Yasu Toronto

This review will serve as a rebuttal to another reviewers recent statements. As a fellow patron who recently enjoyed a delightful experience at this restaurant, I felt compelled to respond to the review below, as it presents a very one-sided and inaccurate portrayal of what I witnessed during my visit. Firstly, said reviewers' main contention was the seating of their party (as a noteworthy aside, said reviewers' are explicitly composing their review on behalf of the female ‘main character’ at their table as she was the individual berating the staff and causing this unnecessary scene). I can confidently say that the seating arrangements for the omakase experience were thoughtfully considered and while I understand that not every table can offer an ideal view, the seating policy is CLEARLY communicated at the time of booking. I observed all other guests around me tonight enjoying their meals from various seats, and everyone seemed to appreciate the atmosphere and the culinary artistry on display. Regarding the service, I found the staff to be exceptionally courteous and attentive. In fact various staff spent the first hour of service tending and attempting to resolve the situation with said reviewers' table and not once appear threatening or disrespectful. Throughout my meal, the staff were friendly and eager to ensure that all guests felt welcomed and valued. I did not witness any dismissive behavior, nor did I hear any of the harsh comments mentioned in said review. It’s important to note that the staff handled the situation with grace and maintained the highest level of decorum. With respect to the ambiance, said reviewers ' state that they were seated beneath the restrooms. While this statement will attempt to conjure a messy or unpleasant experience, the restrooms are absolutely in no way anywhere near the dining area. They are located up a staircase they lead a considerable distance away from the dining area. With respect to the cancellation policy, again this is clearly stated during the booking process and reiterated when you confirm your booking. In summary, my experience was nothing short of wonderful. I left the restaurant feeling satisfied and grateful for the opportunity to indulge in such a special meal. I hope others will have the same positive experience as I did, and I believe this restaurant deserves a fair assessment based on the quality of service and food they provide. What ended up leaving a sour note for the rest of the restaurant was said posters' lady friend who chose to create a scene for all the patrons to witness and hear. Indeed when their table finally left...after over an hour of this obnoxious behaviour, the restaurant patrons applauded in unison and ended up clearly enjoyed the rest of the dining experience. Yasu is a 5 star experience.

I had a wonderful and lovely time at Yasu. I feel that each course was very well thought out, and I really appreciated the warmth of the chefs and being able to learn more about what I’m eating. I would highly recommend Yasu! And after reading the reviews below me, I agree with the kind reviewers who wrote a rebuttal in response to the unwarranted one star reviews - you get to choose your seating preference when booking online. If you book the table, you will get the table - let’s take responsibility for our own actions instead of blaming the establishment :)

Went here for a birthday dinner & was very satisfied. So many courses to look forward to and keep your mouth watering. Delicious and fresh fish that is so flavourful and melts in your mouth. The dishes were beautifully plated as well and aesthetically pleasing.

Incredible omakase experience from start to finish. Charming and intimate setting with 12-14 seats. The chefs explain every course diligently and take note of your favourites to provide a catered tasting. Every bite was more impressive than the last, was unfortunately late for an event and had to leave early but they were very understanding and even sped up our final 2 courses to accommodate us. In the future, I will be sure to leave more time, this place deserves it!

Had the Sushi Kaiseki omakase chef’s tasting menu here at Yasu on a Sunday evening. The dining room is intimate and the sushi counter seats 12 people at a time. This was overall a very enjoyable, educational, and cultural experience aside from having tasty, fresh, and filling food. The price is definitely up there and was around $250+ per person particularly if you get drinks and including the 18% gratuity that’s automatically charged by the restaurant. If you want to celebrate a special occasion and have a nice meal, this is a good experience to try out. On the evening we went, almost half of us were celebrating our birthdays the same day. Throughout the evening, the staff and chefs explain each ingredient and course and any special preparations like smoking the fish, where the products are sourced from, etc. The chefs interact with guests and check in to ask if they should adjust the amount of wasabi that they’re putting in or even the amount of rice if you’re starting to get full. The sweet potato ice cream dessert I would say was the least enjoyable course for me just because it seemed straightforward and not as impressive compared to the rest of the courses, and maybe the fish miso soup came short for me because it tasted a bit bland in my opinion.

The food was interesting and it was definitely an experience. The appetizers were amazing but the other nigiris were just alright. I felt like they could’ve added a different touch to every piece considering how expensive the meal was ($185 CAD). I appreciated the way they explained what every dish was and where they came from and we even had some photo descriptions for certain pieces. However, I felt like the omakase was pretty rushed for a 16 course meal because there were other appointments afterwards. Overall the fish was very fresh but there were not many topping varieties, just mainly soy sauce and wasabi.

I came here recently for a celebratory bday dinner back in October. Our group had 12 ppl and we were able to book out the entire sushi bar for a 7:15pm seating (the slots are 5pm, 7:15pm, 9:30pm). First course was kaiseki appetizer which consisted of: uni + roasted scallop shirako (cod sperm sack) tuna tartare w/ seasoned rice & ikura (roe) soy-marinated bonito The presentation was really beautiful and the chef took his time explaining everything to us which I diligently wrote down in my notes on my phone in real time. Ranking-wise I'd go: 1. uni + roasted scallop 2. tuna tartare w/ seasoned rice & ikura 3. shirako 4. soy-marinated bonito The soy-marinated bonito retained a REALLY strong fishiness in flavour. I can see why ppl would like it but it's definitely "unique". The seasonal sushi we had: shima aji (striped jack) amaebi (sweet shrimp) greek sea bass (marinated for 5 hrs in bonito flakes & kelp) akami (lean bluefin tuna) chutoro (medium fatty bluefin tuna) otoro (fatty bluefin tuna belly) nova scotia lobster (w/ young yuzu zest) aji (horse mackerel w/ fresh chive & ginger) kinmedai (golden eye snapper) hokkaido uni (sea urchin) sawara (spanish mackerel live smoked w/ hay) anago (saltwater eel) I think he said the the bluefin tuna was flown in from Mexico but I can't rmbr exactly. The rest of the fish were flown in from Japan. Anyways, my top 5 would have to be: 1. otoro (fatty bluefin tuna belly) 2. sawara (spanish mackerel live smoked w/ hay) 3. hokkaido uni (sea urchin) 4. akami (lean bluefin tuna) 5. anago (saltwater eel) I was NOT expecting the spanish mackerel to rank so high because the chef put the fish in a live fire for a brief 1 min before enveloping the fish in the residual hay smoke afterwards for just 30 secs. That smoke permeated the entire fish and it ended up reminding me of smoked deli meat. Absolutely delicious. The akami was also a sleeper hit. The akami piece I had was SO JUICY it tasted like chutoro! I closed my eyes for every piece and if you had told me this was chutoro I would've believed you. My friends also concurred and were similarly surprised that akami could be so juicy. To round off the meal, we had: fish broth w/ miso tamago (w/ fish meat) pumpkin ice cream My first time trying pumpkin ice cream! It was very subtle in flavour. Service was impeccable of course. The chefs chatted us up all night long and told us where they liked to eat in Japan. A very memorable meal indeed!

I love the appetizer! Great and fresh ingredients. One thing I would like to say is maybe rearrange the siting a little bit because it was kind of crowded.

I came here recently for a celebratory bday dinner back in October. Our group had 12 ppl and we were able to book out the entire sushi bar for a 7:15pm seating (the slots are 5pm, 7:15pm, 9:30pm). First course was kaiseki appetizer which consisted of: uni + roasted scallop shirako (cod sperm sack) tuna tartare w/ seasoned rice & ikura (roe) soy-marinated bonito The presentation was really beautiful and the chef took his time explaining everything to us which I diligently wrote down in my notes on my phone in real time. Ranking-wise I'd go: 1. uni + roasted scallop 2. tuna tartare w/ seasoned rice & ikura 3. shirako 4. soy-marinated bonito The soy-marinated bonito retained a REALLY strong fishiness in flavour. I can see why ppl would like it but it's definitely "unique". The seasonal sushi we had: shima aji (striped jack) amaebi (sweet shrimp) greek sea bass (marinated for 5 hrs in bonito flakes & kelp) akami (lean bluefin tuna) chutoro (medium fatty bluefin tuna) otoro (fatty bluefin tuna belly) nova scotia lobster (w/ young yuzu zest) aji (horse mackerel w/ fresh chive & ginger) kinmedai (golden eye snapper) hokkaido uni (sea urchin) sawara (spanish mackerel live smoked w/ hay) anago (saltwater eel) I think he said the the bluefin tuna was flown in from Mexico but I can't rmbr exactly. The rest of the fish were flown in from Japan. Anyways, my top 5 would have to be: 1. otoro (fatty bluefin tuna belly) 2. sawara (spanish mackerel live smoked w/ hay) 3. hokkaido uni (sea urchin) 4. akami (lean bluefin tuna) 5. anago (saltwater eel) I was NOT expecting the spanish mackerel to rank so high because the chef put the fish in a live fire for a brief 1 min before enveloping the fish in the residual hay smoke afterwards for just 30 secs. That smoke permeated the entire fish and it ended up reminding me of smoked deli meat. Absolutely delicious. The akami was also a sleeper hit. The akami piece I had was SO JUICY it tasted like chutoro! I closed my eyes for every piece and if you had told me this was chutoro I would've believed you. My friends also concurred and were similarly surprised that akami could be so juicy. To round off the meal, we had: fish broth w/ miso tamago (w/ fish meat) pumpkin ice cream My first time trying pumpkin ice cream! It was very subtle in flavour. Service was impeccable of course. The chefs chatted us up all night long and told us where they liked to eat in Japan. A very memorable meal indeed!

My friends went out to see the Taylor Swift concert so I figured I'd take myself out to omakase as an early birthday dinner. What a great experience! The chef was very clear in explaining what he was serving. I liked that he spoke directly to you and repeated himself if you asked. It was also paced very well, not too rushed like so many of the newer omakase spots in NYC. After tip/tax it came out to $176USD which is a great price. I was most impressed with the set of 4 appetizers that came out. Composed beautifully, executed well, and tasted so fresh. It was followed by 12 pieces of nigiri, carefully put together with simple toppings and fresh fish. I liked that they served 3 cuts of tuna back to back to get a true tasting. The meal was concluded with miso soup, tamago, and dessert (pumpkin ice cream plus I got an extra matcha cake for my birthday!). I left very happy and would highly recommend!

Small cozy restaurant with limited seating (like 14 seats at the bar and 2 smaller tables abit further from the bar). Like all omakases, go for the bar. That way you get to interact with the chefs at the bar. Service was in sync with the chef, plates were picked up quickly, water replenished fast. Got the seasonal omakase and sake pairing. The fish was top notch, best tuna sushi I've had in my limited omakase career. All tuna was super tasty, even the akami (lean meat) was super tasty. Sake pairing was also good, the sake were well chosen, a good mix of flavours. My only gripe with the pairing was the scripted description of each sake and how quiet the waitresses described the sake.

My first omakase experience was one for the books. If you're a sushi fan or a Japan fan, this is definitely something you have to try. Yes, it's expensive - but worth it in my opinion. Each course (there were 16!) was described in detail, made in front of you, and customized to your taste buds. The fish was so fresh and something about the chef making it and placing it on your plate for immediate tasting was so satisfying. I can't remember the dishes in detail, but our favourites were the scallop, the squid nigiri, the sea bream nigiri, and the red snapper nigiri. To be honest everything was good! There were 7 of us in the group, with a chef dedicated to each pair. We were asked about our rice portion and wasabi levels, and he asked for feedback after each dish. Some dishes had a prefaced story or explanation from the chefs - the educational aspect really added to the experience. Go to Yasu! YOLO!

My first time having the traditional omakase experience at Yasu! I tried out the Seasonal Omakase which is priced at $185 - based on the freshest and seasonal fish. I really enjoyed Yasu as they offered an intimate traditional omakase experience with some unique pieces that I've never tried before. The chefs were also engaging, knowledgeable, and experienced in their craft. Some of my favourite courses include the plate of sashimi with churotoro, amberjack, and oyster with uni; the eel, the toro with uni, and the black sesame ice cream. I also enjoyed many of the other unique pieces (cod sperm being one of the newer things I tried). I recommend getting the hot green tea as well. The ambiance was very intimate with 3 chefs preparing the courses.

My first impression was the decors of the restaurant, it is not as Japanese as I would expect. Yet the staffs are all serving with the respectable Japanese traditional manner. As Omakase, the food tastes very good. The ingredients are on par with its freshness and quality from Japan. The chef places extra attention to bring out the flavor of the ingredients with harmony. Although sometime each piece of fish ingredients kind of thinner than I wish, but the course with its 17 nigiri is plentiful. And for this price in comparison to what I had in Hong Kong and Japan, this is very good price. I have to say the service is very good. They would introduce each course to you, and also kindly ask us if the balance of wasabi to rice is good for us. When my partner needed to go to restroom, the waitress immediately returned the sushi course to the sushi bar to wait for her return, a very considerate gesture. What I also like is the sake pairing. Which considering how expensive Japanese sake get in Canada, this is a steal at 80$.

If you love sushi and want to have a wonderful 2 hour culinary experience, look no further than Yasu. Their lunch omakase is 16 courses + dessert and is $150 plus tax and tip. We also added in a $25 sashimi plate that included 2 pieces of chutoro, 2 pieces of amber jack, and one oyster with uni. It was extremely fresh as was all the sushi courses. My favourite pieces were the sea bass marinated in Bonito flakes (super smokey and almost meaty flavour), scallop with lemon and salt (so incredibly fresh and sweet), chutoro handroll (classic), and the anago which is a seawater eel (super soft and savoury). Honestly every piece was delicious. Lobster, ocean trout, tamago... The dessert course is a scoop of black sesame ice cream. The chefs were very knowledgeable about where each fish is from and it is very enjoyable to watch them form each piece fresh. The server was very friendly and attentive. There are 12 bar seats and the interior is clean and simple. Loved every minute. It is an expensive experience but worth it. Can't wait to come back.

I come back to this place every two years and I've never been disappointed. It's definitely pay what you get so the seafood you're getting is extremely high quality. Of all the omakases I've been to, this is my absolute favourite. And the chefs and servers are so friendly. Great for romantic dates.

everything about this omakase is perfect... very high quality restaurant wit a great staff. The food is actually very filling. The chef's are very talkative which I loved and everyone starts eating at the same time!

I first came here back in 2009 I think and boy has the price gone up! However, fair as cost have risen substantially and they also expanded Their offering from 11 pieces to 18 :) It's a great place for a sushi treat in Toronto. Sushi just isn't the same after you've indulged in omakase. The service is great at Yasu, the environment is modern, minimalist and a little on the quieter end (I have been to other places where the chefs talk more and explain what you're eating and how to eat it). If not the chefs, then at least the servers will. None the less, it's a great meal and I also recommend it as a great spot for omakase that is easily accessible.

I really enjoyed my time as Yasu Of course, this omakaze is one of the higher end pricing, but made by Japanese chefs, you can try to book for lunch or dinner. Everything we had was really fresh, making it easy to taste the different flavours of each fish. Surprisingly my favourite was the cod testicle, super creamy, no fishy flavours, subtle sweetness and very delightful to eat. The monkfish liver was a good one too, again rich and decadent but not rubbery as they poached it. Well seasoned and creamy! Saba was definitely still fishy, but the fresh type with a hint of yuzu. My other favourite was rheir Bonito fish which was oven baked I belive. it was jusy really good experience overall.

Dining at Yasu is akin to embarking on a culinary odyssey through the very heart of Japan. It's not merely about enjoying sushi; it's about witnessing an ancient art form that's both poetic and palate-pleasing. Nestled in an intimate setting, the decor at Yasu exudes a minimalistic charm that beautifully complements the Omakase experience. What truly makes Yasu a standout is the sheer mastery of the sushi chefs. With every precise slice, artful assembly, and graceful presentation, they transform the freshest, highest quality ingredients into edible masterpieces. Each course in the Omakase lineup unravels like chapters in a story, each more compelling than the last, guiding your senses through a tantalizing array of flavours and textures. The fish, always fresh and sourced from prime locations, shines in its simplicity and purity. The balance between the neta (topping) and shari (rice) is impeccable, reflecting a deep understanding and respect for the craft. The harmonious play of umami-rich flavors, gentle vinegared rice, and subtle nuances of wasabi and pickled ginger in between makes for a dance of tastes that is nothing short of spellbinding. Beyond the sushi, Yasu's service is impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring every diner's experience is memorable. Their recommendations on sake pairings further elevate the Omakase journey. In the world of sushi, Yasu isn't just a restaurant; it's a temple where the traditions of sushi-making are both honored and innovated. For those seeking an authentic, soul-stirring Omakase experience, Yasu is nothing short of a revelation.

Came here to celebrate our first anniversary. This is an intimate dining experience that is a $185 per person omakase experience. There are three sushi masters (youngest had responsibility of 2, middle had responsibility of 4 preparations and head chef had responsibility of 6). Service was excellent throughout this time and our head chef seemed passionate about his food. Courses came out at a leisurely pace and I never felt rushed. We started off with a small sashimi plate with an oyster and continued through various courses of classics (scallop, salmon, tuna, etc.) and a few new things. I really enjoyed that there were a couple of new dishes I have never tried before (herring eggs on kelp and smoked bonito). We ended with a refreshing yuzu sorbet. As previously mentioned, bill may come as a sticker shock. 18% gratuity is already added on (post-tax) so you do not have to add anything additional on. Overall, a pleasant dining experience. I did see a few individuals with birthdays receive some special extra (though our anniversary wasn't mentioned, which isn't a big deal but interesting). I am glad I tried it but I will say, it is a hefty price to pay so this will not be a frequent place.

Exceptional omakase experience. My husband and I went for our joint birthday (1 week apart) and it was a memorable experience. We each had the tasting and sake pairing. Server was knowledgeable and explained the origins, flavor and popularity of each sake. Chef was friendly and made sitting up at the bar so fun! Would highly recommend anyone looking to celebrate any occasion to come in!

Came here to celebrate my birthday, left with a full and happy stomach! This was my first omakase experience and I was extremely pleased. It's perfect for special occasions with friends, partners, parents/kids, etc. It is quite intimate inside, it didn't get too loud which I appreciated. The dinner consisted of 17 courses, my partner and I ordered the sake pairing on top. There were 3 chefs preparing for ~15 people. Every course was carefully assembled and explained, getting to watch it made the meal that much more enjoyable. The sake pairings went well with every course as well, it tied everything together. If you plan to dine-in, reservations aren't mandatory but highly advised due to the popularity and size of the restaurant. TLDR: I highly recommend! I suggest reading other people's reviews too, we all agree with the amazing experience and quality of food. Please go and experience Yasu, you won't regret it!

Smell of fish upon entering was a negative. The tarter smelled and tasted a bit fishy, but was edible. Having to ask to have the small water glass refilled. Generally, poor to inaudible explanations for the dishes. The 18% mandatory service charge was added after tax, in effect making it 20%. A hohum omakase experience, and I almost reduced it to two stars to reflect the value proposition.

Yasu is a great place to come for omakase experience, especially to celebrate those special occasions. I have been here twice now and ordered a takeout once during the pandemic. For dine in, they have some small tables and bar seats. Reservation is highly recommended due to the place's size. My first visit was with a good friend who shares the same interest in trying out omakase. It was our first time trying it and we were blown away by the service and food quality. I took my brother to celebrate his birthday for my second visit. This time I added sake pairing to go with the omakase experience, it was delightful! The waitress took her time in showing and explaining each sake. Funny thing happened on this visit. The place was fully booked, and when dessert time came, it turned out 3 other tables were also celebrating their birthdays! that got the chefs to smile. The chefs were very attentive. There were 3 at a time and each handled their own section. We were asked whether our rice's size was sufficient and if the wasabi's portion was good enough. I also noticed one chef had to throw away some rice that were already shaped so I decided to ask why, out of curiosity, before we left. Turned out the table behind us cannot eat wasabi and he forgot to took it out hence the contaminated rice that had to be thrown out. Sad... but that showed great attention and service! P.s. reserve the bar seats for the full experience!

It is better to arrive early for your Yasu experience than late because they start making and serving the dishes at the same time for everyone seated at the sushi bar. If you are late, you are making everyone wait, and in my case, i received a passive aggressive attitude from the hostess (who would have thought it would take more than an hour on the ttc from Queen and Bay to Harbord!!!) Before starting, this lovely hostess asked if we have allegies or preferences, to which i said, i don't prefer anything liver or kidney. Her answer was, we serve only seafood, nothing land. Other than the attitude of this hostess, i really enjoyed everything else from the evening. I liked the way the sushi chef presented each dish, telling us what they are and where each of the sea (ahem not land) animal is from. The sashimi plate consisted of a large prawn and a couple of slices of fish. It was visually beautiful. And each of the sushi presented all looked and tasted different from each other. I did not walk away from this evening still hungry nor too full. My friend said she would likely have a snack later on. I am glad i tried this omakase experience from Yasu but would likely not go back again because for the amount i paid, the only wow factor was my reaction to the hostess.

I always try omakase now when I travel. Of course had to eat at Canada's first omakase sushi bar! This place emphasizes simple and fresh sushi! You get to appreciate the fish itself with some tweaks to enhance the flavor. With all omakase, there's always a few pieces I'm not fond of but I'm okay with that. I've left other omakases feeling hungry but I felt satisfied after completing this meal. $175 per person -normal range for other omakase's I've had but I would say it's on the higher end. Restaurant was clean. Staff were nice. Overall, had a good experience. Definitely worth a try!

Truly an incredible experience! It was such a pleasure to visit Yasu with my partner for our anniversary. I would highly recommend getting the counter seat as you're able to chat with the chefs and hear from them where your food is from. It also provides the opportunity to see how your food is prepared and witness the skill that the chefs have. It's a small place, just the countertop and two tables but a very intimate space. The green tea comes out at a perfect drinkable temperature. But the SUSHI!!! I cannot explain the journey my mouth was taken on that night. There was such a wide range of tastes, from fatty tuna to torched trout, smoked bonito fish, yuzu with lobster, sea urchin and more. The chef looks out for you, adjusting rice portions if you're getting full. It is truly a place I would recommend visiting - especially if it's your first time having omakase.

What's your next destination? I'm hoping mine is Japan because I'm craving some good authentic sushi. I honestly think Toronto omakase is mostly overpriced and just hasn't wowed me in a while I haven't been to Yasu since before the pandemic. Before the pandemic it was pretty good, I remember having great service and unique courses that I still remember to this day. However this time I was super disappointed. The sushi bar was overcrowded with multiple sushi chefs who were all over the place tending to different customers and did not even take the time to explain what each item was. I felt like it was a sushi making factory back there and not a personal experience like it should be. I felt like all the courses were just okay, nothing that stood out to me except the uni dish which just reminded me of the Cho San Chirashi boxes. I honestly wont be back here, your money is better spent at the other 10 omakase places in Toronto. My favorites are the OG sushi_kaji and yukashi (they have a dope chef who pours love into the presentation and creates unique and delish courses)

Yasu was the first omakase experience I ever had a couple years ago and I was excited to come back and try it again. It is definitely my favourite one in Toronto so far. My top bites from this visit were the shima aji (one of my fave fish) and the anago. I was really surprised the anago tasted so good , usually I find eel just average. The tamago has fish broth in it which isn't how I prefer it but every chef does tamago so differently, it's interesting to see all the variations of the same dish. The quality of the otoro was pretty lackluster though which my partner was sad about because usually it's the star of the show. Other than that, I really enjoyed all the other sushi that were served and would definitely come back again!

Another wonderful experience at Yasu!! Although the price went up from the last time that I went but it's totally worth it. Fish is always so fresh and always get something new. This time the new things that I had is a tuna pate, lobster, mini sweet shrimp... I love how they allow me to have less rice I tired to keep it regular amount but I couldn't so I asked half the amount of rice half way. The dessert or the last piece is ways the same tamago. I love how they infuse the rice and the egg so it's nothing like ones u have outside . It's like cake but really eggy haha. To keep it covid preventions they have the front covered with plexiglass and depending on the party size they have dividers to divide you up.

Absolutely incredible! I've been to a handful of omakases and they often slightly the mark in some way - either one or two pieces of fish/items are eh, or elaborate & detailed but you leave still feeling hungry and not fully satisfied since the portions are small. Sometimes you are surprised that the meal is ending quicker than expected approaching. This is not the case here - we thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience and left feeling full but not stuffed, and satisfied. The omakase has 17 courses with generous portions - the fish & ingredients are flown from all around the world (Mexico, Norway, Japan, Greece) to capture the highest quality. Very memorable and reasonable price point for an omakase ($175 CAD a person = ~$140 USD). After tip, tax, and drinks it was roughly $400 USD for 2 people.

If you haven't tried YASU, please make your reservation now! As Canada's first omakase sushi bar, YASU uses fresh ingredients from all around the world in 17 courses. The omakase starts with a platter of sashimi and the rest are all sushi except for a cup of miso soup. The most memorable dishes for me were the lobster, toro, and liver. I've had beef and pork liver but this is my first time having fish liver. It is a lot less dense and smooth than I expected. Each toro has 3 part: lean, normal, and fatty. The normal toro was served as sashimi and the rest are served as sushi. I personally loved the fatty toro. It's a bit oily but it melts in your mouth and very flavorful. Additionally, YASU Toronto's omakase is offered at a lower price compared to YASU in the states. For the fish quality you are getting, I think YASU's price is worth it. In terms of interior and service, the restaurant is small with 12 bar seats and 2 small tables. Even on a Tuesday night, the restaurant was packed. There were a total of 3 chef and 1 waiter, but the service was amazing. The chef would introduce the ingredients in each course and ask your thoughts after every couple courses. Overall, I think YASU is amazing for a traditional Omakase. The only down side is that if you are looking for something more innovative or Japanese fusion, YASU might not be the best option. If you ever visit Toronto, I definitely recommend this spot!

Order their nigiri omakase for take out during Covid. Extremely reasonably priced at (13 pieces) 90$ for take out. I believe their dine in experience easily exceed 120$/person before tax and tips. The ingredients were all super fresh and be it came in a cute packaging. Their online ordering service charges service fees, I would recommend ordering directly via phone instead.

we loved our time at yasu! we came last year but I never got a chance to write a review. first off, entering the place: we noticed that it was small, like any other traditional japanese restaurant. clean. the staff was attentive and they met our expectations. no space for bags or anything else though so don't bring big bags. your coats will be brought upstairs since there aren't any space where you will be sitting. the seats are high bar seats, not much space between each seat. I noticed that they were very accommodating with the guests right next to us. that was nice. their friend was quite late but chef yasu let them stay there until their friend came. chef also asked them if they wanted more or less rice, but I'm not sure if we were offered that option. maybe because we didn't look like we wanted less rice? but it's nice that they have that option. if they don't ask and you'd like that option, I'm sure you can just let them know. anyway, we both got the sake pairing and everything in total came out to be about $450 for both of us. we had 17 courses (one sushi for each course), each with a sake pairing. the garnishes were paired quite beautifully. the sauces were applied just right. however the place was quite loud and the chef was quite soft spoken so I couldn't hear him quite well when he was explaining each of the sushi. they were all delightful and I loved their flavour profiles but it wasn't anything too adventurous. excellent wasabi application. it was nice to know how each of them should really taste like. overall I loved my experience and am glad I was able to experience toronto's omakase bar! yasu is great for traditional omakase but if you're looking for something innovative or unique, this isn't the place for it. however, I recommend trying it at least once if you're a sushi enthusiast and have never had omakase before!

The best kept secret in TO for sushi connoisseurs might be the Omakase sushi takeout experience from Yasu. Happy to see they've revived this pandemic era offering and that is as flawlessly prepared and presented as we usual. You pay $120 for one sushi box with 15 pieces of the freshest and most exactingly prepared fish you are likely to taste on this continent. Each piece is listed by name and country of origin. It's $180 if you dine in and good luck getting a reservation. Still a secret? I see Yasu advertising the Omakase on Insta, so maybe not really. Trust the master Executive Chef Yasuhisa Ouchi Add the fish miso soup and sesame ice cream to complete yr Yasu experience. Order a day ahead and specify pickup time to be sure.

I've been so hesitant on doing an omakase experience in Toronto after my visit to Japan but I'm glad I gave it a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed celebrating my birthday at Yasu. We were the first ones to arrive so we sat on the side that seats two privately. Shared a sake pairing which worked out that we both got a shot from each bottle. Favourite piece of the night was the toro+uni. The whole experience was just around two hours. I did notice that the timing of each dish wasn't the same as other groups so there were some people that finished their experience before us.

The best sushi I've ever had. So fresh, so intimate-- overall a lovely experience. I love that their selection varies based on seasonality, we got to try some very cool items (cod milk, monkfish liver...etc) and they were imported from all around the world. We had the 17 course omakase for $185 per person. I would HIGHLY recommend getting the green tea for $5: it's the best green tea I've ever had, and we got many many refills throughout our meal. Well worth the price

I went here with my friend for the 5PM slot at the counter. I have never been to omakase so I was very excited to try. We were promptly seated and assigned to a chef who would be making all our meals. One of the staff would take our coats and explain the bathroom was upstairs. Afterwards, she showed us the drink menu. The dinner was 17 courses in total with an extra dish for an additional charge. They change the menu every so often so what I got this time might not be the same as someone else a year or so ago had. I liked there was a lot of variety to the meals chosen. I tried sushi I have never tried before or would never have gotten the opportunity to try. The ingredients all seemed very fresh and definitely was a delight to try all the different courses. I would definitely recommend counter over table. You get to see the chefs make the meals and the meals come quicker too. My favourite would have to be the tuna, super fatty, sushi. Honorable mentions include mackerel, tamago and monkfish. However, one thing that I would say is that omakase experience really depends on the chef. The script itself was very generic from all the chefs in general, so there wasn't really a chance to get a "personal" experience. Furthermore, the chef I was assigned seemed relatively new and from his skills I could tell he was a rookie. He would frequently forget his lines as well so I didn't seem to even get the generic experience. In general, the variety and freshness of the food was nice. But I think there needs to be a realization that the experience itself is also important in omakase, because it was sad to see it somewhat lacking at Yasu. The four stars is mostly from the good filling 17 courses of sushi I had.

If you're debating on whether or not to go... the answer is go!! I had a great experience at Yasu and I think this omakase is worth the price point. As we sat down, the waitress greeted us with the sake menu and came back a couple minutes later to take drink orders before the omakase began. My partner and I actually sat right beside the chef in the corner and watched him cut each piece was fish as he prepared. Each piece of nigiri was so fresh and unique. My favourite definitely has to be the uni on blue fin tuna, it was mind blowing! Overall, this was a 10/10 experience and I'd definitely come back!

I've been to Yasu twice now, and enjoyed the experience greatly both times! The monkfish liver is a highlight, as I've never seen it elsewhere. I also like when they educate us about what we're eating, like with pictures of bioluminescent squid from Toyama, Japan! Yasu shines in its use of sauces, which are always artfully applied "just right" (not too heavily-handed, not too lightly-applied). There's also something nice about winding down the meal with a tamago egg and sesame ice cream.

Came here for my birthday celebration. Love the tasting menu. It was my first time trying fish sperm and it was interesting. Everything was delicious and I can't wait to come back here

Visited on a Monday night to celebrate with a friend, the omakase here is my favourite in Toronto! This was the second time I had dined at Yasu and the experience was consistent perfection. The value for the quality and types of fish/seafood presented is amazing (some offerings are seasonal which makes it interesting). IMO portions are also perfect but I heard some guests around me actually begin to ask for rice-less pieces near the end because they were too full. The service was flawless and explanations were so helpful. It is a quite intimate setting with limited seating which I enjoyed, the experience was so relaxing it felt therapeutic.

One of the OG omakase spots in the country! You really can't beat the incredible service, quality of fish, and intimate dining experience here!

Sad to see the quality of this place fall so far. Fish quality isn't what it used to be, rice was cold and bland and they used fake wasabi. It's embarrassing to think that Toronto's first Omakase restaurant (a distinction they are so happy to flaunt) would serve their guests fake wasabi, charge $185/person and implement a mandatory 18% gratuity! My partner and I spent $650 for two and wished we dined elsewhere. Keep in mind that days before, they assured my partner that real wasabi would be used in their sushi. Yasu claims to offer the authentic experience but would he dare serve fake wasabi to customers in Japan at this price-point? I doubt he'd last a week. Using the real thing makes a huge difference in flavour. I called them to inquire about the corners they have been cutting and they had to nerve to lie again; claiming that real wasabi is less flavourful than the fake stuff. It was insulting. If you know sushi and are willing to spend, there are much better options in and around the city. Try https://zenjapaneserestaurant.com/ or https://www.yuzuki.ca/. You'll get real wasabi and much better experience.

We thought we were sushi snobs until we got here. Then we realized we needed some more schooling. Eating here was an excellent class. I'll say right up front that my four stars is four stars for this caliber of restaurants. It's some of the best sushi I've ever had, but the bill did shock me just a bit, comparatively. I enjoyed the experience of tasting new saki's with the saki flight, but as someone who doesn't get to drink saki that much, I wanted more and I wanted to choose. I mean, we ubered! But, you don't get that as an option. You could get glasses of wine or beers at any time though. Sitting at the bar was so much fun and we felt like we gained a family--with the chefs and with the other diners. Each couple seemed to get their own chef and ours was young and had some touches of humor. Watching the chefs was like watching Jiro dreams of sushi but like 2 feet in front of you. There was only one piece of sushi I didn't like, to quote the chef, the piece was "inside fish." But, I've got a good story to tell! lol The rest was melt in your mouth little gems of joy. The mackerel (which is often my favorite) was not my favorite. It didn't have that brine I like so much, but maybe this was next level and I didn't even know it? All the rest was (like the uni and tuna rib) divine. No pictures, it was my anniversary so I kept my phone in my bag. This was a night we won't forget and even with a steep bill was well worth it.

Great ambiance when you walk in. Smell of fresh seafood as you step in the door. Overall, 17 courses. The food was extremely fresh, chef was friendly, waitresses were really kind. The introduction at the beginning felt too rehearsed and not natural, but overall it was a great experience. The seafood were from all over the world, Alaska, Japan, Mexico etc. I would come back again, pricing was pretty good considering I converted from USD to CAD. Everything was delicious but nothing stood out to me to be extremely special.

This was my first Omasake experience, and it was fantastic; I didn't want to leave. The chef and servers were very nice and attentive, and since there are only about 12 seats and two to three chefs, you can bet you'll get a lot of attention. However, I find the taste and quality to be average, but my tastebuds are weird in general; to me, everything from expensive to cheap tastes similar, but the friends I went with said the quality was outstanding. Not to say the food was bad; it was good, but not spectacular. The  uni was delicious; it was my first time trying it, and I can now say that I am officially in love with uni. I would definitely get green tea with it, but based on what I've seen from other customers, sake appears to be a good choice as well. The ice cream/dessert at the end was absolutely delicious; I wished I had asked for another scoop

My boyfriend and I travel to Toronto pre covid about 10x in the last 6 years. This is our 4th time dining here. I must say, Yasu, NEVER DISAPPOINTS. I am in love with their omakase. Best one I've ever had. We are big foodie people. Love to travel and eat. When we visit Toronto, we have to come to Yasu. Thank you again for accommodating us. It is always a great experience watching the chefs prep the sushi. We travel with our friends to Toronto too and we introduce them to Yasu during every visit. when we visit again, we will definitely come back for our 5th to What was on the 16 course menu: 1. Bluefin chutoro from mexico Hokkaido scallop Amberjack - hagoshima 2. Toro with uni from hokkaido with nori and shiso flower 3. Stripejack from Japan 4. Monkfish liver with shiso leaf and daikon 5. Sea bream with lemon zest 6. Torched black cod with daikon 7. Ocean perch from Norway 8. Spot prawn from British Columbia with green yuzu zest 9. Miso soup with fish broth 10. Lean agami toro from Mexico and otoro 11. Horse mackerel from Japan 12. Snow crab mixed with crab liver from Nagako 13. Hay smoked bonito with green onion 14. Anago (sea eel) from Nagasaki Japan 15. Tamago 16. Black sesame ice cream

I stopped by Yasu for a birthday celebration because I heard that this was one of the best omakase experiences in Toronto. With the lockdown finally coming to an end, it was the perfect time to check this place out. We made a reservation online for a bar seat, the restaurant only seats around 12 people per sitting at the bar and maybe 4 at a table at the back so reservations are highly recommended. The service from the waiter and the chef was attentive and it was def. a more intimate experience. The only draw back was I wasn't able to hear the chef explain the dishes he was preparing. The mask, coupled with the plastic barrier made it hard to hear. But for some reason I was able to hear the other chef explaining each dish to the couple beside me. So i'm not sure if it was my hearing, or our chef was super soft spoken. Food wise, I thought the omakase was just okay. I haven't gone to a lot of omakase's but maybe the hype got to me and I was a little disappointed. It might also be because we are still living in COVID times so the fish selection is limited with importing restrictions. The whole experience was a little underwhelming for me and some nigiri pieces were very bland tasting. Overall, it was still a nice to try experience with a personal chef preparing the meal in front of you coupled with a nice ambience.

I've been to Yasu a few times since 2017 and it's been pretty good but not super great. I think the selection could be better compared to other places, especially for its price point. The presentation is nice and the fish selection is good but I think the place is a bit overhyped. I also prefer sitting at the bar and not the table in the corner. The ambiance is okay, more cold than cozy to me but at least you get to have some good fish.

Came here for my birthday dinner and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! I wish I can come here every night. It was a total of 17 course so you def need to empty that tummy before arriving or unbuckle your belt. We were so lucky to be seated right in-front of chef Yasu. It was a pleasure watching him prepare each course delicately. There were fishes that I have always disliked due to texture or taste BUT chef Yasu changed my mind. The way he prepared & paired each course was absolutely wonderful. Also, shoutout to the wonderful staff there as well!!!! We will definitely be back next time!

Ordered the omakase set for pick up. We live in Vaughan so we drove downtown and brought it home. We've had the dine in version of the omakase meal before the pandemic, and that was 5-star experience then. With the business restricted to takeout only, we expected that some of the rarer ingredients from the dine in experience would not be available for take out. But even so, Yasu definitely remains one of my favourite and highest rated restaurants in Toronto. The order process was easy - you pick a date and time through the tock website (linked from the Yasu website) and prepay directly. You can also leave a tip (as you should especially in these trying times) when you pay. We booked a 12 pm pickup and the takeout boxes were very nicely wrapped with my name placed on top, waiting for me at a counter near the entrance for a truly contactless pick up. The food survived the 30 minute drive home. Every piece of sushi remained intact (this is indicative of the chef's skill - the sushi never falls apart but the rice does not taste dense or packed - and would not overpower the texture of the piece of fish on top). The set included 12 pieces of premium sushi. A listing of the individual pieces was included, and the sushi was arranged pretty much in the order that you should eat them. I won't provide the list here, but suffice it to say that we absolutely got a taste of the Yasu excellence that I expect. I look forward to visiting in person again once everyone gets vaccinated

We ordered the omakase, it was not only delicious, but also like a little taste of Japan. The fish was incredibly fresh, flavourful, and the omakase had a good variety and was very authentically Japanese. I've only had this twice outside of Japan, at Yasu and at Sushi Kaji. The omakase is great for takeout but I think I'll insist on the full experience once everything opens back up. Part of the joy of omakase is savouring the meal and interacting with the chef. With takeout, I can't be trusted not to devour the entire meal in minutes. If you want to go to Japan without going to Japan, this omakase will take you there. Add a delectable Japanese dessert (soufflé pancakes, Hokkaido strawberry, meji chocolate almonds, or even just a green tea KitKat), and voila!

I have been going to Yasu and witnessing their price increase each time, but I still believe it's the best go-to omakase for relatively affordable option for the quality that you get. Although other options in downtown Toronto may be cheaper, the quality is not there at all and the fish does not taste fresh (Tachi, Yuzuki, or Oroshi for takeout etc.), so it feel more worth to pay a bit more for a quality experience.

Took my wife there in 14/082020 for my wife's birthday and we were both thrilled and amazed by the taste and experience. It was very close quarters but it felt very cozy and the ambiance was relaxed. I could see the chef's working hard to make us all a great meal.

Yasu ruined sushi for me. I ate here and dreamt about it for literally three nights afterwards. All other sushi I've had afterward this omakase pales in comparison in texture, taste, and just overall quality. The rice was amazing, I think it's the best tasting rice I've ever had. I really liked that our chef explained each fish every time he served us a piece of our meal. I didn't expect to be full afterwards, but we were very full. Every piece melts in your mouth, and each fish actually tasted very different. I once read somewhere that you can tell how good a sushi chef is by their tamago. Duuude this tamago was THE BEST THING I've ever had. Seriously it was so beautiful I didn't want to eat it. I played with it for a while because it had such an amazing texture and it was so bouncy. I'm salivating just thinking about it right now, and I ate here FIVE MONTHS AGO. The servers were very attentive and recommended a really nice sake for us to enjoy with our meal. At $135 per person before tax and tip, this is definitely a meal for special occasions. We came here for a birthday and they put a candle on our dessert course. Cute gesture :) I've only had omakase a handful of times, but this has been the best BY FAR... so far! VERY highly recommended. Be sure to reserve online if you're planning to come here for a specific time/event. There is very limited seating, and I feel like they're full on most nights. However, if you wanna be spontaneous, keep up to date with their Instagram, most of their posts tend to be updates for open spots they have that night/week.