Manpuku Modern Japanese Eatery

Manpuku – Delicious, Affordable, and Full of Character Manpuku is one of those restaurants I find myself craving whenever I’m nearby. Located inside The Village by the Grange, this small but inviting eatery has earned a well-deserved reputation for its delicious food and friendly atmosphere. During busy hours or school breaks, a short line often forms. I usually take that time to admire the cozy interior, the charming decorations, and the small details that tell the story of how Manpuku has continued to thrive over the years. It’s clear that the staff are dedicated and hardworking, always moving with purpose while maintaining a welcoming energy. I especially appreciate the fact that you're able to purchase branded shirts of Manpuku for $20. Once seated, guests are offered their choice of tea or water. Orders can be placed traditionally through a server using the menu sheets or digitally by scanning a QR code both convenient and efficient options. The atmosphere inside is lively and warm, constantly in motion as staff take orders, deliver dishes, and keep the space clean and organized. Despite the bustle, there’s a sense of balance and hospitality that keeps the experience enjoyable. I’ve recommended Manpuku to several friends, and each visit reaffirms why it remains one of my go-to dining spots. With its affordable prices, delicious dishes, and genuine charm. ( I've taken some photo's during my trip but myself and my friends started eating before we realized to take some pictures. - I'll do better next time and hold my urge to consume it ) Manpuku continues to be a standout destination for anyone craving comforting Japanese food in downtown Toronto.

Surprised to find such a cheap Japanese restaurant in downtown. It was a full house on a Saturday afternoon. Located in Village of the Grange, we ordered takeout and ate in the food court area. The curry udon was average, but the takoyaki was very delicious. The staff are all Japanese and very nice. A small but cozy place overall.

I’ve been coming to this restaurant for years, and it continues to deliver great value and delicious food. I especially like their udon — the simple kake udon is my go-to, and the niku udon is also really good. We also always get the takoyaki, which never disappoints. The onigiri can feel a bit rice-heavy, but it’s still fair for the price. There’s usually a small line during busy times, but it moves quickly, so it’s worth the short wait.

A hidden gem I am so glad to have found on Google Maps while looking for japanese food, but different from the usual sushi/ramen/izakaya at night. Manpuku is serving the equivalent of izakaya food but it's a small restaurant open for lunch, inside the food court area, so not easy to find. Authentic taste, classics reminding me food in Japan, at very reasonable prices!! I want to go back for sure!

Simple, cheap and delicious. The udon broth had a wonderful, warm flavour and the pickles offered a refreshing palate cleanser. The staff were welcoming and kindly offered other suggestions when one of my first picks was sold out. If I had one criticism it would be that the pickled cabbage could have used a touch of sugar, but it was still good.

One of my fave spots in the city. Delicious homey Japanese meal that doesn’t break the bank. I absolutely love the beef curry don here.

Very cozy small place. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, so delicious and good portions. I’ve tried their noodles and rice dishes, as well as many sides. All very filling and enjoyable. I personally always order a side of tofu nuggets.

This felt like an authentic Japanese restaurant. The prices were pretty affordable and the portions were large. My top favourite dishes were the Negitama Gyudon (the beef was marinaded and cooked nicely) and Takoyaki. The place is a small and intimate setting with nice decor. The staff is friendly and brought out the food quickly.

Delicious Japanese food at a very affordable price! It's family run and has been a staple for the Grange for so long. Simple dishes with comforting flavours.

This is student friendly pricing and portion is on the smaller side! Here is what we ordered: Takoyaki- $5.50 (6pcs)- Standard flavouring, but do NOT order this unless you enjoy rubbery taste and its potentially frozen. Not good! Niku Udon - $8.30 - Pork shredded with udon noodle over soya sauce. Its okay but nothing amazing about it. Curry Udon - $9.50 - Beef shreded with caramelized onion and curry sauce over rice. This is probably their best taste dish! Good option for students but only for casual taste and not to expect anything more!

Small, hidden restaurant in the Grange food court. It is incredible that I heard about this place years ago, years before the pandemic. A straightforward, straight to the point, casual lunch Japanese location, that also happens to be very wallet friendly. Meant to check it out as student, yet that never happened. Excellent for on-the-go meals, where you in fact, may appreciate more to seat down but you can always opt to take-out. However, I wanted to eat-in but I was never in the area when I had the free time, or had the restaurant in mind. Hence, so long before I finally got around to dropping by, with the purpose to eat here and that was only because I had a previous engagement nearby. As an Udon joint, the dishes are simple but delicious, if you taper your expectations with what you are paying. The vibe is certainly no-frills but that does not mean that you will leave feeling ripped off, in fact, quite the opposite. It is quite value friendly, so you can certainly order a number of other side dishes in order to make sure that you walk away quite full and satiated. It does get pretty busy during lunch hour, so you may have to wait in line as you jockey with those who are merely picking up. The broth tastes good although a bit on the lighter side, when it comes to the depth of the flavour profile, that is is to say that it feels as if the broth was made quickly. Whereas in other places you taste the umami a bit more, which usually means the broth has been prepared for longer. The noodles as fine and the side dishes, including the onigiri are alright, albeit the latter seemed as if they were not made in-house. Albeit I could be wrong, nevertheless they are a nice treat to have. All in all, a worthwhile hole in the wall with character, specially if you eat-in. The dishes are tasty, a fair size, plus a great joint for a quick, student friendly meal where you, specially in today's economy, will leave feeling as if you are got your money's worth, on top of a full stomach. Especially if you are tired of the nearby fast food places and their fare. I will certainly will try to give it another go, when I have a chance and I am in the area. Given that is has been there for well, over a decade, I am certain it will easily handle being there for at least a decade more. Check it out.

This might be a hot take but I did not enjoy Manpuku. I thought the dishes were bland and lacking in flavour. There was this particular green vegetable dish I got and it was cold and tasted sour and not fresh. Won't be coming back and I wouldn't recommend it. The service was kind and attentive though. Dine-in and pay at the counter at the front.

Price is reflective of taste. The broth is good but the udon noodles feel like those instant ones, wasn't bouncy. Takoyaki was also ok, all in all not bad for a cheap quick bite. Very fast service too.

If you're looking for good and cheap Japanese food, Manpuku is a nice restaurant to try. I have been eyeing Manpuku for so long and finally had the opportunity to try it. I came on a weekday around noon which is pretty busy for them. I sat at the bar and ordered kitsune udon which came out maybe 15 minutes. Personally, I felt the broth didn't have much depth or flavour that I've had in previous restaurants. However, they did give a lot of udon (fills you up!) and the fish cake and sweet tofu on top was good. For $10 with tax and tips included, it was a solid meal. I really appreciated how the staff were doing their best to keep up with the overwhelming orders (both eat in and takeout) and it was even so quite overwhelming for them. The store itself is cute, lots of seating area, and other menu options have potential.

This place is a hidden gem especially in DT. They offer authentic Japanese food at a very affordable price. Most of the dishes are $12 or less. My family and I tried this for the first time and it certainly didn't disappoint. They close pretty early at 7:30pm Mon-Sat and closed on Sun, last call 30 mins before closing.

Manpuku blew me away. It's tucked inside an old food court called Village by the Grange, and while the ambiance isn't anything fancy, the food more than makes up for it. It's all about authentic Japanese flavors--simple, delicious, and really satisfying. It gets pretty busy in the evenings (I've seen a lineup), but I usually go for lunch when it's still busy but more manageable. If you don't mind a no-frills setting and just want really good food, Manpuku is the place to go.

Came here for a casual double date, and it was good experience overall! Very cozy and homey vibes, you can tell it's located on a school campus (if that makes sense LOL). Tried the natto gohan (4.99) for sh** and giggles - was not a fan but hey, at least I can say I tried natto! Takoyaki (5.49): Pretty standard, came out hot and yummy Manpuku Ramen (8.99): Not mind-blowingly good, but it's cheap and yummy enough! Service was alright, a bit slow and it took a while for our food to come out. tldr: good food (some were better than others) but value was okay, felt a little lacklustre on the toppings and amount of food you get, but you're paying less as well

my hidden gem. my fave cheap eat spot. my comfort food. I LOVE MANPUKU food is always 10/10 - straight forward and so affordable for the portion you get. my bill is always under $15 after tipping. service is always fast and amazing. waters and teas get refilled frequently. servers are attentive and patient. the decor reminds me of a comfort food tent in japan. i love it here!!!!

A hidden gem, it's taken years for me to finally be able to try manpuku! Well I tried the niku udon and was very impressed - it was simple yet delicious. The udon was topped with beef and green onions and an amazingly delicious broth. On a cold day, this absolutely hits the spot and I can't wait to come back.

Curry Beef udon combo is my staple! freshly made takoyaki .. magic! Great curry broth with spicy seasoning. Amazing prices for all! Abit of Japan in the GTA in the middle of downtown core.

A classic gem in Toronto known for their affordable Japanese food and been visiting here for a few years now. Manpuku is located right by the AGO and OCAD campus, right in the heart of Downtown hidden inside Village by the Grange. Ever since my last visit, there's more new menu items now wh Tsukimi Udon: I ended up trying this udon dish that had fish cakes, seaweed, and a half boiled egg. The portion sizes were still the same as before which I was a bit surprised considering how the price remains to be affordable. Takoyaki: It's a bit softer and less filling than I would like but can't complain on the pricing. A great additional appetizer to your meal. You certainly get the bang for your buck at this place. Majority of the food is under $10 and good portion sizes. It's quite a busy spot but you'll still be able to get a seat. Highly recommend for more smaller groups, duos or singles as the space is a bit more limited.

Eating here always gives me a sense of nostalgia as they have kept their menu and prices the same for almost a decade. They are the perfect no-frill eatery if you are looking for a hot home-cooked meal that will fill you up without breaking the bank. Almost all their dishes are under $10, with some udon and snacks listed for under $5. My go-to usually consists of takoyaki and the curry udon (6.99). To mix things up, I ordered the hotate rice (scallop with egg, scallions and mayo). The nori and furikake seasoning paired with kewpie mayo is always great, but otherwise nothing fancy about the dish. The takoyaki was quite doughy compared to when I had it previously, but great portion for the price. Stepping into the space, the homey interior gives you a feel of dining in a mom & pop shop in Japan. Service is generally quick with the number of customers they are serving. Don't let the fact that it is hidden away in the Grange disuade you from giving this place a try!

A yummy comforting bowl of udon for 5 USD?! Yes please!!!! Glad we were able to squeeze it in before heading to the airport on our last day in Toronto :) once seated, service was quick and so was the food. The black sesame cheesecake was yum!

I cannot say enough good things about this place. It is delicious. It is located downtown. It is extremely cheap. It will fill you up. There are so many many items on the menu so there's definitely going to be something for everyone. I've been many times, and I usually pick a couple items from each part of the menu so I can get something that's a noodle dish, something with meat something with rice, something cold, like tofu, and then a dessert. The service is very fast, even though it's always super crowded as it's a popular place for students in the area.

Manpuku Japanese Eatery is one of the few places in town that offers udon. It's located inside the OCAD food court. We dropped in on a packed Tuesday (around 12:45pm) and waited 15 minutes for a table to open up. Service is okay but you'll have to flag them down for water/tea refills. Menu is split into rice, noodle, Manpuku specials and desserts. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $2.49 to $14.99. Sadly they were out of the yakitori don. - Chawanmushi ($4.25) - came out hot but a little underwhelming flavour wise. - Tsukimi udon ($5.49) - fish cakes were good but the broth was plain and lacked depth. - Curry udon ($6.99) - this was my favourite bowl. Good curry flavour and great portion. - Manpuku ramen ($7.99) - broth is a chicken soy sauce base, which was surprisingly decent. Same goes for the tender pork belly. Noodles were mediocre but that was expected. - Negitama gyudon ($8.99) - Hotate rice ($8.99) - this was omelette style. Perfect spot for a filling, cheap meal. Wish I had MJE back when I was a uni student.

What I've tried: chawanmushi $4.29 takoyaki $4.99 pudding $2.99 daily cake (sesame cheesecake) $3.99 curry udon $7.99 hormone yakisoba $7.99 Taste: 4/5 I loved all their side dishes - especially the chawanmushi. It was very comforting. The desserts were amazing. The pudding was the retro custard-like Japanese caramel pudding and it was so good!! The daily cake I had was sesame cheesecake - smooth and rich. The only dish that I didn't quite like was the hormone yakisoba. There was some sort of stinky smell like boar taint coming from it. Vibe: 4/5 It was a homey, cozy, modest restaurant that could accommodate about 30 people. (A little bit packed. That's my only complaint.) Its interior design was exactly like a retro Japanese izakaya - the bar seatings, the semi-open kitchen, the wooden elements, etc. Service: 3.5/5 The servers were nice and friendly. But it took quite some time to get seated and get your food served.

Manpuku is a small Japanese eatery among a vast number of affordable food court options located in the Village on the Grange. Their selling point is a simple & authentic Japanese meal at half the price of elsewhere. Chicken soy sauce broth ramen was decent for a cool day. The sweet savoury broth was not overpowering and the bowl had plenty of tender cuts of meat which went well with the noodle. The takoyaki (octopus balls) tasted alright as expected. I would've preferred the outer layer to have been crispy rather than soft perhaps because they rushed to get it done. But ramen for $8 and octopus balls for $5, I was satisfied & stuffed. Manpuku became packed shortly after ordering. Many folks were patiently seated or waiting for takeout; I waited 20 mins for my food takeout. Despite being short-staffed, a steady stream of food came out of the kitchen.

This is hidden inside the food court near AGO! We came here around 7ish and we had to wait 15-20 minutes for a table. This restaurant is pretty busy and the food is very cheap and affordable! The only cons were that the takoyaki machine was broken and they were out of beef. I enjoyed my curry don and it was pretty filling! We also order pudding. I wouldn't recommend it. It's not bad but it's not particularly good. It was a little bitter on top (I think the sugar was burnt). Overall I recommend this if you want a cheap eat and if you are in the area

Located in a strip mall, Manpuku offers authentic and cheap Japanese food! While the interior of the restaurant is on the warm side, it's easy to over look when you try their delicious food and the cheap menu! Hayashi rice - There was sooo much sauce on the plate which I love because I like my rice saucy. The sauce was lightly sweet and had lots of tomatoy flavour. You can't tell in the photo but there was quite a bit of meat on the inside as well! Perfect for a cold day or if you need something cozy Natto udon - The udon was chewy and the sauce complimented everything wonderfully! Cheap, filling and would order again. Although natto is an acquired taste so it's not a dish for everyone!

Solid hidden gem with affordable and tasty Japanese eats. This spot is around the food court area inside the Village by the Grange which you can access from Dundas or McCaul. They serve simple food at great prices, and service is efficient. I tried the kake udon and made it a combo for $3 which included your choices of 2 sides: a soup, salad, or 3 pieces of takoyaki. My order mid-afternoon was ready in 15 minutes. There's a nice earthy savoury flavour to the udon broth. It's a simple and humble dish that was filling and warming. The salad was fresh and takoyaki was hot, though it was quite soft and had a small piece of octopus inside.

Can't beat the price tag at Manpuku for the location. If you like udon, Manpuku has a decent selection along with apps from corn soup to wasabi octopus. Apps range from $3-$5, so this is a great place to try a variety of things without breaking the bank. Got the natto (fermented soy bean) udon and it came with seaweed and slasian spinach. I would have loved it if it had a bit of soup, but you can't complain for $7. If you've never tried natto, FYI it's quite slimey and may not be the best fit dor you if you're picky about texture. If you're in the neighbourhood and need a quick meal for a very fair price, would definitely recommend. There may be a wait, but generally the service is efficient enough that things no I've along quickly. If it's important, the washroom is not gendered and is on the same level as the my ain dining area.

I LOVE THIS PLACE All I have to say is it's simple, efficient workers, clean, and the food tastes GOOD. Oh, and don't forget the unbeatable price There's a reason why they're always busy, and as a student, it's such a steal when you're on a budget!!

Tucked away in a foodcourt across from the AGO/OCAD, Manpuku has always been known as one of the best deals in the city for cheap eats or a quick meal. What I got: - Takoyaki - Tofu Nuggets - Kitsune Udon Final Thoughts: I haven't been to Manpuku in years and I'm quite honestly torn as the price is still unbeatable (the whole meal cost me about $15), but the quality is not what I remember from years ago. I bit into an empty takoyaki and after biting all of them in half I found only 2/6 pieces had any octopus in them. The octopus that was present was so small I almost missed it which was incredibly disappointing. I hope this was just a one-off. The udon is nothing special, but for the price it's a great cheap meal. The tofu nuggets had edamame in them and were topped with a tangy sauce. The server helping me was also incredibly sweet. I'd come back for the price when I'm in need of a quick bite, but if you're looking quality it may be worth spending a little more elsewhere.

Came here on a Wednesday night at around 6pm with my boyfriend and it was packed! We waited around 10 minutes to be seated, which gave us time to look at the menu and decide on what we wanted to order by the time we sat down. We ended up getting the corn soup, niku udon, takoyaki and manpuku ramen! All of that ended up being just under $26! The food came out pretty quick, and it was truly a great deal. The portions were bigger than we expected given the prices and they gave lots of meat in the ramen. The corn soup was warm and comforting, perfect for a cold night in Toronto, while the takoyaki was packed with flavour! Definitely excited to come back here again soon!

Ordered the - Kake Udon ($4.29) - Kitsune Udon ($4.79) - Cold Tofu / HIYAYAKKO ($4.00) - Cold Spinach / OHITASHI ($3.25) The udon dish is simple but tasty. The other side dishes were similarly tasty. Portions for the side dishes are also quite generous. Overall very good considering the great price!

I only recently came across this place and was so surprised that it's located in a food court across from OCAD. There are a variety of places and this tiny restaurant is located a little further inside on the right side of the complex. Right off the bat you know it's a college environment so don't expect fancy service because you get what you pay for here. Quick, efficient and reliable. We were seated at a spot for two and they have single seating as well (perfect for college kids grabbing a quick bite between classes). The menu has a few different varieties of noodles, rice bowls and appetizers. I tried the Wasabi Octopus (really fresh and nice), the yakinigori (triangle rice stuffed with tuna) and a rice bowl with beef. Everything was tasty for the price and was served fairly quickly. If I'm in the mood for a quick bite of Japanese food without burning a hole in my pocket, I'd pick this place. Definitely worth a try but keep in mind that it caters to a university crowd and is not competing with the fancier Japanese restaurants.

Hands down one of the best Cheap Eats in downtown Toronto. Situated inside the Village by the Grange Foodcourt, it is a tiny casual place but packs a punch when it comes to taste and affordability. Don't expect to be served gourmet food here as this is not the case. But if you're not picky and just looking for simple, quality and inexpensive food, then you've come to the right place. You can fill up your empty stomach at Manpuku without emptying your wallet. For two people we usually spend $20 for 2 Noodle dishes and 1 Appetizer and this includes tax and tip. The green tea is free and complimentary but they have other drinks including alcohol beverage that you can buy. My fave thing to order is their Kake Udon and Tsukimi Udon. The Kake Udon is simple yet comforting and satisfying. Adding the Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese spice mix) gives it a little bit kick and added flavour to the soup. I also like the Tsukimi Udon because of the addition of poach egg. The egg is poached in dashi/soy broth which gives it an intense flavour. We like ordering the Takoyaki as well but since they make it fresh you have to wait for 20 mins. Although there's limited octopus in the Takoyaki it's still passable. Staff are super nice and welcoming. Worth a try if ever you're in the Dundas/McCaul area.

It's one of my favorite restaurants in downtown. The restaurant itself is very cozy and the staff is very efficient. I usually get their Niku Udon, which is basically beef udon, and it never disappoints. It doesn't look much, but I get full after one bowl. I like that they have Japanese snacks as well.

Yes!! I finally came here and it was everything I had been dreaming of for the past 2 years . The broths were so flavorful and unique. The unagi was HUGE and luscious. Takoyaki so freaking big and hot.

Latest visit to manpuku was quite disappointing, to be honest pricing was their selling point but it's close to other store's pricing now, while the quality wasn't satisfying, the yakitori bowl was very underwhelming the chicken doesn't taste like chicken at all, the octopus ball was so mushy I was concerned it wasn't cooked. Only thing I liked was the meat udon. However with this price, and this quality, I wouldn't come back

Was looking for a meal nearby the AGO and discovered this spot! Tucked inside the Village of the Grange food court, this spot was like a casual cafeteria. We ordered the takoyaki for appetizer and black sesame cake for dessert. For mains, we ordered shigure don (sliced beef on rice), hotate rice (scallop with egg and scallion on rice) and beef udon to share. The shigure don was delicious! Very saucy (so keep that in mind if you don't like your rice on the wet side). The hotate rice was like a fried omelette on rice. My favourite was the beef udon. Noodles were cooked perfectly and the broth was light. The takoyaki was a bit doughy and wasn't crispy enough. As for the black sesame cake, it had a slightly hard texture so not sure if it was just not as fresh or frozen. All in all, everything was priced cheap, so you'll definitely leave with a full stomach without emptying your wallet too much! I would come back again to try the other udon.

Super affordable food and nostalgic atmosphere! Manpuku puli has a variety of Japanese dishes at an affordable price. It's service is incredible as the staff is very generous. My sister got a rice bowl which came with and I got the Kitsune Udon which was very delicious (highly recommend it).

for the 2015 prices they're offering, u rlly cant complain! it's comforting cheap eats that's good for everyone. it's located in village by the grange food court so there's lots to choose from, and not everyone has to get the same thing! if you wanna quick meal, come before noon on weekdays to avoid ping waiting times. i would get the curry udon again, but skip on the chawanmushi. it was watery and was lacking flavour.

They are located in the corner of the food court by OCAD. I saw it on TikTok and I thought we gave it a try. This place is a hidden gem. Not alot people know about this place unless you go to school there or word of mouth. I order tofu with noodles in a delicious broth for only $5.75. What a bargain? My gf ordered Takoyaki with classic and corn soup. I love this place. Definitely, we will go back when we are in the area.

Went here with my friends from university and we had a grand time!! The food is really good and affordable, the host was gracious and explained everything to us in great detail

I visited manpuku this past weekend and it was quite busy but it was so worth it!! I waited about 15-20 mins in line to be seated and 10-15 mins for the food to come. They do note that they are short staffed so it is understandable! I came here for their udon because I heard it was really good and I can definitely agree that they are!! Broth and noodles were cooked perfectly. Packed with amazing flavour. The prices here are reasonably cheap and affordable. I got to try another dish but I forgot the name :( It was quite alright tho the ratio of the rice and chicken wasn't worth it because they only serve so little pieces of chicken. I also ordered a can of pop and our bill came to about $22!! Super cheap for two dishes + a drink!

Mehhh. Can get really busy during lunchtime with all the students and offices nearby. Takoyali was terrible - def skip this. The noodles are ok. The price really is what makes this a 3 MAX. It's definitely cheap, which is the only reason I'd return.

Note: I would give 2.5 stars. I expected so much from this restaurant since I heard and saw such raving reviews from both Yelp and Tiktok. Maybe it was because of my high expectations right from the beginning, but I was very disappointed in the meals I had at Manpuku. Manpuku is a small restaurant with dine-in tables nestled in a very secluded food court near OCAD university. The service was pretty prompt and friendly. I was given the food I was ordered in about 5-10 minutes. I had: Tsukimi Udon- udon topped with green onion, fish cake and half cooked egg - There was too much seaweed, very few fish cake and the egg was definitely not half cooked - it was fully cooked. The broth, though it had some depth, was ultimately too bland for my taste. Hiyayakko- cold tofu with bonito flakes - There wasn't enough sauce and it was just bonito flakes. More sauce and more add-ons were definitely needed. Overall, this dish is just overpriced raw tofu. Also, I realize that this appetizer is majority cold tofu, but I thought there would at least be some slightly different taste to it than if I just ate raw tofu out of the packaging. However, why I gave this place 2.5 stars is that if you think about it objectively, this place is pretty cheap. The udon was the cheapest I've ever eaten at a restaurant. Within the price point, I should be happy with the food quality I have received; I shouldn't have expected a lot from a restaurant with a low price point. Also, as stated before, service was good. As well, I would like to point out the other menu items looked interesting. However, I probably won't come back.

Great cheap option in downtown! I am an avid lover of udon so their gyu udon satisfies my craving well. It really reminds me of a fast food restaurant in Japan. I like the variety of food they have including rice bowls, curry, udon, sides, drinks and more. There's something for everyone here, and it won't break your bank. Keep in mind that this is a small establishment, so it often gets busy at peak hours. It's better to come with a smaller group if you want to he seated faster. Or you could order takeout and eat in the food court just outside! Highly recommended to pay a visit :)

An unassuming Japanese place located in a poorly-marked food court near OCAD - Manpuku is a Toronto gem. The food is very simple and tasty, with a variety of Japanese favourites available at a very, very low price. A bowl of Soboro Donburi (minced pork on rice) is only $8, and 6 Takoyaki (octopus dough balls) are only $5, for example. The experience itself is cozy, it reminds me of some of the small places you'd find in Japan with the tiny, wood-walled interior. As of November 2021 they're a bit short-staffed, but the service was still great given those constraints and the food came quickly.

We live uptown and had something to do in downtown so we searched this place online. Wow, a hidden gem in financial district. First, everything is so cheap, second, many choices and traditional Japanese snacks you can try, third, delicious and you'll be full for sure. It's located inside an old mall, in a food court that nothing else is open.... But this restaurant is full of customers. Some of them will need to sit in the food court too. I'll definitely come back again.

I have been dining at Manpuku for years. It is a cosy cafeteria restaurant with two levels that serves the cheapest Japanese menu possible. Located next to a college and within a busy food court Manpuku is a hit with the students and passer-by for good reason. The owner was not at the restaurant on a Saturday, but a staff of four was busy serving the many diners and take-out clientele. Their being Japanese helps them be friendly and efficient probably and likely also helps with the cleanliness of the place (magazine rack aside). Another restaurant with that much foot traffic would not fare as well. With that said, taste, yes taste, has always been the restaurant's achilles heel. Japan is not known for saucy, spicy, hot, loud food and thanks dog for that, but in its stead Japanese cuisine is very very good with subtle umami tastes and dashi/aji flavours. What the Japanese owner has forgotten unfortunately is this last part. Manpuku is all about cheap and varied Japanese items where one can easily dine for $10. No one else offers such a great value. And no one else in town is offering a menu with udon, shiruadon (which I ordered), takoyaki (minimum 6, which I ordered), tofu plates and Japanese curry items too, but the restaurant has really become oblivious to how flavour is important too. The shiruadon fish bowl was topped with nori and mayonnaise and was more of a hit than the takoyaki whose batter was clearly not takoyakiko and tasted like bread. I suspect they cannot find takoyakiko (fried octopus balls' batter) in town and are improvising their own. I still like Manpuku very much and will return, but Japanese should remain Japanese.

My cousins and I came for some lunch before going across the street to the AGO. It was just before 1 pm when I got there and there wasn't too long of a wait, less then 10 minutes. The prices are super affordable compared to other restaurants in the city. It was difficult choosing what I wanted to order since almost everything was something that I would enjoy. I finally settled on the Kitsune udon and my cousin and I shared the yaki onigiri. The Kitsune Udon is a Japanese noodle soup in dashi broth, topped with seasoned fried tofu, narutomaki fish cake, and scallions. The portion was perfect, enough to satisfy my hunger but not too much to make me full. A sprinkling of some of the spice blend added a bit more flavour to the already good dish. The yaki onigiri was very flavourful since it was grilled. My cousin was happy with her yakitori don and it looked delicious.

Kake Udon- udon is too soft and soup has no taste. But I have to say the price is super reasonable.

This place is a nice, cheap, and quick place to get a bite to eat. It's your textbook definition of no frills food. The restaurant isn't very large so seating may be difficult or cramped. We sat at the stool area with some difficulty due to all the winter jackets this season. There's a few coat hooks on the side door from the stools, which could easily go unnoticed. We got the shigure don, tsukimi udon, and kake udon. Everything came pretty lukewarm. I'm not sure if that's how typical Japanese food is, but I would prefer it warmer since it became cold so quickly. There was definitely nothing fancy going on here. The food was good and satisfying--and you really can't beat the price! Don't come here expecting high quality Japanese food, but it's pretty great to grab a bite to eat at an extremely affordable price!

(Note that their current hours as of this review [Sept 2021] are slightly different due to pandemic restrictions; they are open until 7:30PM on MTW, 9:30PM on ThFSat, and closed on Sundays. Enjoy!) Manpuku is hands down my favourite spot in the Village by the Grange foodcourt! They have remained open (with restrictions) even in the face of the pandemic, and the owners are always kind, polite, and efficient - I am full glad to see the restaurant still up and running! Manpuku offers a variety of fresh, filling Japanese comfort food at affordable prices - their negitama gyudon, one of my favourite dishes, is less than $10 and is a whopper of a meal in terms of serving size! The takoyaki is delicious and made to order as well (with a short wait, since they make it from scratch each time), and the yakionigiri is HEAVENSENT. I end up eating here at least twice a week now just for the yakionigiri (and then some), and I'm sure nobody else eats as much yakionigiri as I do at this point. I could eat here every day if I had less self-control, to be quite honest. If you haven't been to Manpuku yet, please give it a shot! (Do yourself a favour and get the yakionigiri too, while you're at it.) I cannot think of any other Japanese restaurant that is as affordable and filling as Manpuku, and it's definitely a gem in the VBTG foodcourt!

Food: 3.5 Stars Service: 3 Stars Ambience: 3 Stars Fill Factor: Satisfied The last time I was at Manpuku I was still a student and before I developed a love of food. I only visited Manpuku a few times but I really enjoyed their udon as it was delicious and affordable. Flash forward some years and having not had anything from here in a while I decided to drop by. The restaurant is located within the Village by the Grange food court near Popeye's. The space is not overly large but there is a fair amount of seating available though a bit cramped in some spots. The decor is nothing fancy but fits well with the overall location. For food I ordered the negitama don and the chawanmushi. I had no idea what the chawanmushi was and I ordered it as I wanted to try something new. It was interesting when it came as it looked like soup with a layer of cooked egg so I did not know what to think of it. Though I really like eggs I found the dish to be very watery and bland. Definitely would not have this again. As for the negitama don, it is a bowl of rice topped with beef and a sunny side up egg. The flavours were fairly basic but enjoyable and I found the portion to be fair given the price. I am glad I visited Manpuku again. It is definitely a place I do not mind coming back to over and over. Maybe next time I will have the udon.