15+ Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto

Julie Anne L.
· · · · ·

Craving sushi again? Same. It only takes one glance at a tempura menu or the thought of miso butter to derail dinner plans. Toronto makes things harder (in a good way) with so many legit spots for Japanese food—each with its loyal fans and go-to orders. This guide to the best Japanese restaurants in Toronto pulls together a mix of favorites for sushi, ramen, yakitori, and everything in between. No fancy talk, just good food that hits when you need it most.

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto for Sushi, Ramen & More

Musoshin Ramen

Photo via @sarahyummies and @musoshin_toronto / Instagram

From Kyoto and Osaka to Queen Street, Musoshin brings serious ramen game to the city. They use handmade koji and fermented miso, plus vegan options and Japanese teas. It’s casual, comforting, and great for both dine-in and takeout.

  • Price: $$
  • Website: www.musoshin.com 
  • Location: 9 Boustead Ave, Toronto
  • Phone: 1 416-537-3588

Aburi Hana

Photo via @hanayorkville / Instagram

This is modern Kyō-Kaiseki with a fine-dining twist. Chef Ryusuke Nakagawa serves multi-course seasonal menus that blend Japanese traditions with global ingredients. The space is small and focused, just like the food.

  • Price: $$$
  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: www.aburihana.com 
  • Location: 102 Yorkville Ave, Unit 4 Lower Level, Toronto
  • Phone: 1 647-343-8887

Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto

Photo via @kaisekiyuzenhashimoto / Instagram

Only three tables, one Michelin star, and a chef who prepares each dish himself. Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto takes hospitality seriously. The tasting menus focus on local and Japanese ingredients, served with tea ceremony precision.

Miku Toronto

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Known for Aburi sushi, Miku’s flame-seared technique adds a light char that doesn’t overpower. It’s a big, modern space by the Harbourfront, with a sushi bar, raw bar, and patio. They mix East Coast seafood with West Coast Japanese flair.

Kinka Sushi Bar Izakaya Harbourfront

Photo via @kinkasushibarizakayaca / Instagram

Kinka brings the bustling izakaya energy straight from Japan. Expect small sharing plates, lots of sake, and lively service. The menu has a mix of classics and creative specials. Great spot for groups and late-night hangs.

Nami Japanese Restaurant

Photo via @namirestaurant / Instagram

One of Toronto’s oldest Japanese restaurants, Nami is known for creating the sushi pizza and using a robata grill. The setting has private booths, tatami rooms, and traditional touches throughout.

Sanuki Udon Toronto

Photo via @hannahxoxo.foodie, @sanukiudontoronto, and @yyzdateideas / Instagram

This spot focuses on Sanuki-style udon, a chewy noodle from Kagawa. They make it fresh every day using a custom machine. The broth is built on kombu and bonito, and the open kitchen makes the space feel extra warm.

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Akira Back Restaurant

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
Photo via @akirabacktoronto / Instagram

Chef Akira Back mixes Japanese and Korean flavors in a bold, modern way. Located in the Bisha Hotel, it’s sleek but approachable. Expect wagyu tacos, sashimi pizza, and dishes you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Minami Toronto

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
Photo via @minamitoronto / Instagram

Minami brings the Aburi style to King West, with a menu that blends Japanese technique and global flavors. Their drink game is strong too—look for creative cocktails and that signature stamped ice.

Matsutei Sukiyaki

If you’re craving hot pot, this is the spot. Matsutei serves all-you-can-eat Sukiyaki and Shabushabu, packed with veggies, meat, and rich broth. Come hungry.

JaBistro

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
Photo via @jabistro222 / Instagram

A downtown Japanese bistro that balances tradition with flair. JaBistro serves high-end sushi, plus hot and cold plates that go beyond the usual. The interior mixes brick and wood for a cool, comfortable vibe.

  • Price: $$$
  • Reservation: Click here.
  • Website: www.jabistro.com 
  • Location: 222 Richmond St W, Toronto
  • Phone: 1 647-748-0222

Taisho Japanese Grill

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
Photo via @charidise_taisho / Instagram

Taisho is all about the grill. They offer all-you-can-eat Japanese BBQ, with meats, seafood, and vegetables you cook tableside. It’s fun, filling, and perfect for a casual night out.

Muni Robata

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
Photo via @munirobata / Instagram

This Japanese grill house brings robata skewers, sushi, and small plates in a trendy setting. The food pairs well with sake, and the menu is great for sharing.

Guu Izakaya

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
Photo via @guuizakayato / Instagram

Located in West Queen West, Guu is loud, fast, and full of character. The menu mixes classic izakaya dishes with rotating specials, and the team brings great energy from the moment you walk in.

Yuugi Izakaya

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
Photo via @eatinontario and @yuugi.izakaya / Instagram

Yuugi blends local and Japanese-sourced ingredients into izakaya-style dishes and drinks. It’s downtown on Baldwin Street and gives off that post-work comfort food energy.

Yasu Toronto

Best Japanese Restaurants in Toronto
Photo via @yasu_toronto / Instagram

Canada’s first Omakase-only sushi bar, Yasu keeps it minimal: warm rice, fresh fish, a brush of nikiri soy. Every bite is balanced, focused, and built around umami. There’s no menu—just trust the chef.

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Julie Anne Loquinario

Hey, it’s Julie! Powered by coffee and cuddles from my five feline overlords, I’m always hunting down the best cafés and restos in Toronto and the GTA. When I’m not indulging in my latest food obsession, you’ll find me binge-watching shows or dreaming up my next adventure.

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