The 6 Best Restaurants In Toronto For Delicious Japanese Eats, According To A Top Chef
The most authentic spots in the 6ix.
Looking for the best restaurants in Toronto for Japanese cuisine, but don't know where to start? You've come to the right place.
Narcity asked Ryusuke Nakagawa, executive chef of Aburi Hana in Yorkville, for his absolute favourite spots for delicious Japanese eats — and he did not disappoint.
Before coming to Toronto and dishing out his own style of Kyō-Kaiseki, Nakagawa spent years learning about authentic Japanese cuisine, studied under two master chefs and worked at a three-star Michelin restaurant.
With that in mind, here are his top six picks for the best Japanese food in Toronto (when he's not dining at Aburi Hana, of course).
Tondou Ramen Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Nakagawa says Tondou is his fave spot for authentic Okinawan cuisine.
"Okinawan people are known for having long life spans because of their diet. The owner Kota and many of the staff are from Okinawa and they've brought their chill island vibes to this gem in Little Italy," Nakagawa says.
He recommends the Okinawa soki soba, which has thick noodles "in a light bonito and chicken broth with pork, other fixings, and Koregusu, which is vodka infused with chilli peppers."
"I also really like their Nankotsu, which is deep-fried chicken cartilage bites — something that's hard to find in Toronto," he adds.
Price: 💸 💸
Address: 596 College St., Toronto, ON
Website
Koyoi Restaurant & Bar
Why You Need To Go: Koyoi is a local hangout spot for Japanese people in the restaurant industry to get "an authentic taste of home," according to Nakagawa.
"They also have a big selection of sake so it's a great spot to just relax and catch up with other chefs and restaurant people over drinks and delicious Japanese bar food," says Nakagawa. It also helps that they are open late, until midnight.
Some of Nakagawa's faves include the monkfish liver, pickled fish innards, deep-fried chicken gizzard and seasonal specials in the summer.
Price: 💸
Address: 2 Irwin Ave., Toronto, ON
Ikkousha Ramen Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Ikkousha Ramen is Nakagawa's top spot in the city for classic Tonkotsu ramen. "The staff are always so friendly, and every time I eat a bowl of their ramen, I feel like I'm back in Japan," he says.
"The broth and ingredients are so authentic because they are part of the famous Hakata Ramen in Japan, which started in Hakata, Fukuoka, almost 20 years ago. You can really taste the history, heart and soul that goes into every bowl. The founder, Kousuke Yoshimura, is known all over the world for his passion for ramen."
Price: 💸
Address: 249 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Kingyo Izakaya Toronto
Why You Need To Go: Nakagawa visits Kingyo Izakaya whenever he's in the east end.
"I always like to order the beef tongue, which is very thinly sliced and brought to the table to cook slowly on a hot stone. It's tasty, and I get to control how well done I want it. It also smells so good while it's sizzling at the table," he says.
The relaxed environment allows for great conversation with friends, and Nakagawa says their Shabu Shabu Udon is a must-try.
"The noodles are thick and just the right level of chewiness, the beef is very tender, and the soup flavour is amazing," he adds.
Price: 💸💸
Address: 51 Winchester St., Toronto, ON
Yuzuki Japanese Restaurant
Why You Need To Go: Nakagawa says he loves going to Yuzuki for sushi.
"As a Japanese fine-dining chef, my standards are high, and I'm never disappointed with their large selection of à la carte sushi and sashimi," he says.
"The chefs here come from all over Japan, like Tokyo, Osaka, and Ehime, with lots of experience. One of their standout dishes is the sake steamed clams. It reminds me so much of Japan — so simple, with pure flavours and so soothing."
Price:💸💸💸
Address: Unit 104, 120 Bloor Street E., Toronto, ON
Hattendo Canada
Why You Need To Go: "This bakery really encapsulates the heart of Japanese desserts," says Nakagawa. "Their buns and cakes are so light and fluffy, and not overly sweet, just like in Japan."
According to Nakagawa, the cafe has a few locations around the city, so it's convenient if you're on the go and looking for a gift.
"One of my favourites here is the custard cream and matcha," he says. "They also have an interesting story. The founder created this shop in Japan during the Great Depression to cheer up the people with happy treats."
Price: 💸
Address: Multiple locations
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
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