Authentic Izakaya
in Toronto.

Akoya Izakaya brings the full izakaya experience to Markham's Unionville neighbourhood, with a Japanese-trained chef at the helm and a menu spanning charcoal-grilled yakitori, fresh sushi, house-made ramen, and Japanese sake. The casual yet convivial atmosphere captures the spirit of a Japanese neighbourhood pub.

Chef Shozan Tomikawa's intimate Ossington sake bar — a short counter menu of seasonal izakaya plates.

Long-running downtown izakaya on Dundas West — a broad menu of grilled and fried Japanese pub classics.

Toronto's only outpost of Vancouver's legendary Guu Izakaya, founded by Japanese entrepreneur Yoshinori Kitahara and helmed by Yokohama-born chef Masaru Ogasawara. Expect authentic Japanese pub fare, an extensive sake list, and an energetic communal atmosphere.

Gyu-Kaku is Japan's most recognized yakiniku chain, bringing the tradition of smokeless charcoal tabletop grilling to downtown Toronto's Church Street. Guests grill premium marinated meats, seafood, and vegetables at their own table, accompanied by sake, shochu, and Japanese beer.

Gyu-Kaku's Richmond Hill location brings Japan's premier yakiniku experience to the GTA suburbs, situated on the second floor of Times Square mall with panoramic views. Guests enjoy smokeless charcoal grills and premium meats alongside a full Japanese drinks menu.

Imanishi Japanese Kitchen is a beloved Dundas West izakaya opened by Japanese chef-owner Shori Imanishi in 2015, built around the concept of Tokyo homestyle cooking, city pop music, and street culture. The intimate space serves tebasaki chicken wings, katsu curry, wagyu donburi, and seasonal small plates through a Resy reservation-only system.

Traditional izakaya inside J-Town Markham — hot sake, grilled fish, and seasonal specials for the local Japanese community.

Cabbagetown seafood izakaya — the Japanese-owned Kingyo group's Toronto room, rebuilt in 2022.

Harbourfront branch of Toronto's original izakaya group — KINKA.

Former North York KINKA — permanently closed.

Toronto's first izakaya — the original Guu, now KINKA, on Church Street since 2009.

Family-run Japanese restaurant and izakaya in Richmond Hill, open since 1994.

Nobu Toronto is Canada's first Nobu restaurant, opened in August 2024 by Japanese-born chef and founder Nobu Matsuhisa whose global empire pioneered Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine. Set over 10,000 sq ft in the Entertainment District, it delivers the signature black cod miso, crispy rice with tuna, and refined sushi in a dramatic setting.

Sakai Bar is an intimate 22-seat sake bar and contemporary Japanese restaurant on Dundas West, owned and operated by Stuart Sakai, a Japanese-Canadian sake professional and Black Hoof alumnus. The no-reservation spot forgoes sushi entirely, instead showcasing Japanese country cuisine alongside an expertly curated sake and shochu list.