JaBistro

JaBistro (Twitter: @JaBistro222, Facebook: JaBistro), brought to you by the same owner as Guu and Kinton Ramen, is currently serving up some of the most exceptional sushi in Toronto. I know this is a big statement coming from me but I completely stand behind it. JaBistro, located on Richmond Street near the entertainment district, is not your typical Japanese restaurant...far from it actually. At JaBistro, you won't find watery miso soups, salads drenched in vinaigrette,  or bento boxes with your choice of chicken / salmon / steak teriyaki. No. None of that. And no, JaBistro is definitely not an all-you-can-eat sushi joint! JaBistro is much, much more than that... 

JaBistro is inventive. JaBistro is refined. The quality of JaBistro's sashimi and sushi is top-notch. Truly phenomenal. Complemented with visually stimulating presentation, everything served at this modern Japanese restaurant is ridiculously delicious.

JaBistro's space is modern with clean lines, exposed brick and light-coloured natural wood. The vibe is casual and not at all pretentious. Below is a shot of the sushi bar; a row of tables stretches along the opposite side of the bar.

Chef Koji Tashiro has 12 years of sushi experience under his belt. He has worked in Japan and Vancouver prior to JaBistro.

I have already been to JaBistro for dinner twice since it opened last month and this post combines both visits. I went with four friends for the first time and I took a good friend of mine for his birthday the second time. You can probably tell which visit is which from the the pictures; I sat at the sushi bar (which has brighter lighting) for my friend's birthday. Anyway, here goes!

Railroad Man - Sake, cointreau, simple syrup, lemon, egg white

JaBistro has a good list of sake, wine, as well as sake- and shochu-based cocktails

Snack - Today's bite ($7)

Kani - Soft shell crab, chili ($14)

Kamo - Smoked duck breast, burdock ($14)

JaBistroll - Salmon, snow crab, uni, tobiko ($22)

Demi Katsu - Tonkatsu sandwich, miso, house demi-glace, burdock cream ($18)

Sashimi Platter ($50, added lobster sashimi for an additional $10)

 Ordered the sashimi platter with lobster both times. The lobster was still moving.

Miso Soup

With lobster head (no longer moving =D)

The blowtorch is out!

Aburi - Blowtorched 7 pieces ($27)

First visit

Second visit

Kyukyoku - Ultimate fresh pieces ($55) x 3 

First visit

Second visit

Note: to the left of the uni is tuna from Spain, to the right of the uni is wagyu beef

Roll Cake + Matcha Puff (sesame custard cream, whipped cream, black honey)

Second visit, complimentary

I really hope the pictures on this post captured some of the deliciousness that is JaBistro (i.e. that I've done them justice with my amateur photography skills). I strongly encourage you to go to JaBistro and experience all of the deliciousness for yourself. Truth be told, I'm already planning my third visit :D