Zen Japanese Restaurant

Tucked away in a strip mall in Milliken Mills, Zen has been the standard for Edomae-style sushi in the GTA since 2000. Chef-owner Seiichi Kashiwabara runs a tight ship here, focusing on traditional techniques and high-quality seafood imported specifically for the menu. The space is intentionally minimalist, using wood slats and warm lighting to strip away distractions so the kitchen’s precision remains the only thing that matters. It’s a serious room where the staff have all been trained under Kashiwabara’s strict watch, maintaining a level of consistency that’s rare to find after two decades.

If you’re going, do yourself a favour and book a spot at the 12-seat, L-shaped counter for the omakase. You’ll get your sushi one piece at a time, which is the only way to properly appreciate the temperature of the vinegared rice and the texture of the fish. Table seating exists if you just want a platter, but it misses the point of the interaction. Reservations are non-negotiable and notoriously hard to snag, so call well ahead of time. Don't expect bells and whistles; just show up ready to eat high-end fish prepared with technical accuracy.