The 8 Best Izakaya Spots in North York
Ranked by a combination of food quality, atmosphere, value, and social media buzz. All prices, addresses, and open/closed status verified May 2026 against Google Places. Looking for ramen instead? See our Best Ramen in North York guide. For a broader view, check the Best Restaurants in North York.
Best Overall
1
Nomé Izakaya
📍 4848 Yonge St, North York (also at Shops at Don Mills)
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30 AM–11 PM, Fri–Sat 11:30 AM–12 AM, Sun 12–10 PM
$1 – $4 per oyster • $12 – $22 per plate
What to Order
The $1 Oysters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the main event — arrive early because it's walk-in only and lines build fast. Beyond oysters, the Japa Burger Sliders and Bulgogi Tacos showcase their Japanese-Korean fusion style. For more Japanese dining, see our sushi guide.
TikTok: @torontofoodie "oyster tower" video (85K views). Reddit r/FoodToronto: "Best oysters in North York" (200+ upvotes). The busiest Tuesday/Wednesday spot in the neighbourhood.
Worth Knowing
$1 oyster nights are walk-in only and lines build fast after 6 PM. Arrive by 5:30 PM on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to avoid the longest waits. They also have a second location at Shops at Don Mills.
Practical Details
Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30 AM–11 PM, Fri–Sat 11:30 AM–12 AM, Sun 12–10 PM
Parking: Street parking on Yonge St
Transit: Sheppard-Yonge Station (TTC Line 1) — 5 min walk
Most Authentic
2
Izakaya Ju
📍 J-Town, 3160 Steeles Ave E, Markham (North York border)
Hours: Tue–Sun 11:30 AM–9:30 PM, closed Mondays
$4 – $10 per skewer • $35 – $55 for Omakase Sets
What to Order
The Charcoal-Grilled Yakitori is the real deal — smoky flavour from real charcoal that gas grills can't replicate. The Grilled Mackerel (Saba) and Teba Gyoza (Stuffed Wings) are the dishes regulars never skip. It feels like a genuine Tokyo neighbourhood bar.
Reddit r/toronto: top comment in "Truly authentic Japanese food" thread (2025). Instagram: featured by @markhameats for "charcoal grill aroma." The gold standard for yakitori in the GTA.
Worth Knowing
Located inside J-Town, a Japanese cultural mall with groceries, bakeries, and specialty shops. Make an afternoon of it. Closed Mondays.
Practical Details
Hours: Tue–Sun 11:30 AM–9:30 PM, closed Mondays
Parking: Free lot at J-Town plaza
Transit: Not directly TTC accessible — best by car or rideshare from Finch Station
Best Vibes
3
ZUI Beer Bar
📍 5649 Yonge St, North York
Hours: Daily 5 PM–2 AM
$3 – $9 per skewer • $15 – $28 per main
What to Order
Order a bucket of Chinese-style BBQ Skewers — lamb, beef, and the must-try Chicken Skin. The Stir-fried Clams and Fried Chicken Knees are the adventurous picks. Pair everything with a pitcher of Japanese beer under their neon lights.
XiaoHongShu (Red): multiple posts tagged "北约克宵夜" (North York Late Night) highlighting neon decor and skewers (1,200+ likes). The most Instagrammable spot on the Yonge strip.
Worth Knowing
The vibe picks up after 10 PM when the neon lights and music create a late-night street food energy. Great for groups. The Chinese-style BBQ skewers are the specialty here, not traditional Japanese yakitori.
Practical Details
Hours: Daily 5 PM–2 AM
Parking: Street parking on Yonge St
Transit: Finch Station (TTC Line 1) — 5 min walk south
Best Late Night
4
Hashi Izakaya
📍 5582 Yonge St, North York
Hours: Daily 5 PM–2:30 AM
$12 – $24 per dish
What to Order
The Creamy Pork Belly is their signature — tender, rich, and the reason regulars keep coming back after midnight. The Salmon Hako Sushi (Torched) is a sleeper hit, and the Taro Chips are the perfect drinking snack.
Google Maps: 4.1 stars (900+ reviews). Recent reviews highlight "best late-night vibes until 2 AM." Open until 2:30 AM — the latest-closing izakaya on the Yonge corridor. A staple for students and night owls.
Worth Knowing
The latest-closing izakaya on the Yonge corridor. A staple for students and night owls. Can get crowded after midnight on weekends, but the wait is usually under 15 minutes.
Practical Details
Hours: Daily 5 PM–2:30 AM
Parking: Street parking on Yonge St
Transit: Finch Station (TTC Line 1) — 8 min walk south
Most Creative
5
Aka-Oni Ramen & Izakaya
📍 633 Silver Star Blvd, Scarborough
Hours: Tue–Sun 11:30 AM–10 PM, closed Mondays
$18 – $35 per dish
What to Order
The Meiji Lava Dessert is their viral star — a molten showpiece that's been featured in multiple "most creative" food videos. The Uni & Caviar Pasta pushes izakaya boundaries into fine-dining territory. Their ramen is also strong — see our ramen guide for how it compares. The Aburi Sushi Platter rounds out a full experience.
YouTube: Keith & Leslie Eats "Most Creative Izakaya in GTA" (40K views). Google Maps: 4.4 stars (1,200+ reviews). Worth the drive to Scarborough for the culinary creativity alone.
Worth Knowing
Worth the drive to Scarborough for the creative menu alone. Closed Mondays. The Meiji Lava Dessert is a must for the table even if you are full.
Practical Details
Hours: Tue–Sun 11:30 AM–10 PM, closed Mondays
Parking: Free plaza lot at 633 Silver Star Blvd
Transit: Not directly TTC accessible — best by car from Scarborough Town Centre
Best Fusion
6
Han Ba Tang
📍 4862 Yonge St, North York
Hours: Mon–Thu 5–11 PM, Fri–Sat 5 PM–12 AM, Sun 4–10 PM
$14 – $26 per dish
What to Order
The Kimchi Fries are the gateway — crispy, spicy, and shareable. The Spicy Pork Tacos and Honeycomb Makgeolli (Korean rice wine served with an actual chunk of honeycomb) are the pairing that made this spot a date-night favourite. If you love the Korean flavours here, see our Korean BBQ guide for more. Cozy, vintage-styled interior seals the deal.
Google Maps: 4.7 stars (2,100+ reviews). Reddit r/askTO: "Best date night North York" recommendation (Jan 2026). TikTok: trending for the Honeycomb Makgeolli presentation.
Worth Knowing
This is Korean-Japanese fusion, not traditional izakaya. The cozy, vintage-styled interior makes it one of the best date-night spots on Yonge. Reservations recommended on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Practical Details
Hours: Mon–Thu 5–11 PM, Fri–Sat 5 PM–12 AM, Sun 4–10 PM
Parking: Street parking on Yonge St
Transit: Sheppard-Yonge Station (TTC Line 1) — 7 min walk north
Most Viral
7
MeNami Udon & Izakaya
📍 5469 Yonge St, North York, ON M2N 5S1
Hours: Sun–Thu 11:30 AM–10 PM, Fri–Sat 11:30 AM–11 PM
$15 – $25 per person • udon bowls $14–$20
What to Order
The Cheese Baked Udon is the dish that earned MeNami its viral moment — thick udon noodles in a creamy sauce, topped with bubbling baked cheese, presented for the table to pull and stretch. The Spicy Cream Seafood Udon and Potato Cream Curry Udon are the deep-cut menu picks. Skewers and small plates round out the izakaya side. For more udon and ramen comparisons, see our ramen guide.
Google Maps: 4.6 stars (4,455 reviews) — the highest review count of any izakaya in North York. TikTok and XiaoHongShu: the cheese udon "pull shot" is a recurring viral format. Yelp: 588 reviews (Apr 2026).
Worth Knowing
Cheese Baked Udon is the table-pull moment — arrives bubbling, pull cheese with a fork. Best value bowl in the neighbourhood at this quality level. Late-night Fri/Sat hours until 11 PM.
Practical Details
Hours: Sun–Thu 11:30 AM–10 PM, Fri–Sat 11:30 AM–11 PM
Parking: Street parking on Yonge St
Transit: Finch Station (TTC Line 1) — 4 min walk south
Most Cozy
8
Mikaku Izakaya Toronto
📍 6180 Yonge St, North York, ON M2M 3X1
Hours: Tue–Sun 5 PM–11 PM, closed Mondays
$20 – $40 per person • small plates $9–$22
What to Order
The Maze Udon is a chef's-special bowl that regulars order automatically. The Cream Cheese Rice Cake, Rose Tteokbokki, and Beef Tartare showcase the menu's playful Korean-Japanese crossover. The Grilled Butter Squid is a sleeper drinking-snack. The vibe is intimate, low-light, ideal for a small group or quiet date.
Google Maps: 4.5 stars (433 reviews). blogTO: featured as a "super cozy" izakaya pick. Quietly building reputation among the Yonge-strip izakaya regulars north of Finch.
Worth Knowing
Closed Mondays. The smallest dining room of any izakaya on this list — reservations strongly recommended for Friday and Saturday. The Maze Udon goes off the menu seasonally; check before ordering.
Practical Details
Hours: Tue–Sun 5 PM–11 PM, closed Mondays
Parking: Street parking on Yonge St + Cummer Ave side streets
Transit: Finch Station (TTC Line 1) — 18 min walk OR Yonge bus to Cummer
What's Trending Right Now
New openings, viral dishes, and recent closures in North York's izakaya scene. Verified May 2026 against Google Places.
Viral Dish
MeNami — The Cheese Baked Udon
5469 Yonge St, North York
The dish behind the lineup. MeNami's Cheese Baked Udon arrives bubbling under a torched cheese crust, designed for the table-pull video. It is now the most-photographed izakaya dish in North York on TikTok and XiaoHongShu, and has helped MeNami reach 4,455 Google reviews (4.6 stars) — the highest of any izakaya in the area.
New Opening
Kuroki Izakaya — Unionville Newcomer
28 South Unionville Ave, Unionville (Markham)
A short drive past the Markham border. Currently 4.6 stars on Google with 358 reviews, gaining traction on Reddit r/Markham for high-quality sashimi and yakitori at a more relaxed pace than the Yonge-strip crowd. Worth the trip if you've already worked through the North York short-list.
Reservation Tip
Nomé Don Mills — Sister Location at Shops at Don Mills
4 O'Neill Rd, North York
The Don Mills-side Nomé takes reservations on OpenTable (4.3 stars / 1,495 reviews) and is much easier to get into on a Tuesday or Wednesday night than the Yonge flagship. Same menu — including the $1 oyster nights — in a quieter, walkable Shops at Don Mills setting. Great if you want the Nomé experience without the walk-in scrum.
Closure Update
Kinka Izakaya North York — Permanently Closed
Was at 4775 Yonge St, North York
The Yonge & Sheppard Kinka location closed permanently in September 2025. Google Places now lists it as Closed Permanently, and Yelp and Uber Eats both confirm. If you've seen older lists pointing here, swap in Nomé Izakaya for the same Yonge & Sheppard area. The Kinka brand still operates other Toronto locations downtown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the best izakaya in North York?
Nomé Izakaya at 4848 Yonge St is the best overall izakaya in North York. Their $1 oyster nights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are legendary, and the Japa Burger Sliders and Bulgogi Tacos round out a lively Japanese-fusion menu. They also have a second location at Shops at Don Mills.
Which izakaya in North York is open late?
Hashi Izakaya at 5582 Yonge St stays open until 2:30 AM, making it the latest-closing izakaya on the Yonge corridor. Their Creamy Pork Belly is the go-to post-midnight order. ZUI Beer Bar at 5649 Yonge St also keeps late hours for skewers and drinks.
What is the cheapest izakaya food in North York?
Nomé Izakaya offers $1 oysters on Tuesdays and Wednesdays — the best deal in the neighbourhood. ZUI Beer Bar has skewers starting at $3–$9, and a bucket of mixed skewers with a pitcher of beer is a favourite group order.
Where can I get authentic yakitori near North York?
Izakaya Ju at J-Town (3160 Steeles Ave E, Markham) is the gold standard. Their charcoal-grilled yakitori at $4–$10 per skewer uses real charcoal for that authentic smoky flavour. The Grilled Mackerel and Teba Gyoza (stuffed wings) are regulars' favourites.
What izakaya spots are near Yonge and Sheppard?
Nomé Izakaya at 4848 Yonge St is steps from Sheppard-Yonge station. Han Ba Tang at 4862 Yonge St is just north, trending for Honeycomb Makgeolli. Farther up toward Finch, ZUI Beer Bar (5649 Yonge St) and Hashi Izakaya (5582 Yonge St) anchor the late-night scene.
What new izakaya is trending in North York in 2026?
MeNami Udon & Izakaya at 5469 Yonge St is the most-trending izakaya right now, with 4,455 Google reviews (4.6 stars) and a viral Cheese Baked Udon. Mikaku Izakaya at 6180 Yonge St is the cozy newcomer (4.5 stars) with a strong Maze Udon. Kuroki Izakaya in Unionville (past the Markham border) is the newest opening at 4.6 stars.
Is Kinka Izakaya still open in North York?
No. The Kinka Sushi Bar Izakaya at 4775 Yonge St (Yonge & Sheppard) closed permanently in September 2025, confirmed by Google Places, Yelp, and Uber Eats. The Kinka brand still operates downtown. For an izakaya at Yonge & Sheppard, Nomé Izakaya at 4848 Yonge St is the direct replacement and the busiest izakaya in North York for $1 oyster nights.
Are there any AYCE izakaya in North York?
Not really, and the Reddit consensus is blunt: "Izakaya is translation for bar, Kaka and Spring Sushi are just AYCE restaurants. AYCE and fresh/good quality sashimi doesn't go together." (r/askTO). True izakaya are à la carte tapas-style by design. For value, Nomé's $1 oyster nights and ZUI's $3–$9 skewers deliver more for less than any AYCE format. For AYCE Japanese specifically, see our sushi guide instead.
Is Nomé Izakaya good for a date night?
Nomé is better for lively group outings (it can be loud). For a more intimate date, Han Ba Tang at 4862 Yonge St has cozy, vintage-styled lighting and a 4.7-star Google rating (2,100+ reviews). Mikaku Izakaya at 6180 Yonge St is the smallest, coziest dining room of any izakaya on this list — reservations strongly recommended Friday/Saturday. Hashi Izakaya at 5582 Yonge St is another solid date option with late hours until 2:30 AM.
