When I heard the news that Sushi Ya was going to close on May 15, 2016, I was devastated. I’d been keeping the amazing subterranean sushi bar under the radar, not wanting the critics to find it and spread how amazing it is to the masses.
But now that I’ve heard it’s going to close, I want everyone to go before it’s too late.
It’s the downstairs sushi bar, not the busy izakaya upstairs called Zakkushi (both at 193 Carlton). The owners are the same and both places are great, but I love the intimacy of the sushi bar. It’s never packed, it’s always friendly, and they have gluten free soy sauce for me. Most importantly, however, the fish is incredibly fresh and the knife skills of the two sushi chefs who run the whole place are very good. Each nigiri, sashimi, or small plate is placed one at a time in front of you at the higher counter at the bar (yes there are seats, but the bar is the best). You then transfer the piece to your personal plate on the lower counter. Each slice of sashimi is delicate and the nigiri is gently shaped over the well-seasoned and plump rice. I’ve melted right along with my medium fatty tuna.
Last time, there was even geoduck mantle sashimi (a rare find).
And when I asked what else was fresh, the chef said the Pacific uni. Heaven.
The specials always change, and in addition to impeccable sushi, there are tons of small plates to order (have you had a fresh wasabi roll? The photo is of the wasabi stem, not cucumber as it appears).
Plus the shell is contoured and beautiful), the tuna bomb, anything with fermented squid or natto or both, and my ultimate favourite red snapper and umeboshi pickled plum soup.
The little threads of seaweed are pungently salty and flavour the sweet dashi broth in perfect counterpoint to the sour plum. The kicker, though, is the cup or so of rice in there, which fills and warms your belly after a great meal. Enough words. More photos.
I didn’t even mention how fun the pictured sake menu is…fortunately, those sakes will still be available upstairs, along wiht the robata grill specialties for which the place is known.
Sushiya
193 Carlton, Toronto
Tel: 647-352-9456
Hours: Thu-Mon 5:30pm-midnight
Zakkushi’s other great restaurants to try once Sushi Ya closes: www.zakkushi.com/
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