Japanese Express in Markham

4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON L3R 0Y5, Canada

★★★★☆
(94 reviews)
Categories: Japanese restaurant

About

Welcome to Japanese Express (JE) located on the 2nd floor of Pacific Mall's Heritage Town. We take pride in offering our customers quality Japanese and Korean food. Japanese Express has been in business for the past 20 years and has recently undergone new management with new menu, new plans and committment to excellence. With our skilled chefs, fresh ingredients, and commitment to quality make JE a go to place for Sushi and Korean cuisine. Whether you are a sushi enthusiast or new to Korean cuisine, our menu offers a wide variety of traditional and innovative creations to suit every taste. Come and indulge in the artistry of sushi at Japanese Express.

Website
japaneseexpress.net
Address
4300 Steeles Ave E, Markham, ON L3R 0Y5, Canada
Plus Code
RMGV+9M Markham, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
11 AM–8 PM
Tuesday
11 AM–8 PM
Wednesday
11 AM–7 PM
Thursday
11 AM–8 PM
Friday
11 AM–8 PM
Saturday
11 AM–8 PM
Sunday
11 AM–8 PM

Services

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Healthy options Small plates Vegan options Vegetarian options
Dining options
Lunch Dinner
Amenities
Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking

Photos

Reviews

4.1
★★★★☆
94 reviews

Most Mentioned

price (11) beef bulgogi (8) mall (8) cashier (8) bento box (8) miso soup (5) spicy salmon roll (3) japchae (3) food quality (3) beef ramen (2)
5 stars
63
4 stars
7
3 stars
9
2 stars
2
1 stars
13
★★★
December 8, 2024

Japanese Express: Disappointing Changes in Quality and Value Japanese Express used to be my go-to spot for delicious, affordable Japanese cuisine, but unfortunately, it’s not the same anymore. The prices have noticeably gone up, which would be fine if the food quality matched the increase—but it doesn’t. The flavors that used to be rich and satisfying now feel bland and inconsistent. Portions seem smaller, and the freshness of the ingredients isn’t as impressive as it once was. It’s disappointing to see a place I once loved lose its charm. While I understand that rising costs might lead to price adjustments, there’s no excuse for compromising on quality. Sadly, Japanese Express no longer feels worth the price. I hope they take customer feedback seriously and make improvements because it would be great to see this spot regain its former glory.

★★★★★
October 31, 2024

This is some of the most wonderful sushi and sashimi I have had and at a very reasonable price. This is worth the detour for some great quality. My compliments to the chef. I'm very happy this restaurant has remained over the years. I hope you get the opportunity to enjoy this rare hidden treat.

★★★★★
September 15, 2024

I recently tried out a Japanese food court restaurant, and it was fantastic! The beef bulgogi bento box was perfectly seasoned and tender, while the kalbi udon had a rich broth that was super comforting. The tempura shrimp and yam were crispy and fresh, just how I like them. The crab unigiri was a nice surprise—fresh and packed with flavor. Overall, the food was fresh and delicious, making this spot a must-visit for anyone who loves Japanese cuisine. Highly recommend checking it out while at Pacific Mall!

★★★★★
August 2, 2024

We recently visited Japanese Express inside the Pacific Mall and had a wonderful experience. I ordered the beef ramen, which was delicious. The lady cashier was very nice and provided excellent service. We also tried the chicken teriyaki triangle samgak kimbap for the first time, and it was also very good. Both the cook and the cashier provided great customer service, and our food was prepared quickly. Their pork cutlets and tempura looks yummy too! We will try it next time. Thank you for the enjoyable quick snack!

April 12, 2024

I went to Japanese Express on Tuesday April 9, and bought the crunch salmon rolls and spicy salmon rolls that day, It was outrageous and ridiculous, Both boxes of salmon were fishy and smelly, I was absolutely sure that the salmon had gone bad already,but the owner still sold it to customers. I will never buy any food from this store again !

★★★★★
November 6, 2023

Japanese Express Takeout at Pacific Mall never disappoints. Their sushi and sashimi are consistently fresh, and the hot dishes, like crispy chicken katsu and kalbe beef, are absolute must-tries. A delightful culinary experience! 🍣🍱👌

★★★★★
November 3, 2023

Noticed there’s upgrades on the store and staff are friendly. I enjoyed the chicken and pork katsu combo and it comes with tempura, it tastes fresh and theres considerable amount of meat. The chicken katsu looks like it’s made of white meat which is healthier. Also love spicy salmon sushi! Will definitely come back to try the rest of their menu

October 24, 2023

This place has really went downhill over the years. Ordered the Tuesday’s sushi special, and I was given bulgolgi. Not sure how that happened when the elderly male cashier confirmed my order & it wasn’t even busy. The salad was old & not fresh tasting & the japchae was just coated in cheap grease. Bulgolgi was ok, but on the drier side.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Thanks Albert and Hanna for the customer service and food!!!! Would recommend !! Food : 5/5

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

The sushi was perfect. We absolutely enjoyed it!

★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Food was okay. I ordered spicy salmon roll. Didn t scream to me as buy more. Overall okay

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Pleasant

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

I ve been here a lot since I was a kid and I always love the food here. No complaints at all! I came here last week with my aunt and little brother and I ordered the beef bulgogi bento and takoyaki. The lady working there gave my little brother and I a free onigiri each because she thought I was pretty. Definitely made my day!!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Staff is so sweet!! Food was great and after eating I asked for a bag and the lady at the register gave be a free onigiri!! What a great experience

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

First time having this food, was amamzing amazing delicious wanted sea weed salad instead of salad and free of charge 100 percent recommend eating here when you come to Pacific Mall

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

this crunch salmon was great!! and the beef rice bowl also very nice strongly recomend it

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

The food was amazing. I loved the maki rolls and hand rolls.

April 23, 2024

I did not know that a poke can taste this bad. The portion was small, tasted horrible.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

They are a kind family with decades of experience running restaurants. I had the chicken teriyaki bento box and it was all I could ask for.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Their food never disappoints me! Especially the Korean food they have on the menu. It tastes better than other Korean restaurants that only serve Korean food.

★★★★★
March 23, 2024

Love the sashimi donburi at this place ! One of the best in Markham . The ingredients are fresh and portion is just perfect ! The new owner definitely brings better quality of food to this place !

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

I particularly enjoyed the Ramen and sushi. This is my go to spot whenever I visit Markham. Good value and great portion

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 23, 2024

I dont usually go to P Mall but I had the pleasure of going this past weekend. Ate at this place and man was it good! Food was on point and staff was friendly - will definitely go again when I visit the mall.

★★★★★
February 23, 2024

The service was great and the food was delicious!

★★★★★
January 23, 2024

I had an amazing experience dining in. Me and my family enjoyed the sushi party tray, kalbi bento, kalbi poke, and the beef ramen. The quality of the food is top notched for a reasonable price and the service is amazing. The food was fresh and the service was fast. I would highly recommend coming here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 23, 2024

The food was fresh and delicious! Very good amount. The service was very friendly and fast.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Nice place to get some Japanese/Korean food at Pacific Mall. Food was hot and flavourful! I got beef japchae and also tried some of the beef bulgogi, both taste great. Haven t tried the sushi but will likely return to try some other dishes.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

one of my go to eat on pmall .. for the price is kinda expensive but it is worth the money

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great value! Super good and fresh food. I don t come from the area but every time i do, its my first stop!

December 23, 2023

Absolutely disgusting customer service. I asked him a question to clarify what comes in one of the meals and he doesn t answer me instead rudely tells me to look at the picture. I said ok understood followed by him not even making eye contact or confirm whether I wanted to order or not. Instead this miserable old man rings up a order . I said never mind and he from what I can tell sweared at me in Korean. What absolute disgusting interaction during lunch .

Local Guide
December 23, 2023

This sushi is one of the worst I have had. You might as well get end of day sale from Macs sushi or Bento sushi. Much better than this.. and the owner /cashier didnt seem like he wanted to be there...

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I noticed they were new owners. I used to come here a lot. Ton Katsu was the best there

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

New owners are now here, very friendly so we grabbed a sushi party tray and wow. I loved it! Very fresh! Will be coming back :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Confirmed new owners. Friendly staff and the food was quite good and tasty. Had the beef bulgogi and sushi. Will come back again. Vegetarian options: They have veggie tempura and cali rolls

December 23, 2023

idk what s going on but JE is no longer what it used to be. the new owners have ruined a staple food stall at pacific mall. the lady at the cashier had poor customer service and so much attitude when i asked for a few extra napkins for my family after ordering a number of combo meals. she even sighed and rudely shoved the napkins in my hand saying i already gave you napkins while rolling her eyes. The food quality has diminished from being too salty and much smaller food portions than compared to before. their miso soup is literally hot water now. the previous owners may have been old but they were so much sweeter and actually cared about their customers experience. I am unable to reply to your response but I appreciate your willingness to address my concerns. I ordered the bulgogi beef meal, chicken teriyaki meal, bbq beef and tempura meal, california roll set, and box of japchae. My family and I found the japchae and bulgogi beef to be salty and additionally the rice was mushy. I particularly found the customer service to be the most unpleasant as my husband additionally told me last night that when he asked for a spoon for his rice the lady at the front seemed upset and kept sighing.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Amazing service and tasty food!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

Used to eat here occasionally but stopped going because food and service was going downhill. Today I was in the mall and stopped by for lunch and wow! Immediately upon looking at my food I noticed a significant improvement in the quality and presentation. Turns out they re under new management, and they even kept the same menu and prices as before. What a pleasant surprise. Thank you for the delicious lunch and pleasant service, I will be back.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great food!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

If youre into sushi or Korean food and want the good stuff, this is your spot. Highly recommend to visit!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Love the freshness, got the best bang for the buck

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2023

The new owners have completely turned the business around. They have updated the menu. Amazing food and service is a top notch! I would recommend anyone looking for a quality food.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Amazing food. Very fresh and great taste.

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

Great food and even better staff!

★★★★★
December 23, 2023

I haven t been in this mall for almost a decade. Tried out this restaurant randomly and the food was pretty good. I was told the new owner just bought the restaurant. The cashier was super helpful also.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Just mediocre - Jamie

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

There are so many choices! Friendly service, tasty food.

December 23, 2022

Extreme poor service. Hang up on me 3 times. Salmon is not clean and food quality is very bad. Plenty food to eat around. Just dont go this.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2022

Really underrated, great quality food without breaking the bank

December 23, 2022

Ordered my food at 12:52 pm and did not recieve until 1:32. Took 40 mins for me to recive my order of chicken cutlet with noone else in line and i can see two workers in the back walking around not doing much. They said someone else took my order, they need to fix their ordering system as all it is is a pencil crayon written number on the back of a reciept. Also saw the cook cooking my food with bare hands not sure how hygenic that is. No apologies after waiting 40 mins just excuses. Would not recomment food was bland.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2021

Theyve been an anchor of Pacific Malls food court for years. I really enjoyed my meal which was the bulgogi beef with rice, salad, and miso soup on the side. The meal was flavorful and was fresh. The customer service was also great. The lady working was a sweetheart. Overall, Im glad theyre still open during this pandemic and am excited to eat again.

★★★★★
December 23, 2021

Love this place! Love the staffs and definitely love the foods!

December 23, 2021

Very rude old man working at the counter

Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Food might be okay but the service is horrible. I asked about one of the items in the menu to order and the man that was taking my order refused to serve me. Unacceptable to deny service or to even be rude over a simple question. I wasnt being rude to even begin with.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2020

Great food. My favourite is the beef bulgogi. I have always ordered this since I was a kid for 15+ years. :)

December 23, 2020

Your Fantuan doesn t work. I told you one month ago, still don t fix

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Good food

December 23, 2019

Do not eat from this restaurant! I wish I can give no star at all! The worst experience ever! The worst service and the most disgusting and dirty food ever! I had to spit out the California roll because it tasted and smelled like something dirty had touched it! It has a very strong smell of dirty towel on it. It was so disgusting! I could still remember the taste in my mouth! Ewwww gross! Maybe it was dropped on the floor or maybe the cutting board was dirty or the towel that they used to clean it was not washed properly I dont know but it stank! I took it back to ask them to make me a new one because there was definitely something wrong with it. The cashier guy was so rude! He didnt even apologized to me but told me theres nothing wrong with it. I told him to taste it if he doesnt believe me! There was a lady at the back of the kitchen who also said its fine. Why would I lied? Why would I complain if the food was fresh? There were six rolls on the plate and I only ate two of them. I tasted the first roll and it was fine. The 2nd roll was disgusting so I took the rest of them back right away. He told me if they make me a new one I will need to pay for it. Say what? Is this a joke? Why would I need to pay again when I already paid for the food that was not prepared probably? He finally agree to get me a new one. He told me dont say its dirty. Well guess what? Im telling like it is. It stinks and tasted disgusting! While I was waiting for the new California roll, He never apologized and on top of that he was being very rude to me. He told me to move my tray from the counter when he can clearly see that it was heavy with other hot food items on it. When the new roll finally came out, I asked him for new soy sauce he gave me an attitude and told me to get it myself. I will never ever buy food from this place again!

★★★★★
December 23, 2019

There are pictures of menu items on the wall and you can order by number. Food is freshly prepared and tasty. Prices are the nowadays average food court prices.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

Hi... My name is Brian, the owner of the Restaurant. First of all, I would like to say Thank you to all of our customers. I have runned the business here for almost 20 years and am now getting old to retire. But I am stll not matured yet as much as to control my angry caused by the customers un-reasonable/sometimes fraudulant complaint in a very very rare case. Anyway I apologize to my customers for my counterly rude attitude, if any, against any customers rude complaint. And I pormise to keep serving more kindly to our customers with Fresh and Healthy Food. Very welcome your bitter and/or sweet reviews...Thanks again...!!

★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

This is a nice small place for a good Japanese food inside Pacific Mall. Don Katsu was well made and very tasty. friendly staff working here. I recommend this place for everyone.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2019

I love coming here and I can personally say that it is the best sushi place Ive ever been too. The cashier is friendly and the food is just delicious. The sushi is made fresh and the miso soup is so tasty and yummy. I highly recommend this place if you like sushi. The price for sushi is the same as if you were to buy it from t&t but it tastes so much better. Definetly come to this place you will not be dissapointed!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Very impressive. Small booth type restaurant with tasty food, great service and reasonable pricing. I recommend you check them out. They even have a few seats at the front counter. Read about dirty hands touching food on some other reviews but did not experience theirs during my visit.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Great, fast and reasonably priced bento-box style. We usually eat here when at the Pacific Mall. Good Sushi and Teriyaki and a great price. Meal comes with miso soup and green tea at no additional charge!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

I love coming here. It puts the all-you-can eat places to shame. The food is very good and well-priced.

★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

The korean sushi restaurant is tasty

★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

Very basic. The Kalbi bento box is not worth the money. There are many other restaurants that have more culturally appealing food that take more preparation. I would maybe eat here again to try the sushi

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2018

One of the most enjoyable bento boxes I have had in a really long time. Dont let the location fool you. They have different specials everyday and the meals are worth it. I ordered the bento box special on sundays and it also came with miso soup and 8 pieces of sushi. I will definitely come back here again soon.

Local Guide
December 23, 2017

Very unhygienic !!!!! Waiter touched money then made food without washing her hands!! That is disgusting!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 23, 2016

Pretty great! Usually my go-to at this mall! Their vegetarian mako combo is soooo good! And it comes with soup and tea as well with japchae noodles and salad as a side. Their prices are fairly priced and have daily specials. Plus the owners and the cashier are super nice!