Aoyama Sushi, Omakase (Review with Pictures)

[abscissa]

Dinner was fabulous... we stuffed ourselves with everything and in the end, we were terrified that they were going to bring more food, because we wouldn't have been able to eat it! From start to finish, we took a full three hours and the entire time was spent eating... we didn't have to wait for anything.

As far as Toronto sushi goes, this is some of the best. I would reccomend reservations at least a day in advance, and definately order omakase. They will ask you how much when you make your reservation. Note that they are heavily focused on fish, no beef dishes. And I wish they would take the california rolls off the menu, it's like going into a steakhouse and ordering a big mac, but I guess it pays the bills at lunchtime when you pander to the people. Thankfully no california rolls came with our dinner. Also, the chef says he doesn't like people drinking beer and getting wasted -- we had sake which strictly speaking is also a no-no :) I do not reccomend simply ordering off the menu here. You won't be able to read it anyway. You have to go for omakase!!

I paid $75/pp for omakase, reservations 1 day in advance.

Apologies to all those who suffered through the tacky photo flashes :) Check out the pictures of everything we ate here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/68226972...

[Apprentice]

I visited the restaurant on Friday. Ordered 3 platters (Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura). Sorry to say but I did not find the seafood to be anything exceptional. Tempura was light and crispy. Perhaps I went on a bad night, but I have found cafe Michi to have fresher fish and there is simply no comparison to Kaji for my tastes. To each his own.

[Kagemusha]

Apprentice, you should read the OP's recent review of Kaji for some perspective.

[Apprentice]

Thanks for the recommendation. Would you say the food is comparable to Kaji?

[abscissa]

Is it Kaji? I would say no, but I think it's a better value than Kaji and more down to earth. You will not be disappointed with the freshness of the fish.

[skylineR33]

I wonder how's the fish quality at Aoyama compared to say .. Zen, Omi, Cafe Michi ? The three that is famous for their fish quality in TO.

[abscissa]

Cafe Michi??? When was the last time you were there?

[skylineR33]

2 weeks ago ? Why ? When you say "As far as Toronto sushi goes, this is some of the best", which restaurans are you comparing it to ?

[Apprentice]

I ate at Michi tonight and a few weeks back. For approximately $60 for two, it's excellent value for my tastes.

[JamieK]

Just adding a place link -

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Aoyama
2766 Victoria Park Ave, Toronto, ON M2J4A8, CA

[T Long]

Thx for the pics abscissa. Questions: Do you just state the amount you want to pay when they ask how much? Was the sushi plate shown in your pictures for one or was it shared...and if so among how many people. What day of week did you go? Btw, their California rolls are fine.

[abscissa]

Hey T Long, yes when you make reservations, you just just tell them how much when they ask (it is per person). Really you should say at least $40 per person at a minimum, but there are people who have gone for only $15 (just don't expect much). I think the reccomended is $60. One thing is for sure -- no surprises on the bill :) The sushi plate was shared between two people. After everything we ate, believe me you won't want to eat it yourself!

[jennjen18]

hhaaha, that was funny.. the last picture! and they gave you flowers too!? oh my gosh, thats so nice of them! feels like they really appreciate that you appreciate their food!