Restaurants
Japango
Japango is like a beacon along the desolate stretch of Dundas between Bay and University. On this stretch, there is no shortage of grimy restaurants with misspelt signs. but Japango is an exception with its surprisingly authentic atmosphere and impeccably fresh sushi.
Judy and I manage to escape the frigid cold and are warmly welcomed by the eager staff, while we squeeze into a cozy nook by the window. This teeny tiny restaurant barely manages enough space to cram in its 8 tables, but is inviting nonetheless with soulful jazz tracks and the soft murmuring of servers in their mother tongue. Inside, the vibe is low key and captures the essence of any typical neighbourhood sushi joint in Japan.
We sip on bottomless cups of warm rice tea and chomp on crisp salads while awaiting the feast to come. We're hungry, cold and in serious need of some nourishment. Feeling a bit under the weather, Judy orders Chicken Udon ($12.99). As she digs into her steaming bowl of juicy noodles in piping-hot broth; garnished with dried seaweed, snow peas, plump white meat and green onions, she is instantly brought back to life! 
I opt for their signature sushi dinner, which arrives with a rainbow assortment of fresh fish and six scrumptious California rolls ($18.99). I am reminded of what a truly delicious California roll should taste like- Crisp cucumber, crackling bits of red caviar and surimi that frays with each bite, all snugly wrapped up in seaweed with a thin coating of rice sprinkled with sesame. 
Though we're both comfortably full at this point, Chef Ken persuades us to sample their daily sushi special, which varies according to different fresh fish in season. Much to our delight, a platter of expertly executed sushi is presented to our table. Like colourful soldiers marching two- by- two, we are impressed by the artistic presentation (heads and all). Bamboo leaf is commonly used to keep the fish fresh and not just to make the dish look pretty.
Rather than stuff their patrons full of rice in an attempt to make up for bland, tasteless fish, Japango delivers remarkably fresh slivers of Spanish Mackerel, Bonta Ebi Shrimp, along with slightly charred Red Snapper on no more than a tablespoon of tasty sushi rice. 
Normally packed with dreary looking public servants at noon and a more eclectic crowd come dinnertime, reservations are helpful particularly during the weekday rush. With a loyal following of sushi fans, it is no wonder that Japango continues to receive rave reviews ten years on and now offers a second location in Clubland named Yuzu.
In between mouthfuls of Bonta Ebi sushi, the newly revived Judy sums up our experience at Japango best by exclaiming: " This is unlike any sushi I have ever had!"
Photos by Judy Nguyen
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Keep up the good work.
At least that's the normal price for a tempura udon where I'm from (Vancouver. I just recently moved to Toronto a few weeks ago)
You want cheap Japanese (but not sushi), go to Manpuku. You want a reasonable 'izakaya', go to Ema-tei. You want sushi, damn the cost, go to Sushi Kaji. Hiro's fine too, but been coasting on the Bay Street crowd too long.
Thank God I'm going to Japan on a trip in a few weeks.
Sushi is too little fish and too much rice. Sashimi and lots of good sake are my preference. And good gyoza.
Is the drive to Queensway and Islington worth it for sashimi?
That said, if you're jonesing in Toronto, and can take the $100 - $150 hit, get a spot at Kaji's counter. Not just from my gaijin-mouth, but my wife agrees.
Whats with you mentioning Bay Street, do you need some recognition of your achievements in the world of sucking up?
Go and take some pics write a review about your places but stop acting as if you know what you are talking about.
What a self proclaimed critic you are, I guess Bay Street is not doing very well these days for you to actually take the time and criticize someones article.
Also, I hope we're not secretly eating dolphin, labeled as tuna, as happens in Japan.
Just kidding, but somewhat creepy and interesting at the same time...
And we thank you every day for that enormous cross that you must bear so nobly. I shake you by the *hand*, sir!
There was one table available when we arrived but we were told it was reserved and another should open up in 10 minutes or so. We waited outside and when another group left we re-emtered but were told that was reserved as well. I understand the place is small and popular but I am not going to wait for a table in a eight table restaurant when two are free with no one else in sight. They may want to reconsider their reservation policy.
Boy sounds like you've never had real good sushi.
Boy sounds like you've never had real good sushi.
And then find another sushi restaurant.
(Sorry - one of my pet peeves.)
the service is pretty horrendous tho
The chefs that used to work there are gone now and the service has gotten a lot worse. The Japango roll usually is presented neatly in a snake shape with light sauce on top. Last week the roll was sloppy with sauce dripping all over the plate. It was so greasy and just was not the same. The Sashimi Don usually has seared chopped bits of sashimi in it which is one of the things I love about Japango however the one they served me last week did not have seared bits and it did not taste the same. We also ordered salmon and hamachi sashimi on the side and it was not like the usual quality they serve. Before, the pieces would be thick slabs and you could taste the freshness in the fish however we were served with thin pieces and the fish had no taste. The reason I used to love Japango was for their excellent quality and unique touches (i.e. the garlic sauce and the way they sear their sushi).
I was truly disappointed after my visits last week and I really hope they revert back to their old ways!