Restaurants › Japanese

Ematei ½ [?]

30 St. Patrick St. (at Queen St. W.) • View on map »
416-340-0472

Ematei offers one of Toronto’s widest ranges of traditional Japanese izakaya (small cooked dishes) in an authentically un-chic room. Friendly, though occasionally sloppy, the service fits the mood. The many Japanese expats dining here complete the picture of an unpretentious local. The extensive menu and specials offer an intoxicating choice of standards, such as grilled miso-marinated black cod or kingfish, agedashi fried tofu and decent tempura. The list of Japanese favourites is long: chicken skin, chicken hearts and soft bones, fried chicken livers, grilled beef and beef tongue salad. All are well cooked—basic and unembellished. Sashimi and sushi are fresh but uninspired; however, the lack of trendy North American sushi rolls is refreshing. Small plates $5–$18, mains $9–$29.

Vegetarian

30 St. Patrick St. (at Queen St. W.)

Best Restaurants

Best New Restaurants

Picture of Maro: Click forBest New Restaurants 2007

Get more
Toronto Life

MONTHLY: Don't miss a word. Subscribe to our award-winning magazine today
WEEKLY: Find the latest it-spots, top wines and the hottest parties by signing up for our free weekly e-newsletters

Today in Toronto: March 11, 2010

The Overwhelming: Studio 180 builds on its reputation for bringing other countries’ theatrical think pieces to the Canadian stage with this acclaimed 2007 play by J.T. Rogers
RJD2: The Philly-based artist otherwise known as Ramble John Krohn showcases his skills as turntablist, instrumentalist and vocalist
Toronto Symphony Orchestra: Enigma Variations: Lars Vogt appears as soloist in a program that also has guest maestro Robin Ticciati leading the orchestra
More things to do tonight
Something to do this weekend

Today in Toronto on Twitter | RSS