There was a time when I wouldn’t go near sushi rolls. The mystery fillings, the spicy mayo, the seaweed — no thank you. But I loved sashimi. Salmon, especially. Clean, simple, unbothered. That was my kind of sushi.

Then I discovered omakase — and everything changed.

A curated, chef-guided tasting? Minimal sauces, no chaos, just incredible ingredients and perfect timing? I was in. And once I started, I couldn’t stop.

I’ve now tried Toronto’s most talked-about omakase spots — from local gems to Michelin legends. I’ve had unforgettable meals, surprising disappointments, and one too many conversations about rice temperature.

So here’s my honest, detailed breakdown — what’s actually worth it, what I wouldn’t go back to, and how each place handled the food, the service, and the vibe.

Okeya Kyujiro — A Cinematic Sushi Experience That Made Me Emotional (Dinner + Brunch)

Dinner: $350 | Brunch: $150
Would I go again? Already have.

Okeya is hands-down the most theatrical omakase experience in Toronto. The lighting dims, a narrator whispers in Japanese, and the chefs move like they’re on a silent stage. I was already hooked by the time they brought out the whole fish, placing it in front of us before breaking it down piece by piece.

The dinner featured over 20 courses — including many small plates, delicately aged bonito, glistening toro, warm rice (yes, that matters), and a smoky torched nigiri that made everyone (aka me and my omakase buddy) at the counter collectively pause. Every movement felt intentional. Every bite was part of a bigger story.

Now, here’s where it got personal: some of the tempura bites had egg, and I’d been told they couldn’t offer substitutes. But when I arrived? The kitchen seamlessly swapped those courses with separate nigiri and cooked bites, no questions asked. My sidekick only eats halal meat, and when the A5 wagyu sukiyaki came out, he was served a torched otoro instead — which, let’s be honest, was probably a blessing. He’s still emotionally attached to that first torched otoro we had at Aburi Tora. We joke that it was his sushi awakening. He didn’t miss the wagyu one bit.

Brunch was a different pace — brighter, less dramatic, but still thoughtful. I brought my parents, who had never done omakase before. Watching their faces light up at every piece? Core memory.

My mom who does not eat anything raw was also forced (by me) to accompany my omakse craze. Luckily Okeya and their team, excellended in their customer service once again. Every bite of nigri for her was torched (making it a little easier for her to be eating “raw”.)

This place made me feel cared for. Allergies, preferences, and all. Okeya doesn’t just deliver a meal — they deliver a full sensory experience that somehow still feels personal.

MSSM — The One I Keep Going Back To

Price: $98–$128
Visits so far? Over 20 (without exaggeration).

MSSM was my first omakase and will forever be my gateway drug. It has this casual coolness — the chefs are chatty, the playlist leans hip-hop, and the whole space feels like you’re in on a secret. But don’t let the laid-back vibe fool you. This place reeks of Michelin influence. Masaki Saito himself trained the team, and you can taste that precision in every bite. It may be affordable, but it’s giving luxury under their Top Hits playlist and bright lights.

Sushi Masaki Saito — Michelin Mastery, But Not My Kind of Magic

Price: $680+
Would I go again? No — but I’m glad I went once.

This meal was free for me, thanks to MSSM’s golden ticket, and I was buzzing. I got dressed up, did my hair, planned my look the night before, and pulled out jewelry I wouldn’t dare to wear out in Toronto. This wasn’t just dinner. This was a moment.

Chef Masaki Saito stood in front of us the entire time, calmly and masterfully preparing each course. His presence alone is magnetic. He showed me a certificate for his premium bluefin tuna, flown in from Japan, and talked about sourcing with genuine pride. Every piece was meticulous. The conch snail was alive moments before we ate it. The monkfish liver made my tongue tingle. The rice? Unmatched.

Yasu — Quietly Luxurious, Shockingly Filling

Price: $185
Would I go again? Absolutely.

Yasu was a surprise. There’s no music. No theatrics. Just pure sushi. The entire omakase felt like a quiet meditation on fish. Minimal seasoning, clean knife work, cool rice, and a slow, confident pace.

It was the first time I tried a few things I’d only read about. I also, unknowingly, tried shirako. I wish I could say I freaked out — but I didnt realise what it was until 6 months later..

By the end of the 20 courses, I was absolutely stuffed. I had to walk it off, twice around the block. But it was well worth it. It’s a place for people who want their food to do all the talking. No distractions. Just thoughtful sushi, start to finish.

Sushi Yūgen — Solid Technique, Little Spark

Price: $98
Would I go again? Probably not.

The hand roll was underwhelming. The atmosphere didn’t invite you in. And when I compare it to MSSM — which is the same price and packs so much more flavor and personality — Yūgen just doesn’t stand out.

Not bad. But not worth a second round.

Kaito — Budget-Friendly and Boldly Underrated

Price: $68
Would I go again? Already planning it.

Kaito is one of the best-kept secrets in Toronto. Tucked into a quiet strip, this no-frills omakase bar is run by a chef who brings his Korean background into every dish. And it works.

Conversations with the chef and fellow customers are encouraged, and we focused on his quick skills behind assembling rather than watching him show off his knife work (which, as any well-trained sushi chef, were up to par). 

This is the kind of place I want to gatekeep, but won’t. Because it deserves love.

Final Thoughts

Not all omakase is created equal. Some make you cry over hand rolls. Some make you whisper for two hours straight. And some remind you why you fell in love with sushi in the first place.

If you’re picky like me, or just want to spend your sushi money wisely, here’s the only omakase ranking you really need:

1. MSSM

For the vibe, the consistency, and that life-changing hand roll. It may be affordable, but it reeks of Michelin-level training (because it is). This is the one I keep going back to — and trust me, I don’t do that often.

2. Okeya Kyujiro

For the drama, the artistry, and the “wow” factor. Think omakase meets performance art. Take someone you want to impress — or just go to feel something again.

3. Yasu

For clean cuts, quiet luxury, and sushi that speaks for itself. No distractions, no theatrics — just 20 courses of pure, focused craft. If you want calm perfection, this is it.

Honourable mention to Sushi Masaki Saito — try it once just to say you did, but make it someone else’s credit card problem. But if you’re chasing warmth, flavor, and a little bit of joy between bites?

You’ll know where to book.

– Noori

Your (not so) picky eater