Etsu
[?]
416-599-4200
Great attention to detail has been paid in setting the mood at this Japanese and Korean spot, which offers up a large selection of sushi, maki and sashimi. Unfalteringly gracious servers sport kimonos, and the decor boasts sleek acrylic chairs, large glass tables and huge photos of kabuki performers. The bathrooms even have heated toilet seats. All of this sets Etsu a notch above the city’s far too numerous shopworn and grungy sushi joints. Unfortunately, Etsu’s food does not always rise to the same heights. Deep-fried soft-shell crab delivers fantastic crunch but leaves a tannic aftertaste, most likely from old oil. Fortunately, vegetable tempura—squash, sweet potato and broccoli—does not suffer the same problem and is delightfully light in a thin, crispy batter. Saba (mackerel) and hokkigai (sweet clam) sushi are both a little tough, though unagi (barbecued eel) is deliciously sweet and succulent. Ton katsu, traditional deep-fried Japanese pork cutlet, is burdened with oily bitterness again. Most disappointingly, the traditional Korean dolsut bi bim bap is bland, with over-cooked egg. Dessert includes a tasty house-made toasted coconut ice cream. Mains $8–$23.
Description
Category Features
Vegetarian: Yes
Outdoor Dining: Yes
Price Range: $30 Gourmet
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Gastropub, African, Hungarian, Malaysian, Peruvian,