Ian CheesemanMost tourists probably go to Hogtown looking forward to a taste of our iconic Peameal Bacon Sandwiches or Poutine. But if you ask me, I’d say that we’re also the best bet for authentic sushi in Canada.
I know it seems unlikely, considering we’re nowhere near Japan, but there’s been an undeniable boom in the city this past decade. And we’ve even managed to collect a few Michelin stars along the way.
Now, I could go on and on about the yellowtail from this one place or the uni from that restaurant, but that could take forever. So instead, I’ve compiled a list of the most in-demand omakases in Toronto that’ll showcase the best of what we have to offer.
1. Sushi Umi
– Media credit: cfooodie
Address: 41 Charles St W
Contact details: +1 416 923 8588
Operating hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday – 12:30 PM to 1:45 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday to Monday – Closed
Sushi Umi is a restaurant that needs more than one visit. The menu is ever-changing, depending on the season’s best ingredients — ensuring only the freshest and most in vogue flavors.
The only mainstay is the Wagyu Uni Sushi, which is always a huge hit, thanks to its creamy, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Some people also say that the delicate tamago appetizer is such a highlight that it could also be a main course.
Although the space inside is a bit small, to the point of feeling cramped for some, we’d argue that it adds to the experience. Most customers love seeing their dishes prepared up close.
Don’t be afraid to chat up the chefs; they actually encourage casual conversation. They’re always happy to talk about the tools and special techniques they use.
Pro tip:
Before the omakase officially starts, remember to ask the hosts what sake would pair well with the menu. It’s sure to take your meal to the next level.
2. Sushi Okeya Kyujiro
– Media credit: okeyakyujiro
Address: 26 Bellair St #2f
Contact details: +1 437 875 2266
Operating hours:
- Thursday – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- Friday – 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Saturday – 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
You’ll be getting a meal and a show all in one at Sushi Okeya Kyujiro. Inspired by the theatrics of Cirque du Soleil, their chef choreographed a performance that showcases traditional Japanese techniques during an omakase.
The entire meal has been carefully curated, from the music to the timing of service. It’s so impressive that the restaurant was selected for the Michelin guide within a year of opening.
Customers get to choose between a lunch omakase, which is around 15 courses, and dinner, which has 20 to 25 courses.
Their menu changes quite frequently, with each dish being switched out every time. Customers can expect classic nigiris, tempuras, and even a few ingredients that you can’t easily find in the city.
Consider yourself incredibly lucky if they serve their iconic Otoro Sushi. It’s the fattiest part of a bluefin tuna — tender and creamy, almost like butter.
Pro tip:
Keep in mind that each omakase starts on the dot without delay. It’s highly recommended that you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your reserved time slot.
3. Yasu Toronto
– Media credit: yasu_toronto
Address: 81 Harbord St
Contact details: +1 416 944 8212
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Despite describing their menu as ‘simply sushi’, you’ll find that there’s nothing basic about the way Yasu prepares food.
Sure, the restaurant is minimally decorated, and there’s nothing particularly special about the way they present each dish. But the chefs are so precise and intentional about what they do that you just can’t resist watching.
It also helps that they usually have 2 chefs behind the counter to accommodate 12 seats per omakase. It feels like having a 1-on-1 experience with a master.
For each course, they talk about where each ingredient is sourced and how it was prepared.
Customers always have so much praise for the scallops, which are harvested from Hokkaido. It’s surprisingly plumper than other scallop species but still one of the sweetest.
Pro tip:
The restaurant’s cozy and intimate atmosphere makes it perfect for date night, especially for special occasions like anniversaries.
4. Kaito Sushi Omakase
– Media credit: kaitosushiomakase
Address: 1211 St Clair Ave W
Contact details: +1 416792 6796
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday – 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- Sunday to Tuesday – Closed
Kaito proves that you don’t have to break the bank to have an amazing omakase experience. They serve a 12-course menu that incorporates both traditional and more modern-style sushi dishes.
Since their price point is a bit more affordable than most, you might notice that their fish slices are on the thinner side. But they make up for it with flavor.
For example, there’s the smoked salmon, which is served under a cloche for dramatic effect. It still has that fresh, mild ocean taste, but is also infused with a distinct hint of smoky BBQ.
We also love their eel sushi, specifically the anago or saltwater variant. The glaze they apply is savory-sweet, and the meat is much softer than that of freshwater eels.
Now, due to their popularity, their slots fill up fast. Be prepared to make reservations at least a month in advance.
Pro tip:
For the best experience, the restaurant advises that customers use their fingers instead of chopsticks for eating. You should also cleanse your palate with pickles or green tea between each dish.
5. Sushi Yugen
– Media credit: sushiyugen.ca
Address: 150 York St
Contact details: +1 416 363 1888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Often recognized as one of the top Japanese restaurants in Canada, Sushi Yugen is for the purists. Their techniques are strictly rooted in ‘Edomae’ or traditional Tokyo-style sushi.
All of the ingredients used for their omakase are carefully chosen and flown from Japan. To ensure that each patron is given plenty of attention, the experience is only available on a reservation basis.
Every dish in the 18-course menu is presented in its own beautifully handcrafted box. We also like that the chefs teach customers how to eat each one properly.
Based on what we’ve noticed, the unique white fish truffle appetizer is a crowd favorite as it sets that stage for what’s about to come. Meanwhile, we believe the not-too-sweet matcha pudding dessert is the perfect way to finish any meal.
Pro tip:
You can rent one of Sushi Yugen’s private spaces if you want to experience their omakase in a more exclusive setting. Customers usually reserve them for intimate celebrations or business engagements.
