Torishi

What is Torishi? Perched on the second floor of 23 Baldwin Street near Kensington Market, Torishi recreates the smoky, dimly lit energy of a back-alley Tokyo yakitori den. Inside, low-slung pendant lamps illuminate tight wooden tables, window ledges, and a compact counter where skewers sizzle over glowing charcoal. It is intimate, lived-in, and refreshingly unpretentious, designed for unhurried evenings fueled by smoke and cold beer.

Torishi Menu & What to Order Charcoal-fired skewers form the backbone of the kitchen, led by tender tsukune, blistered pork neck, and rare-cut chicken skewers finished with precise hits of tare and salt. Beyond the grill, balance the smoke with pristine fresh hamachi or dive into a comforting bowl of creamy masago beef udon. Satiate larger appetites with the savory Gyutori Don, and wash it all down with draft beer or an order of the daily-limited house sake.

Know Before You Go The second-floor dining space is compact and tables turn at a relaxed pace, so reserve ahead or join the digital waitlist via Google Maps before heading over. The restaurant keeps the charcoal running until midnight, making it an ideal late-night stop, though be prepared for snug seating that prioritizes Tokyo izakaya efficiency over cushioned comfort. Arriving via transit is effortless from either Queen's Park or St. Patrick subway station.