Best of Toronto
The Best Splurge Sushi in Toronto
The best splurge sushi in Toronto lends itself to an entire realm of epic sensations. Forget what everyone in Vancouver says - sushi in Toronto isn't that bad and there's certainly plenty of worthy spots to drop serious coin on raw fish.
And coin is key. As is often the case, the best comes at a premium. Don't go to these places looking for spicy tuna rolls or sushi pizza. There's a whole whack of decent cheap options that satisfy those cravings. For a sushi splurge, prepare yourself, as any one of the following places has the potential to completely ruin you from what is currently your favourite sushi place...you've been warned.
Here are the best splurge sushi restaurants in Toronto.
Photos by gardinergirl and Jenchan in the blogTO Flickr pool. Writing by Rich Gardner
Sushi Kaji
On the Queensway just east of Islington, this is "once in your life" sushi. That is to say, you absolutely MUST visit Sushi Kaji at least once in your life. Call ahead and then prepare for absolute delight that will leave you in a sushi stupor. Put your trust in the masters who work with the highest quality ingredients to offer an ever changing selection. More »
Asuka
Tucked away in Yorkville, Asuka is one of Toronto's favourite sushi spots - and perhaps the cheapest place on this list. The quality service, food and selection, all at a reasonable price is a combination few have been able to duplicate. Reservations are recommended as Sato, the head chef, attracts patrons with his culinary delights as well as his whimsical personality. More »
Omi Japanese Cuisine
On Carlton at Parliament, Omi is splurge sushi at its best. Offering the entire spectrum of sushi options, Omi combines the traditional and authentic with the imaginative and ingenious. Must haves include the torched Hokkaido scallop pizza, Omi's "today's catch" sashimi plate and the chirashi/bi bim bap combo. More »
Japango (Elizabeth St.)
Neatly located on Elizabeth St. at Dundas W., this diamond in the rough is as much fun to eat at as it is to say. For those fortunate enough to have enjoyed sushi in Japan, Japango will bring back all the most subtle memories that only taste and smell can spark. This casual spot (a fave among those who work at City Hall) consistently delivers at the highest level and has developed a devout following. More »
Sushi Marche
Primarily known as the best sushi take out/delivery joint around, Chef John Lee offers a wide array of options and pays close attention to detail. Call ahead, if possible, as this Leslieville little gem is no secret and can get quite busy. While the sashimi is divine, the maki is some of the best in the city. More »
Nami
Nami is one of the best known sushi restaurants in the city. Tradition and authenticity transport you from the heart of downtown Toronto to Kyoto, Japan. Venture over to the Robata bar for perfectly prepared seafood but take it easy on the sake; that Samurai by the door can be quite frightening. More »
Yuzu Sushi
Situated on the edge of the Club District, Yuzu boasts an ex-Japango head sushi chef and one of the best omakases in town. The deluxe sushi dinner is a good option here but the same can be said for the Yuzu maki roll (seared at the table), the bento box and the oyster shooters. More »
Hiro Sushi
At King St. E and Lower Jarvis, patrons of Hiro either swear by it or swear off it. Hiro is all about the food, with no bells or whistles. Claiming Japanese authenticity, don't expect to find California rolls or wine here. The craftsmanship is unquestionable and Hiro is not to be missed - even if you only go once. More »
Le Cafe Michi
Like the Ninja clans of feudal Japan, Le Cafe Michi is hidden off the beaten path near Sheppard and Victoria Park and seems to have gone out of its way to attract as little attention to itself as possible. Nevertheless, LCM's first strike renders you instantly addicted and looking for any excuse to return. Its well known reputation amongst avid sushi-goers is justified, well deserved and due to the freshness of its ingredients, wonderful presentation and second to none Green Tea Cake (trust me!). More »
Discussion
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And the staff are awesome
And the food it is oyshi
And they'll give you free parking on the east side of the building on Church...
Toshi on King is also great (as ugly as the decor is)
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Wow! I've never heard anyone ever say that sushi is bad in Toronto. We have so many great options at the low and high end of the scale. I thought that would please just about anybody.
#1 Sushi Kaji. Amazing. Fresh. Soy Sauce is very good.
#2 Asuka. Really? Come on...It really shouldn't make this list. Rather go to a cheap place on bloor for 1/2 the price.
#3 Never been. But I hear positive things.
#4 Shouldn't be on the splurge list. Lunch Chirashi is a great value. Plus their Oyster Shooter is tastiest item which I don't know if it qualifies as sushi.
#5 Take out sushi. Shouldn't be on the list. Sushi is generally good here! Have had hit or miss occasions.
#6 Haven't been. Very positive reviews.
#7 Yuzu. Bruce left Japango to head this place. The fish is fresh but reminded me of Japango plus more $. Still it is worth checking out. It's not the best.
#8 Hiro. Become too Yuppie. Chef knows his stuff. Quality stuff. Should be higher on the list
#9 Le Cafe Michi. Very underrated. This is an interesting place as it looks like a cafe that serves sushi. Sushi is very fresh. It's a bit overpriced for what you get so I think it deserves this spot. They have an amazing Sake Chocolate cake. Very interesting.
Take Sushi's Omakase is very good.Should have made the list. Top 5. Haven't been in a couple years so I don't know if the quality has slipped.
Zen...should have been on this list.
Hashimoto...well. There is an issue here. I haven't been but I don't know if it qualifies as splurge sushi as the meal isn't sushi focused.
If you're in LA go to Sushi Gen. That place really defines quality fish.
End of discussion.
The disgusting part was that there were HUGE intervals between them, while His Majesty was joking around with his regulars. Ruined my day, never going back.
Sushi Kaji is truly outstanding.
To those that complain why Hashimoto and Kaiseki Sakura were not on the list: they are not sushi restaurants.
Sushi rice is consistently bad in Toronto, but Solo does it properly. They have the right kind if soy sauce and I would hazard a guess that their wasabi is made fresh. It's not as cheap as most Toronto restaurants, but still less expensive than some on the above list.
the Ematei - their omakase is amazing! and their sushi is soo good! none of that crap that is still frozen on the inside...
up by York U, There's the Genji Sushi which is also worthy of trying, i was surprised how good their sushi is considering their location!
and ND Sushi & Grill - I got a Groupon to go to this place and it was divine! the high end sushi made by real Japanese people was so delicious!
Toronto is great in many cuisines, but Japanese food in Toronto is almost uniformly terrible.
To those that complain why Hashimoto and Kaiseki Sakura were not on the list: they are not sushi restaurants."
You my friend, do know what you're talking about, and have my agreement and that of the entire staff of the Japanese Consulate in Toronto.
In Toronto, my wife and I go only to Kaji, and even then not within six months of a visit to Japan. He's great, and what he charges is fair for the expense of sourcing in Toronto what he serves, but due to the easier sourcing in Japan the meal is half the cost in Tokyo (5% tax/no tip helps too). Kaji's is also the only place I have seen a non-Japanese chef do stuff right, because he would have kicked his @$$ otherwise!
Hiro's too long milked a reputation he bought from Joanne Kates years ago. Kaiseki Sakamoto's prices are pure fantasy. Not half the price in Tokyo, try a quarter!
Blog TO. You blow my fucking mind.
So you can still get same rolls at Yuzu. Bruce usually goes back and forth between two restaurants. For me I personally like Yuzu better because it is much bigger and has private rooms upstairs.
Also I love "OMAKASE" from here which is the chef's selection 7course meal and it always put smile on me. :)
Toshi.
The best comparison is in relation to Japan.
The distribution of fish here is not very good. It's funny how we don't eat much of the local fish here. Toronto life had an article about perch consumption in Canada.
And what about EDO?
Since I began going to Tokugawa I have been hooked, and their huge amount of regulars shows that I'm not the only one. It's a family business that prides itself on quality and their special rolls are out of this world. If you are a sashimi fan you will be delighted with the fish quality and taste.
I know it can be out of the way for some, but anyone in Etobicoke (or with a car) should definitely check this place out!!!
raa has resorted to the mass coupon craze to find customers after the original sushi chef left. gave it a second chance this week because we felt like a cold sapporo and to see if things had turned around, it was worse than ever....all new wait staff, new sushi 'chef'.
the order was 2 tempura zaru soba, one with veggie tempura and one shishamo.
what we received, after waiting far too long and the restaurant was not even 1/3 full, was one order of tempura soba (hot) and one full order of tempura.....after the 'who is your waitress' bit.......they then bring the correct order and time the shishamo with the soba........sigh