Cathy MerrittGoing on a backpacking trip across Asia is one of my most ambitious dreams on my bucket list. I mean, just imagine the beautiful landscapes and the vibrant cultures. Oh, and the food! Just think about the diverse cuisines!
Alas, Asia is such a big region that going on a backpacking trip will take a lot of time and money. That’s why, while I’m still saving for that, I’ve been going to various Asian restaurants in Toronto to satisfy my urge (and to prepare myself for the trip).
From juicy dumplings and umami-rich ramen to rich and savoury deep-fried treats, here’s my list of favourite Asian restaurants in the city so far.
Jade Yorkville
From: jadeyorkville
Address: 137 Avenue Road, Toronto, Ontario, M5R 2H7
Operating Hours: Thursday-Sunday: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Contact Number: (647) 368-6998
Jade Yorkville is an intimate Asian restaurant and bar nestled in the heart of Toronto’s Yorkville, offering a refined escape from the city’s bustle. Inspired by the elegance of jade stone, the space radiates luxury and serenity from the moment guests walk in.
The restaurant’s design spans an upper-level dining area and an exclusive lower-level lounge, each crafted to envelop diners in comfort and style. Every detail of the space reflects sophistication, making it ideal for elevated dinners and special evenings out.
At the heart of Jade Yorkville’s appeal is its culinary fusion, where French finesse meets Asian artistry. The menu masterfully blends rich flavors from both cuisines, creating a harmonious dining experience that delights the senses.
Each dish is crafted with precision and elegance, highlighting both creativity and balance. The result is a refined Asian restaurant experience that feels both luxurious and thoughtfully curated.
Beyond the food, Jade Yorkville elevates the experience with expertly crafted cocktails made from the finest ingredients. These drinks reflect passion and creativity, perfectly complementing the restaurant’s fusion-forward menu.
Jade Yorkville also offers private gatherings in a beautifully designed setting that serves as the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. Whether for intimate celebrations or exclusive events, the restaurant provides a sophisticated and serene environment tailored for memorable occasions.
Pro Tip: Reserve a table in advance and consider exploring both the upper dining area and the lower-level lounge to fully experience Jade Yorkville’s refined atmosphere and culinary artistry.
Sushi Masaki Saito
From: sushimasakisaito
Address: 88 Avenue Rd
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday—6 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169240888
Website
Feeling like splurging for a fancy dinner? Then, you need to check out Sushi Masaki Saito. Not only is this restaurant elegant and refined, but it also serves food combinations so delicious and unique that it has now earned two Michelin stars!
Since this is an omakase restaurant, you don’t have a menu to choose from. Instead, you’ll let the chef choose what they’ll serve. Some people might not like this, but personally, I find it exciting.
The last time I was here, I had a blast. It was so lovely seeing the chefs work behind the table, and the nigiri and sushi dishes served tasted fresh and mellow. I remember loving the uni sushi pieces; they were so umami-rich and sweet.
Pro Tip: If you want to host a private dining experience here, you need to contact the restaurant via email ([email protected]). Keep in mind that the reservation list here tends to be long.
Shoushin
From: shoushinca
Address: 3328 Yonge St
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—6 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164889400
Website
Another Michelin-starred restaurant that serves amazing Japanese cuisine is Shoushin. This is also an omakase spot, so you don’t have to choose your dishes. That said, at the end of the meal, you can order additional pieces of something you liked earlier.
I was lucky enough to dine here twice, and every time, the highlight is the fatty bluefin tuna skewer. The combination of fatty and smoky flavours was delectable, and I love how tender the meat was. The nigiri sushi pieces were also great. All in all, a divine experience.
Pro Tips:
- Make your dining experience extra special by ordering sake as well.
- If you’re interested in hosting a private event here, send a request to [email protected].
Aburi Hana
From: hanayorkville
Address: 102 Yorkville Ave, Unit 4, Lower Level
Operating Hours: Friday and Saturday—5:30 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16473438887
Website
At Aburi Hana, you can enjoy Kyō-Kaiseki cuisine, the elaborate style of dining usually seen in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. In other words, the nigiri and sushi pieces are presented so beautifully that they look like works of art!
The tasting menu changes here often since the chefs rely on seasonal ingredients, but in my experience, the food still hits every time. When I came here the last time, the standout was the otoro caviar sushi monaka. It was rich, salty, and even sweet!
Pro Tip: For an additional fee, you can pair a beverage with your meal. Options include sake, wine, spirits, and tea.
Kappo Sato
From: kapposato
Address: 575 Mt Pleasant Rd
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Saturday—5:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +14164886868
Website
Kappo Sato has impressed me with the chefs’ intricate skill and knowledge of culinary arts. Watching them wield the knife to cut things with great precision and making sushi out of ingredients I don’t know—the whole experience is just so fun to see.
The omakase menu boasts a whopping 12 courses, so you’ll be stuffed by the end. When I come here, I’m always looking forward to the Wagyu dish because I can’t get enough of the fatty, savoury goodness of Wagyu steak.
Pro Tip: Since this is a Michelin-starred restaurant, it’s pretty popular. I recommend booking a reservation ahead of time.
DaiLo
From: dailo.to
Address: 503 College St
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—5 pm to 11 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +16473418882
Website
DaiLo is an interesting restaurant because while it serves Asian cuisine, the techniques used to cook the dishes are from the French tradition. Because of this, the flavour combinations are pretty unique!
The dim sum options are so good that I’m always ordering several. My current obsession is the Burmese tofu, which is tender and oozing with earthy and savoury flavours. It also has a hint of sweet and spicy notes, thanks to the Sichuan mustard vinaigrette.
Pro Tip: Planning a special event here? You have to send a request to [email protected].
R&D
From: rdspadina
Address: 241 Spadina Ave.
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday—5 pm to 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14165861241
Website
If you religiously watch MasterChef Canada, you’ve probably heard of R&D. This is because this restaurant is run by Alvin Leung, one of the show’s judges, and Eric Chong, the first winner of the competition!
I love getting the fried chicken here, which looks like your typical fried chicken, but then you’ll be hit with many flavours—especially savoury and spicy—because it’s seasoned with a 16-spice blend!
I also order the fried rice to balance out the rich flavours of the chicken. But even then, the rice is tasty on its own—very buttery and earthy.
Pro Tip: Reserve your spot ahead of time because this place gets booked pretty fast.
PAI
From: paitoronto
Address: 18 Duncan St
Operating Hours:
- Monday—4 pm to 9:30 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—11:45 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:45 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14169014724
Website
Craving Thai cuisine? Then, you need to get to PAI ASAP!
Their pad Thai is undoubtedly the star of the show here. It’s jam-packed with bean sprouts, tofu, egg, chives, roasted peanuts, and your protein of choice. The tamarind-palm sugar sauce balances sweet and sour flavours well, and you can even have it super spicy if you want.
Pro Tips:
- If you’re planning to come here with a group of 11 or more guests, you need to send a booking request to [email protected].
- If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, please let your waiter know so that the chef can accommodate your needs.
The MoMo House
From: highlevel_dishes_
Address: 1416 Queen St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 pm to 9:45 pm
Contact Number: +14165886522
Website
Have you ever tried momos (Tibetan- and Nepali-style dumplings)? If not, this is your sign to change that by visiting The MoMo House. I recommend the Parkdale location because that one has a lovely patio area.
I’m obsessed with the butter chicken momos here. I mean, these are dumplings with juicy chicken filling and rich butter chicken sauce! How can I say no to that?
If you want to make the momos extra delicious, I recommend getting them with aloo cheese. The cheese pull is addictive!
Pro Tip: The momos here can be really spicy, so I recommend ordering butter tea with your meal because this tea helps tone down the heat.
Sampaguita Village Family Restaurant
From: svresto
Address: 322 Wilson Ave, North York
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—11:30 am to 8 pm
- Friday and Saturday—11:30 am to 8:30 pm
Contact Number: +14166302122
Website
Sampaguita Village Family Restaurant is a humble restaurant serving amazing Filipino cuisine, and I’m so happy to discover it. It definitely deserves more hype, which is why I’m always recommending it to anyone who will listen.
Lechon kawali (roasted pork belly) is my go-to order here. I love how the skin gets super crispy and the meat is deliciously fatty. It also comes with a gravy that adds more savoury flavours to every bite.
To cut down on the savouriness, I recommend ordering a plate of rice. Steamed rice is enough, but if you want flavour, you can’t go wrong with any of the fried rice options.
Pro Tip: There is a parking lot here, and it’s free of charge, but it has limited spots. I recommend avoiding rush hour (around noon and 6 pm) so that you won’t have any problem parking.
Tinuno
From: karensundays
Address: 3520 Bathurst St
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14379299294
Website
Tinuno only came into my radar recently, and now it’s one of my favourite Asian restaurants ever. This spot specializes in Filipino dishes, and it also has a wonderful atmosphere that’s perfect for gatherings with loved ones.
I really love the Inasal Combo here. The grilled chicken is savoury with charred, smoky notes, while the rice is fluffy and garlicky. This meal also comes with a mango salad that cleanses the palate after you’ve devoured everything.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to dine here with eight or more guests, you need to email the restaurant at [email protected].
Leela Indian Food Bar
From: leelaindianfoodbarongerrard
Address: 1386 Gerrard St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—12 pm to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 1 am
Contact Number: +14164618088
Website
I was intrigued by Leela Indian Food Bar because of its vibes (very bright and whimsical), but I became a returning patron because of the food.
I’m obsessed with the saffron lamb korma, which is so aromatic that I’m already drooling even though I haven’t taken a bite yet. The lamb meat is also super tender and flavourful, thanks to its creamy sauce infused with saffron, yogurt, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Pro Tip: If you want to host an event here, fill out this form. An event manager will respond to you within 24 hours.
Bawara
From: bawaratoronto
Address: 1570 Bloor St W
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—9 am to 1:30 am
- Friday and Saturday—9 am to 4 am
Contact Number: +14165322323
Website
Bawara is another great Indian restaurant you can check out. But this spot doesn’t just specialize in this cuisine; it also highlights Hakka food, which I don’t see often in Toronto.
My favourite thing to get here is the Chicken 65. I love how crispy the fried chicken is and oozing with rich, savoury flavours. It’s tossed with onions, red chillies, mustard seeds, and curry leaves, so it packs quite the punch as well. Prepare a pitcher of ice-cold water because you’ll definitely need it!
Pro Tip: This restaurant offers catering services for special events.
Gourmet Malaysia Restaurant
From: gourmetmalaysiato
Address: 4466 Sheppard Ave E #101, Scarborough
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—11 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477641188
Website
Located in Scarborough, Gourmet Malaysia Restaurant serves a wide variety of classics from Malaysian, Singaporean, and Indonesian cuisines. It also has a no-frills atmosphere, which I love. Dining here feels like I’m at a friend’s home.
You have to get the Hainanese chicken. I’m obsessed with how this dish doesn’t seem like much, but when you bite into it, you can taste the rich savouriness from the meat. The ginger and scallion sauce also adds notes of salty, spicy, and sour, which elevate every bite.
Pro Tip: Book their catering services for your special event.
Little Sister Indonesian Food
From: littlesisterto
Address: 2031 Yonge St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—5 pm to 9:30 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—5 pm to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14164882031
Website
Take a (virtual) trip to Indonesia by dining at Little Sister! I’ve heard that the people operating this restaurant have spice blends and products imported all the way from Indonesia, so this is the closest we can get to authentic dishes.
I recommend you try the Sapi Bakar, which is grilled flank steak. The steak is perfectly tender, and it tastes smoky and tangy. It comes with a red pepper sambal, which makes every bite taste peppery and acidic.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to book a dining party with at least 7 guests, you need to send an email to [email protected].
Jaffna Street Food
From: bingewithanbu
Address: Village on the Grange Food Court, 275 Dundas St W
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +16473479833
Website
It’s not every day that I can find a spot offering Tamil cuisine in Toronto, so I was thrilled to discover Jaffna Street Food inside Village on the Grange.
You can’t go wrong with the Jaffna kothu roti. This is a classic street food, which is made of roti filled with mixed vegetables and herbs. It’s such an earthy and herby treat, and sometimes, I add cheese for that addictive cheese pull.
Pro Tip: Make your special event extra special by booking this restaurant’s catering services.
Happy Lamb Hot Pot
From: happylamb_canada
Address: 2543 Warden Ave., M Plaza, Scarborough
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14169169866
Website
Are you a big fan of hot pot like I am? If the answer is yes, then I have the best recommendation for you: Happy Lamb Hot Pot.
The broth here is the standout because it’s been stewing and simmering for over six hours before it’s served! As a result, its flavour profile is incredibly rich. Savoury is the dominant flavour, followed by earthy, peppery, and even spicy.
For protein, they have many options. I usually stick to the prime lamb brisket, but I’m also fond of the Wagyu pieces, lamb shoulder slices, and beef tripe pieces.
Pro Tip: This restaurant has a membership program that lets you earn points and get rewards.
The Famous Owl of Minerva
From: ooi.eats
Address: 5324 Yonge St, North York
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14162217275
Website
If you’re hit with a sudden craving for Korean cuisine after binging K-drama shows, then The Famous Owl of Minerva should be your next destination. This restaurant serves the classics, so you can pretend to be starring in your very own K-drama.
I always get the kimchi fried rice here because it’s so comforting. I mean, spicy fried rice paired with a fluffy scrambled egg? Iconic combination if you ask me.
Pro Tip: This spot has lunch specials that are only available every weekday, from 12 pm to 3 pm. Try ordering one of them.
