Kingyo Toronto

Posted By Jennifer Ho Jan 21 2014 · 0 comments · Dining Out

Another successful restaurant import from Vancouver, Kingyo has made it to the Toronto food scene, following in the footsteps of Guu Isakaya and Sakabar, Kinton Ramen, Ramen Raijin and others. Located in the East end of Toronto, Kingyo Isakaya has got a distinct vibe that differentiates itself from its competitors. Instead of the typically cramped quarters and loud, boisterous atmosphere found in many isakayas, Kingyo gives its customers breathing room and a little more leeway for a normal noise level of conversation.

Pachinko machines light up the dining area and old-school Japanese movies play on a projector at the front (think Godzilla). The restaurant’s namesake actually means goldfish in Japanese – the theme is carried through with live goldfish swimming in a pool built into one of the larger tables in the restaurant.

Below is a compilation of dishes we’ve tasted at Kingyo over the past couple of months. Some of our favourites: tako wasabi ($4 gets you a sinus opening bowl of octopus and a couple sheets of nori), sea urchin shooter (if you’re feeling adventurous), freshwater eel puff pastry, grilled yellow tail cheek, and to finish off, the silken two color almond tofu.