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Etsu Japanese Restaurant
Categories: Restaurants Japanese Restaurants Korean Japanese, Korean [Edit]
45 Baldwin StreetToronto, ON M5T 1L1
Neighbourhood: Downtown Core
(416) 599-4200
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 10:30 pm
Sat 12 pm - 10 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
30 reviews for Etsu Japanese Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"The roll sets (my favorite: spicy roll set." In 3 reviews -
"Service was very attentive and quick." In 3 reviews -
"...the ceramic paper crane chopstick holders, the waitress in..." In 3 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Precilla C.
Scarborough, ON
I bought a travel zoo voucher for Etsu awhile back, and it was a great deal! I hardly ever eat Japanese food downtown, but Etsu has a pretty good reputation in the Baldwin Village. I've previously been here for lunch once, and I was looking foward to trying out dinner.
Our package included a cup of tea. Oddly enough, they don't have the typical green tea, and instead have offerings like Earl Grey, honey ginger tea, and peppermint. I went with Earl Grey, but it was an odd match with the food.
We both started with miso soup and my bf's order included a wakame (seaweed) salad. The salad was very nice and refreshing.
I got the Seoul combo, which started with a kimchi trio instead of the salad. I love kimchi and I really liked that there was a variety.
Our shared appetizer was a sushi pizza- deep fried rice crisp with fresh toppings: salmon, onions, green pepper, and fish roes ($8.95). I loved the thick slices of avocado that topped the pizza. It was a little hard to eat all the components together because the toppings fell off very easily, but everything was delicious.
The rest of my Seoul kalbi combo ($20.95) featured 6 pieces of kalbi, 6 pieces of sushi, and 6 pieces of tempura. I loved my platter of food, but my only complaint was that the sushi became a little warm because it was sitting too close to all the hot food. The kalbi was juicy and tender. I had no complaints at all. But the best part was definitely the tempura, because Etsu uses unconventional ingredients. I couldn't identify half of the battered vegetables that I was eating, but everything was fresh and delicious. My favourite was the banana tempura, which worked remarkably well with the savoury dipping sauce.
My bf opted for Narita sushi and sashimi combo ($20.95) which came with 10 pieces of sashimi, six pieces of sushi, and six pieces of tempura. Everything was fresh and tasty. Both combos came with a bowl of rice, but there was so much food that I couldn't eat much of it at all!
We ended the meal with a small scoop of espresso ice cream. I was happy with the small portion as I was absolutely stuffed at this point. It was the perfect sweet ending to our feast!
I have no regrets in buying the voucher. $29 was a fantastic deal for all that delicious food! I wouldn't drive all the way downtown just to eat at Etsu, but it's a great option if you're around the Baldwin Village area.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/27/2011
I've heard a lot of good things about Etsu in Baldwin Village, so I was quite excited to finally… Read more »
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
11/13/2011
Etsu off the main Dundas street on the Baldwin strip gives itself even more mystique.
As you peek your head through the Garden entrance into it's own intriguing Wonderland that features Japanese cuisine.
The theme continues within it's doors not to the extent that it falsifies itself as being on Japanese soil.
Those little PAPER CRANE chopstick holders were a fine touch if not a conversation starter.
We actually tested them out by ordering Cold Soba($7.95).
They past the test and was quite enthused to provide assistance.
It's routine Cold Soba within the Toronto realm.
Unless you search for authentic made ones, it's as good as anywhere else.
Black Dragon($9.95) Etsu($10.95) Fire Mountain($7.95)
Makisushi of Western flavour even as such was overly covered sauced.
The sauce coats the tongue leaving very little surface area to taste the rest.
I have a weird feeling that I should have ordered the Korean food instead.
Why else would there be Korean fare on the Menu?
How many Japanese chefs have you seen cooking Korean food?
Benefit of the doubt.Listed in: Oishii
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Review from Hilary S.
8/16/2011 7 photos
Oooh yay! I'm a big fan!
Everything about this place screams cute! The cozy dining room, the outside area, the art on the walls, the ceramic paper crane chopstick holders, the waitress in a kimono, the glass furniture...
There are so many perfect little details in this restaurant...like everything mentioned above, and the subtly curved chopsticks (to help you nab that elusive piece of slippery fish), or the water (I asked the waitress--they have oranges, lemons, limes, kiwis, strawberries, and more sitting in the water jug...so the water smells of fruit, but tastes like water), the beautifully bound menus...
So what if this place is a bit pricier (I actually thought it really wasn't pricey at all--the portions are large)? So what if it's not authentic?
It's the perfect restaurant experience, really down to the last detail.Listed in: FAVSIES, Date, don't rape, Asian Food
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Review from Velshin C.
11/19/2011
Consistently delicious rolls (mainly uramaki) and often tasty nigiri and sashimi. The age tofu (sorry, no dashi) is beautifully deep fried with a tempura sprinkling (not just cornstarch). The miso soup, while almost certainly from a package, is good quality stuff and its heat contrasts wonderfully with the chill of the sushi.
Particularly nice are the salmon, hamachi, and scallops. The variety of fish is not as diverse as Japango or other sushi places, but the quality is higher, and the rolls huge, yummy, and filling.
The ton katsu is good, one of the nicer ones I've had outside of Japan, but nothing to brag about. The tempura yam roll is sweet and tasty.
The service can be slow as they often have only one waitress to serve the usually packed restaurant. She's super nice, helpful, and efficient though.
Overall this place consistently delivers a delicious sushi experience -- a rarity in Toronto. I always look forward to going back! -
Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
10/24/2011 7 photos
If I going to rate Etsu based on their washroom facilities, I would have give Etsu a close to 5 star rating!! Their washrooms are so clean, smell so good (fl orally), so modern (Japanese style help you clean everything?).
If I going to rate Etsu based on their food, I would have give Etsu barely a 3 star. The presentation were good, but all the rolls we ordered just drowned in Mayonnaise, every single roll we ordered.
Black Dragon ($9.95), Etsu ($10.95) and Fire Mountain ($7.95) all tasted similar.. which was kind of disappointing.
Cold Soba ($7.95) was pretty good though.
If I going to rate Etsu based on their decor and services, I would give them a 4 stars. Great friendly and attentive service (though we were the only table there on a Saturday evening!).
So at the end of the meal, I could just rate Etsu as a 3 star. It is a solid 3 star though!
Lunch Specials maybe? -
Review from Jackie P.
Toronto, ON
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came here on a recommendation from my sister. She has always been the sushi baron in the family. No lie, if she could she would eat it everyday for every meal. A few months ago she told me about Etsu. Right when she said it was on Baldwin I immediately hesitated. Cardinal rule...If there's a row of more than 6 restaurants slowly walk away. I know there's always the exception, but usually if you have a crowded, over saturated area that has become touristy the food doesn't deliver. But hey, this was a recommendation from my sister herself so I decided to put the rule away and hope for the exception.
On first impression, Etsu was doing pretty good. They have a great patio, sheltered by bushes and flowers. The restaurant is minimal in regards to decoration but it's clean and modern looking. The service was sweet. My waitress hardly spoke any English but she did her best and was very kind. A little slow, but I wasn't in a rush.
I ordered some sashimi, a green salad and the Etsu special role. The green salad was tiny, the sashimi not very flavorful or fresh and the Etsu role covered in mayo. I mean drenched. I couldn't even see the sushi. It was inedible. They were very kind to take it back and try again.
Overall, I wasn't impressed with the sushi offerings or the quality. Even looking at what my friend ordered I wasn't inclined to order something else off the menu. I bumped this up to a 3 star because the staff were hard working and tried to fix the roll, but the fish didn't sing and when you're eating raw fish that's the one thing I've come to expect. I hate to say it, but sis, you've lost your touch. -
Review from Vivek S.
I'll admit it, I was a little bit nervous when I was greeted by a Brobdingnagian yet gently rotating fish acting as an inflatable glowing concierge to this Baldwin Street Japanese joint. But one step inside and my doubts were allayed. Etsu is one of the more stylish spaces on this restaurant strip, with richly-coloured wood floors, glass-and-metal four-tops and some pretty far out artwork. Seated beneath a deep focus photograph of something that resembled a dessicated horse's skull, my three dining companions and I cracked open the impressive menu.
There are a variety of sushi and bento options. Since the owners are Korean, there are plenty of Korean offerings as well including the Sam Kye Tang soup -- a whole-chicken soup which must be ordered 24 hours in advance!
Crippled by the options, we settled on the dinner for four. For fifty-five dollars in total we received: miso soup, an amazing salad, a plate of tempura goodies, an enormous sushi boat, chicken AND beef teriyaki with rice, and green tea ice cream for dessert. It was a humbling amount of food and all of it delicious.
Obligatory Title Pun: I bETS U'll like it!
Menu Readability: Seriously, one of the best menus I have ever seen in a Japanese restaurant.
Need to mention: The dessicated horse's skull isn't as scary as I make it sound.
What this place teaches me about myself: I have a mean sesquipedalian streak sometimes. -
Review from Keidi K.
First of I was so psyched to have found Baldwin street, I stumbled upon it about 4 years ago and couldn't remember what it was called or any of the vendors on the street to google, I just knew it was this super cute street that I really wanted to go to again.
I went here with my sister in her break in between classes, the decor is super awesome, the art is beautiful and fits in. There are no random pieces here or mismatched colors. I love those glass looking chairs!
So when I opened the fancy menu I was shocked that the prices were so low, even though we had missed the lunch specials by an hour or so the prices were still reasonable.
We weren't in the mood for sushi (SHOCK!) so we went for the Korean part in the menu.
Delish!!!
ps. It's not 5 star because I wouldn't drive specifically to this place but I'll definitely make a stop if I'm close by. -
Review from Cecilia M.
Mississauga, ON
6/7/2011 11 photos
This is my Baldwin back-up when Konnichiwa is packed or closed. :P
The food is okay. As others have mentioned, not very authentic. I think their strong suit are the rolls. Great roll combos on their lunch menu. Tempura is pretty good too. Otherwise, noodles and other dishes are okay.
They are not as pricey as their neighbour, Konnichiwa - but if you looking for a cheaper option and if your crowd isn't too picky with Japanese cuisine - Etsu is a good choice. -
Review from Kat T.
8/29/2010
I went to Etsu for a quick lunch with a friend. We both got one of the lunch specials, which perhaps isn't as much food as some quick bento places in the hood, but by the end, I was stuffed. I did have room for the slice of watermelon, though.
The spicy lunch set was my hands down choice. I couldn't believe how good this was. It is not macerated tuna and salmon mixed with a lot of filler, no this is actual slices of fish with additional spicy sauce and tempura bits rolled in. The number of slices is plenty- 2 rolls, large pieces and soup, salad and watermelon/fruit dessert.
I can't get it out of my mind. This is a few dollars more than the other places around, but the atmosphere and the service and taste are more than worth it. -
Review from Jennifer M.
Toronto, ON
10/4/2010
4.5 stars
The hunt for a new sushi place to call home took us to Etsu for Sunday night dinner. We were really impressed.
Our kimono-clad server was attentive, polite, friendly and even humored my SO as he practiced his Japanese on her. Our food came quickly, and was warm and delicious.
I had Vegetable Udon Soup which was pretty standard but good. my SO had Chicken Katsu Don which he enjoyed. We split an unassuming Hamachi Roll and his more ostentatious cousin, the Volcano Roll. (someone else has already shared a photo of it). The waitress actually giggled when she saw our expression.
The atmosphere and little details definitely receive bonus points. Nice, comfortable, clean with stylish tables and chairs. Finally NON-DISPOSABLE actual chopsticks (!!!!!) and little chopstick holders. Our table had little flower ohashi-oki's, the table next to us had little cranes. Solid, large tea cups with constant refills. Quality dishware.
Extra Bonus points for fun Japanese toilets, enormous Sushi Boats, and hand cream and mouthwash in the washrooms. Constant tea refills, good service, good food.
Definitely elevated to go-to status. Yes our meal was $10 more than we used to pay, but it is well worth it. If you can make it here during lunch, the lunch specials were much better than anything in the Y&B neighborhood.
Too cold at the moment, but there is a cute patio.Listed in: Associasian Eats, Sushi!!
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Review from Alek L.
11/25/2010
I took a friend to Etsu after reading lots of good reviews here. Was craving sushi for a while and it seemed like a good alternative to the existing and boring sushi offer in the city.
Service was good. The place feels clean, has nice glass tables and really cool & promising menus. We went for the sushi only - haven't tried their Korean part of the menu. Salmon sushi was satisfying. Rolls were just barely OK. (tried 4 different types). Far from that melting feeling in your mouth that always keeps you craving for more and more.
In the end we concluded that we could have the same amount and quality of food for a twice the less price in, let's say, New Gen. Maybe we wouldn't have the service, and the decent pair of chopsticks... but... for sushi I wouldn't come back here. I know it sounds silly, but I don't like to pay 2$ for a tiny bowl of miso soup made from cheap powder...let's be real, in other places at least it comes for free as soon as you sit down and even with salad on top!
Oh, and the music was atrocious!! Doesn't have to be super-upbeat but please at least put something that won't make people asleep ;) -
Review from Sarah O.
Toronto, ON
1/21/2011
Etsu's food isn't authentic Japanese but hey man, I'm not going to fault them. The waitress who was dressed in a kimono was very attentive and quick (and believe me, moving around in one of those things ain't easy).
My friend and I ordered 3 different veggie rolls (asparagus, tempura yam and vegetable futomaki). They're all reasonably priced ($4.99 on average). I had the agedashi tofu which was delightfully crispy and tasty in a thick teriyaki-like sauce. The veggie rolls could've used more flavour on the rice.
I liked the cute little Japanese-designed wallet that the bill came in at the end. nice touch, etsu, nice touch! -
Review from Aaron B.
7/29/2010
I'd really give this place 4.5 stars, because I've been to better places in other cities. But this is probably one of the best overall places I've been in Toronto and I keep coming back so I'll bend on the nice side. I've had lots of different things here: tempura, unajyu, sushi negiri, sushi rolls, hand rolls, teriyaki, fried crab, etc. All good. Meals come with miso soup that's pretty good and also both ice cream and watermelon for dessert. Actually I wouldn't recommend the unajyu (aka unagi don aka eel on a bed of rice) because the eel wasn't fresh...that's probably just too hard to come by in Toronto. However, if you've never been to California or Japan then this is probably the best unajyu you would've ever had.
Part of what makes Etsu good is not just the good food but the good value. I've had meals here for $20 that are far better than what I've paid $40 at other places in Toronto. I find the service is very good, though I've only been serviced by either this one Japanese girl (great for impressing people with my Japanese chops) or the owner/manager...who is not Japanese. One time I was there quite late and he was really nice and served my friends and I three different flavors of ice cream and really showed that service doesn't have to be bad or rude...a lesson that other places in Toronto should learn.
There are even little nuances like the chopsticks and oki (chopstick rests) and the tables and decor in general that make this place a cut above competitors on Queen St or, well, anywhere I've been around town. So I'll keep coming back since I have never been disappointed with this place and I am regularly disappointed with most places I go in Toronto. -
Review from Dishan W.
Updated - 11/14/2010 12 Check-ins Here
I still frequent Etsu, and having tried out their various non-sushi/japanse offerings I still have high praise for it. Their bibimbap is amazing although I prefer the dolsot one a lot more than the fast cooling "non-dolsot" bibimbap. And their cold soba dish with a cold soup you use for dip is tons of fun to eat especially since they supply you with a kitchen knife to cut off the long noodles.
Noodle eating had never been that much and easy since I could just chop off any overhang there was :)
Their service is still very friendly even if you're there for take out, they always offer you hot tea and 5 - 6 "thank you" and "good bye" when you leave (don't you just hate it when customers continue exiting without acknowledging the staff when they put that much of an effort?)
Just thought I'd put that in there so you're not afraid to try out their non-Japanese options as well!
Also make sure to enjoy complimentary fruit at the end of your meal!!Listed in: You need to Baldwin Village it…, itadakimasu!!, Cheap Good Food Around UofT, I love Korean!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/6/2010
This really is as good as a sushi restaurant can get (at those that serve up a good amount of food… Read more »
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Review from Leeor J.
7/24/2010
This is now my goto sushi place in Toronto. They have a great roll menu. Ever since I moved back to Toronto from California, I have been missing really good rolls. Those ones with the crazy sauces on them! This place has them. Highlights are rik's roll, the spicy tuna roll, and all the dragon rolls (red, green, and black).
The other main attraction there is on the a la carte menu: the saba. This is fresh mackerel they bath in a Chilean white wine for several days. It's a dream! Imagine herring in white wine to the power of infiinity! the texture is perfect. Sweet. succulent. delicious! my only complaint is that they have been out of it my last 2 visits!
You also get tonnes of freebies here. miso soup, salad, and a fruit desert. Sometimes they even bring you complimentary ice cream too. The service is just excellent. -
Review from Lev F.
Toronto, ON
5/4/2010
Finally! A decent pair of chopsticks, unlike those jagged edged axe hacked oversized toothpicks you find in 99% of all "Japanese" places.
Anyways, everything the other reviewers wrote is true. A very elegantly decorated place, friendly and attentive staff, unobtrusive ambient music, skilfully made and presented food (I've tried among other things Unagi and Fire Mountain maki rolls and Salmon sashimi, which were I would say on a 4 out of 5 stars level), etc.
What I wanted to draw your attention to though is the Mackerel sashimi. I don't remember where I read it before, but somebody said that it was one of the best mackerel he/she ever tried. So I decided to check it for myself. And oh boy did it blew me away! It's unlike any mackerel I've ever tried before. The easiest way to describe it is what a friend of mine did, by comparing it to pickled herring. Only it was like 50 times better! In fact we were so impressed that I decided to ask the owner what the secret was and (surprisingly) he went so far as to tell us all the details. I don't know if I should reveal all of their secrets, but basically they soak the mackerel in a certain Chilean semi-dry wine (btw it's a 30$ bottle in an LCBO store), let it sit there for a couple of days and then slice and serve it. Definitely a star of the show and a must have if you ask me.
Pricewise it's not the cheapest place out there, but honestly for what you get at this place, it's worth every penny. And that is even before counting in the extras: a salad and a miso soup as appetizers and a ginger or a green tea ice-cream and the traditional diced orange for dessert. Definitely a go-back-to place. -
Review from Jing W.
Toronto, ON
10/20/2011
Went to Etsu last night after finding a local deal, which saved me 50% off the dinner special menu. I was very impressed with both the quality of food and service. The restaurant is also decorated with tasteful modern art pieces, making the dining environment overall very pleasant.
We ordered two dinner specials (sashimi/sushi combo and teriyaki beef combo) and a sushi pizza as appetizer. Food came quickly and the waitress was very attentive.
Both and sashimi and teriyaki beef tasted way better than what you'd get in your usual bento affair. For once, the beef was flavourful and non-rubber like. What are the words I'm looking for?....oh yah, soft and buttery. Whoohoo for yummy teriyaki beef!!
I'll be a returning customer. :) -
Review from Sandra T.
Toronto, ON
Updated - 7/6/2011
My husband and I are in love with this charming little place ... it has now become our go-to place for sushi *heart* - thanks yelp :)
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/30/2011
The water is amazing!!!! Its not regular water ... its fruit infused water ... try it!!!!!
We were… Read more »
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Review from Taco B.
Toronto, ON
2/4/2011
On a blistering cold day all I wanted was a big bowl of tasty carbs. Etsu certainly delivered on the carbs, less so on the tasty.
I ordered the dolsot bibimbap with tofu. From what I can tell neither the tofu nor the beef versions come up with a fried egg (??!!!?!) which may have explained much of the lack of flavour. The tofu was deep fried and bland, the veg were fine but did I mention it was bland?? Stone bowl was appropriately hot and the rice crisped up nicely.
Service was very attentive and quick. Didn't try the Japanese side of the menu but other people got Bento boxes and rolls which look good.
One highlight though: they serve homemade ginger ice cream which was a surprising and tasty dessert.
Most of the lunch specials are $8.99 which is on the upper end of lunch specials, but the whole experience didn't leave me feeling ripped off. I would =pass on coming here again and try somewhere else. -
Review from Susan G.
4/18/2010 2 photos
This is my new favorite sushi restaurant in Baldwin Village!
Having eaten at all of them (all 5?) at one time or another, Etsu is really the star. I talked to one of the watiers when it first opened, and he mentioned they "knew they had a lot of competition and were trying to do something different", and they certainly have.
The food is really great, and the servings are the perfect size. The roll sets (my favorite: spicy roll set!) come with upwards of 20 pieces, and is priced at $8ish for lunch, and $14ish for dinner. If you decide to spring for dinner, they will bring you lovely rose-water tea once you've finished your meal.
The service here is really great too - the staff are very attentive, but not over the top. I love their attire as well, and that they meet you at the door not only when you arrive, but when you leave!
The decor of the restaurant gives it a very modern, upscale feeling (but for a low price!). There are glass tables, hardwood floors, and cool clear chairs. Also, I've heard that the photography on the walls is all done by the owner, and it is really beautiful (and a nice personal touch). I feel this is a great date spot, especially for a student on a budget!
Since the restaurant just added outdoor seating for the summer months, I'm excited to go back and enjoy a spicy roll set on their patio!
My only complaint about this place is that their salads (specifically: dressing) are not the best I've had - but really that's quite typical for a sushi spot. -
Review from Kelly F.
East York, ON
9/9/2011
I've made it my goal to try every sushi restaurant in downtown Toronto. Today, it was Etsu on Baldwin St. Ooh boy, this is my favourite place yet! They have covered every single aspect you could want in a restaurant. The decor is beautiful, the menus are beautiful, heck even the waitresses are beautiful. My waitress wore a stunning kimono.
The weather was great, so I sat outside on the patio, in the warm sunshine, surrounded by flowers. The presentation of the food was gorgeous too. I got a Bento box with miso soup, salad, 6 California rolls (cucumber and avocado), 6 yam tempura rolls and 5 pieces of tempura (1 shrimp, 4 assorted vegetables). Everything was fresh and absolutely delicious. I had trouble finishing my meal, but I hate wasting sushi, so I managed to finish it. All of this amazing food for only $8.99! I will definitely be going back here again, possibly weekly! ;-p -
Review from Joanne W.
6/23/2010
Not gonna lie, I feel like I've been spoiled with good sushi/Japanese in the past year so comnig to Etsu was a slight disappointment.
The patio was small, and can fit about three 2-seaters per table. This wasn't bad considering it was just my friend and I. The decor was nice - lots of beautiful flowers everywhere, and the table was nicely set up with this cute/adorable ceramic crane that sat in front of you so you can you place your chopsticks. Didn't get to go inside to see how it actually looks like.
Then we order. Lunch specials - not bad. $8.90 per box/dish. Our waitress brings us water. It was already weird when getting the water -- nice glasses; but disgusting tasting. My friend and I looked at each other and we were so confused about what the heck the taste was in the water. I guess a little chalky tasting.
We decide to both order the spicy roll set because everybody was raving about it. The salad comes, and it wasn't good at all. Don't know what it was - but I was not impressed by it. The miso soup was okay - however, a little too hot for my liking. Not only this - the waitress spilled a it of it on my friend.
We get our sushi -- spicy salmon and spicy tuna. Not bad - was quite filling -- especially for lunch. For the price that we're paying, the quality of the sushi was worth it.
Okay food, but I felt like I've had MUCH better food and service.Listed in: OMNOMNOM sushi + sashimi, OMNOMNOMs in Baldwin Village
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Review from Madison D.
Toronto, ON
8/18/2011
After reading so many reviews i was excited to check out this place... not until i got my spicy roll combo for lunch.
worst rolls i've ever had. so much rice, messily packed, and the tuna was literally gross - it wasnt red (ok fine so its another part, maybe the fattier bits), but it just tasted like mushed up tempura bits/spicy sauce with flakes of canned tuna or something. i am so disappointed, even the decent service and decor wont bring me back. ugh. -
Review from Tammy Y.
4/6/2010
Just came back from a tasty lunch (special) here and I must say, I'm glad that there is now a reliable and not-so-pricey Japanese option in this area. Lunch specials are reasonably priced between $7-10 and offer both Japanese and Korean fare, from udon to bulgogi, dynamite rolls to sashimi bentos, there is sure to be something on here to satisfy your palate.
Service is good and the kimonos the waitresses wear aren't quite as cringe-worthy as I have seen in other places. Another nice differentiating tip? The fact that they expertly tie your paper chopstick wrappers into a knot for you to rest your chopsticks on.
Atmosphere is comfortable and inviting. Sushi is tasty and very filling, and thankfully, there is very little rice involved. Sure, you're paying a couple bucks more than our lunch special friends in the Annex, but the overall experience, and food, is better. Dessert is also included (oranges!) and our tea cups were always filled (though the tea could be hotter).
All in all, a strong debut on Baldwin - let's hope they stick around! -
Review from Gord M.
East York, ON
5/12/2010
Good chopsticks, great food, great price.
I had lunch at Etsu today and it was everything I expected and really not a far stretch from previous reviews.
I, too, had the spice roll set lunch special ($8.95 for 14 pieces) and also threw in a 2 pc mackerel on Lev F's advice. Definitely tasty all the way around and a definite must-do again. -
Review from Andie S.
Toronto, ON
2/20/2011
I only came here for lunch so I can only speak to the lunch menu. Etsu is a clean, stylish restaurant with waitstaff in full costume, even at lunch--which comes off a bit odd considering. Lunch bentos are good, although I found nothing really remarkable about them. There is a half and half mix of Korean and Japanese selections on the lunch menu. My colleague complained his Korean dish was somewhat flavorless, but still liked it.
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Review from Tina N.
Toronto, ON
3/11/2011
After reading all the wonderful reviews on Yelp, I decided to give this place a try. First impression was nice, clean, small and cosy. The service was okay but nothing outstanding. My main complaint was with the food. I ordered the sashimi meal where it was well over $10 for a selection of 10 tiny pieces of raw fish (not very generous with their portion sizes) which tasted very bland and chewy. Their maki rolls had too much rice in them which gave it a bit of a dry texture so it wasn't the melt in your mouth kind of sushi. The only highlight for me here was their tempura appetizer which came out with a nice variety of vegetables that were deep fried and came out super crunchy. Conclusion: If you are expecting a true Japanese experience then this is not the place for you.
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Review from Nathan L.
Toronto, ON
This great new sushi restaurant beats all the surrounding Baldwin neighbours, hands down. Etsu is sleek and modern, with fresh flowers and intriguing artwork. The kimono-clad servers are very friendly and efficient, and best of all, the sushi is delicious. I had the spicy tuna/salmon lunch special, which came with 14 pieces for $9, including Miso and salad. Hell of a deal.
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Review from Lina K.
Toronto, ON
1/14/2010
This is my first review and I actually created my profile just to rave about this restaurant!
I know Japanese restaurants are so over done in Toronto, especially along Baldwin, but this one is a gem! The service is fantastic, the atmosphere is calm, yet modern and the food is gorgeous.
I'd highly recommend it to anyone who feels like Japanese/Korean but is sick of the cookie-cutterness of what is predominately around.
