Top Sushi Places

Here's a breakdown of some of the most highly-regarded sushi places in Ontario, with a focus on Toronto due to the density of top-tier establishments, and some notable mentions outside:

High-End Omakase (Chef's Choice) Experiences (Primarily Toronto):

These places are typically more expensive but offer an unparalleled, intimate, and often artistic dining experience with the freshest, most expertly prepared fish.

• Sushi Masaki Saito (Toronto): This is the pinnacle of sushi in Canada, holding two Michelin stars. It's an incredibly exclusive and expensive omakase-only experience, where Chef Saito meticulously prepares each piece. Reservations are very difficult to get.
• Aburi Hana (Toronto): Another Michelin-starred restaurant, Aburi Hana offers a unique "Kyō-Kaiseki" experience, which is a multi-course Japanese dinner that blends traditional and modern techniques, often featuring flame-seared (aburi) sushi.
• Yasu (Toronto): As Canada's first omakase sushi bar, Yasu has a long-standing reputation for excellence. It offers a fixed, multi-course omakase menu with expertly sourced and prepared fish in an intimate setting.
• Shoushin (Toronto): Known for its beautiful hinoki wood counter and traditional Edomae-style sushi. Shoushin offers a refined omakase experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
• Yukashi (Toronto): An intimate spot with a highly creative and personal kaiseki-style menu by Chef Daisuke Izutsu.
• Sushi Kaji (Etobicoke - Toronto): An original pioneer in Toronto's high-end sushi scene, offering an omakase menu with extremely fresh ingredients.
• Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto (North York - Toronto): While focusing on traditional kaiseki, their menu often includes exquisite sushi and sashimi, showcasing refined techniques and seasonal ingredients.

Excellent Mid-to-High Range & Popular Spots (Toronto & GTA):

These places offer fantastic quality, often with a mix of à la carte and omakase options, or a creative approach to sushi.

• Japango (Toronto): A consistently praised spot for its fresh and high-quality sushi, often with daily specials flown in. It's known for being a cozy and authentic experience.
• Miku Toronto: Famous for its Aburi (flame-seared) sushi, which is a signature style. They offer a lively atmosphere and a strong focus on presentation and unique flavor combinations.
• Minami Restaurant (Toronto): From the same group as Miku, Minami also features excellent Aburi sushi and a modern Japanese dining experience.
• J.San Sushi Bar (Toronto - various locations, some takeout-focused): Highly regarded for its fresh ingredients, beautiful presentation (especially for chirashi dons), and accessible prices for good quality.
• Kibo Sushi House (Multiple GTA locations): A popular chain with many locations, known for fresh and affordable sushi, including classic rolls, unique twists, and bento boxes. Good for a more casual experience.
• Hoseki Omakase Sushi Bar (Burlington, Oakville): A standout outside of Toronto, Hoseki focuses on traditional Edomae sushi and imports premium ingredients directly from Japan weekly. They offer an excellent omakase experience.
• Saku Sushi (Toronto): Known for delicious and hearty rolls, good for both sit-down and takeout.
• Sushi on Bloor (Toronto): A long-standing, popular spot known for good quality and reasonable prices, often a go-to for many Toronto residents for casual sushi.
• Flame Sushi Bar (Toronto): Offers excellent sushi along with Japanese cocktails, sake, and whiskey, making it a good spot for an upscale casual evening.

Notable Mentions & Hidden Gems (Across Ontario):

• Yuzuki (Toronto): Often praised for authentic Japanese-run, proper Japanese sushi with more diverse fish options than common places.
• Iruka Sushi (Toronto): A "hidden gem" mentioned by locals.
• Fukui Sushi (Midtown Toronto): Praised for very fresh fish and not serving escolar.
• KAKA All You Can Eat (Multiple locations in GTA): For a higher-end AYCE experience, KAKA is often recommended for its quality.
• Sushi Gen (Toronto): Another long-standing favorite for quality sushi.
• Shinobu (Toronto): Often mentioned as a consistent and authentic neighborhood favorite.

Tips for Finding Your "Best":

• Omakase vs. À la Carte: Decide if you want a chef-curated tasting menu or prefer to choose individual items.
• Budget: Sushi prices can vary wildly.
• Atmosphere: Some places are intimate and quiet, others are lively and modern.
• Location: While Toronto has a concentration, many cities across Ontario have excellent local sushi spots. Always check local reviews!
• Freshness: This is key for sushi. Look for places that emphasize fresh, often daily, sourcing of fish.

Enjoy your sushi journey in Ontario!