Zakkushi on Carlton

The eel with a little fishy, my friend said the pork she got was spoiled and rotten. Extremely stinky. Other than that, super cozy restaurant with cute food. Their creamy udon is the best.

December 21, 2024 on Google

Nice yakitori place. Good grilled stuff but pricey. Service is typical Japanese, quick but could use a bit more service. When we asked for more napkins, we got 3 and when asked for more, the server was hesitant to provide more. Napkins are cheap and should not be prioritised over cleanliness. Overall nice but requires some improvement for 5 stars.

October 30, 2024 on Google

Follow @bredgyeats for more food photos! One of the best japanese-style skewers is here, starting with a warm welcome from the staff and followed with a hit of charcoal aromas when you enter. You can immediately taste that smokiness in each skewer, along with a perfect cook for a juicy bite no matter which skewer you order. The zakkushi set has all your classic bases covered, and I didn't regret treating myself to the premium beef tongue that was like a chewy sponge that kept releasing more and more flavour with each bite, like that elusive everlasting piece of gum. All it needed was salt, pepper and lemon for a quick trip to heaven. Not only skewers, but the mentaiko carbonara udon is something not to miss, even if you're on a diet. Firstly, the udon is cooked to a perfect al dente texture that's intrinsically sooo satisfying. It clings onto the mentaiko and cream sauce, that brings a tangy cheesy aroma packed full of umami, whose richness is magnified with the onsen egg. Despite all that, it didn't feel heavy at all, and I had no trouble finishing it, especially with the nori and green onions speckled on top for extra fragrance. 🥢: Zakkushi Set, Premium Beef Tongue, Mentaiko Carbonara Udon

October 18, 2024 on Google

If you want an authentic Japanese yakitori restaurant, this is pretty much it. From the moment you enter, you are welcomed by the entire staff and soak in the boisterous atmosphere. We enjoyed a variety of grilled meat which are usually not possible to find in regular restaurants such as chicken heart, liver, gizzard, cartilage and skin, as well as beef & pork tongue. The same could be said for their appetizers such as takowasabi and ankimo. We also ordered beer but they had multiple non-alcoholic options as well. But as for any Izakaya in Toronto, it's certainly not cheap. Make sure to also book in advance on the weekends because by 6pm the restaurant was getting pretty full.

October 13, 2024 on Google

Amazing food and friendly service. You gonna book way ahead of time or waiting for walk in table like me. The skewers are charcoal grilled and the quality of meat and vegetables are fresh and juicy. The portion might on the smaller size and lighter on taste, but you can tasted the true flavor of the meat you ordered.

October 7, 2024 on Google

Wow… wow. I got to this spot by a recommendation of a Japanese Gallery Owner I have met and she spoke highly of this place, gosh wasn’t she right. I came here with my partner and food was amazing. They serve tapas style of Japanese authentic food and it was great! I hoped I took more pictures but was too good and we ate it too quickly! 😂 will def be coming back 😊

September 7, 2024 on Google

Definitely more a splurge than a cheap eat, but my experience at Zakkushi was well worth it. I’ve heard lots of great things about it as being the most authentic spot for yakitori, and I can’t disagree. You feel transported to Japan with the cozy wood panel decor and the friendly and boisterous staff. There are a wide variety of skewers, appetizers, dons, and drinks you can order! Each item we had was very well executed and delicious, I especially loved the tenderness and juiciness of the beef skewers; I will definitely be sampling more of those on my next visit. Prices are a bit high but the portions, but you can really taste the quality and freshness of the meat and seafood, would definitely recommend coming here for a “treat yourself” type of night!

September 3, 2024 on Google

This was my first time trying authentic Japanese yakitori, and the experience was truly unforgettable, it won't be my last. The ambiance made me feel like I took a short trip to Japan and the staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive. For the appetizer, we ordered takowasabi. Watch out for the spicy kick! It will get you!! For skewers, we ordered the Zakkushi set, which included Momo (Teriyaki), Umeshiso yaki, Boiled chickenmeatballs, P-toro, and Oropon beef. Additionally, we ordered separate skewers of Shashimo (fish skewer), Nankotsu (chicken knee cartilage with sea salt), Heart and Gyu tongue. It was our first time trying Shashimo, and OMG the fish was filled with fish eggs that burst with each bite. Dipping it in spicy mayo intensified the flavor. Every bite was truly amazing, and as I reached the last skewer, I felt a hint of sadness because it was over. I would highly recommend ordering Shashimo and Nankotsu! Once you experience how delicious they are, you'll find it irresistible not to order another round! Even though I'm not a heavy drinker, I found the highball quite manageable. It paired perfectly with the skewers, elevating the entire experience. Having a drink on the side is definitely a must!

August 21, 2024 on Google