The Best Sushi in Toronto

No.1

Restaurant• Harbourfront

Miku Toronto

“The signature flame-seared Aburi salmon oshi sushi is a mandatory order.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Originally hailing from Vancouver, Miku brought its signature Aburi (flame-seared) sushi to Toronto’s Harbourfront in 2015, quickly establishing itself as a polished, high-energy destination in the Southern Financial District. The sprawling 7,000-square-foot space is undeniably impressive, featuring soaring ceilings, a dramatic long sushi bar, and a massive patio that makes it a prime spot for summer evenings. While it leans into a sleek, corporate-chic aesthetic that feels designed for business lunches and celebratory dinners, the atmosphere remains vibrant rather than stuffy. It is not a place for traditionalists seeking quiet, minimalist omakase; instead, it is a polished, modern venue where the focus is on bold, accessible flavours and a seamless, high-end dining experience. For a first-timer, the Aburi Oshi Sushi is non-negotiable; the salmon oshi, pressed with jalapeño and the restaurant’s proprietary Miku sauce, is the dish that put them on the map for a reason. Beyond the sushi, the kitchen does excellent work with hot entrees like black cod and wagyu, and their dessert program—particularly the green tea opera cake—is consistently strong. Expect a premium price point, so come prepared for a splurge. Reservations are essential, especially for prime dinner slots, as the dining room turns over quickly. If you are looking for a more relaxed vibe, aim for an early weekday dinner or a late lunch to avoid the peak rush.

Read Full Review

No.2

Restaurant• Harbord Village

Yasu

“An intimate, flawless, and deeply traditional omakase counter.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Opened in 2014 by Chef Yasuhisa Ohuchi, Yasu holds the distinction of being Canada's first dedicated omakase sushi bar. Tucked away in a minimalist, narrow space on Harbord Street, the restaurant strips away the noise of typical dining to focus entirely on the Edomae tradition. With only about a dozen seats at the counter, the atmosphere is intimate and focused, designed to put you in direct contact with the chef as they meticulously prepare each piece. It is a quiet, refined environment where the artistry of the sushi-making process—slicing, seasoning, and serving—takes center stage, making it a perfect spot for those who want to appreciate the technical precision behind every bite without distraction. The experience is a prix fixe, multi-course omakase journey that changes seasonally based on the freshest available seafood. You do not order à la carte; you simply sit back and let the chef guide you through approximately 20 pieces of nigiri, each served at the perfect temperature and brushed with nikiri soy, meaning you won't need to reach for the soy sauce. Reservations are essential and highly sought after, typically opening a few weeks in advance, so plan accordingly. Expect a premium price point for this level of craftsmanship. It is an ideal choice for a special occasion where you want to focus on the purity of the fish and the skill of the chef.

Read Full Review

No.3

Restaurant• Entertainment District

JaBistro

“The blowtorched pressed sushi melts in your mouth.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away on Richmond Street in the heart of the Entertainment District, JaBistro has been a staple for elevated Japanese dining since 2012. Part of the Kinka Family group, this sleek, windowless space feels like a sophisticated, intimate hideaway, defined by warm wood panels, exposed brick, and a refined, minimalist aesthetic. While they offer a full menu of cooked bistro dishes, they are best known for pioneering the city's obsession with aburi—flame-seared, pressed sushi. The atmosphere is polished and energetic, making it a go-to spot for date nights or special occasions where you want high-quality, artfully presented sushi without the stiff formality of traditional omakase counters. For a first-timer, the "Aburicious" platter is non-negotiable; it is the best way to sample their signature pressed sushi, including the standout JaBistroll, which features a decadent combination of salmon, snow crab, and uni. Don't skip the lobster miso soup, a rich, savory starter that sets the tone for the meal. Expect a premium price point, so come prepared to splurge. Reservations are highly recommended via OpenTable, especially for weekend dinner service, as the small space fills up quickly. If you have a favorite bottle of sake or wine, they do allow BYOB for a corkage fee. It is a polished, reliable experience that consistently delivers on both flavor and presentation.

Read Full Review

No.4

Restaurant• St. Clair West

Shunoko

“One of the best value-to-quality ratios for high-end sushi in the city.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Shunoko was a beloved fixture in the Corso Italia neighbourhood on St. Clair West, founded by chef Jun Kim after he closed his popular Roncesvalles spot, Sushi Nomi. Known for its minimalist aesthetic featuring blond wood and white brick, the restaurant became a go-to for locals seeking high-quality, creative sushi without the stuffiness of downtown high-end spots. Chef Kim, who honed his craft in Korea, built a reputation for sourcing exceptional seasonal fish from around the globe—including Japan, Portugal, and New Zealand—and treating them with both traditional respect and playful innovation. The atmosphere was intimate and focused, with the sushi bar serving as the heart of the room, where diners could watch the kitchen team meticulously prepare everything from hand-grated wasabi to house-made soy sauce. For a first-timer, the omakase was the definitive way to experience the kitchen's range, offering a curated journey through the freshest market catches of the day. If you preferred ordering a la carte, the "Can't Go Wrong" roll—featuring shrimp tempura, avocado, and blow-torched spicy scallop—was a local favourite, alongside inventive creations like the coconut spicy tuna roll. The menu also featured excellent hot dishes, such as black cod marinated in saikyo miso. While the restaurant was known for its great value, it was also a place to enjoy thoughtful, non-traditional touches like desserts crafted by the owner's wife. Please note that Shunoko permanently closed its doors in October 2022, marking the end of a significant chapter for the St. Clair West dining scene.

Read Full Review

No.5

Restaurant• Bedford Park

Shoushin

“A Michelin-starred omakase experience that rivals the counters of Ginza.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Stepping into Shoushin in Bedford Park feels less like entering a restaurant and more like being transported to a quiet, reverent corner of Ginza. Founded by Chef Jackie Lin, this Michelin-starred destination is the antithesis of the trendy, loud dining scene found elsewhere in the city. The space is anchored by a stunning, 200-year-old hinoki wood counter that sets the tone for the entire experience: minimalist, traditional, and deeply focused on the craft. Chef Lin is uncompromising in his pursuit of Edomae-style authenticity, sourcing wild-caught fish directly from Japan to ensure the texture and flavor profiles are exactly what you would expect at a top-tier sushiya in Tokyo. The atmosphere is intimate and refined, making it an ideal spot for those who want to appreciate the quiet artistry of sushi without distraction. For a first-timer, the omakase is non-negotiable; it is the only way to truly understand Chef Lin’s philosophy. Be prepared for a significant investment, as this is one of the city's most expensive dining experiences, with menus ranging from $420 to over $560. Reservations are essential and highly competitive, so plan well in advance. The service is impeccable and highly knowledgeable, particularly regarding their curated sake list, which is designed to complement the seasonal progression of the meal. If you have specific dietary restrictions, communicate them clearly when booking, as the kitchen’s reliance on specific, imported ingredients means they cannot always accommodate last-minute changes. This is a place for serious sushi enthusiasts who value precision, seasonal purity, and a traditional, unhurried pace.

Read Full Review

No.6

Restaurant• King West

Minami

“The Aburi oshi and the stunning interior design make this perfect for date night.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Minami is the sophisticated sibling to Miku, brought to King West by the Aburi Restaurants group. It occupies a stunning, award-winning space that feels tailor-made for the neighbourhood’s high-energy, polished vibe. The interior is a masterclass in atmosphere, featuring fluid, curved architecture, warm ambient lighting, and a striking floor-to-ceiling mural by Japanese artist Hideki Kimura. It is the kind of room that effortlessly transitions from a buzzy, cocktail-forward lounge scene to a refined dining experience, making it a reliable choice for impressing a date or hosting a celebratory dinner in the heart of the Entertainment District. For a first-timer, the Aburi Oshi sushi is non-negotiable; the salmon and ebi varieties are the gold standard here, offering that signature flame-seared char that defines the Aburi experience. Beyond the sushi, the menu leans into Japanese small plates and premium mains like A5 Wagyu, which arrives at the table for a theatrical finish. Expect a higher price point, so come prepared to splurge. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends when the room is packed. If you want a slightly more relaxed introduction, try visiting during their happy hour for a more accessible taste of their cocktail program and select bites. Keep an eye out for seasonal menu collaborations, as they frequently partner with notable chefs to keep the offerings fresh.

Read Full Review

No.7

Restaurant• Financial District

Tachi

“A totally unique, authentic, and fast-paced stand-up dining experience.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Canada's first stand-up omakase sushi bar, offering a rapid, deeply authentic 30-minute tasting menu.

Read Full Review

No.8

Restaurant• Etobicoke

Sushi Kaji

“Chef Kaji has been setting the standard for Toronto sushi for decades.”

— Very Toronto Editors

Tucked away in an unassuming Etobicoke strip mall, Sushi Kaji has been a cornerstone of Toronto’s high-end Japanese dining scene since 2000. Founded by Chef Mitsuhiro Kaji, this intimate space eschews the flashiness of downtown sushi spots in favor of a quiet, focused atmosphere that prioritizes the craft above all else. The interior is understated and minimalist, designed to keep your attention squarely on the sushi bar where the chefs work with surgical precision. It is a place for serious appreciation of shokunin-style preparation, where the quality of the fish—often flown in directly from Japan—is the undisputed star of the show. The vibe is respectful and calm, making it a rare sanctuary for those who want to experience authentic kaiseki and omakase without the noise of the city core. For a first-timer, the omakase is the only way to go; do not expect an à la carte menu. You will be guided through a meticulously paced progression of seasonal appetizers, pristine sashimi, and nigiri, followed by a warm dish and a signature dessert like their yuzu sorbet. Reservations are essential and should be made well in advance via their website, as the small seating capacity fills up quickly. Expect a premium price point, but it is justified by the caliber of ingredients and the level of technical skill on display. Be aware that they cannot accommodate requests for non-raw seafood menus, so come prepared to embrace the full, traditional experience.

Read Full Review