Toronto - Kyushu Yakitori Izakaya
Worth the 1 hr and 13min Uber
I have decided to change the format for Complet, see some new additions below, and more photos.
Tucked into the Shops on Yonge Street, a shopping complex north of Finch station, you’ll find Kyushu Yakitori Izakaya.
To breakdown the name, an “Izakaya” is a Japanese style pub that serves drinks and snacks; in a name, not unlike a Spanish tapas bar. "Kyushu" is the island that south part of Japan, known for their incredible food. “Yakitori” is a reference to a Japanese-style cooked meat skewer.
The interiors are a light wood, furnishings simple, but the space is full of colourful posters (+ a large statue) that make reference to Studio Ghibli, Squid Game, Dragon Ball, Sailor Moon, and Godzilla. The washrooms are all comic book pages which make the restaurant casual and fun.
What We Ordered: It is safe to say we had everything on the menu. I ripped a hole in the elbow of my blazer on the way home and I am fairly certain it is because no dish went untasted. Every bite was incredible. I already know that when we are back from Japan and craving an authentic, diverse meal - not focused on sushi - we will be here. These were the standout dishes:
ピリ辛キュウリ Spicy Cucumber $3CAD | 宮崎和牛 A5 Wagyu $24CAD | 福岡セット Fukuoka Set Ebi, Hotate, Tsubugai $24CAD | たこ焼き Takoyaki Deep Fried Octopus Ball $10CAD | うにクリームうどん Uni Cream Udon Sea Urchin Cream Udon $22CAD | Matcha Tiramisu Matcha Sake Tiramisu $14CAD [The menu describes the matcha tiramisu as shareable which explains why my blazer ripped; we each had a personal matcha and coco].
Recommend For: Fun with friends so that you can order as much of the menu as possible. I often say that I am going to start eating out, as in, farther from the City’s core, and this restaurant experience confirmed that it is very much worthwhile to get (way) north of St. Clair to find some incredible food. Let’s just say - will drive for $24 Wagyu. I’ll put together a list of some places to try in 2024 and start to knock them off after the summer.
Reservations: Yes, via Google.
Complet’s Current
Last Memorable Meal?: Bar Isabel - I haven’t been since pre-Covid and it might be even better now.
Where am I Eating Next?: Takja BBQ House, a new Korean BBQ spot on College.
What My Friends Are Talking About: Sounds Good, for cocktails and dancing.
Next Destination: Tokyo, which means I should get on my restaurant bookings…