Omakase Counter
Roughly twenty pieces, paced by the chef. There is no other way to eat here.
Japanese · Harbord Village
Yasu
Toronto’s first omakase-only counter, and still one of its calmest rooms
JapaneseHarbord Village, Toronto$$$$Details being confirmed
The review
Yasu was the first proper omakase counter in Toronto and remains one of the few where the pacing feels right. Twelve seats, one seating, roughly twenty pieces handed over the counter as they are made.
The fish is the argument. Aged tuna here is properly aged, and the difference between that and fresh-cut is immediately obvious. Uni, when it is good, is the best single bite of the night. There is no menu to navigate and no decisions to make, which is a large part of the appeal.
Honest notes: it is expensive, seatings are fixed, and there is no flexibility if you are late. It is also not a group restaurant. Come as two, on time, hungry.
What to order
Aged Tuna
The house does real ageing, and the difference is not subtle.
Uni
When it is good it is the best single bite of the night.
What works
- Fish sourcing is exceptional
- Genuinely calm, unhurried room
- Chef interaction without performance
What doesn’t
- Expensive
- Fixed seatings, no flexibility
- Not a place for a large group
Verdict
Book the counter, arrive on time, say yes to everything.