Weekly Lunch Pick
Omi
The first in our ongoing series of great Toronto lunch spots is a newly opened Cabbagetown gem By Carley Fortune
The daily sushi lunch special at Omi
The place: Once a fixture on the Church Street strip, Omi made the move to Cabbagetown in November. On this strip of Carlton, chef John Lee found a sliver of a space and gussied it up with pretty soya sauce dishes, wooden soup bowls and Billie Holiday classics.
The crowd: Despite upmarket touches, there are no suits here. Relaxed diners meet friends at one of 10 tables or eat solo at the long counter that runs down the side of the citrus-hued room.
The deal: The sushi lunch special, $11.99. Each day brings a different selection of rolls, nigiri and, as our server explains, a little “something extra.” Today it’s an extra two rolls and a piece of nigiri. Other lunch items include the beef rib special and spicy pork, though vegetarian options are also available.
The dish: Like at any Bloor Street sushi joint, the meal begins with miso soup—though the similarities end there. Omi’s version is organic, speckled with green onion and served with every meal at lunchtime (salad is not). But it’s the main event that’s worth the visit. Every item on the plate is delicious and fresh, right down to the gari, white pickled ginger. California rolls are more than an afterthought, while spicy tuna rolls are served with just the right amount of mayo. The nigiri is particularly good; a light smear of wasabi hides under generously sized pieces of silken tuna, sesame seed–crowned salmon and plump shrimp—all draped over small parcels of rice.
The time: 41 minutes from entering the restaurant to paying the bill.
The cost: $15.81, including a diet Coke ($2) and tax.
Omi, 243 Carlton St. (at Parliament St.), 416-920-8991.
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Omi's Omakase was the first omakase I have ever tasted/tested. The dishes are great, ranging from organic miso soup to scallop pizza and red seaweed salad. Unique dishes, blended with known dishes as red snapper and salmon sushi that are ready to melt in the warmth of the mouth.
Great food.
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April 2, 2010 | by eatdrinklovelife