori-style Japanese tapas experience, with great salads, decent prices, a fun atmosphere and traditional decor. Their izakaya spot is on Carlton at Ontario.
Ramen
Kinton now has five locations in TO, which kind of speaks to it being an institution for ramen lovers in the city. They have a good variety of ramen, including chicken ramen and gluten-free options.
Super busy Sansotei Ramen is a mecca among Toronto ramen connoisseurs, especially at lunch time. The prices are very reasonable and they have two TO locations (one on Dundas, one on Yonge) and another in Markham.
Another insanely busy spot for ramen, Santouka’s portions are large and the noodles are fresh – but here’s a pro tip: order your ramen with less salt. Santouka has several locations in Japan, and their Toronto restaurant is in the Garden District.
