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Rikishi Japanese Restaurant
Category: Restaurants Japanese Japanese [Edit]
833 Bloor St WToronto, ON M6G 1M1
Neighbourhood: Bickford Park
(416) 538-0760
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
15 reviews for Rikishi Japanese Restaurant
Review Highlights
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"Kim ordered Plum Wine ($4.50) and I selected a Home-made..." In 2 reviews -
"...Japanese Restaurant is definitely a neighbourhood gem." In 3 reviews -
"I lived in japan and my wife is japanese." In 3 reviews
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15 reviews in English
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Review from N L.
Toronto, ON
2/14/2012
I come here regularly and not just because it is in my neighborhood. I think it is one of the best sushi restaurants in Toronto. It is more expensive than many of the places in the Annex, but when you feel like enjoying a great Japanese meal, this is an excellent choice.
There are also usually several vegetarian options on special. -
Review from Lana K.
Toronto, ON
11/24/2011
I can't get why this place is 4,5 stars rated. I checked it on yelp and had a date there. Oh, it was horrible! The smell inside, the interior, the sticky table... The food was okay, but the price imo is too high for what they offer.
The service was friendly indeed and plum wine was good. But the rest I didn't like at all. -
Review from Zoe R.
5/3/2011
Veg-friendly, good-tasting, and the service was lovely :)
My companion and I just had supper there, and were surprised to find a completely Veg-friendly menu! Complete with gobo/burdock root, hijiki, and inari zushi appetizers. They also have a vegetarian Bento box - $13.95, which comes with about 5 or 6 different vegetarian items.
Loved the burdock root dish, warm and tasty.
They had plum wine, but didn't know what I meant when I told them that I wanted the carbonated version of plum wine.
I wondered if they had any family in Japan, that were affected by the quake. Every person working there, was Japanese. Cute Japanese mannerisms.
We had a good time, and tipped well. It's Tuesday night, and business seemed slow. If they were on Yonge street, their service would be bustling that much more.
Prices were good. For 2 ppl, we spent $59 plus tip.
Only somewhat minor complaint, is that my companion wished for more of the straight sushi filler, and not as much filling gelatinous rice...
I'd go back. Esp. w/ some veggie folk, and of course some omnivorous ones :)
~~~~~
btw, wikipedia explains Rikishi as:
Literally, Strong man. The most common term for a professional sumo wrestler, although sumōtori is sometimes used instead. See in Japanese.Listed in: Colour me Multi-Ethnic…
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Review from WaYnE c.
Maple, ON
3/21/2011
While I began to doze-off faintly over-hearing my Friend murmur of the What-zakaya opening few blocks East of Rikishi, I ponder if fate will bring the same Izayaka Trend from the Westcoast which left the more Traditional Sushi establishments in its wake. Sympathy sets in slightly(not completely since I know one Yelper will keep all sushi-bars afloat on her own :P )...
Upon our final Attendee taking her seat, I woke from my dreams to realize my place in this setting that doesn't exactly shine with excitement but has enough Japanese feel to it. I think of it as Old Motel feel with Japanese tidbits scattered. Most notably it's the Japanese crew that kept it that low profile Japanese element.
While the Menu does incorporate new local tastes and diets(i.e. Vegetarian), it is still visible to see the old-school mentality, cooking methods, preparation and presentation. The Nigiri Sushi was prepared by an experienced set of hands is held true, making it attract the limited clientele that understands and appreciates the Traditional methods.
Oshi Sushi(Pressed Sushi) was something that has always attracted me from cookbooks to television specials. The aesthetics of a perfectly done Oshi Sushi is so appealing that it can be a form of Art. I acknowledge that I might have over expected the same quality from Rikishi. The Salmon version could have done better, at least to portion it to Nigiri bite-size. Lucky 8 rather than 5 preferred.
It might not be one of the top Japanese Meals I've had but one thing I did admire was the Chef's Nigiri forming technique and the way he seasoned the Sushi Rice was flavourful. Other than that, I didn't experience more joy than usual. Maki's were oooookay too. Solid 3'd.
Tempura, Tako-sumisu, Sansai-suoroshi,
Yaki-nasu, Renkon-hasamiage, Sushi Deluxe,
Spicy Salmon roll, Spicy Scallop roll.
Authenticity does bring memories for those that wish to remember...Listed in: Oishii
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Review from Denise S.
12/11/2010
Please eat here so that it doesn't go out of business!! I can't understand how this gem of a Japanese restaurant has gone so long without proper recognition. Last time I went on a Saturday night, there was only one other table. This makes me sad.
I found out about this restaurant from a Japanese friend. I think part of the reason it's so quiet is because of the somewhat awkward location... West of Christie, it's just outside of Koreatown and it's East of Ossington before the Bloor strip gets busier. The area around RIkishi consists of mostly Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurants, video rentals, and convenience stores.
Anyways, the FOOD!! It's amazing and you can find a lot of authentic Japanese dishes that you won't get elsewhere -- e.g. natto (if that's your thing), pressed sushi (comes in these cool cube shapes). We opted to order a bunch of small dishes to share, like tapas. It's more expensive to order this way (instead of the sets or bentos), but great for variety. We had black cod terikyaki, mushrooms foilyaki (buttery goodness...), eggplant with ginger and bonito flakes, tempura soba, Rikishi udon, grilled saba with miso sauce, gyoza, lotus root croquettes and some maki rolls... Everything was beautifully presented, fresh, and oishii (delicious!!).
Also, there is a separate vegetarian menu with a lot of choices.
The space is pretty plain, with some posters of Japanese art. We got the private tatami room which was cozy. Service was attentive and polite. Our waitress made sure our tea cups never went empty!
We paid $95 (incl. tax but not tip, didn't order any alcohol) for 4 people, which I thought was extremely reasonable for dinner and for such great food. The portions for the appetizers/sharing dishes are very small though, so I would recommend ordering a few to start and keeping a menu at the table in case you want to add more.
Excellent, authentic Japanese dining experience!! Please see for yourself!Listed in: Oishii!
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Review from Jennifer K.
Markham, ON
4/9/2011 20 photos
I am having this strange feeling... I am on a MISSION to try out all the Japanese restaurants in GTA...
Which lead me to Rikishi Japanese Restaurant - a nice little restaurant... Super Friendly Smiley Waitress who kept asking me zillions of time if I ready to order... even when I told her we are a party of 3....and I sitting alone waiting....waiting.... waiting....
Love the separate Vegetarian Menu...It will make coming here with my Veggie Hot Date enjoyable as the questions of "if any thing being harm to cook this dish?" redundant.
The Tapas style Appetizer were quite interesting... the one I like the most is the Renkon-hasamiage (Tempura style lotus roots). I felt like I am eating some comfort food... excellent texture and with a tad of sweetness... taste much better than Tempura Yam.
Sushi Deluxe served the traditional way... the fresh fish went well with the shari rice... No funky strange rolls or sushi... solid nigiri sushi
Spicy Salmon/Spicy Scallop Roll which was the only request Roma has for the night were nicely done! We ended up making her share her rolls with us and forced her to eat everything else but the Tako-sumisu (Octopus)... (at least this Octopus is not alive!! not moving...)
Oshi Sushi with Salmon made me think of takeout food... small and compact and ready to go... all you need to do is pop it in your mouth whenever you desire... I wish the Chef would have cut that into smaller bite size pieces...
Rikishi Japanese Restaurant is definitely a neighbourhood gem! Definitely give it a try if you are in the area! -
Review from Yang J.
North York, ON
5/14/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I found this little place thanks to all of you fellow Yelpers who have come here and reviewed it before.
I have to say this is currently, for me, "THE" place in Toronto to have Japanese food. Made by a Japanese chef, the food quality is absolutely amazing. If you have been going to a bunch of run-of-the-mill type Japanese restaurants, I strongly advise you to visit Rikishi's, they will redefine how you see Japanese food :)
And for those who get this next line....
All my fives are belong to this :) -
Review from Daniel Q.
Toronto, ON
3/31/2011
Rikishi has been a family favourite for us for 20 years. On special occasions when we are in the mood for sushi we head over there. My mom can get quite adventurous. It's been the same chef for 20 years. He works meticulously at every dish. The quality is great. We seem to have a different server every time but they are always polite and informed. Have some time to spare when you visit. They have a room at the back that is great for a date to the right of the sushi bar.
Favourite: Uni SushiListed in: Best Sushi
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Review from Amy L.
8/19/2011
My foodie friend, Alfonso, recommended Rikishi to me as a great place to have Japanese food. I read in one of the Yelp reviews that even though Rikishi is one of the best Japanese restaurants out there, it's extremely underrated and not too many people know of its existence. Aware of that, I wasn't at all surprised when I noticed there were only three tables occupied (including ours) during the entire 1.5 hours that Kim and I were there.
Situated on Bloor, in between Ossington and Christie Station, you can find the cozy, modest and inviting Rikishi. With many Japanese memorabilia present, it was definitely a good feeling to know that more traditional and authentic Japanese restaurants still stand in this city of overly saturated mediocre Japanese establishments. The sushi chef has been serving fresh, delectable sushi for a number of years at this same location. This little establishment has survived at least two decades- I don't know about you, but that clearly says something to me. The lady who served us was lovely and sweet, which made our experience all that more pleasant.
I confess that I committed a foodie sin by having ordered a bento. Although I was contemplating about getting the Sushi Deluxe ($19.50), I succumbed to the enticing value that Special Combo A ($17.50) could provide me with. I was incredibly hungry and I just couldn't pass on the Miso soup, garden salad, California roll, Nigiri, Salmon Teriyaki, and Tempura set for only $17.50. To critique a chef's level of technique and food preparation, it's almost always best to order what the chef is specifically skilled in. In this case, it would be sushi- consisting of "simple" and minimal ingredients. I did have two pieces of nigiri (salmon and tuna) in my order so I was at least able to try a few pieces of sushi prepared by the chef. In all honesty, I did expect more quality wise, coming into Rikishi. I did find the fish fresh and soft but the rice was more on the soggy side. The salmon teriyaki was tasty and I loved how the skin was crispy and smoky.
My friend also ordered the same special but with Chicken Teriyaki. Her pieces of sashimi were small but I think that as long as they taste good, then that outweighs quantity. In addition to Bentos, we also ordered Agedashi Tofu ($4), which is basically fried tofu served in a hot tentsuyu broth and garnished with green onions. I only found this appetizer to be average as I've had better age tofu. I found them to be slightly too starchy and not fried long enough. Kim ordered Plum Wine ($4.50) and I selected a Home-made Orange Yogurt Cheesecake ($4). I have to say the dessert fell short as I couldn't taste much of the orange flavour. Despite the lack of orange, it's still a nice cheesecake except I would remove orange from the name.
In case you weren't able to follow and are completely lost about my review (haha), Rikishi serves good authentic Japanese food but it depends on what items you order. If you do decide to visit, it may be ideal to ask the waitress for recommendations in order to optimize your dinner experience there. Even though Rikishi is a little out of the way, I would probably come back for their Sushi Deluxe, Chirashi Don, or Oshizushi!Listed in: Japanese Restaurants
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Review from Sarah O.
Toronto, ON
7/19/2011
It really pains me so to see this place so empty even though I've only been there twice and both times were take out. If I were super popular, I'd invite all my friends to this place.
From the exterior, it looks pretty rundown. The interior isn't much prettier but it's cozy. The service is very polite and friendly. My Japanese isn't the greatest but I could hear the language of my distant roots being spoken in the back.
I didn't feel guilty for ordering solely vegetarian sushi (unlike a particular sushi snob chef in Newmarket, there is no shame in ordering vegetables). They have a good selection of vegetarian rolls and appetizers. I had to order the kinpira gobo since it's one of my all-time favourites! I know that it's pretty difficult to prepare (or my mom's a liar) so I appreciate when a place has this! It was sliced thinner than tiny matchsticks and tasted oh so good!
I've ordered the vegetable tempura roll, shiitake roll and probably something else but my memory is like a sieve. All had a nice flavour to the rice though it fell apart when I tried to stuff it into my big mouth (I'm not the most graceful sushi-eater). I think maybe a tiny bit less rice would be better.
I was originally going to give this place 4 stars but I think their friendly staff, the good prices and the fact that this place seems to desperately need more customers, I'm giving it the 5-star treatment (for those who just look at stars and don't like to read my babbling review). -
Review from Amy P.
Toronto, ON
4/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love Rikishi. It is a true 'hidden gem'. I used to ride my bike by it all the time and think "ew, I wouldn't want to go for sushi there" - proving once again you should never judge a book by its cover, or a restaurant by its faded sign and dated decor. MyJapanese friends recommended it as one of their favourites in the city so we tried it and were delighted. It seems to be a small family run place with a grandfather-like figure who makes all the sushi. My friend said it reminds him of a true Japanese neighbourhood sushi house. The sushi is fresh and fantastic. They have a whole vegetarian sushi menu too. It's not fancy - but delicious, friendly, affordable, and homey.
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Review from Jen K.
Toronto, ON
4/12/2010
I really can't figure out how Rikishi stays in business.
Located on Bloor just west of Christie Pits, it seems that every time I pass by this poorly advertised locale, it is empty. No one goes in and no one ever comes out. Contained within a relatively drab row of retailers a block away from Ossington, from the exterior, Rikishi certainly does not dazzle.
Finally, despite my fears of Hepatis A and food poisoning, I just had to try it.
What I found inside was a pleasant surprise. While the decor is simple, the place felt authentic. Waitresses dressed in traditional Japanese garb, a grey haired chef slicing up sushi in the back and walls decorated with pictures of sumo wrestlers all around.
How apt.
Rikishi means sumo in Japanese.
The food was authentic and delicious. Dined with someone who had been in Japan and he said this was quite close to how they do it. I ordered a bento box with salmon teryaki. The fish was of excellent quality and extremely fresh. Paired with a small helping of steamed white rice and vegetable rolls, it was pretty close to perfect.
This place stands in stark contrast to the student filled dime-a-dozen sushi places down the street in the Annex, but costs double the price.
Worth the experience. -
Review from Medhat S.
Toronto, ON
11/7/2008
This is my favourite sushi restaurant in Toronto: not flashy, but consistently excellent food for a reasonable price. I think it walks right down the middle between a place like Sushi on Bloor (cheap, fast and a bit crap at times) and Hiro Sushi (expensive, slow and classy).
Interesting fact: I must have been here several dozen times over the last several years, but have never had the same waitress twice. Some kind of exchange program with Japanese students? That's our most popular theory. -
Review from Soobey S.
Toronto, ON
1/30/2011
Rikishi is a rare and unique gem. It has been there for ages, despite seemingly to never be very busy. Very out of date reviews from the late 80's or 90's appear on the wall suggesting that at one point, this place was actually on the world's radar.
I lived in japan and my wife is japanese. Rikikshi is the only restaurant in Toronto that actually makes us feel like we are in Japan (given that everytime we are there it is only my wife, chef, and waitress, making me the only non-japanese person,that probably contributes to this feeling). Its not like a fancy restaurant in Japan, but rather exactly like one of the numerous neighborhood sushi spots found near every japanese subway station outside of the downtown district. Its a bit pricey and the portions are smaller than most (just like in Japan) but the quality and authenticity are there - and that's what we're paying for in the end. This is a great place that should be more popular. It's really a bit mystifying as to why it is not better known. -
Review from miss n.
Toronto, ON
3/30/2010
This is definitely my favourite Japanese/Sushi place in the neighbourhood.
I like it because the food is fresh and tasty, service is fantastic, and it's never full. I'm never quite sure how they stay in business because whenever I go, there's never more than 2 tables seated.
