Best Sushi in the GTA?

Nami

Adelaide just east of Yonge

Well, Toronto Life voted Sushi Kaji on the Queensway (believe it or not) to be the best Sushi in the City.

And it is expensive.

Thing is, iti's kind of a non descript area, hardly a place to take someone from out of town.

It's close to elite retreat (MP) and the house of lancaster so if your clients are so enclined, you could go for sushi after your sushi.

No doubt about it, Sushi Kaji it is! Right, Taz?

Real lovers of sushi can put up with a less than amazing atmosphere for the sake of the sushi (I prefer sashimi: the fish without the rice)... but one wonders why there isn't a really great place with great atmosphere, too.

Nami and Katsura (aka The Prince Hotel) have better atmosphere, but there is much better sushi to be had.

The place on the south side of York Mills, across from The Prince (I can't remember the name) used to be very good, Joan Kates's favourite (if that really is a recommendation!) but I think it has gone down hill, since -- though one of their tatami rooms is quite nice atmosphere.

You might consider Hiro, on King East, too... excellent sushi and more chic location. And the sushi at Ichi Riki on Bloor east of Yonge is quite good, too. But no atmosphere at all.

I would recommend Edo on Eginton West. The sushi is very good, there is ample atmosphere and good location. I think the best choice in terms of your objectives. That's where I would take special guests.

Perry

The best sushi in Town

"Sushi on Bloor" in the Annexe (Bloor + Howlands, South side)
is #1, hands down, no question about it. The best time to go is around 3 o'clock, unless you have a reservation, because they get really packed. The food is delicious, inexpensive, and they have excellent service. Definitely the best sushi I have tried.

Tokyo Sushi is good too, across the street. They have some Korean dishes on their menu, and their style is a little bit different. They are not quite as busy, so the ambiance is better. Excellent food, and they have some nice private booths, which is always better than being squished amongst strangers when you are trying to enjoy conversation with your friends/business associates.

Hope that helps..

Cheers!
Celia*

PM mentioned all the big places .... if money is no object Sushi Kaji is definately top choice at the moment. I've had hit and miss days at Hiro but always enjoyed Nami and Tempo.

Flowfish at King/Bathurst. Can't get any better...not to mention the babe feast that goes there too.

Ah-So Gardens, 614 Jarvis Street at Bloor, 416-920-4333. I was there a few years ago so I'm not sure the info is current (got the info off an old matchbook). Anyway, good location and the place has great atmosphere with private rooms.

Perry Mason knows his sushi...

Sushi Kaji (fire) is indeed the best. Mitsuhiro Kaji came to Canada (he was introduced to the owner by a man named Mr. Sunami) in the mid 80's and was employed by Furusato, the very first Japanese establishment to bring Karaoke to Canada ( and the restaurant that set the bar for quality Japanese cusine here in Toronto).

The man has a tatoo of a fish across his entire back (wink, wink).

He was imortalized by Toronto Life (cover pic) when the restaurant did their grand opening on Bloor east. He created a Japanese landscape out edible foods (4' x 8') that knocked the socks off of everyone who saw it. The man can spin a sahimi bocho like no other. His lightening speed with a deba is just as remarkable (watch him cut a futomaki).

For a little counter humour, ask him if the Mirugai is fresh. He'll show you by whacking the shellfish with a knife. lol

You'll need to make a reservation. They're always fully booked.

860 The Queensway
tel: 416-252-2166
fax:416-252-2655

I still have yet to try Kaji

But I have had some very good sushi at the Following places:

Ta-ke Sushi on Front

Ichi Riki on Bloor

Sakawaya on Danforth

Hiro Sushi on King....Funny story about this one. I went to lunch there with a friend who is known to be quite adventurous. Not knowing what Omakase meant, he had asked to have his lunch Omakase. This means that the chef will use his judgement to prepare whatever sushi he sees fit...he will continue until you ask for the cheque...its not a set meal. (my friend didn't know this......I did hehehehe). Needless to say his lunch consisted of a delectable selection of tasty sushi.....chef kept preparing and he kept eating.
I figured I better say something......" Hey bud, when do you think this 'omakase thing' will end????"hehe; My friend was like "huh???". I told him that he should ask for the bill......

Most people spend around $20.00 for lunch...His lunch?....... $75.00. He fell on his ass when he got the bill but he couldn't complain because it was all so good.

And here you are buying me $3.99 lunch from Teriyaki Xpress...

Kev... you had Hiro Sushi without me?????????

I never been there before but the reputation is excellent.

I can tell you the worst Japanese restaurant is Memories of Japan. They are overall terrible! That restaurant is extremely disgraceful and put shame into Japanese cusine.

Value and quality wise, Sakawaya gets my vote! Their beef sashimi, kinoko yaki(mashroom saute)and Sashimi is excellent.... don't forget to ask the owner for today's fresh special! You can have nice dinner with your date for less than $60 including drinks.

Ichiriki on Bloor and Church is very good too.... Sushi melted in my mouth last time when I was there.

For Kaji Sushi... I heard it's artist work. The only Japanese restaurant rated 4.5stars in Toronto. Although I have never been there, you can't go wrong with that place I bet.

Here is the main key to find excellent Japanese restaurant:

1) When you walk in, you see Japanese customers.(Japanese people prefer not to eat bad japanese foods)

2)Sushi Chef is Japanese.

3)They have tatami floor(which is authentic Japanese living room)

4)You hear the restaurant employees says"Irasshai-mase" which means welcome. If they are saing that, they are Japanese operation.

5)Teriyaki is not their main dish.

6)The restaurant is not massive size. (if restaurant is massive, you DO NOT get head chef making your sushi!)

If chef is as talented, he prefer to serve the top quality to everyone. That's the reasons why true sushi bar restaurant is never big place. Good luck!

xoxo Kyoko

...

For 'food' ...
Sushi Kaji
Toshizushi (Spadina/King)
Hirosushi

For 'atmosphere' ...
Edo (Eglinton/Avenue)
Nami (Adelaide?/Yonge)

For 'value'
Ematei (Queen/University)

My favs
Hiro Sushi-you must go Omakase
Blowfish-great food and pretty stylin.(many of the Edo crew is now here)
Dont forget to offer your chef a Sake..
rolo