Such a wonderful experience! The food was phenomenal, the chefs and service staff were attentive and friendly.This may have ruined take-out sushi for me haha.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matthew Wong (Wongo Bongo)
Excellent experience.The progression of flavor was wonderful.If you have the opportunity this is worth the effort to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Thomas
Incredible experience! Every dish was amazing and all of the staff and chefs were so kind and attentive. The firefly squid, bluefin tuna, and handmade cherry blossom ice cream for dessert (?) we’re my favorites. Came here for my husbands birthday and they even added a candle in our desert! Will be going back anytime I am in Toronto again.
This Omakase Sushi bar is an experience one will remember for the rest of their lives.You are greeted by the Host who will take your reservation and your coats. They present the menu for the evening and at the time of our attendance, they offered caviar on our menu for an additional cost. There is no pressure to accept this addition as it feels more of option for the guests. The Host also presents the drink menu and offers drink recommendations and pairings.As you could imagine, the Chefs are professional and true masters of their craft. Every item of out 17 course meal has a short description of where the seafood/fish was from and even a little history. One example is the Hotaru-Ika (Firefly squid), where the Host and Chefs elegantly present on an image of these when they glow. This squid lives in the deep oceans, but in the spring time they appear on the shores of Japan. It was truly a treat to experience this particular part of the meal.The Chefs are very dilligent about any food allergies and restrictions before the meal begins. Like many Omakase, you are encouraged to use your hands, but if it isn't to your liking you can use chopsticks for each course. It is a quiet and elegant dining experience where you savour every bite.My favourite piece was (surprise to no one), the fatty Tuna sushi. It melts in your mouth with incredible sensation. My partner really loved the Ankimo (Monkfish) liver. You watch these Chef work such precision and really optimize the perfect piece. The synergy they share as they cut their perfect cuts of sashimi and then pass along the piece of fish to the next chef, shows how in-sync and calcuated each course is.Our experience was nothing short of perfect. Some were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and others just on business dinner meeting. Having had sushi in Japan, it really transported me back to my short time there. This place will always have a special place in my heart, as it was one of the best dining experiences.As a small suggestion, I would recommend closing your eyes as you eat some of these pieces, and allow yourself to focus on your savoury senses.“I want to bring out the Umami of the Sea ” Chef Yasu
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric A. W.
Fantastic food with outstanding service. Highly recommended.
Had the lunch omakase for my birthday last weekend. The food was exquisite and the ingredients fresh and delicious. The host was very welcoming and friendly and the chef was incredibly kind as well. Food was delicious and we added on the sashimi plate and an extra uni+caviar nigiri piece. Everything was so delightfully tasty and we had a wonderful time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Toro with Ikura
Brenda Xu
Paid $250 per person without ordering any add ons or drinks, I was expecting a better environment and service. The food was good overall, but the place is full of strong fishy smell which made me sick. I love raw fish and tried several omakase restaurants before, none of them made me feel that way. I wanted to leave, the server told me they had to charge me $185 for cancellation. All they could offer was asking me to go outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air, very ridiculous. After tried 3-4 courses, I was about to throw up because of the bad smell, I had to pack the rest to go. The server was away most of time, we waited very long time to get our water refilled, and to get the bill. Can’t believe I was charged $76 mandatory just for the service, which I did feel I received any. Don’t recommend, there are so many better choices.?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Will H
Best omakase in Toronto. Amazing ingredients and skill. Chef is attentive and friendly. It's expensive but not crazy like some of the other places. It's an experience. Liking sushi/Japanese food is not a pre-requisite for this place. The food speaks for itself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
CCCynthia
The service is not professional enough. The towel was served after the second sushi dish came. Also, I also asked tea to be served twice as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Egg Soufflé, Toro with Ikura
Cynthia Chen
The service is not professional enough. The towel was served after the second sushi dish came. Also, I also asked tea to be served twice as well.
This is our second time at Yasu. The first time we many years ago. Reservations needs to be made. You have a choice to sit at a table or at the bar. The first time we went, we sat at the bar and the experience was amazing. This time we sat at the table, it was alright. A bit squishy for 4, but comfortable seats.12 seats at the bar. 2 tables. one for 2 people, and one for four. Washrooms are upstairs.We ordered the 17 course omakase. $185 for each person with an 18% gratitude added on top already. Service was good. We had two servers, a male and a female. I was a little taken back that the female server kept placing my plate pretty far from me. I kept pulling the plate closer to me. Even though I purposely created more space, to avoid her from hitting the cups. The male server was much better.Most memorable dishes: lobster, firefly squid, uni, toro and shiso flowers and the tamago.The four of us agreed that the food was much better a few years ago.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Black Sesame Ice Cream, Tamago
Les Sim
This is my second time visiting Yasu and my first time after the pandemic. A lot has changed since...My first visit was during a time when omakase was a novel way of dining in Toronto. A time when Yasu's true peers were Zen, and Sushi Kaji. It was an eye opening experience where we were shown what good edomae-style sushi should be. The nigiri were simple, using freshly sourced seafood, and paired with excellently seasoned shari. There was soul to the food, and it was magical.My second time felt like I was eating at a restaurant desperate for a Michelin Star. The format changed, the food is more about the presentation and being creative with flavour combinations. The food choices felt forced. Gone is the days of simple preparation with premium products.The Positives:Everything was fresh. There was no off-tasting or fishing products. The small amount of uni we were given did not leave a nasty aftertaste as it usually does when it's not fresh. The lobster was cooked just right, and the yuzu zest made it one of the more memorable items of the night. The full gamut of tuna from akami, chu-toro, to o-toro. Some unique items such as gizzard chad, ocean trout, and anago.The Negatives:The uni and ikura on the oyster were fresh but completely overpowered by the oyster. The o-toro was not brought up to room temp and refrigerator cold. Staff made a point to show the shiso flowers that they garnished the negitoro with but because the fish was so cold, I couldn't taste it. The anago was uncharacteristically overcooked, and not soft or melt in the mouth as it should be.I came knowing how much I was going to be paying and I'm not complaining about the cost. I wasn't expecting to hit a new high coming back a second time but I was expecting it to have the same magic as my first.Times are hard. Everything costs more. There's also a bunch of new and proper omakase restaurants, as well as a bunch of clowns charging omakase money for inferior food. Not to mention, Toronto is now a Michelin Guide city. It's a sense of pride for many restaurants and rightfully so. A star, or two, or three changes the trajectory of a restaurant.WIth all that said, consistency is what I didn't find here. Perhaps, that's the last bit of this puzzle that keeps Yasu from earning their first star.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Melissa
Good food and portions!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
KatLucas
This was the best dining experience of my life. The multidimensional balance of flavour, texture, and temperature was an experience that delighted the senses in a new way for me. We did the full omakase and sake pairing. It's worth every cent. Staff and service were perfectly refined and welcoming. Thanks Yasu!! I will return for sure
Gabriel Biron
Truly mesmerizing adventure. The level of care and understanding of the raw ingredients was unparalleled. The traditional techniques and choice of flavors were astonishing to experience. You cannot hope for more fresh and delicate products.It is mind-blowing how such simplicity can render such divine tastes. It really is a testament to the mastery of their craft.An authentic and highly recommended experience all around. Consider the Sake pairing, which is chosen with the utmost precision.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Sesame Ice Cream, Sake Pairing, Tuna, Sakura Shrimp, Amberjack, Monkfish Liver and Daikon, Miso Soup, Sea Eel, Lobster, Black Cod, Mackerel, Scallop
Such a wonderful experience! The food was phenomenal, the chefs and service staff were attentive and friendly.This may have ruined take-out sushi for me haha.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent experience.The progression of flavor was wonderful.If you have the opportunity this is worth the effort to visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Incredible experience! Every dish was amazing and all of the staff and chefs were so kind and attentive. The firefly squid, bluefin tuna, and handmade cherry blossom ice cream for dessert (?) we’re my favorites. Came here for my husbands birthday and they even added a candle in our desert! Will be going back anytime I am in Toronto again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tuna, Cherry Blossom Ice Cream
This Omakase Sushi bar is an experience one will remember for the rest of their lives.You are greeted by the Host who will take your reservation and your coats. They present the menu for the evening and at the time of our attendance, they offered caviar on our menu for an additional cost. There is no pressure to accept this addition as it feels more of option for the guests. The Host also presents the drink menu and offers drink recommendations and pairings.As you could imagine, the Chefs are professional and true masters of their craft. Every item of out 17 course meal has a short description of where the seafood/fish was from and even a little history. One example is the Hotaru-Ika (Firefly squid), where the Host and Chefs elegantly present on an image of these when they glow. This squid lives in the deep oceans, but in the spring time they appear on the shores of Japan. It was truly a treat to experience this particular part of the meal.The Chefs are very dilligent about any food allergies and restrictions before the meal begins. Like many Omakase, you are encouraged to use your hands, but if it isn't to your liking you can use chopsticks for each course. It is a quiet and elegant dining experience where you savour every bite.My favourite piece was (surprise to no one), the fatty Tuna sushi. It melts in your mouth with incredible sensation. My partner really loved the Ankimo (Monkfish) liver. You watch these Chef work such precision and really optimize the perfect piece. The synergy they share as they cut their perfect cuts of sashimi and then pass along the piece of fish to the next chef, shows how in-sync and calcuated each course is.Our experience was nothing short of perfect. Some were celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and others just on business dinner meeting. Having had sushi in Japan, it really transported me back to my short time there. This place will always have a special place in my heart, as it was one of the best dining experiences.As a small suggestion, I would recommend closing your eyes as you eat some of these pieces, and allow yourself to focus on your savoury senses.“I want to bring out the Umami of the Sea ” Chef Yasu
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fantastic food with outstanding service. Highly recommended.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Sake Pairing, Miso Soup, Lobster, Ankimo
Had the lunch omakase for my birthday last weekend. The food was exquisite and the ingredients fresh and delicious. The host was very welcoming and friendly and the chef was incredibly kind as well. Food was delicious and we added on the sashimi plate and an extra uni+caviar nigiri piece. Everything was so delightfully tasty and we had a wonderful time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Toro with Ikura
Paid $250 per person without ordering any add ons or drinks, I was expecting a better environment and service. The food was good overall, but the place is full of strong fishy smell which made me sick. I love raw fish and tried several omakase restaurants before, none of them made me feel that way. I wanted to leave, the server told me they had to charge me $185 for cancellation. All they could offer was asking me to go outside for a few minutes to get some fresh air, very ridiculous. After tried 3-4 courses, I was about to throw up because of the bad smell, I had to pack the rest to go. The server was away most of time, we waited very long time to get our water refilled, and to get the bill. Can’t believe I was charged $76 mandatory just for the service, which I did feel I received any. Don’t recommend, there are so many better choices.?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 1
Best omakase in Toronto. Amazing ingredients and skill. Chef is attentive and friendly. It's expensive but not crazy like some of the other places. It's an experience. Liking sushi/Japanese food is not a pre-requisite for this place. The food speaks for itself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The service is not professional enough. The towel was served after the second sushi dish came. Also, I also asked tea to be served twice as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Egg Soufflé, Toro with Ikura
The service is not professional enough. The towel was served after the second sushi dish came. Also, I also asked tea to be served twice as well.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Egg Soufflé, Toro with Ikura
Restaurantji Recommends
This is our second time at Yasu. The first time we many years ago. Reservations needs to be made. You have a choice to sit at a table or at the bar. The first time we went, we sat at the bar and the experience was amazing. This time we sat at the table, it was alright. A bit squishy for 4, but comfortable seats.12 seats at the bar. 2 tables. one for 2 people, and one for four. Washrooms are upstairs.We ordered the 17 course omakase. $185 for each person with an 18% gratitude added on top already. Service was good. We had two servers, a male and a female. I was a little taken back that the female server kept placing my plate pretty far from me. I kept pulling the plate closer to me. Even though I purposely created more space, to avoid her from hitting the cups. The male server was much better.Most memorable dishes: lobster, firefly squid, uni, toro and shiso flowers and the tamago.The four of us agreed that the food was much better a few years ago.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Black Sesame Ice Cream, Tamago
This is my second time visiting Yasu and my first time after the pandemic. A lot has changed since...My first visit was during a time when omakase was a novel way of dining in Toronto. A time when Yasu's true peers were Zen, and Sushi Kaji. It was an eye opening experience where we were shown what good edomae-style sushi should be. The nigiri were simple, using freshly sourced seafood, and paired with excellently seasoned shari. There was soul to the food, and it was magical.My second time felt like I was eating at a restaurant desperate for a Michelin Star. The format changed, the food is more about the presentation and being creative with flavour combinations. The food choices felt forced. Gone is the days of simple preparation with premium products.The Positives:Everything was fresh. There was no off-tasting or fishing products. The small amount of uni we were given did not leave a nasty aftertaste as it usually does when it's not fresh. The lobster was cooked just right, and the yuzu zest made it one of the more memorable items of the night. The full gamut of tuna from akami, chu-toro, to o-toro. Some unique items such as gizzard chad, ocean trout, and anago.The Negatives:The uni and ikura on the oyster were fresh but completely overpowered by the oyster. The o-toro was not brought up to room temp and refrigerator cold. Staff made a point to show the shiso flowers that they garnished the negitoro with but because the fish was so cold, I couldn't taste it. The anago was uncharacteristically overcooked, and not soft or melt in the mouth as it should be.I came knowing how much I was going to be paying and I'm not complaining about the cost. I wasn't expecting to hit a new high coming back a second time but I was expecting it to have the same magic as my first.Times are hard. Everything costs more. There's also a bunch of new and proper omakase restaurants, as well as a bunch of clowns charging omakase money for inferior food. Not to mention, Toronto is now a Michelin Guide city. It's a sense of pride for many restaurants and rightfully so. A star, or two, or three changes the trajectory of a restaurant.WIth all that said, consistency is what I didn't find here. Perhaps, that's the last bit of this puzzle that keeps Yasu from earning their first star.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
Good food and portions!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This was the best dining experience of my life. The multidimensional balance of flavour, texture, and temperature was an experience that delighted the senses in a new way for me. We did the full omakase and sake pairing. It's worth every cent. Staff and service were perfectly refined and welcoming. Thanks Yasu!! I will return for sure
Truly mesmerizing adventure. The level of care and understanding of the raw ingredients was unparalleled. The traditional techniques and choice of flavors were astonishing to experience. You cannot hope for more fresh and delicate products.It is mind-blowing how such simplicity can render such divine tastes. It really is a testament to the mastery of their craft.An authentic and highly recommended experience all around. Consider the Sake pairing, which is chosen with the utmost precision.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Sesame Ice Cream, Sake Pairing, Tuna, Sakura Shrimp, Amberjack, Monkfish Liver and Daikon, Miso Soup, Sea Eel, Lobster, Black Cod, Mackerel, Scallop