2018-12-24. Ginza Sushi is a chain, but I don't think it's a franchise. It all started with a small place on Finch Ave, between Bayview and Leslie streets. I remember going there in the 90's for my sushi/sashimi fix. The owner told us that he was opening up a new restaurant, Ginza, at a different location. A little while later and this little place was also called Ginza. With the name change came renovations and higher prices.
Fast forward a few years and we noticed the expansion of Ginza. They're up to 5 or six locations now, but their sushi/sashimi is consistent. The Weston Rd. Location was close to us and we checked it out of course. It offers AYCE as well as a la carte. When we first came here many many years ago, we did the AYCE. From what I can remember, the variety didn't match the items I liked. It had all your staples of salmon, tuna, all kinds of rolls, and tempura; but it didn't have the lesser known dishes we like like beef tataki (raw beef), soft shell crab (on menu it not part of AYCE) and sashimi. This concludes my history lesson on Ginza.
The Weston Rd location is in a plaza with plenty of free parking out front. The storefront is facing West and visible as you drive along Weston Rd. Inside, the place is bigger than it looks as they have a secondary dining area; an expansion which consists if renting the adjacent unit. The decor is bright in the day and more intimate during the evenings. While the place wasn't busy with dine in, delivery/take-out/catering was booming. They had all kinds if orders waiting to be delivered.
This Christmas, we decided we were not going to cook. Enter Ginza as part of our dinner courses, and my pot luck contribution. Today, Ginza has a special of up to 50% off their rolls (take out, cash only) to compete with the local competition whom offer 50% off their rolls. While not quite 50% off, Ginza has $4 & $6 rolls depending on House Special or Signature. We went with Ginza because we remembered the quality and were hoping it hadn't changed. On the menu for tonight was:
Signature rolls ($6/ea):
Spider roll (Soft shell crab)
Super rainbow roll
Super Dragon roll
Deluxe Dragon roll
Sushi
Eel
Salmon
Tuna
Octopus
Cuttlefish
Sashimi
Spicy scallop (+$1)
Tamago
The sushi/sashimi were $1/pc with the exception of the spicy scallop, but that's because they came in small cucumber cups ($6/2)
Spicy Mayo ($0.5/ea)
Spring rolls x 4 pcs (free)
The fish on their sushi is made consistently in size, the fish draping the rice entirely lengthwise with the widths hanging over, but leaving enough to show the rice underneath. Between the rice and fish used to be a dollop of wasabi holding the two together, but they no longer do this... they've appealed to the masses and just leave it on the side for you to control. The wasabi continues to have some kick, and is just OK. The fish is a little thinner than I remember, but also OK.
Overall, still a decent place with consistent food. Their AYCE prices did go up, but I was also told that the main reason for the increase was menu expansion. I'll have to look into this further and maybe give them another chance if the variety better suits my appetite. But based purely on their sushi and rolls, they're a solid 3 stars.
There was a line item indicating a 15% discount for picking-up, but the $ value was more like 3%. I think it was really more of a flat rate discount of $2.75.
If you would like to experience more, come dine-with-me.yelp.com I'd love to have your company... Bon Appétit! read more