Japanese comfort food in an exposed-brick space with lively vibes
























"Imanishi isn’t like other izakayas. No one raucously bellows "irasshaimase" when you walk in. The chefs keep their heads down, channeling all their playfulness into fun, homey Japanese cooking. The party’s on the plate. Potato salad, dusted with shaved egg yolk and brightened with anchovy, comes with thick-cut taro chips and the rare charm of a not-depressing scene inLost in Translation. Corn karaage, light and crunchy, lands like funnel cake for grown-ups, while prawn and cilantro salad with fish sauce and crispy shallots might make you wonder if the coriander plant is actually a lettuce. Specials come and go, but think of them like your mom offering a new recipe—politely decline and stick with the classics like the braised pork ribs, glazed in sticky balsamic reduction and streaked with Karashi mustard, like Texas BBQ but more intense." - Erin Hershberg

"My two favourite restaurants in Toronto are Donna’s and Imanishi." - Kevin Chau

"A lively, youthful spot for home-style Japanese comfort food—think karaage fried chicken and anchovy potato salad—served in a loud, convivial atmosphere with tall pours of Sapporo; the single dessert, a decadent fried brioche with taro ice cream and chocolate crunchies, is a crowd-pleaser." - ByAliza Abarbanel
hm havent been in a long time, wonder if its still good