Koyoi - Toronto

This is one of my favorite places in Toronto. Wonderful Japanese food that goes well with Sake/beer, great music (Japanese songs from the 90's, such as theme so... read more This is one of my favorite places in Toronto. Wonderful Japanese food that goes well with Sake/beer, great music (Japanese songs from the 90's, such as theme songs from Slam Dunk and Eva). The atmosphere is also relaxing.I would recommend Beef Tataki, Grilled Beef Tongue, Radish, and Matcha Cheesecake.

There is some authentic shiz going on here! I've walked by many times, and even tried walk-in - learned my lesson and made reservations instead. The staff is fr... read more There is some authentic shiz going on here! I've walked by many times, and even tried walk-in - learned my lesson and made reservations instead. The staff is friendly, but their English is not the best. No problem, just point to the items in the menu! I came here with my bf, and two friends. Here's what we got:Sapporo pitcher - only $15, and filled 4 tall glasses. Definitely a steal. Hhotpot - 2 orders for $30. This came in big bowl bubbling over with broth, veggies, intestines (nom) and we added udon too.Beef tataki - beautifully presented, and perfectly fine. Served with ponzu sauceScallop carpaccio - was delicately sweet, very good!Beef tongue...it was just ok. Kinda rough.Raw octopus in wasabi sauce - per bf's request - this was AMAZING! Perfect texture, not chewy but had a bounce to the bite! We ordered nori (seaweed) to go with it too.Deep fried chicken - very crispy, very tender inside. Fried chicken is fried chicken, but this was GOOD fried chicken.Grilled black cod - so so so delicious! I recommend. The fish is firm and sweet.Green tea cheesecake - heavy on the matcha flavour, nice treat for the end. They charged us for the ice cream, thoughApple and custard tortilla - 10 minute wait for this, plus they burned the first one they made. It was....ok Just ok. It's literally apple slices baked on top of a tortilla with sweet custard. The flavours don't meld together.Overall, great experience. I think I prefer this over Guu - the food is similar, but ambience is great and sitting is more comfortable. Will be back for more Sapporo pitchers in the summer, when their patio opens up!

In this unassuming Japanese restaurant near the UToronto I think I was the only non-Japanese. I have the distinct feeling that my relatively lower rating may ha... read more In this unassuming Japanese restaurant near the UToronto I think I was the only non-Japanese. I have the distinct feeling that my relatively lower rating may have been that I failed to connect with something culturally significant.The staff was kind and helpful. My plate was colorful and satisfying, albeit more cloyingly salty than I have had in Japanese cusine in North America or in Japan. The plum wine was crisper than I would have predicted.The several buts are headlined by the condition if the furniture -- tables were deeply chipped and the chairs grotesquely torn to the point that there was as much stuffing as upholstery on the seat. The menus were definitly sticky and appeared unwiped. I was bemused by the Daily Special board that announced "Deep Fly Oyster" .. . Shocked that there was no sake selection smaller than a full bottle. And the music was just too American pop.Had I been amongst Japanese friends, I might have felt differently.

This picturesque little place is one of my favorites The Bar Snacks are authentic Japanese The alcohol is Japanese Staff are all Japanese very comfortable, frie... read more This picturesque little place is one of my favorites The Bar Snacks are authentic Japanese The alcohol is Japanese Staff are all Japanese very comfortable, friendly atmosphere Nice patio parking sucks

This restaurant is located on Irwin Ave and offers basic grills as well as whiskey, sake, and a few appetizers. One thing I really appreciate is that they serve... read more This restaurant is located on Irwin Ave and offers basic grills as well as whiskey, sake, and a few appetizers. One thing I really appreciate is that they serve Ochazuke, which is not commonly found in other Japanese restaurants. My friend tried the Udon and said it was one of the best they've had outside of Japan. If you're looking for a no-frills dining experience, this place is definitely worth a visit.