Feeling some delicately rendered sushi rolls or a little crispy tempura tonight? If you’re also keen on dinner and a movie on the sofa, or just a chill night in, check out these west-end sushi spots that are upping the game, not just with their oh-so-fresh menus, but also with their quick, no-charge delivery.
If you’re in the Fashion District: You might have heard about the bizarre sushi bar meets drycleaners just off the beaten Queen West track. Well, the rumours are true. Tucked inside a convenience store, this spot is one part upscale laundry service and one part gourmet sushi restaurant. But despite it being one of our more eccentric business models in town, it’s a superb choice for sushi in the Entertainment District. Pick up a quick to-go box or request delivery of rarer-seen specialties like the torched white tuna roll or an item off the reasonably priced Chef’s Specials board.
When on Roncesvalles: Sushi on Roncy. For some of the best spicy sashimi in town, or an artfully crafted Chef’s Special roll (a crunchy roll featuring salmon, tuna, and cream cheese), this roomy Japanese eatery is your go-to spot. The quiet, wood-framed back patio is the perfect place to enjoy a raw fish feast with pals, while the bright, roomy interior is a calm spot for a quick lunch or dinner. Huge delivery boundaries (from Dufferin to Parkside, and from Dupont to King West) make it easy to order-in for a delicious dinner at home.
If you’re in Little Italy: Sashimi Island. Not only does this College Street spot host AYCE sushi by day, it also sports a menu that combines unique, invented-in-house maki rolls (like the brown rice Centre Island roll), with well-priced standards and very generous sashimi servings (the salmon-sashimi-topped Red Dragon is a must-try). The spot does offer delivery, but take 20% off your bill if you pick up the order yourself.
If you’re near Liberty Village: Koja. This compact resto quickly rose in the ranks of King Street sushi spots, with super fresh sushi boats and a special mixture of white, brown and black rice (resulting in delicious purple-hued rolls). Delivery minimum is $40 and the menu includes lunch specials all south of $15, plus options like bibimbap and specialty rolls which include an intriguing Hawaiian roll made with pineapple, avocado, and spicy salmon, as well as the Hot Sunkist roll, featuring spicy scallop and avocado, and topped with salmon sashimi.
If you’re on or around Roncies: Sushi Nomi. This cute neighbourhood spot at the foot of Roncesvalles is known for a few things: their deliciously substantial and affordable lunch specials (ready for takeout), and for the children’s books – subject: sushi – scattered throughout the restaurant, supplying the kids with a little reading fodder over dinner. But the spot also hosts quick delivery for those looking for a gourmet dinner and night in.
If you’re hanging in the Entertainment District: Maki My Way. This spot is more or less cross-the-city famous for its unique business model that allows sushi-seekers to order custom rolls and design their own to-go sushi boxes. But if you’re not feeling super creative, select from options that range from steaming salmon sushi pizzas to signature rolls like the Oh Canada (which features peameal bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, cream cheese and maple syrup, and is certainly not for the faint of heart) alongside baos, seared salmon, and Cajun albacore tuna. Bonus, this sweet spot delivers and caters large events.