Taisho Japanese BBQ

What is Taisho Japanese BBQ? Taking over the former Presse Internationale space at 537 Bloor Street West, Taisho brings its signature tabletop yakiniku experience to the heart of the Annex. Created by the team behind the original Baldwin Village outpost in partnership with Taiwanese cafe brand Charidise, the bright and spacious dining room is outfitted with custom built-in smokeless gas tabletop grills, sleek banquettes, and modern wood-accented partitions. It is an energetic, sizzle-heavy destination that caters to large student groups and serious carnivores alike.

Taisho Japanese BBQ Menu & What to Order Taisho sets itself apart from standard all-you-can-eat operations with an expansive roster of premium meats alongside hot izakaya small plates, raw bar items, and halal-friendly selections. Start your grill with the tender prime kalbi short rib strips, miso-marinated beef, thin-sliced beef tongue, and snappy lemongrass pork cheek before loading up on fresh garlic shrimp and salmon tacos. Round out the table with crispy korokke, torched salmon sushi, and a refreshing mango or passion fruit slush—then cap your meal at the in-house Charidise gelato counter.

Know Before You Go Wait times spike quickly on Thursday through Sunday evenings, so hop onto the online waitlist via Snappy or arrive right before peak dinner hours to avoid a lineup. The restaurant sits steps from Bathurst station on Line 2, making the subway your easiest option given street parking restrictions along Bloor Street. Note that AYCE sessions run on set dining time limits, and late-night grill specials offer discounted tier pricing after peak hours.