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Aoyama & Sushi Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Sushi Bars Sushi Bars [Edit]
2766 Victoria Park AveNorth York, ON M2J 4A8
(416) 494-7373
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
18 reviews for Aoyama & Sushi Restaurant
18 reviews in English
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Review from Vivian W.
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
If you enjoy good sashimi, you have to try this place! There is a reason why it is always full even it is so expensive. I think the old say "you get what you paid for" is so true for Aoyama. This place is like Zen, Michi...tucked in a small neighbourhood plaze, out of no where... but this is where all the good restaurants like to hide.
I went with a girl friend that day, we ordered one of their premium sashimi platter ...i think it was like $60-70 for two people. I can't remember what type of fish we've got, regardless, they are all very delicious!
I saw a lot of people getting served with the omakase, and they look so awesome. I regretted for not pre-ordering that..so I will go back to this place for the omakase. -
Review from Alvin V.
Toronto, ON
8/31/2011
A good a la carte sushi restaurant in this neck of the woods? Who woulda thunk it...
This restaurant is nestled in a plaza that is quite diverse but still a shock to see a japanese restaurant (KFC and Bari Hair Designs).
Nevertheless, I'm glad I found it as it has transported my taste buds back to Japan! Having been to Japan, I was able to experience some of the freshest fish at the Tsukiji fish market and I can attest to this sashimi being on par!
Decor:
It's a really small restaurant, so with that in mind, know this: Reservations are a must unless you plan on going in at 8:30pm
Probably at most, there are 6-7 tables that can accomodate 4 each.
Food:
YES, the sashimi, order it!
I didn't get the chance to order the Omakase because I wasn't really in the mood to spend the big bucks so we opted for the Chef's Choice Sashimi Plate (17pieces) for 25$. Aside from that, we ordered a roll to share as well.
Now my view on rolls is that I prefer the westernized roll where they shove lots of stuff inside. Japan has always been about simplicity and hence their rolls are very simple and less "stuffed" which I dislike. I find that they use too much rice in the rolls. So far, the best place for rolls is YOKO (see my other review).
Service:
Impeccable. The waiter was so polite and smiled the whole time..even while serving. It was borderline weird but hey, this is good service. It's not easy to put on a smile the whole day and I appreciate it.
Overall:
The only reason why I gave it 4 is because of the rolls. I'm just not a fan of simple rolls. If I want simplicity, I will eat the delicious sashimi but for a roll, I want complexity in every bite:P Oh and did I mention the chef and staff are all Japanese? No poserism here.
Final thought: "Japanese people know Japanese food...no exceptions" -
Review from Archimedes T.
Toronto, ON
Went here to try out the omakase $49 level with a friend to see how it would compare to others.
The odd thing is the meal was actually listed on menu. This is strange from my previous experiences as I usually do not know what is on the dish. Maybe they got tired of saying what the dish would have (though that sort of ruins the fun for me)
Anyway I remembered to give my criteria. Nothing spicy and no uni.
Our meal started with a lobster salad in a martini glass. very flavourful. The radish gives it a bit of texture without hiding the taste. This is probably the best appetizer I had in any omakase run by far.
The second dish was some sashimi in ponzu sauce with a few edible flowers. The dish was a bit meh for me, the ponzu sauce was just overpowering the taste of the dish. The fish is just standard texture so nothing really special, so this part of the meal for me was a bit of a flop.
The third dish was something like deep fried lobster. Either I haven't had deep fried lobster before or this is the best deep fried lobster I ever had. Actually it's the best deep fried anything I ever had. The lobster taste was just so much enhanced by the deep frying and the best part was there was no need to pick it off.
The fourth, fifth and sixth course came in close succession, but they were served on our table at the same time. Not normally something I like to see on an omakase; at least not in the ones I have experienced as they usually just serve us one entree at a time and not pile on our table.
Anyway we had some tempura, but it is just standard fare tempura and I have had better. It's a cheap and common dish I was surprised it even came into the omakase. In comparison to Jyo-san's, he does not make this into the omakase to my knowledge because it is such a cheap dish.
We then had some nigiri sushi. I have tried to eat it properly with my fingers, but the thing just kept on falling apart when I flipped it upside down so that wasn't really too good. The fishes were also of standard fare so nothing really of note especially for omakase. In comparison to Jyo-san for $55 we got ootoro (tuna belly) which is generally a more expensive fish or uni (though I don't like it).
We also got some seafood soup. However, it is prepared in something like a tea pot with a very small cup to pour it in. However, it was a very good mix of flavour and preparing it that way we got to savour the soup better than normal because if they just served it to us in a normal bowl I think something would've been lost. So this is another bonus point for the omakase there.
Finally we just got some standard fare green tea ice cream for dessert. However, I think mine was old as it had water crystals already in the ice cream. Not something you would expect in an omakase meal.
In the end, I would say that though I may try to eat here again for their normal fare for take out only, I would not do nor recommend their omakase here even if the service quality is still above par. If you want to do Omakase go to Solo Sushi Ya at Newmarket when the chef is around, for $55 it is much better. -
Review from Isabella L.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 5/11/2011 11 photos
Okay, so my sister and I treated my mom to a Mothers Day dinner and let me just say, everything was eye-rolling orgasmicly amazing. Writing this review doesn't even begin to do this place justice because words can only go so far as to describing something that great. You have to -TASTE- it to know what I'm really talkin' about and even then you'll be at a loss of words.
Also, the service can be slow since there is only one sushi chef, but grab a few friends and gossip or something because it is well worth the wait. I gave it 5 stars because it's really hard to find authentic and fresh fish that actually MELTS in your mouth for this price.
So, let's begin.
S a s h i m i P l a t t e r w/ sake ($63) Best. Thing. I. Ever. Ate. Ever.
(Every single piece of fish was fatty to the point it just meshed in your mouth perfectly with no veins and you can taste the freshness with no bullshit in your mouth. My favorite was the hamachi and salmon. This is some next. level. shit. Fo' real.
S u s h i (Variety of: hamachi, toro, salmon, unagi, toko)
My favorites: ALL OF THEM. GO TRY IT NOW.
D r a g o n R o l l
Jam-packed with nice pieces of unagi (freshwater eel), hot shrimp tempura and of course, the magic that binds this whole baby together, AVOCADO. Deee-freakin'licious. It was literally an orgy of flavours sexing in my mouth.
T e m p u r a S o b a
Nothing special for me. It was just a bowl of the dark coloured soba noodles in a warm broth and 2 pieces of shrimp tempura. Wasn't a huge fan, but my sister loves noodles.
B a n a n a T e m p u r a w/ I c e - c r e a m + I c e - c r e a m M o c h i
First time trying banana tempura and this is officially one of my favorite desserts of all time. I am a big lover of bananas. I mean it's -the- easiest fruit to eat. Least messy. Lovely creamy texture and so fragrant and pungent when it's at its' peak ripeness. BUT imagine.... take that perfect banana....DEEP FRY IT. then serve it with a nice contrasting element of vanilla ice-cream. Bitch, just TRY telling me that does not sound good.... 'cause honestly a bite of the banana + ice cream is simple perfection.
Overall: This does not even begin to describe it. Go try it yourself. Seriously. Go. Like now. Turn off your computer, drive to Victoria Park & Van Horne. And after your meal, you can treat me to lunch because that'll be the only way to thank me.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/19/2010
3.6
I just came back from dinner and this has been my 3rd visit to Aoyama. Since it is my fathers… Read more »
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Review from takashi n.
Thornhill, ON
7/2/2011
So far I went MIYABI, INAKAYA, MAKISUSHI, ZEN, FIN IZAKAYA.
Those are restaurant run by Japanese or Japanese chef. Aoyama is the Best.
I talked with chef. He explained he goes to buy fish in whole seller in day time so he do not open lunch time. He said he spends a lot of money to fish. I agree. those fishes are fresh and selling price is also high. I think I ate first time HIRAME in Canada in English, Olive flounder or Bastard halibut. If you go there,
If you want to eat fresh variety of raw fish, this place is best choice.
Price is as expensive as other real Japanese restaurant. We spent $100 for 2 including drinking.
If I comment negative things, you might not like chef's English level and tiny space and crowd.
Always many people, I recommend reservation. -
Review from Ming C.
Markham, ON
4/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
This place is located in a strip mall in the middle if nowhere. I hear that if you go around 5:30-7:30...you can easily get robbed or kidnapped by really bad people...hahaahahahaha....ok....enough with the nonsense. This place is awesome...I just wanna deter all you foodies out there because I don't wanna have to fight you for a seat to get me some of the best darn sashimi and sushi in town.
The food here was just great...I didn't see none of that cheese sushi or Philadelphia barf rolls that many of those other joints are selling.
Although it is crowded...worth the wait. Came here on a Friday night with the fam and we all left completely and utterly satisfied. Pricing is totally decent and you can tell this so called hidden gem has it's share of regulars.
Staff is awesome and although it is crazy busy...never saw attitude or anything short of a great smile from the wait staff. I will come here again and again :)
People say that it was really slow service but I experienced the contrary...fast and efficient with the food...they just forgot our tea but the sheer deliciousness totally made up for it. -
Review from bold c.
Toronto, ON
Authentic Japanese. Toronto Gem.
30 sec summary
----------------------
1. Pricey $$$$ (compared to other Sushi restaurants)
2. Authentic Japanese Food
3. Portions average (compared to other Sushi restaurants)
4. Fish variety superb
5. Fresh fresh fresh
6. Sake varieties best in Toronto
7. Real Japanese rice, sweet Japanese soy sauce combined with real Japanese Wasabi (Folks you will notice the difference)
8. Comfortable relaxed atmosphere
9. Practice your Japanese
10. Soothing Tea (close your eyes and listen for the Japanese music!)
Family run place. I enjoyed it. My friend brought me here but looks like a few yelp friends beat me to the review punch. Glad I am in good company. -
Review from Amy L.
7/27/2011
It's near impossible to not spot a Japanese restaurant as they are everywhere. Torontonians are now more appreciative of not only the aesthetic and flavour aspects of Japanese cuisine, but also the ambiance of the more traditional establishments. Due to the abundance of Japanese restaurants, not many are capable of creating a lasting impression that distinguishes them from the rest. Aoyama, a tiny and cozy restaurant that looks unassuming on the outside, is actually a hidden gem that serves the utmost authentic Japanese food that will leave you coming back for more. Conveniently located by Finch & Victoria Park, this uptown restaurant only seats a capacity of 25 patrons. With no reservations made means you'll be turning around for the door and feeling only disappointment and anger in yourself for not being able to experience heaven on a plate; something that Aoyama can create effortlessly.
Right beside the sushi bar are signs with cute drawings, along with selections from their appetizer menu and seasonal specials. Although difficult to resist the temptation of ordering everything on there, I was able to decide on several delectable items to satisfy the food monster within me.
To begin my enviable food adventure, I had a Spicy Tuna Roll ($1.50) which I finished in less than a minute. The tuna was delicious and the hand roll was securely wrapped, but I particularly liked how the filling lasted until the very last bite. Similar to indulging an ice cream cone, sometimes when we reach the bottom, there is no more ice cream and we're left with an empty cone. No worries because that will definitely not happen here. I'd take a Spicy Tuna Roll over an ice cream cone any day :)
The White Toro Sashimi ($6.50) was so fantastically fatty that all I could do was smile and let out a gentle MMmmmm ;) Why must moments of happiness be so ephemeral? Those two pieces of White Toro Sashimi still haunts me until this very day; the absence of them is almost torturing me.
Kaki Fry ($6.50) are deep-fried oysters and Aoyama's were humungous and scrumptious. I know that not everyone likes oysters as they can sometimes be fishy, but these were amazing and tasty. They're an acquired taste, but if you can get passed the texture of it as well, then they might grow on you. Crispy and non-greasy on the outside, soft and delicate on the inside. There's nothing else quite like it.
If I were asked the question, "What would your last meal be?", without any hesitation, I would answer Chirashi Sushi. So needless to say, my main was Chirashi Sushi ($16) that not only satisfied my taste buds, but also my mind, body, and soul. There's something about a big bowl of sushi rice, topped with an assortment of fresh sashimi and garnishes. The sight of it is enough to drive me insane, and I lose all consciousness while enjoying it; I wouldn't even know it if my friends all left me. Aoyama's is a terrific deal since it was only $16 for such excellent quality. I honestly have no questions about their freshness and the chef's skills. The different colours, the texture, the depth, and the amount of fish and rice makes Chirashi such an undeniably comforting and hearty dish, yet not heavy at all.
Aoyama is Japanese-owned and their service is exceptional. Our server was very friendly and the food came quickly. If you're looking for an Authentic Japanese Restaurant uptown, then I highly recommend Aoyama because they're superb!Listed in: Japanese Restaurants
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Review from Kat K.
The first thing about Aoyama, you need to know is that reservations are a must. The restaurant itself hold about 20 people or so MAX, so make sure you call ahead for reservations.
I have dined here twice, and I have seen them turn walk-ins away, because it was full and they're booked solid.
My most recent visit happend over a month ago, I took a friend there for his birthday. We ordered 2 of their Omakase, (Chef's choice) set; one @ the higher price point; and one @ the lower price point.
Aoyama offers two versions of the Omakase menu, the pricier one (by about $10 or so) that includes an extra sashimi course and your choice off their dessert menu, but other than that, there is no major difference from the cheaper one.
The pacing of the food was relaxed and it didn't feel like they were rushing to get the food out to you, despite being fairly busy. The service was attentive.
I was tempted to order more food outside of the 6-7 courses we had coming to us, however I'm glad I didn't. As the omakase was enough to fill us up to the point of sastifaction, but not the point of gross satisfaction.
For most of the meal, the food was pretty good, until we got to our respective sushi courses. At which point, I have to say the fireworks went off, and the food went from pretty good to excellent. The fish is very fresh, and in some cases, the fish was melt-in-your-mouth good. It was so good, my friend almost fell off his chair, needless to say I let him have the rest of my sushi course, since I was getting full and wanted to save room for my green tea ice cream.
Aoyama, also, serves alcohol, in particular sake, sadly the sparkling sake they were advertising was not avaliable, during our visit. So no alcohol for me.
Overall, it was a memorable experience. Food & service was excellent. The fact that Aoyama is Japanese owned and operated is an added bonus. -
Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
8/25/2010
I didn't believe my GPS when it said 'Arriving at Aoyama' but as I drove by I did see the white sign. I guess it's not a place you would normally look for a Japanese restaurant as there is nothing else Asian related in this plaza or the one beside it. GPS got lucky this time!
A small place that has enough decorative aspects to make the stay pleasing, but watch out for that PLANT thing at the corner of the counter as you walk towards the washroom. It might look friendly until you whack it and hoping nothing falls from it.
Given 1 menu which has the Omakase and A La Carte menu items while the other laminated piece of paper shows 2 selection of Meal Sets for this Lunch which we made sure it was reserved as I've learned my lesson at Zen before.
Wakame Set(Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura $21) was presented to us in 2 separate bowls and 2 separate timing as well. The Sushi would come in the latter part as it was very nice with good size and shape as well as temperature and texture with each piece being a mouthful even for my BIG mouth. It even came with an UNI Sushi as my friend would say, WIN!
The Sashimi were GREAT as well with the Tuna piece being a bit thicker for a good bite. The Tempura(Shrimp, Squash, Eggplant) however is standard fare which I wished it was lefted out to lower the cost of this Meal Set. It came with Edamame which is a nice touch.
I've been on a HUNT for Grilled Unagi($15) which is common in Tokyo, also where they charge you a mortgage for as it is a specialty item. The menu stated it was grilled as I was able to pick out that character which is Chinese as well. Better than most too soft pre-cooked Unagi out there. Even had the charred piece, YUMMY!
I asked Jen K what that Leaf was under the Salmon Sashimi but she didn't know and started chewing on it. I guess we found out it wasn't poisonous as she was able to write the review. Jen K will eat anything if you keep telling her you don't know. That common Leaf offered at Japanese Restaurants is SHISO Leaf or Perilla which I found at H-Mart before.
In a packed lunch hour of roughly 30 seats, mostly of Japanese decent. 1 group of Japanese Businessmen, another group of Japanese women, it kind of gives me a reason to believe this place is the REAL deal. Not for the low budget crowd but it definitely holds value, therefore I do not regret for once I paid $30 for this lunch.
Shiso Leaf: http://en.wikipedia.or...Listed in: 4+ ****Stars****, Oishii
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
8/25/2010 10 photos
Aoyama is a really small restaurant located in a strip plaza in Scarborough runned by Japanese people.. One of the places that you can drive by everyday without even noticing it!
Make sure you make a reservations for dinner ok or even lunch if you want to eat here! This place can only accommodate max 30 people and with only 2 waitstaff and 1 sushi chef. So sometimes the services can be slow, food takes time to arrives and table spaces are limited.
Yes they do have lunch specials.. (sushi, sashimi and tempura) $21 and (sushi, beef teriyaki and tempura) $24 Bento box. Good value when you compare to just the 10 piece sushi order that includes in the bento set cost $19 if you order it separately.
The fish here is really fresh and with the right temperature! I especially like the selections of Sashimi that includes the scallops.. which has this melt in your mouth feeling. Of course I love the uni that includes in the sushi set.. hmmmmmmm
The tempura I find it a little bit oily (just look at all the oil that was on the paper underneath).
We also offer grilled whole eel ($15) and Cold Soba Noodle ($9.50). The Eel is really good... still have good texture and the sauce that comes with it has this little bit of sweetness. The Soba Noodle though is so so... definitely not cold enough... but it is hard to give it a good judgement since the taste of Eel is so overpowering after eating that everything taste a little bland.
Aoyama for sure it is a great Japanese restaurant. I would love to go there more often but the price is a little pricier than others for lunch with limited lunch options.
However, I would definitely interested in trying their Omakase dinner which is $45 and $60 which is quite inline with other Japanese restaurants or I can say even cheaper than some!
They accepts all credit cards including AMEX! -
Review from Stephen W.
Markham, ON
12/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place has great sashimi! Many special fish that you can't get at your ordinary Japanese restaurant. I don't like congee BUT this place is an exception... Great soup broth filled with generous sushi grade fish/scallops/crab legs and more.
It's a small place that is closed half the time but it is surely with a trip. I had their beef bento special is it was great. -
Review from Clinton C.
Toronto, ON
1/12/2010
One of my favourite sushi and omakase places to visit that's outside of the downtown core, Aoyama offers great sushi for a very reasonable price. That being said, what blew me away the first time I visited was the omakase. At $55 it was loaded with seafood goodness and home-cooking love, combing cooked dishes as well as sushi fare.
The decor is pretty blah, and the service is really slow sometimes, since it's a family-run business and the few times I dined there, it was the chef's family who were waiting tables. But it was kindly and friendly service, so I will definitely be a return customer. -
Review from Joyce T.
Mississauga, ON
6/8/2011
I loved its omakase. Don't forget to take a look at the daily special items written on the chalkboard!
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Review from M W.
Markham, ON
Excellent home style Japanese food with excellent service! Price is fair if you're looking for real Japanese food. Many different fish selections and specials. The restaurant is family owned and run. Oksan (wife) does the cooked foods while Masa Endo holds down the sushi/sashimi bar! All of the servers are excellent!!!
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Review from Tony T.
Toronto, ON
11/12/2011
I don't care how good your food is, what horrible service! I made reservations at 8, when I walked in, the waitresses totally ignored me for half an hour before giving me a table as if I was begging them!!! It'll be greatly appreciated if they can at least so hi to acknowledge my presence! The three of us stood there like idiots before hearing my name as we got assigned to our spot!! Thank you! I will not come again!
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Review from kelvin t.
8/20/2009
I won't bore you with the ins and outs of your typical Jap menu but suffice it to say good fresh sushi and sashimi at a decent price - 4 people 200 bucks with sake. One thing to note, opened by a Japanese man who is not in the business to cater to new clientele. You'll need to know someone or make a reservation.
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Review from Sean L.
North York, ON
7/6/2010
This restaurant is situated several stores down from a KFC but don't let the locale fool you. The place is run by a true Japanese family and the price is fair especially for an uptown meal. I've had the Omakase twice and both times it was a pleasant experience. The quality was above average and you could see the level of care that is placed on each dish. Check it out!
