Japanese restaurants

Nakayoshi Izakaya

4.3 426 reviews 4:30 AM - 8:30 PM 812 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4J 1L2, Canada

Discover this place

Nakayoshi Izakaya, located on Danforth Ave in Toronto, is a hidden gem that captures the essence of authentic Japanese dining. With a cozy, intimate atmosphere, it perfectly balances comfort and exquisite culinary offerings. Diners rave about the takoyaki and okonomiyaki, both praised for their rich flavors and delightful textures, setting a wonderful stage for the meal.

Highlighting their karaage ramen, customers have noted its generous portions and the well-balanced broth that isn’t overly salty, showcasing the chefs' commitment to quality. The nabeyaki udon and zaru soba also receive positive remarks, embodying the heartiness that one craves after a long day. Many patrons have expressed their appreciation for the warm service, noting that it feels like a comforting mom-and-pop establishment.

A standout is also the unique selection of East-Asian cheesecake, leaving a lasting impression on guests who choose to indulge. Overall, Nakayoshi Izakaya has successfully carved out its niche, earning full recommendations for those seeking a delicious meal in a loving and tranquil setting.

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Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights

Great tea selection

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Restroom
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd

Family-friendly
Groups
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with Nakayoshi Izakaya before visiting.

Reviews for Nakayoshi Izakaya

4.3

426 reviews

100%

43%

15%

Review highlights

Based on 426 reviews

Nakayoshi Izakaya in Toronto is consistently praised for its authentic and flavorful Japanese cuisine, with particular acclaim for dishes like karaage ramen, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and udon. Reviewers often highlight the balanced and well-crafted flavors, noting the chefs' evident attention to detail and quality. The restaurant’s cozy and intimate atmosphere is frequently mentioned, creating a relaxing environment ideal for casual dining after work or group meals. Additionally, the variety of options, including vegetarian-friendly dishes and unique desserts such as East Asian-inspired cheesecakes, adds to its appeal. While the restaurant typically has a calm ambiance without being overly busy, it successfully meets expectations for portion size and presentation. Overall, Nakayoshi Izakaya is appreciated for delivering a satisfying dining experience through consistent food quality and a welcoming setting.

Briar Rose Piquero

Jun 22, 2025

We ordered the takoyaki and shrimp okonomiyaki as our appetizer. Both were delicious. The nabeyaki udon was good. The zaru soba tasted like what you expected, just a regular zaru soba. It was a hearty meal and definitely great having after work. We went around 6pm, expected for it to be a little busy but surprisingly was not. It was just us dining in but there were a lot of people who ordered food to take out. It felt like a mom and pop store. The service was excellent. The atmosphere was cozy. I felt very relaxed and comfortable dining in there. Def recommend.

Claire

Jun 04, 2025

Great meal here with group of 4. I had the karaage Ramen. It was excellent, generous portion of karaage with a very tasty batter. Ramen was also very flavourful with great presentation.

Dinah-Faith G

Jun 03, 2025

Wow I had such delicious and satisfying meal I ordered the Karaage Ramen (karaage was put on the side, which I prefer) and it was so yummy. Usually when I have Ramen, the broth tends to be on the saltier side, but this was a perfect blend of smooth and rich flavors. You can really feel and taste the care and love the chefs put into the food. The atmosphere of the restaurant was really relaxing too! And the service was excellent ahh overall I'd recommend visiting this quiet, kawaii, and cozy little spot on Danforth!! You won't regret it

Victor Nicolet

May 30, 2025

We had a great time! The food was really good - we ordered takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, and udon, and everything hit the spot. The cheesecake with east-asian flavors was a nice touch too. The atmosphere was cozy and intimate, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy some Japanese food. We'd definitely recommend it!

Emily

Apr 30, 2025

Lovely, warm atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed the veggie croquettes and Niku ramen (sliced beef and onions). Also they have a selection of cheesecakes for 5- took home and enjoyed yam cheesecake (not pictured).

Vincent Hachey

Apr 13, 2025

I’ve been eating here for over ten years and have never had a bad bite of food. Tonight I had the karaage ramen and it was just large enough to feel full but small enough to walk home comfortably.

Apr 10, 2025

Nice, quiet experience. Best way to describe it is it's like Japanese comfort food. Good spot if you feel like eating Japanese food and want a wide selection, like the Izakaya name implies. They do a bit of everything good though I wouldn't say great - ramen, karaage, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, sushi, katsu, etc

brandon manning

Mar 14, 2025

Amazing authentic Japanese on the Danforth!!! This place was a wonderful experience. We have been here once before and the takoyaki is genuinely the best in the city that we had to come back. The server was attentive (gave us two glasses to share our pop which was so thoughtful!) and honest about food (specifically the level of spice I would be in for). We had the Spicy ramen and pork katsu curry. The portions were great, the atmosphere is top notch and over all such a pleasant experience. Can’t wait to come back and try more items from the menu!