Restaurant Spotlight #2: Kintaro Izakaya

Kintaro Izakaya is an authentic Japanese bar & grill in downtown Toronto. Within walking distance from the University of Toronto's St. George campus, its the perfect get-together or date night spot for college students and young professionals. The restaurant's unique decor, including vibrant lamps and neon signs, make it feel like a glimpse of Japan.

Seating on the semi-enclosed patio

Inside, the dining area is small but inviting, with regular tables as well as bar seats. Since we walked in at 7 PM on a Saturday, only the semi-enclosed patio seats were available. We were prepared to be cold as we sat down, but the heaters, cushioned-seats, and string lights made the small space surprisingly warm and cozy.

Tori Karaage (Japanese-styled boneless fried chicken)

We started with the Tori Karaage (fried chicken), which was crispy, well-seasoned, and the perfect bite-size. The sauce — a tangy, spicy mayo — paired perfectly with the chicken. The fries were just as addictive, I just wish we got more of them. The pickled radish on the side was crunchy and very fun to eat.

Cheesy Okonomiyaki (Japanese seafood pancake w/ mozzarella cheese)

Next, we got the Cheesy okonomiyaki (there was also a non-cheesy option) because we'd never tried it before. It did not disappoint; I was jaw-dropped by the perfect cheese pull (see below). The crispy, golden edges and cheesy filling along with seafood, bonito flakes, and seaweed makes this dish a MUST try for cheese lovers.

Cheese pull!!! 🤩🤩

We wanted to try their signature grill items, but with so many options to choose from, we decided to go for one of their sets to sample a variety. Everything was grilled to perfection, especially the beef; it was perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside. These grill sets are great for sharing, letting you try multiple different kinds without wasting.

Grill Set A: Karubi (beef striploin), Sanmainiku (pork belly), Cheese mune (chicken breast w/ cheese), Scallop, and Eringi (buttered king mushroom)

Lastly, we wanted something warm and filling, so I ordered their signature ramen. This definitely warmed me up from the inside out; I was sweating only a few bites in. The rich, hearty broth paired well with crisp veggies. In my opinion, it wasn't mind-blowing, but for sure a nice, comforting choice, especially for a chilly night.

Kintaro Ramen (Pork bone soup ramen)

Pricing: The total came to around $78 plus tip for a three person meal, a fairly affordable price, especially for college students nearby.

I'd love to return to Kintaro Izakaya to try some of their sushi, which I've heard to be really good. With their unique decor, cozy & dark atmosphere, and wide variety of sharing plates, and I would recommend this restaurant for dinner dates or for young professionals looking to unwind, have a drink, and enjoy the weekend.

Dish of the Day (for the 10/10 cheese pull): Cheesy Okonomiyaki

Thanks for reading and I'll see you next week!