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Read MoreThe 10 Best Izakayas in Toronto [2022]
Izakayas are the perfect place to go when you want a fun night out with friends. They offer delicious food and drinks, as well as a lively atmosphere that will keep you entertained all evening long!
Toronto is home to some of the best izakayas in North America, so there’s no shortage of places to choose from. In this article, we have compiled a list of 10 izakayas in Toronto that we think you should check out.
From modern establishments with creative menus to classic spots with traditional dishes and atmospheres, there’s something for everyone on this list!
Summary
How We Selected Our Top Izakayas in Toronto?
When choosing the top 10 izakayas in Toronto, we selected them based on the following criteria:
- Atmosphere: We looked at how lively the restaurant was, and whether or not there were groups of people having fun while eating and drinking.
- Location: We chose restaurants that were located throughout the city in order to give people different options when deciding where to go.
- Food: This was one of the most important factors in our criteria. We looked at both the quantity and quality of food, as well as how much it would cost you to get full after an evening here!
- Customer Reviews: We looked at the various online reviews that had been written about each izakaya and what customers had to say.
The Best Izakayas in Toronto
Now that you know all about our selection criteria, it’s time to take a look at the top 10 izakayas in Toronto!
1. Kintaro Izakaya
If you’re looking for a taste of Japan that doesn’t involve travelling too far, then Kintaro Izakaya is the place for you! Located near Church and Wellesley, this restaurant brings the authentic Japanese tapas experience to downtown Toronto.
With a wide range of yakitori dishes (Charcoal-grilled skewers), sushi, ramen and traditional Japanese appetizers – there’s something for everyone here.
And if that wasn’t enough, they also have an extensive drink selection which includes sake bombs galore! So why not stay at their sake house and be immersed in the atmosphere with great conversations, food and drinks!
Business Information:
Address: 459 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5
Phone: (647) 560-5335
Website: kintaroizakaya.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"I like the environment very much and I recommend the sake here. You will have so many choices. The portion of each food is larger than same type restaurants. It is very suitable for dating and gathering with friends after get off work."
- Mizuzi Dee
"The food was amazing and the servers were really nice. It’s a good idea to book a table ahead of time though because the restaurant was very busy and tables filled quickly."
- Lauren Bethune
2. Kinka Izakaya Original
KINKA IZAKAYA is a popular izakaya-style restaurant that was established in the winter of 2009 in the heart of downtown Toronto.
When you walk through their doors, you will feel as though you’re dining in Japan – each of our locations showcases a new menu item for every day of the month so that no two dining experiences are alike!
You will also enjoy a large beverage selection that embraces the culture of an izakaya; pairing tapas-style dishes with a collection of premium Japanese sake, craft beers, and cocktails.
Business Information:
Address: 398 Church St, Toronto, ON M5B 2A2
Phone: (416) 977-0999
Website: kintaroizakaya.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"My wife likes the alcohol drink very much. It is the same decoration as previous Guu Izakaya, which brings me a lot of old memories. Duck breast is exceptional with the dressings.
- Gynes Liu
"I had salmon tataki and Kakimayo(baked oysters) with a large sake🍶. Everyone is welcoming, cheerful and friendly. Always good vibes here! I love how they present food, plates, interior and everything. Super recommend"
- Joo L
3. Nomé Izakaya
Nomé Izakaya is a Japanese Tapas restaurant and lounge located at 4848 Yonge Street in North York. They specialize in the freshest Sashimi delicacies and boast the Toronto’s best Oyster bar.
Nomé Izakaya provides those looking for an authentic, memorable and fresh take on Japanese cuisine that Toronto seems to lack – but they’re certainly not lacking when it comes to oysters!
Come enjoy fresh Oysters for $1 every Tuesday and Wednesday all night long. Plus, they have 2 floors plus an upper terrace where you can sit back, relax and slurp down some of the very best Oysters in Toronto!
Business Information:
Address: 4848 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5N2
Phone: (647) 347-7937
Website: nomeizakaya.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"Ambience is really magnificent and server also friendly here. I tried there spicy mac cheese, oyster and last but not least apple pie with green tea ice cream. All the food items were really tasty and pocket friendly."
- himani handa
"First time here, all the service staff was very friendly and cocktails were creative! We had fun squeezing our own grapefruit and putting just the right amount of simple syrup for the vodka sawas. You have to try the honey toast- honestly that dessert made my night."
- Lauren
4. Kingyo Toronto
If you’re looking for a unique and contemporary Japanese dining experience, look no further than Kingyo Izakaya in Cabbagetown.
Featuring small plates created by chef Koji Zenimaru, this restaurant has something for everyone – from sashimi and sushi to grilled meat and fish, plus vegan-friendly dishes like shojin (a vegan recipe perfected by Buddhist monks).
What’s more, they do things a little differently at Kingyo – their fresh fruit cocktails and homemade ginger cocktails are definitely worth trying!
Business Information:
Address: 51b Winchester St, Toronto, ON M4X 1A8
Phone: (647) 748-2121
Website: kingyotoronto.ca
Customer Review Highlight:
"Highly recommend this authentic Japanese izakaya. Food is yummy and affordable. Service was very friendly and they took the time to explain to us each dish. Only thing is that they took a while to pour us some water. Would visit again! "
- Sherry Leung
"Great place! They have a very interesting interior design, decorated with retro Japanese toy and stuff. Ambiance is very nice. Food is great! Fish was great (both himachi and any sashimi). Really recommend."
- john li
5. Guu Izakaya
Guu is known as the first Izakaya (Japanese tapas) establishment in Vancouver, and has since expanded to Toronto – offering the most authentic real izakaya experience.
This place really nails it when it comes to recreating that traditional Japanese atmosphere and using fresh local ingredients with Japanese cooking techniques.
Plus, their passion for food shines through in every dish they create! Whether you’re looking for sashimi, sushi, ramen or anything else – Guu extensive menu will have something to tantalize your taste buds.
Business Information:
Address: 1314 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4
Phone: (647) 351-1314
Website: guu-izakaya.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"We tried the spicy tuna roll which was a special and the marinated beef skewers. Both were insanely delicious. The yuzu lemonade was also fantastic."
- Anirban Chowdhury
"Super fun place, with super delicious food. They have wonderful specials as well as a great regular menu. If you are looking for a great time with a lively atmosphere, and good food then you can certainly find it here."
- Drew Fleming
6. Don Don Izakaya
Don Don Izakaya is one of the most popular izakayas in Toronto. They offer a lively atmosphere with share small plates of Japanese cuisine and an extensive sake list.
The vibe here is always great, the food is excellent and the service is friendly – not to mention that DJ spinning on Fridays and Saturdays with some hype Hip Hop beats definitely adds to the fun!
Some of their most notable dishes include Smoked Butterfish, Fried Lotus Roots, Ika Sansai, Beef Tataki… but honestly everything on their menu sounds amazing! Plus pairing your meal up with their Nashi Gin or sake makes it even better!
Business Information:
Address: 130 Dundas St W, Toronto, ON M5G 1C3
Phone: (416) 492-529
Website: dondonizakaya.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"The sake bombs come with a chant. It's very fun and interactive. I had the chicken and beef skewers. I also ordered the karage. It was all delicious, filling and made the perfect drinking food."
- Suren Siva
"Such a good atmosphere!! Amazing place to go with friends! Super high energy servers make the whole experience so much better. Definitely coming back!!!"
- Dean George
7. Yuugi Izakaya
Yuugi Izakaya is a hidden gem in the heart of downtown Toronto. This Japanese izakaya (or pub) offers an intimate setting and delicious cuisine that will make you feel like you’re right at home in Japan.
The menu is packed with traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, karaage, tempura and gyoza, but there are also some fusion items that give the menu a modern twist.
If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese dining experience coupled with excellent service, Yuugi Izakaya should be your go-to spot!.
Business Information:
Address: 49 Baldwin St, Toronto, ON M5T 1L1
Phone: (647) 343-8282
Website: yuugiizakaya.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"Excellent food and service. You gotta try the pressed salmon sushi with smoked shellfish! Newly renovated patio, which we ate on tonight. Previously ordered on Doordash and the food was just as good. Can get very busy so make reservations if you can. I would love to come back."
- Pauline Bowles
"Genuinely the best torched salmon sushi I've ever had and I've been to a few Izakayas already. Can't wait to return and see what the atmosphere is like when we're 100% back to normal. Keep on the great service!"
- Daren Pelipel
8. MIKAKU Izakaya
Mikaku Izakaya is another one of Toronto’s hidden gems in the izakaya scene, and it has quickly become a favourite among locals. This quaint Japanese pub offers an extensive menu of small plates, as well as udon, beef tataki rice bowl, kaarage, grilled butter squid and pork belly! The drink menu features sake cocktails, wine and beer from Japan and beyond.
Mikaku Izakaya is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a casual night out with friends or a romantic date spot! The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with plenty of seating both at the bar and in the dining area. Plus, there’s always something new to try on the menu so you’ll never get bored!
Business Information:
Address: 6180 Yonge St, North York, ON M2M 3X1
Phone: (647) 748-2340
Website: mikaku-izakaya-toronto.business.site
Customer Review Highlight:
"Best sake place in town. Owners are great, always have high standards and strive to become THE SPOT of the town. I'm always there to drink with buddies. Great comforting place. Please expect $$to spend because high quality sake can cost a bit. But I definitely recommend."
- Stephen Orr
"We really enjoyed our visit. The food and the service were excellent. Grilled calamari was probably the best we’ve ever had. They also have some unique Japanese beers, such as espresso stout. "
- Michael Issaev
9. Sake Bar Kushi
Sake Bar Kushi, located at Yonge & Eglinton, offers an authentic Japanese experience that will leave you feeling like you’ve been transported to the East.
Upon entering, be sure to listen for the staff as they yell out customary Japanese greetings – it’s part of what makes this place so special. The dark wood interior and black walls with white drawings create an intimate atmosphere where you can dine in comfort with family and friends.
Specializing in Japanese-style skewers grilled over charcoal, you can choose from a range of toppings including meat, vegetables, tofu, and seafood. They also serve other classics such as sashimi teriyaki, and karaage.
Business Information:
Address: 257 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, ON M4R 1B1
Phone: (647) 748-7253
Website: sakebarkushi.ca
Customer Review Highlight:
"only been here three times and it already became my favorite Japanese restaurant. Great food and great service. One of the few places knows how to make the proper rice for the sushi in this price range. Definitely recommended."
- Mu Runmao
"This place was highly recommended by a friend and it did not disappoint. Delicious food, good ambiance, and fantastic service. The staff here are very friendly and the prices are very reasonable. "
- Claudia Hoang
10. Nakayoshi Izakaya
Nakayoshi Izakaya is a Japanese izakaya located in the heart of Toronto’s Danforth neighbourhood. It offers a casual yet intimate setting and delicious food that will make you feel right at home.
They offer an extensive menu with many different types of ramen, as well as sushi and other Japanese dishes. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere and friendly service, making it a popular choice among locals.
Nakayoshi Izakaya is perfect for date night, special occasions or simply when you want to enjoy some good Japanese cuisine!
Business Information:
Address: 812 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L2
Phone: (416) 792-7788
Website: nakayoshiizakaya.com
Customer Review Highlight:
"It's really yummy!!!The spicy miso ramen is my favourite one Sushi also very delicious!And "Gyudon" my friend said the beef is very tender.I want to try in next time It's a good place for me to eat meals if I don't want to cook some time."
- py H
"An absolutely amazing spot! The staff was great and made the experience just unforgettable, the food was great as well with good pricing. Will be back!"
- Róbert Nagy
FAQs About Izakayas
Izakayas are small pubs that serve large amounts of food with drinks.
You can choose to order items on small sharing plates, or you can order a meal where the server will bring everything at once! At an Izakaya you pay for what you eat, so it is best to have a big appetite!
When you think of Japanese alcohol, Sake tends to come to mind. However, there are many other drinks that can be found in an Izakaya! Popular choices include beer and wine from Japan and beyond such as Kirin or Asahi (Japanese brands) or any French Bordeaux wines.
Izakaya dishes are typically small plates that you can share. Popular items include sushi, sashimi, gyoza, egg rolls and yakitori.
When entering a Japanese Izakaya, the staff will typically shout out a greeting. It’s part of what makes this type of restaurant so special and different from other types!
Conclusion
Izakayas are a popular type of Japanese restaurant that offers a relaxed and informal atmosphere. They typically serve small plates of food as well as drinks, making them the perfect place to enjoy an evening out with friends.
The list above features some of the best izakayas in Toronto, so be sure to check them out if you’re looking for a unique dining experience.
For more great places to eat in Toronto, check these articles:
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