Neither as noisy nor as dimly lit as other restaurants of its ilk, this much-loved Cabbagetown izakaya is Toronto's version of its Vancouver originator, rises above the rest with its emphasis on freshness, quality and presentation. Kingyo's menu boasts a range of unique dishes, from goma ramen salad to short ribs. The pressed mackerel, tsukemono pickles, stone bowl sea urchin don and sea urchin shooters are consistent favourites. Guests get an eyeful here, watching marvels like beef tongue being grilled on a hot stone. Good news travels fast, so there are generally lots of enthusiastic diners under the restaurant's high ceilings and in the company of its blinking Pachinko machines.more...See more text
ordered may times but on the latest $128 order the food portions of salmon lovers donburi are about 30% less than they used to be. Also ordered the fry lovers set but only half the items came with the set ..supposed to be two of everything but only got one???. Phoned and asked if I could pick up what was missing but the person just refused to help. The Gobo tempura was so hard we had to recook it just to make it edible. Its sad becuase this place used to be good.
This Cabbagetown spot reflects a traditionally minded izakaya inspired by classic Japanese cuisine. Featuring a variety of fresh fish, meat, and vegetables, each dish is built of a few simple items that accumulate into exquisite flavours. Diced beef tenderloin served with grated daikon, shisho leaf, and Japanese steak sauce is a superb dish that balances light and heavy on the palette. With its dark wood and bamboo, Kingyo replicates the comfort and luxury of eating in Japan’s urban centres.