Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto
| Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto | |
|---|---|
 | |
Interactive map of Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto | |
| Restaurant information | |
| Established | 2001 |
| Owner | Masaki Hashimoto |
| Head chef | Masaki Hashimoto |
| Food type | Japanese |
| Rating |  (Michelin Guide) |
| Location | 6 Garamond Court, Toronto, M3C 1Z5, Canada |
| Coordinates | 43°43′35″N 79°20′6″W / 43.72639°N 79.33500°W |
Seating capacity | 6[1] |
| Website | www |
Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto is a Japanese restaurant in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[2] The restaurant has received a Michelin star.[3][4]
History
The restaurant originally opened in 2001 in a Mississauga strip mall, before re-locating in 2009 to its present location at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre in Toronto's North York borough.[5][1][6]
It is owned and operated by Masaki Hashimoto, a chef from Japan who was previously ranked one of the best in the country.[1] Hashimoto's wife and son also staff the restaurant, with the latter being a certified sake sommelier (Kikisake-shi) who runs the restaurant's beverage program and sake pairings.[1]
Concept
The restaurant offers a Japanese kaiseki-style eight course menu, culminating with a traditional tea ceremony.[7][8]
It seats three tables per night, with each provided a private seating area.[9]
Every ingredient in the restaurant's food is imported weekly from Japan.[1] It also imports the entirety of its matcha offering from Kyoto.[6]
Recognition
Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto received a Michelin star in Toronto's inaugural Michelin Guide that was revealed in 2022, and has retained its star every year since.[10] Michelin highlighted the restaurant's spotlight on seasonal Japanese ingredients, including sashimi, Miyazaki wagyu, and Shizouka muskmelon.[9]
Toronto Star restaurant critic Amy Pataki reviewed the restaurant in 2010, praising its service for being "as elegant as a ballet" and providing a "memorable cultural experience along with rare and brilliant food."[1]
In 2018, lifestyle magazine Toronto Life ranked Hashimoto among Toronto's best Japanese restaurants, stating that the atmosphere and service "transport you to Kyoto".[8]
The restaurant appeared on Canada's 100 Best Restaurants list in 2015.[11]
Canada's 100 Best Restaurants Ranking
| Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto[11] | ||
| Year | Rank | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 39 | new |
| 2016 |  No Rank | |
| 2017 | ||
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | ||
| 2020 | ||
| 2021 | No List | |
| 2022 | No Rank | |
| 2023 | ||
| 2024 | ||
| 2025 | ||
| 2026 | ||
See also
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pataki, Amy (9 April 2010). "Toronto's costliest restaurant: What you get for $800". Toronto Star. TorStar. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
- ↑ "The best Japanese restaurants in Toronto right now". Toronto Life. 2018-05-11. Archived from the original on 2022-08-16. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
- ↑ "2022 Toronto MICHELIN Stars". MICHELIN Guide. Archived from the original on 2023-07-16. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
- ↑ "Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto – Toronto - a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant". MICHELIN Guide. Archived from the original on 2023-03-05. Retrieved 2023-09-14.
- ↑ Ohi, Debbie (16 August 2007). "Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto". BlogTO. ZoomerMedia. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
- 1 2 Liu, Karon (24 November 2009). "Just Opened: Hashimoto comes to Toronto proper after years of wowing Japanese food fans in Mississauga". Toronto Life. St. Joseph Communications. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
- ↑ "Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto - Welcome". Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto. Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
- 1 2 "The best Japanese restaurants in Toronto right now". Toronto Life. St. Joseph Communications. 11 May 2018. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto - Toronto". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America. Retrieved 3 April 2026.
- ↑ "MICHELIN Guide honors Toronto & Region with new Two Starred restaurant in 2025 selection". Michelin Guide. Michelin North America. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
- 1 2 "Canada's 100 Best Restaurants Lists". Canada's 100 Best Restaurants. Canada's 100 Best. Retrieved 8 December 2024.