Best Japanese Food in North York 2026: Top 8 Spots Ranked
North York's Japanese food scene goes far beyond sushi. From Michelin-nod soupless ramen on Yonge Street to premium omakase at Bayview Village, dry-aged tuna donburi at Fairview Mall, and handmade mochi at J-Town, the depth here rivals downtown. This guide covers the full spectrum — ramen, donburi, izakaya, pastries, and more. For dedicated deep-dives, see our Best Sushi guide (8 spots) and Best Izakaya guide (6 spots).
Quick answer: The best Japanese food in North York right now is at Kajiken (4850 Yonge St, best abura soba, $16–$23), Ju-Raku (Bayview Village, best omakase, $98–$188), and Hana Don (CF Fairview Mall, best donburi with dry-aged tuna, $20–$45). For dessert, Sasaki Fine Pastry at J-Town has handmade mochi from $3.
Top 8 Japanese Restaurants in North York
Kajiken
- Address
- 4850 Yonge St, North York (Yonge & Sheppard)
- Price
- $16–$23 per bowl
- Style
- Abura Soba (Soupless Ramen)
- Proof
- TikTok: viral "Slurp Bomb" videos · Reddit: "First Canadian location hype" (60+ upvotes)
Kajiken is the hottest Japanese opening in North York. This is the first Canadian location of the Michelin-nod abura soba chain from Japan, and the hype is justified. TikTok videos of the signature "Slurp Bomb" technique — cracking a raw egg into the soupless noodles and mixing it at the table — have gone viral. BlogTO featured it in "5 new Japanese restaurants you need to try," and peak dinner lines start at 5:30 PM.
What to order: Homura Abura Soba (the signature — spicy soupless noodles with the Slurp Bomb egg), Sukiyaki Abura Soba (the richer, sweeter option), Chicken Karaage (the essential side).
Ju-Raku
- Address
- Bayview Village, 2901 Bayview Ave, North York
- Price
- $98–$188 (Omakase)
- Style
- Omakase & Teppanyaki
- Proof
- Streets of Toronto: top pick · Instagram: 4.5K+ likes on opening teasers
Ju-Raku is the most premium Japanese dining experience in North York. The dual Teppanyaki and Omakase concept is unique in the area — you can choose between a sushi bar omakase or a live teppanyaki performance. Featured by Streets of Toronto and @bayviewvillage, it has successfully captured the XiaoHongShu and Instagram luxury dining market. The Grilled Wagyu Steak alone justifies the trip.
What to order: Omakase at the Sushi Bar (the full experience — $98–$188 depending on course count), Grilled Wagyu Steak (teppanyaki showpiece), Maguro Tataki (seared tuna — the a la carte highlight).
Hana Don
- Address
- CF Fairview Mall, 1800 Sheppard Ave E, North York
- Price
- $20–$45 per dish
- Style
- Japanese Donburi (Rice Bowls)
- Proof
- XiaoHongShu: #北约克美食 trending (1,100+ likes) · "Sea in a bowl" trend
Hana Don is the ultimate spot for "foodie aesthetics" at Fairview Mall. Their dry-aging process for bluefin tuna is unique in the area, producing a depth of flavour that regular sashimi can't match. The Trio Toro Don with caviar is trending on XiaoHongShu with 1,100+ likes under #北约克美食. It's a high-quality lunch stop that makes mall food feel like an event.
What to order: Trio Toro Don with Caviar (the showstopper — three cuts of fatty tuna), Dry-Aged Bluefin Tuna (the technique that sets them apart), Lobster Don (the indulgent option).
Project: Fish
- Address
- 16 Park Home Ave, North York
- Price
- $18–$35 per dish
- Style
- Oshi Sushi & Modern Japanese
- Proof
- TikTok: flame-searing technique (50K+ views @torontofood)
Project: Fish brings a modern twist to Japanese cuisine with their oshi (pressed) sushi and TikTok-famous flame-searing technique. A @torontofood video of the aburi torching hit 50K+ views. Located near Yonge & Sheppard, it's a solid mid-range option for those who want creative Japanese food without the omakase price tag. The Chirashi Tart is one of the most photogenic dishes in North York.
What to order: Salmon Oshi (Aburi) (flame-seared pressed sushi — the viral pick), Chirashi Tart (sashimi on crispy rice — the Instagram shot), Sesame Bomb (sesame ice cream dessert — the finish).
Nomé Izakaya
- Address
- Shops at Don Mills, North York
- Price
- $15–$30 per dish
- Style
- Japanese Izakaya / Pub-Style
- Rating
- 4.7★ Uber Eats (900+ ratings) · "Oyster Tuesdays" hype
Nomé Izakaya at Shops at Don Mills is the best casual izakaya-style spot in North York. With 4.7 stars on Uber Eats and 900+ ratings, it's proven and consistent. The "Oyster Tuesdays" deal drives high Instagram engagement, and the menu creatively blends Japanese pub food with global influences — think Japa-Burgers and Bulgogi Tacos alongside fresh oysters.
What to order: Fresh Oysters (Malpeque) (the Tuesday deal — fresh and affordable), Japa-Burgers (the fusion signature), Bulgogi Tacos (the crowd favourite crossover).
Mizu Sushi
- Address
- 3720 Midland Ave, Scarborough
- Price
- $65 (Lunch Omakase); $120+ (Dinner)
- Style
- Japanese Omakase
- Rating
- 4.6★ Google (600+ reviews) · XiaoHongShu: 2,200+ likes "Best budget omakase"
Mizu Sushi is the best-value omakase near North York. While other omakase spots have hiked prices toward $200+, their $65 lunch omakase remains the best entry point for high-end Japanese dining in the GTA. XiaoHongShu users have given it 2,200+ likes as "best budget omakase." The foie gras sushi is a standout that you won't find at this price point anywhere else.
What to order: Lunch Omakase Set (the $65 steal — full chef's choice), Foie Gras Sushi (the luxury bite at an affordable price), Matcha Coconut Pudding (the gentle dessert finish).
Sasaki Fine Pastry
- Address
- J-Town, 3160 Steeles Ave E, Markham border
- Price
- $3 per mochi; $8–$15 for latte + pastry
- Style
- Japanese Artisan Bakery
- Rating
- 4.8★ Google (400+ reviews) · Reddit: "Best mochi in the GTA" for 2+ years
Sasaki Fine Pastry is a mandatory stop for anyone in the North York/Markham corridor. With 4.8 stars and 400+ Google reviews, it's the highest-rated spot on this list. Reddit has consistently called it "best mochi in the GTA" for over two years. Their mochi is handmade daily with seasonal flavours — the houjicha daifuku and strawberry cream mochi are the ones that keep people coming back.
What to order: Houjicha Daifuku (roasted green tea mochi — the signature), Strawberry Cream Mochi (seasonal and fresh), Black Sesame Latte (the perfect pairing drink).
Akane Sushi
- Address
- Centerpoint Mall, North York
- Price
- $12–$25 per set
- Style
- Japanese Sushi & Udon
- Proof
- Local reviews: "mall hidden gem" · strong neighbourhood following
Akane Sushi at Centerpoint Mall is the budget-friendly neighbourhood sushi spot that locals swear by. No viral TikToks or XiaoHongShu hype — just reliable, affordable sushi sets and udon in a convenient mall setting. The sushi boat is a fun option for groups, and the teriyaki dinner sets are a safe bet if you're not sure what you want. It's the kind of spot you go to weekly, not just for special occasions.
What to order: Sushi Boat (fun for groups, good value), Teriyaki Dinner (the reliable set meal), Spicy Salmon Roll (the go-to single order).
Looking for sushi or izakaya specifically? We have dedicated deep-dives: Best Sushi in North York (8 spots ranked with omakase picks) and Best Izakaya in North York (6 spots ranked with late-night hours and a Yonge Street tapas trek).
What's Trending in Japanese Food Right Now
The latest buzz from TikTok, XiaoHongShu, and Reddit as of February 2026.
Marugame Udon Opens Feb 28
The world-famous Marugame Udon is opening its first Toronto location at 494 Yonge St (slightly south of North York). With 85K TikTok views and BlogTO coverage, expect massive opening-day lineups. Their self-serve udon concept — pick your noodles, watch them made fresh, add tempura — is a global phenomenon.
Ju-Raku Bayview Village
Ju-Raku's first Canadian flagship is now open at Bayview Village as part of the "Innovative Restaurant Lane" expansion. Instagram teaser posts hit 4.5K+ likes. The dual omakase/teppanyaki concept is currently the "it" spot for North York's upscale dining crowd.
Oishii Koyo Berry — $20 Luxury Strawberries
The Oishii Koyo Berry — a premium Japanese strawberry — has launched at high-end Toronto restaurants and grocers. CP24 coverage hit 8K+ views, and NYC TikToks have "millions of views." The berries cost $20+ per box and "taste like summer." A fun splurge, but manage your expectations.
Hay Sushi — Reddit's Sushi Date Spot
Reddit's r/FoodToronto community polls voted Hay Sushi in Willowdale as the "People's Choice" for North York sushi dates. It's not flashy, but it's reliable, affordable, and verified by the community with 19+ upvotes. The go-to for a "no-fuss, good food" evening.
The “Uptown Japanese Hub” Crawl
Use the TTC Line 4 (Sheppard) to hit three major Japanese food hubs in a single afternoon. All spots are within 5 minutes of their subway exits.
Hana Don at CF Fairview Mall — 12:30 PM
CF Fairview Mall (Don Mills Station) · Start with the Trio Toro Don for the full dry-aged tuna experience. $20–$45 per person.
Ju-Raku at Bayview Village — 2:30 PM
Bayview Village (Bayview Station, 6 mins by subway) · Mid-afternoon appetizer or sake flight. Try the Maguro Tataki or browse the luxury shops. $25–$50 for apps/drinks.
Kajiken at Yonge & Sheppard — 4:30 PM
4850 Yonge St (Sheppard-Yonge Station, 4 mins by subway) · The main event. Get the Homura Abura Soba with the Slurp Bomb egg. Arrive before 5:30 PM to beat peak lines. Walk to Project: Fish nearby if you still have room. $16–$35 per person.
Budget Guide: Best Japanese Food Under $25
| Spot | Best Deal | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sasaki Fine Pastry | Mochi + Black Sesame Latte | $8–$12 |
| Akane Sushi | Sushi Lunch Set | $12–$18 |
| Nomé Izakaya | Oyster Tuesday + Japa-Burger | $15–$22 |
| Kajiken | Homura Abura Soba | $16–$23 |
| Project: Fish | Salmon Oshi (Aburi) | $18–$22 |
| Hana Don | Regular Donburi | $20–$25 |