Taro’S Fish

I have been to the Taro Fish location on Woodbine Avenue numerous times. While I understand they may have other locations, this review is strictly based on my experiences at this specific sit-in location. The facility is consistently clean and tidy. The wait staff deserves a special mention for their meticulous cleaning protocol. They use a clean rag and a dustpan to neatly clear table crumbs, a professional touch I greatly appreciate, especially compared to other establishments that simply brush debris onto the chairs or floor. The entire wait staff is incredibly polite, and all appear to be Japanese, adding to the authentic atmosphere. The quality and freshness of the fish are outstanding, and the prices are reasonable for the high quality provided. I'm taking away one star because this is where the restaurant falls slightly short is in the precision of its cuts. I ordered the Bluefin tuna sashimi (Hon-maguro), and unfortunately, the preparation wasn't by a skilled hand. When I bit into the fish, there was a stringy texture, which suggests that the sinew (sometimes referred to as suji in Japanese, though I'm unsure of the exact term) was not properly removed or sliced against the grain, as an experienced sushi chef would typically ensure. A unique and engaging aspect of the experience is that customers can select their desired sashimi from the display fridge and bring it to their table, where the wait staff then takes it and asks how you would like it cut or prepared. Overall, it's a great spot for fresh seafood and excellent service, but a little more attention to the technical skill of the sashimi preparation would elevate the experience significantly.

I ordered the daily specials and the food was good, pretty standard quality, though I felt it was slightly overpriced for what you get. I visited on a random weekend late afternoon and was surprised by how busy it was. The wait for dine-in was quite long, partly because the staff seemed a bit slow to clear/turn tables. The seating isn't very comfortable either; it’s definitely more of an 'eat and go' spot rather than a place to sit and chat. A nice bonus is the Japanese grocery store inside, which has a good variety of unique products. However, like the restaurant menu, the grocery items are on the pricier side compared to other places.

We saw this restaurant on social media and thought to give it a try. It was a delight for the eyes and the belly. The concept is similar to some Japanese markets in Japan. You can buy your food like a grocery store and bring it home OR buy a mix of goodies and they'll a rice bowl for you. Of course, the items they can make are limited, but the experience was still amazing. I personally took the Chirashi bowl with Bluefin tuna + Atlantic Salmon. It was simply delicious. Would recommend!