“What do you think this is?” asks one of the masters behind the counter. You take the shirako nigiri in your mouth. The sea-broth-flavored custard tastes unlike any part of fish you can name. After you swallow, you’re told it’s a cod organ. Later you Google shirako, only to discover that cod sperm is an absolutely delicious delicacy. Osaka-born sushi master Yasuhisa Ouchi tells each piece of fish he cuts to “taste good” before he presses the flesh into a much-fussed-over round of rice. Fans of the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi will be delighted by the omakase at this 16-seat Annex restaurant, where diners are treated to the whims of the chefs. The 2-hour affair includes some familiar seafood delights (fatty tuna, mackerel, Hokkaido scallop) but often ventures into esoteric territory. Thumb-sized firefly squid, sakura shrimp that actually look like cherry-blossom petals, and ankimo (monkfish liver) are seasonal highlights. This is not sushi for California-roll junkies.
Toronto
Travel Guide
Toronto› Restaurant
Yasu
81 Harbord Street, Toronto
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Downtown West
Hours
Mon–Sun 6–11pm
Transportation
![3 star(s) 3 star rating](/assets/rating/fromm-rating-3star.png)
Subway: Spadina, then streetcar 510 S to Harbord St
Phone 416/477-2361 Prices Omakase set menu $135 Cuisine Type Japanese Web site YasuNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.