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    Yuugi Izakaya

    4.3 (106 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

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    YUUGI IZAKAYA ATMOSPHERE

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    Aurora J.

    Came here for a casual dinner and drinks, and overall it felt like a really easy, relaxed izakaya-style spot in downtown Toronto. The space itself leans more modern and clean rather than the typical dark, cozy izakaya vibe, which I actually didn't mind. It felt comfortable, not too loud, and easy to settle into for a slow dinner. We ordered a mix of small plates to share, and everything came out looking nicely put together. The aburi-style salmon sushi was one of the highlights for me.. lightly seared, with a soft texture and just enough flavor on top without being overwhelming. The tuna tataki was also fresh and clean, simple but well done. Some of the fried dishes leaned a bit richer with the creamy sauces, but they were still enjoyable, especially if you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent. The beef fried rice was straightforward but satisfying, one of those dishes that's easy to keep going back to between everything else. Drinks were a nice touch too.. refreshing, nicely presented, and added to the overall experience. Overall, this feels like a solid spot for a casual night out with friends. It's not overly traditional, but it's easygoing, shareable, and comfortable.. the kind of place you'd come back to when you just want good food and a relaxed atmosphere.

    Chicken karaage
    Samantha L.

    Between 3.5 and 4 Came here for a small late night bite after a busy day. It was busy, but we were seated fairly quickly. The staff was pleasant and I liked the simple design, though it reminded me more of Europe personally (but hey, I love Europe so!) The poutine was really yummy. Excellent cheese pull and it was a really comforting dish. The karaage was nice also, and if I was being really picky I'd say it wasn't as juicy as it could've been, but it definitely wasn't dry either. Overall very nice and I'd return!

    Christina C.

    Yuugi Izakaya has been on Baldwin for years and it shows. The space feels cozy without being cramped, and the energy is lively but still comfortable enough to actually talk. We ordered the Torched Salmon Pressed Sushi, Torched Ebi Pressed Sushi and Torched Wagyu Pressed Sushi. The wagyu was easily my favorite. Rich, slightly smoky from the torch, and not overloaded with sauce. The salmon and ebi were both solid and well balanced. The Chicken Karaage was crispy outside and juicy inside, which sounds simple but a lot of places get that wrong. This one didn't. The Nasu eggplant was soft and savory, not greasy, and honestly one of those dishes you keep going back to. For dessert we shared the Matcha Ice Cream and Tempura Banana. The tempura banana was warm and lightly crisp with the cold matcha on the side. It was simple and satisfying without feeling heavy. Service was friendly and attentive even though it was busy. You can tell they've built a steady following over six years for a reason.

    Catherine M.

    Everything here was delicious! The chicken heart skewer was the perfect chewy texture, gyoza had a crisp top layer, torched salmon rolls were perfectly seared, and the agedashi tofu was so smooth and creamy. The unique cocktails were very tasty.

    Ebimayo
    Will H.

    Came here on a Sunday afternoon, and it was such a great experience from start to finish. Reservations were easy to make online, and our group of seven was seated right away. We ordered a variety of dishes to share: edamame, yuugi sushi, wagyu sushi, ebi sushi, chicken karaage, chicken wings, ebimayo, Udon Pepperoncino, and Saba Yakimeshi (grilled mackerel fried rice). Every dish was delicious and came in perfect portions for sharing; honestly, I'd get them all again. The top standouts for me were: 1) Edamame: hands down the best I've ever had. It came topped with crispy shallots that added an incredible texture and flavor twist. 2) Wagyu Sushi: melt-in-your-mouth tender and beautifully presented. 3) Ebimayo: perfectly panko-fried shrimp with the ideal crisp and a tasty sauce that tied it all together. Service was friendly and attentive throughout our meal, making the experience even better. Overall, this izakaya is a gem in Baldwin Village; great food, great vibes, and perfect for sharing with friends. Highly recommend!

    Hard piece of plastic in the sushi.
    Joanne M.

    Came here for lunch today. We were the only patrons there and the waiter seemed like he didn't want to be there. We ordered a pitcher of beer, ebi mayo and their yuugi sushi. The sushi came out quickly after the beer. My second piece of sushi had a very hard, plastic nodule in it. I bit down on it and immediately knew something was wrong. It was not a piece of undercooked rice, I was hoping it was a salmon bone actually as I fished it out of my mouth and picked through the rice to find this hard bit. I motioned the waiter over to show him. I was quite upset. I rolled this hard piece of plastic between my finger and the table which was audible. He took the piece to the kitchen to show the chef. I stood up and watched the whole interaction between the two. While it was in the chefs hand, he dropped it and picked it back up again. They both shrugged. Wow. The waiter came out and said indifferently, "I can make you another one." Wow. I was completely appalled by the lack of care and accountability. I could have chipped a tooth. What if I ingested the thing? I was visibly upset by both the piece of plastic AND their attitude about it. There was no apology. The chef should have come out to apologize. They have many dishes on their menu with rice. I really, really doubt they even CARED to throw out the batch that my plastic laden sushi was made with.

    Tracey N.

    Cute place for a sip and chat type of evening! The staff are attentive and friendly, and all of the dishes were amazing. Beware, the outdoor seating has wood shavings so it might be uncomfortable to sit for some people. There's lots of indoor seating as well.

    Ray N.

    Did a Yelp search for places open late and this one closed at 2 am on a Friday. We arrived around 11 pm and it wasn't busy at all. We used QR code to see the menu and chose Edamame Miso soup Sweet chicken wings Mackerel fried rice Wagyu sushi I loved the chicken wings- was just the right sweetness and crunchiness and was fully cooked. And the wagyu sushi though they didn't give any soy sauce saying it already had it. The mackerel fried rice was okay. My wife liked it but too many, too fishy and was salty. They took out the wagyu fried rice. I would have loved steam rice with the wings since just didn't work with the mackerel rice. Definitely a place that had more drinks and cocktails than food selection . Still a good place if eating late like we did

    Udon pepperoncino (stir-fried udon, chili cream sauce, bacon)
    Letty W.

    This izakaya has a simple menu unlike other izakayas and I enjoyed each dish I had. The sauce that accompanied the karaage had a raw egg you have to mix in. The tofu was very smooth. This spot is ideal for a late night meal or a place to grab drinks with a few apps.

    Victoria F.

    Cute lil izakaya on Baldwin. I do like the ambiance, it's simple and dim. Not too loud or rowdy so you can definitely have a conversation in here. Drinks are fairly priced and good! Service was fine. Food is good as well! Really enjoyed the carbonara udon and the karaage's tartar sauce. The pressed sushi could have been better, i found it to crumble a bit too easily.

    Wagyu Sushi
    Matt G.

    The food we had was great. However, there wasn't enough variety, a wide enough selection, and wasn't priced appropriately enough to feel like a true Izakaya experience. Ended up leaving unsatisfied just because there wasn't enough to try. However, the Wagyu sushi was a definite highlight here.

    bar area
    Alexus T.

    I came here after visiting the AGO since it was nearby and I thought I was about to find a hidden gem since it has really good reviews. Unfortunately, it didn't really meet my expectations. I tried the hotate wasabi & yuugi sushi as everyone keeps mentioning that these are the standout dishes. I thought they were okay. The scallop wasn't soft and had an almost rubbery texture. The sushi wasn't bad, the smoky flavour made it unique but in general I've had much better torched pressed salmon. They also have daily specials - I tried the grilled pork belly skewers and they were better but needed a bit more salt. Overall, I'd rate my experience here a 6/10. The ambience was very nice and service was attentive. They also gave us sake shots on the house! I really wanted to like the food but it just didn't hit for me.

    Chicken wings, Yuugi Sushi, and Wagyu Sushi
    Sarah P.

    Yuugi is located downtown in Baldwin Village, with a casual vibe. The interior is minimalistic with white walls and wooden acccent. A small highlight, is that their washrooms have high tech toilets similar to those found in Japan. The staff here were also all very friendly and attentive. This is a great spot to consider if you're downtown and looking for late eats, as they're open until 2 am, or if you're just craving some traditional Japanese bar food. The menu here is tapas style meant for sharing, and the "sushi" served here are also all lightly torched, which makes them a good start for those who wish to try sushi but are not ready for the fully raw stuff. What was ordered: - Yuugi Sushi - Saba Sushi - Wagyu Sushi - Chicken Wings - Saba Yakimeshi The wings were well seasoned and crispy, and I also liked the Yuugi Sushi. The Wagyu Sushi was ok in my opinion. The flavouring was good, but the quality of the beef didn't meet my standards. I personally didn't like the saba dishes too much because I found them a bit fishy and salty. However, the other two individuals I was with really enjoyed them, so it really depends on your taste preferences.

    Scallop

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    6 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Great bbq skewers outside on Beautiful patio. Owner is great to speak to. A must try. Amazing location to walk around as well. Must try!

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    1 year ago

    Service and location is good. Menu option was too little. Flavour was alright, but not outstanding.

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    Gyubee Japanese Grill - Dundas

    Gyubee Japanese Grill - Dundas

    4.2
    (359 reviews)
    0.7 km
    $$$

    We have enjoyed both Japanese and Korean bbq places around the world and loved our experience at…read moreGyubee. There's no reservation system but they do have a waitlist on Yelp which gets you in line (highly recommended). First to know is you can't pay with credit card here--there's an ATM in the front of the restaurant. As far as the restaurant goes, it was fantastic from start to finish. Our table of 4 was seated and serviced by 1 main staff member, Lydia, who talked us through the whole menu and ordering system, recommended some great starts and then kept us frequently updated all throughout dinner. She checked up on us along with her assistants who were also bringing items and servicing the table. The food quality was excellent with juicy and flavorful cuts of beef along with the shrimp, pork, veggies, side dishes/ponchon, and rice--it kept coming consistently. Grill changes were frequent as well. The atmosphere is lively and there are a lot of servers so you aren't trying get someone's attention all the time. But it doesn't feel too cramped at the same time. As it is AYCE, everyone in our group left full of course and enjoyed each course. I liked the almond tofu at the end! ----TL;DR---- Pros: great selection of meats, quality was top notch, huge portions of course as it is AYCE, service was prompt and all staff were really friendly. Cons: no reservations so need to be on a waitlist. The no credit card system is a bit of an inconvenience. Bottom Line: we loved it--definitely would go back again and enjoy more of their selections! You have to try them if you like meat and AYCE!

    Gyubee Japanese Grill is a spot that makes the dining experience feel interactive and social, with…read moreJapanese style BBQ where you cook the meats right at the table. We walked into a lively, casual space that works especially well for groups, celebrations, or any meal where you want to take your time and enjoy the experience. The energy in the room is high, with the sound of grilling and conversation filling the space, and the table setup encourages a longer, more relaxed pace than a typical restaurant meal. The biggest highlight is the meat selection. The quality is consistently strong, with different cuts and marinades that give each plate its own flavor. The miso steak is one of the standout items, with a really good balance of savory, slightly sweet, and rich flavors. The marinated meats are where Gyubee really shines, coming seasoned well and developing a great char from grilling at the table. We worked through a range of options including kalbi, hanger steak, and sausage, mixing and matching as we went. The fun part is being able to control the cooking yourself, whether you prefer a lighter sear or a deeper grilled flavor, and the grill setup makes it easy to cook at your own pace. The sides and extras are also better than what we usually expect from an all you can eat BBQ spot. The sushi was surprisingly enjoyable, with smaller portions that made it easy to try different rolls without filling up too quickly. The bibimbap is another good addition, especially when paired with the grilled meats. Takoyaki and other sides helped break up the meal and added variety beyond just ordering meat after meat. The spread is broad enough that you can build a well rounded meal without feeling like you are stuck in a single category. Service was a strong part of the experience. Even with the restaurant being busy, the staff were attentive and checked in regularly to make sure we had what we needed. They kept the table moving, helped with ordering, and made the process feel smooth despite the constant flow of guests. The wait can be the biggest challenge, especially during dinner hours, but the service once seated helped make up for it. The staff also handled the high turnover of tables well, keeping the pace steady without making us feel rushed. Gyubee is one of those places where the experience is just as important as the food. The combination of grilling at the table, quality meats, good sides, and a fun group atmosphere makes it a great choice for a longer meal with friends or family. It is worth planning ahead for the wait because the meal itself delivers the kind of relaxed, interactive dining experience that makes you want to come back. The format encourages you to slow down, cook at your own pace, and enjoy the meal as a shared activity rather than just a quick dinner.

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    Miso Soup , Miso steak , Garlic Beef Brisket, Miso Brisket
    Miso Soup , Miso steak , Garlic Beef Brisket, Miso Brisket
    I go almost once a week, its sooooo good! Service is always great
    I go almost once a week, its sooooo good! Service is always great
    Beef Menu Dec 2024

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    Beef Menu Dec 2024
    Hana Don

    Hana Don

    4.2
    (60 reviews)
    0.7 km

    Having been to the other Hana Don location in North York multiple times, I was delighted when they…read moreopened a new location in downtown. It's my go-to spot to get my don fix - I love the wide variety of dons (rice bowls) that they offer with various fish and seafood combinations. There are also unique appetizers in the menu, such as Purple Yam Croquettes, Crab Crackers, Braised Bamboo Shoots with Shirasu (immature whitebait fish), and Takowasa (marinated raw octopus pieces, to be eaten with or wrapped in nori / seaweed). Although the dons are the main highlight of their menu (hence the restaurant name), they also offer traditional sushi, sashimi, sushi rolls and sets (similar to other Japanese sushi restaurants). Miso Aburi Scallops were very flavourful - nicely torched, giving the scallops a nice grill / char taste. They came with red and green seaweed, and a bit of fish roe. Large Premium Hana Don contained a good amount of fish and seafood, including a whole abalone, uni, shrimp in the shell, aburi salmon, ikura (salmon roe), salmon sashimi, tuna sashimi, yellowtail sashimi, other various fish sashimi, tamago (egg), and a few slices of cucumber on a generous bed of rice. I liked that the rice was a mix of white rice and some type of dark-coloured grains. Unatama Don came with a big piece of unagi and tamago (egg) that were both excellent. The sashimi were all fresh. Okonomiyaki was disappointing but it was sort of expected... for only $9, it was about 99% just flour pan-fried in a patty, without any substantial fillings (unlike real okonomiyaki, which usually contains protein / seafood, cabbage, eggs, and other ingredients). Location is super convenient near Bay & Dundas, ambiance is very casual, and service is quick.

    I was absolutely impressed by the price to quality ratio that I had to visit twice while in…read moreToronto. The service was great, everything was accommodated to fairly quick and attentively. The ambience of the restaurant is chill, plenty of seating. It can get loud when it's full, but that's the vibe. I was stuck between the sweet shrimp bowl and the uni bowl.... I think i like the uni/ikura/scallops combo a lot more than the sweet shrimp. I love the taste of the rice bowls! absolutely will come back in my next trip to Toronto!

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    Hana Don
    Hana Don
    Hana Don

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    Taisho Japanese Grill

    Taisho Japanese Grill

    4.2
    (58 reviews)
    0.1 km

    English We were…read morelooking for a new food place for dinner where we can try a good Japanese food. So, we decided to visit Taisho Japanese Grill located in Toronto, ON. If you're looking for a phenomenal food / dining experience, look no further than Taisho Japanese Grill. Their menu is a culinary masterpiece, offering an incredible selection of dishes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff ‍‍‍ is friendly and attentive, making every visit a true pleasure. Taisho Japanese Grill is a lovely place. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city in spite of being in the city . There's an ample parking space around the building. The place has the huge indoor seating arrangements and the seating arrangement is super comfortable and spacious. The staff is really nice, friendly and kept following . The food menu is great and there are many choices to choose from and they also offer quite a lot of small bites options to choose from.Pricing is decent, good value for money and the place is more suitable for a group of people. French / Français Nous cherchions un nouveau restaurant japonais pour dîner et déguster de la bonne cuisine japonaise. Nous avons donc décidé d'aller chez Taisho Japanese Grill à Toronto, en Ontario. Si vous recherchez une expérience culinaire exceptionnelle, ne cherchez pas plus loin que Taisho Japanese Grill. Leur menu est un véritable chef-d'œuvre, offrant une incroyable sélection de plats pour satisfaire tous les goûts. L'atmosphère est chaleureuse et accueillante, et le personnel est amical et attentionné, faisant de chaque visite un vrai plaisir. Taisho Japanese Grill est un endroit charmant. À l'écart de l'agitation citadine , tout en étant en ville . Un grand parking entoure le bâtiment. L'établissement dispose d'une vaste salle intérieure avec des sièges confortables et spacieux. Le personnel est très agréable, accueillant et attentif . La carte est excellente et propose un large choix de plats, ainsi que de nombreuses petites portions. Les prix sont corrects, un bon rapport qualité-prix et l'endroit est idéal pour un groupe.

    They have a great variety of meat and sides. Everything was fresh and delicious. I've been a couple…read moretimes and it was always consistent. Service was also really good, everyone was attentive and all the food came out quickly. The ambiance was also very enjoyable. A moody place perfect for dates or just hanging out. It can get loud at times but thats to be expected when eating out. Overall I recommend to anyone who wants to enjoy some Japanese bbq!

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    Taisho Japanese Grill
    Dragon roll
    Dragon roll
    Salmon sushi taco / IG: Ayeween

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    Yuugi Izakaya - japanese - Updated August 2026

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