Kintaro Izakaya in Toronto

459 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5, Canada

★★★★★
(1526 reviews)
Categories: Izakaya restaurant Bar Japanese restaurant Restaurant Tapas bar Yakitori restaurant

About

Lively spot serving up Japanese small plates, such as yakitori, plus polar beer & other drinks.

Website
kintaroizakaya.com
Address
459 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C5, Canada
Plus Code
MJ79+MW Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Sunday
5 PM–1 AM
Monday
5 PM–1 AM
Tuesday
5 PM–1 AM
Wednesday
5 PM–1:30 AM
Thursday
5 PM–1:30 AM
Friday
5 PM–2 AM
Saturday
5 PM–2 AM

Services

Service options
Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Food Food at bar Late-night food Small plates Spirits Vegetarian options Wine
Dining options
Dinner Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets Wi-Fi Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Parking
Paid parking lot Paid street parking Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.5
★★★★★
1526 reviews

Most Mentioned

grilled (35) beef tataki (16) scallop (13) beef tenderloin (11) village (10) broth (10) braised pork belly (8) ebi mayo (8) seared (8) tuna tataki (6)
5 stars
1004
4 stars
344
3 stars
99
2 stars
31
1 stars
48
★★★★★
December 16, 2024

The BEST izakaya yakitori spot in Toronto! I've tried countless yakitori places, but Kintaro's takes the crown. Their skewers are expertly grilled to perfection, with each bite bursting with flavor. every piece of yakitori I tried was exceptional. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, making it perfect for a night out with friends or a date. If you're a yakitori enthusiast like me, or just looking to try something new, Kintaro is an absolute MUST-VISIT!

★★★★★
December 15, 2024

Super tasty traditional Japanese food. Friendly staff. The 90 min sitting limit is very reasonable. I'll be back for more spicy sashimi and beef tataki.

★★★★
October 1, 2024

Cool place with Japanese vibes, delicious and high quality food. Highly recommended udon noodles, calamari, and any of the appetisers. They are all good and delicious 🤤 Place is pretty noisy due to crowds and big group of people. It’s more less like a pub so don’t expect cozy family dinner here. Although the servers run around in fast pace they are not able to provide high standard service. So the message to owner: Consider hiring more staff if you care about your visitors 🫶

★★★★★
September 20, 2024

Kintaro in Toronto delivers a memorable Japanese dining experience. Upon entering, you are greeted with a cozy atmosphere, complemented by warm wooden accents, which sets the stage for the authentic and modern Japanese cuisine that follows. The highlight of the menu is the seared tuna tataki. Thinly sliced, the tuna retains a fresh, melt-in-your-mouth quality, with a balanced tang from the accompanying citrus-based sauce and delicate garnishes. Another standout dish is the seafood ramen. Rich and creamy, the broth features a delightful combination of shrimp, squid, and various vegetables, making every bite hearty yet refreshing. Finally, the assorted yakitori skewers offer a perfect mix of textures, with tender beef, tofu, and chewy rice cakes. Each skewer is grilled to perfection, achieving a smoky flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the ingredients. Service is attentive, though the restaurant can get busy, which may slightly delay some orders. Overall, Kintaro blends authentic flavors with a modern twist, making it a great spot for casual diners looking to explore refined Japanese cuisine in a comfortable setting.

★★★★★
September 7, 2024

Everything here is just perfect, from food to service and the ambience. Price is reasonable for downtown location and food quality. However , parking is the only problem I would say. Definitely recommend the oden soup and spicy beef udon 🫶🏻 just wish they have more dessert options

★★★★★
August 27, 2024

Used to come here so often when it was an izakaya! The new concept is just as delicious! The cod and salmon were so delicate and mouth watering!

★★★★★
August 6, 2024

Great atmosphere for hanging with friends having some food and drink. We ordered the Mochi Bacon which was so yummy. We also got the Spider Roll. Good as expected. The Kimchi Yaki Udon was quite big and had quite the kick for those of you sensitive to heat. Tsukune was good but not for $8. Also had an Asahi Calpico beer that was on special which was a nice treat. Overall a great casual dining experience.

★★★★
June 27, 2024

We ordered the set A and set B since we wanted to get a variety of skewers. Highly recommend the pork, mushroom, and the rice cake one! However, the chicken ones were quite dry and I probably won’t be ordering again. The stir fried kimchi yaki soba however, exceeded all expectations and tasted amazing!! Quite spicy as well, highly recommend for spice lovers out there! Will be ordering this again. The atmosphere was great. Perfect meet out spot with friends as the music wasn’t blasting in your ear like some other Izakaya out there. Overall, would recommend!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 20, 2024

The atmosphere was very cool, the service was quick and the food was great!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 18, 2024

Delicious!

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

Yuke was perfect!

★★★★★
November 30, 2024

Great Food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 30, 2024

I had dinner with my husband and everything was perfect. The food is awesome and they have a good beer and spirits selection

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 21, 2024

Amazing Sushi. Really recommend the ramen they serve. Nice little restaurant on Church.

★★★★★
November 21, 2024

Was my first time here and it was amazing, loved every single item, the services was fast and food hot the table really quickly, definitely worth to come.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 21, 2024

Great service and atmosphere. The food was great, my favourite being the California rolls. Highly recommend!

★★★★★
November 21, 2024

So so good, went here with a friend & DEVOURED. We aren t huge seafood lovers but I watched her eyes literally light up bite after bite. Unagi here is not our favorite but the atmosphere & other dishes more than make up for it. I cannot stress this enough, get the scallop tataki !! Our favorite thing !

★★★★
Local Guide
November 21, 2024

food was awesome. prices are on the higher range

★★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

The food was really really good. We had the sushi, grilled meats and the beef udon soup at the end. If I went back I would go more for the grilled meats. Everything about the sushi was great except anything with tempura in it was not fried fresh but well ahead of time and cold. I prefer having sushi where the tempura ingredients are fried fresh. Service was a 10/10

★★★★
October 21, 2024

nice

★★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

Was portions were quite small, the food was ok, not the tastiest, but good food

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

Super great service! Late night Japanese snacks in the heart of the village. Highly recommend, don t skip the ramen!

★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

I usually enjoy my dining here and have recommended friends to try Kintaro. But my last visit for a weekend dinner was a turn-down. The food was fine and up to their usual standard, and the service was generally welcoming. However, the ventilation was terrible. Its too stuffy that my friend and I started feeling dizzy and hard to breathe (lack of sufficient oxygen and air flow). We got heated up quickly after the appetizers. Not sure if how they set the A/C temperature but I hope its not their strategy to keep table-turning fast - because we had to leave much sooner than expected (for a celebration dinner) before ordering more food. I do hope the owner or manager can respond in action to this issue as I can see its mentioned in other reviews too. Its just too stuffy. Turn the air-con on, even when summer is over. I hope to return with friends for the food and vibes after the ventilation and temperature get back to normal.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

My preferred sushi restaurant in Toronto. Great food, awesome service, good selection of fine sake. Cant wait to be back in town!

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

This place is freakin fantastic, one of the best spider rolls I have ever had. The beer is nice and crisp, and the food is crazy good. Couldn t recommend this place more than I already have.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 21, 2024

So yummy i forgot to take pictures extracts my first dish! Got the set B off the yakitori set!! They have a beer float too!!

★★★★★
October 21, 2024

10/10 No doubt Torontos best Izakaya

★★★★
Local Guide
September 21, 2024

Good food and friendly staff Parking: No parking available for the restaurant Food : 4/5 |

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 21, 2024

This is my go to place. A great late night date spot or place to reconnect with a group of friends. Staff is very accommodating and the food is great and affordable!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 21, 2024

Nice place to enjoy

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Super delicious food!

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

Went here on vacation with friends and the food was absolutely amazing! The waiters can take a little bit to get your bill but everyone is very nice and professional. Id recommend the, Ebi Mayo it is the best food Ive ever tasted and I would very happily recommend this place to anyone/

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Nice traditional izakaya interior and delicious skewers!

★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Everyone I went with thoroughly enjoyed their meal. I had skewer set b and everything on it was delicious and left me wanting more. The Interior of the building is an excellent representation of an authentic izakaya and is absolutely gorgeous. My only real detraction is that the 1.5 hour seating limit felt unnecessarily restrictive. I would have ordered more food and drink if I didnt have the looming threat that I would stay too long and be imposing on the rules. I feel like that limited how good the experience could have been because I would have loved to have ordered more after the first round, and as I would have continued to be a paying customer I dont really understand the purpose of the limit. Vegetarian options: Not a great experience for vegetarians, but you have a lot of options if you are a pescatarian.

★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

The food and drinks are a bit expensive ($90 post-taxes and tips for a small bottle of mid-tier sake, a small glass of beer, a plate of fried chicken, and a plate of seaweed salad) for what they are, and they ask you to leave after two hours, even with a reservation. Would not recommend to anyone who looks to have a conversation with friends at an izakaya.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

The food was great. I really enjoyed the skewers. The beef tenderloin especially had a great mouth feel and taste. My mom also really liked the yuzu cheesecake. Alex s service made our experience even better, and we were impressed by both his energy and speed. The sake list was impressive - I ll have to spin with my friends to try it lol!

★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

It was hot inside, and it was inappropriate to go alone.

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

I would give it 25 stars!! The atmosphere and the food were just over the top. Bravo!

August 21, 2024

So unpalatable

★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Loved the ambiance its a great place to hang out. The ramen was excellent, and the broth was spot on. The staff is courteous, and the service is quick. Overall, a satisfying experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 21, 2024

Authentic as can be.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 21, 2024

Don t get the ramen, do get the skewer sets, must try the soft shell crab

★★★
July 21, 2024

Some other dishes are better than the skewers, which are average but not terrible. Kabayaki eel is slightly sweeter than the kind you buy in supermarkets, but there is not much difference.

Local Guide
July 21, 2024

1.5 dining hour Took 20 mins till the food started to serve staff will ask for last order after 1 hour ,start tidying up your table 15 mins later And ask you to pay for the bill and ask you to leave once the time is up Didn t see anyone lining up outside and their is plenty of empty table in the restaurant Don t understand the rush on a raining Wednesday night The food quality is average Not sure if I ll come back again

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

The food was delicious, and the servers warmly welcomed us. Despite the rain, the restaurant was full and busy. I firmly recommend making a reservation.

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

Kintaro is my go-to for late-night hangouts with friends. The skewers are delicious and the atmosphere is nice too.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 21, 2024

Such a great surprise! Great food, all we ordered was really good, tasty, right! The place also invites to eat and drink! Deserves to go back many more times!! Congrats!!

★★
Local Guide
July 21, 2024

The roasted bird was badly roasted. It s rare to see a restaurant where the chicken legs and green onions are grilled in such a way that there is no juice, and the chicken liver is completely made of coal.

★★★★★
July 21, 2024

Love this place! The atmosphere is great....best Japanese food in the city, I have had. Excellent, plus keto friendly! Definitely recommend!

★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Great

June 21, 2024

Ordered the deep fried Soft Shell Crab. It was served (covered with) a Mayo sauce which was not mentioned on the menu. Had to return it. Please show on the menu, any sauces etc., used on each dish. Disappointing, ruined the experience and the meal. Wont be returning. Dietary restrictions: Please mention if sauces (ingredients), are being added to food which is not mentioned on the menu. When the meal was served, I asked what the unknown sauce was on the deep fried Soft Shell Crab, I had to return the food as the ingredients would have triggered an allergic reaction.

★★★
June 21, 2024

Stopped by for the first time today with my partner. The service was great, our server was nice. We were seated at the back patio which was pretty dimly lit but not terrible. We ordered the Cha Shu Don, Japango Roll, chicken skewer, beef skewer & shrimp skewer. Flavours were pretty good but man are the portions tiny. Our bill came to just shy of $90 and we were still hungry. Also our beef skewers were undercooked the first time, we had to send it back. Personally I don t think you get value for your money here but if you re just looking for a snack, I guess it s not bad.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Been coming here for here s. Visiting Toronto again and dropped by. Some odd small changes (90 minute limit, some dishes adjusted for size) - but still a great place. Look forward to next time I visit Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Wow. The Kimono Yaki Soba was to die for. Amazing food. Late night hours. Great vibe. Very authentic. Good value. 5 stars for sure.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Phenomenal food and atmosphere. Bit pricey, but a nice treat.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Steamed Dumplings were amazing!

★★★★★
June 21, 2024

Food here is always awesome! I can never resist dropping in when I am near Church

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Tried a variety of dishes, all were delicious and came out super fast. Great, friendly staff, nice atmosphere and good options. Highly recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Loved my experience here. Came here on a busy, busy Friday night but the wait wasnt too long. We were sat in the back patio which felt very cozy and intimate. The menu options were vast so we tried a little bit of everything and it was all fantastic. The service was also exceptional. Shout out to the hostess who dealt with some rude and aggressive patrons in a calm professional manner. Would highly recommend if youre in the area.

★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Servers were negative. The grilled food was dried, not good. Food

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

My favorite late night Izakaya!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

This is our go to place for sushi around downtown. Atmosphere is really nice with relatively low lighting. Their sushi is delicious. Menu has many options. You should try sesame cheesecake, absolutely beautiful.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 21, 2024

Amazing izakaya. All yakitori was fantastic. The pork belly skewers and beef tataki were incredible.

★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

Great atmosphere and nicely designed/decorated. The food was decent, but portions were very small, and a bit pricey. I ordered the spicey sashimi at the end, but what arrived was honestly terrible. A GIANT bowl of off the off cuts from sushi rolls, absolutely swimming in hot sauce. The size of it was massive, compared to every other dish we ordered which was tiny and snack sized. It was basically inedible from the about of sauce it was in.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

This is a place where you can experience traditional Japanese izakaya.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

Staff were all friendly and accommodating the patio was warm food came out fairly quick the grilled corn was good the ebi mayo shrimp appetizer tasted amazing as well had a nice selection of Japanese liquor

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

Really good place to get some typical izakaya food. Atmosphere is good for winding down after bar hopping or the hype of a drag show upstairs.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

I had an amazing dining experience at Kintaro Izakaya! The ambiance was lovely, with a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere. The service was top-notch, with friendly staff who were attentive to all our needs. The food was exceptional, with each dish bursting with authentic Japanese flavors and beautifully presented. I cant wait to return to Kintaro Izakaya for another fantastic meal!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

Super friendly customer service! Amazing food, drinks, atmosphere. 100% recommend

★★★★★
May 21, 2024

Just ate there.. very good avocado salmon maki.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

Kintaro Izakaya is the perfect spot for friends or a cute date. They have authentic Japanese tapas from yakitori to a variety of sashimi! They even have an innovative cocktail menu like Matcha Melon which comes with sake or even Nama Grapefruit! the best part is that everything was delicious and not too expensive

★★★★★
May 21, 2024

Had a great experience for my first visit here. Staff provided excellent service and was attentive on ensuring we had what we need and wanted. The staff were also very helpful on recommending dishes and it definitely did not disappoint. There was a variety of foods and drinks to choose from. Will for sure be coming back for more!

★★★★★
May 21, 2024

5/5 - Kintaro is a must try if youre downtown!!! The ambiance and the beautiful interior décor of the restaurant speaks cozy and comfy vibes. If you want to experience what an Izakaya feels like in Japan, Kintaro is the best place to stop by. The variety of foods, drinks, and sake is flawless. The skewers are a must try at this place as they are done over a charcoal grill, giving off a smoky and amazing flavor to the meats. Especially the tender and juicey Sagari and Karubi beef skewers are a must try! The Tori Karaage (fried chicken) is crispy, flakey and a perfect savory pairing with their cocktails and sake. I highly recommend the First Kiss, and Yuzu Soda. A good balance between a strong and tasty cocktail. Also, dont forget about the spicy crunch salmon roll to curve your sushi cravings, you will not be disappointed with this choice! Lastly, the service is impeccable. HK and Robin both toke care of me during dinner, recommending delicious foods and was attentive and accommodating with all the orders. They recommended both the mochi ice-cream and black sesame cheesecake to top off the night. I had a amazing experience at Kintaro, and I will most definitely be dining again in the near future!

★★★★★
May 21, 2024

Nagasaki Champon Restaurant If you like spicy food, be sure to add some spiciness!! The shrimp tempura was well fried on the outside and inside. The skewers werent too tough and were perfect to go with drinks.

★★★★★
May 21, 2024

hands down the best place to get dinner with friends! I had the ebi mayo, both sets of skewers, and the spicy yaki udon. it was so fresh and the portion sizes were nice.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

Best Restaurant since we are in Canada. Ok ok. Not so difficult. But really good food in a nice atmosphere. Attentive and professional service. Thanks for letting us give you the first 5 points in Canada.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

So impressed with the food and vibes!! A must-try spot for Japanese food in downtown Toronto!

★★★★★
May 21, 2024

One of the best Japanese izakaya in Toronto. Food is great, atmosphere is very much like Japan and the service is good as well!

★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

This was my first time going to Kintaro and was seated at the bar, I really like their skewers while the Una Don was okay as the portions were quite small. But aside from that, the vibes were great and I highly recommend going here with a reservation!

★★★★
Local Guide
May 21, 2024

The food was good and fresh, I liked the flavours, balance of textures and the garnishes. I should not though that the servings are a bit small.

Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Its 5:40 on a Monday and I walked into this sushi restaurant wanting to have a really good meal. Like I have many times before. The place was not busy. Maybe 3 tables. The host wanted to seat me at the bar but I asked for a small table for myself. He said I have an 1.5 hrs to eat. Theres a limit of how long you can stay. I said what??? I left! Thats horrible you never tell people that they cant stay very long in a restaurant. Ive never been told that in my whole life before! HORRIBLE!!! I will never go back again.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

The inside and the menu are like a Japanese izakaya! The beef yukhoe was delicious. The fried chicken was also crispy and Japanese! It was nice to have beer like Sapporo and Asahi

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

The food is not bad

★★★★★
April 21, 2024

Thank you Kintaro Service was amazing Hope i can come back soon near future Food : 5/5

★★★★★
April 21, 2024

This is a good izakaya restaurant located on Church Street. The menu is diverse and delicious. If you are visiting for the first time, we recommend trying a variety of skewers, beef, and maguro tataki as a side dish. If youre craving soup, I also recommend spicy jjamppong. The patio inside the store also has a nice atmosphere, so if you get the chance, its a good idea to sit on the patio and enjoy the food. Reservation is required on weekends. ^^

★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

The atmosphere at this place is just great, a proper izakaya i will say, the decor, the energy, the overall feeling, it s just great. Now the food, well the beef tataki and tuna tataki are great, especially paring with draft beer; the sushi is just ordinary sushi nothing special, just edible; the grill and the braised pork are just below average to average, will not recommend. The overall price on foods is quite high, some items me personally find overpriced. I will also strongly recommend to book your place well in advance, otherwise be prepared to wait for 40-60 mins.

★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Place is ok. Service is pretty good, food is normal. The beef ball is too dry, but other items are ok. Beef tongue is thick which I like. But overall I prefer Zakkushi.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Absolutely amazing experience, walking into this izakaya reminds me of the back alleys of Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan. Generous cuts of sashimi ,super crispy and tasty fried Chicken, and dont sleep on the yakitori... Also, their sake program is second to none and you get a little education on the type of sake you might want.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

My absolute favourite local spot. The food and atmosphere are unmatched! Love taking people here.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Always super reliable for food, drinks and service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Loved the food and service. Top notch and highly recommended. But to note the price is on the high side.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

I had the best sushi I ve had in Toronto! Great presentation, good service! It is a little bit expensive but it is totally worth it! I can t wait to go again!

★★★★★
April 21, 2024

The beef tongue is my No.1

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Been here many times. This is a great restaurant. The food is always pretty much on point and has great flavours. It s busy, if you don t book, you get a bar seat if you lucky, but if it s 2 people, that s not an issue. Sometimes takes a bit of time to get your first drink order in, but the food service is pretty quick. We had issues several years ago, but we have been frequenting a lot more of late, this restaurant is one of our staples.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Great vibe and good food! A gem of a local Japanese, this place is always busy with a good atmosphere. The food is done over a charcoal fire and gives it a great flavour. Love there Chicken karage, momo mochi and dumplings are always a must

★★★★
Local Guide
April 21, 2024

Really loved the ambiance of this restaurant. Large variety of sakes was great to see. Although its very pricey, the food was quite good. The portions are small. $14 for two very small skewers of beef is ridiculous, IMO. There is a dine-in limit of 1.5 hrs thats made known as soon as youre seated. Service is fast. House sake, spicy Salmon roll, potato croquettes, ramen and mochi icecream were all very good.

★★★★★
March 21, 2024

Its one of the best places Ive been to in Toronto with great food and atmosphere. You can eat comfortably even if you are alone.

Local Guide
March 21, 2024

The skewer is too dry and the sashimi is not fresh at all! Not worth to try.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 21, 2024

Very cozy and delicious, excellent service.

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 21, 2024

I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. 10/10 on all levels, despite coming by on a busy Friday we were sat after only 15 minutes. We were asked if we were OK in the patio but even in the cool March air we were warmed by the fire and enclosed patio. The atmosphere was top tier, felt intimate and welcoming. The staff were very nice and came by the table right when we needed them evertime. Now the food! My party shared all our food and got a good feeling for the different options. We had some food sensitivities and the server was quick to offer us alternatives and were very knowledgeable of the menu items. We ranted and raved about the food almost our entire time in the restaurant. Everything had a beautiful char and the ingredients were so fresh. All my compliments to the chefs they really impressed us.

★★★★★
March 21, 2024

I was having a craving for a classic Japanese izakaya and Kintaro did not disappoint. Low wood beamed ceilings, cozy nooks to sit in, a long sushi bar, and multiple Japanese accoutrements decorated throughout, I was definitely made to feel as if we were truly in Japan. And the good was good to boot. We indulged ourselves ordering far beyond what we could normally consume but, what the hay, you only live once, right? We started with Edamame (very good...perfectly steamed and salted), Tuna Tataki (served colded this dish was the only one that I would say was just OK), Salmon Sashimi (very good), Spicy Salmon Crunch Roll (very good), Chicken Cheese Mune (very good), Butter Corn Yaki (excellent), and Ebi (Shrimp) Skewer (very good). All rounded out with a great bottle of Nigori Sake. Service was super friendly and the meal was served timely. Overall well recommended. Enjoy!

★★★★
Local Guide
March 21, 2024

loved the food the pork skewer is the best I have had Rest every other thing was amazing too .. Food : 4/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
March 21, 2024

A superb atmosphere with a decor that takes you on a journey. The dishes are delicious but not the most generous.

★★★★★
March 21, 2024

Great izakaya :)

★★★★
March 21, 2024

The atmosphere is great! We ordered set A&B grilled (the food portion is too small), green dragon roll (recommended!), and takoyaki (always great!). The customer service is kind of slow, and we waited for some time even though we made a reservation ahead of time. The price is relatively expensive compared to other Izakayas, but the quality doesnt seem worth such a high price.

★★★★
Local Guide
March 21, 2024

I got a variety of skewers with karaage and my friend got ramen. I thought the skewers were really tasty and so was the karaage I just wish the portion was more for the price. My friend also enjoyed her ramen.

Local Guide
February 21, 2024

Food was average. Their kitchen wasn t the cleanest and reeked of old beer. Their back patio is awful it smells like gas since they have propane heaters running in an enclosed space. I wonder if that violates health codes.

★★★★★
February 21, 2024

the best izakaya ever-!!!:)

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

We were looking for an experience and we got it! It made me put Japan at the top of my bucket list- I am now curious how authentic the restaurant is. It is warm and cozy and inviting. We dined there very late (past 10 pm) and we enjoyed every single moment. The food was perfect: size, taste, and quality. We tried almost everything from the grill menu, and after 10 different items, we still felt perfect. After the mochi ice cream, oddly enough, while feeling satisfied, we could have started from scratch The service was friendly and warm, at an incredible pace, through a very busy time (the place was packed for the entire time we were there). The atmosphere was fun, light. They definitely had me at the music - for some reason, every 4-5 songs, they repeated different covers of Dessert Rose (Stings song), which I adore. For such an experience, I fully expected to pay double what we paid. We will definitely return - I need to try all those sake kinds! P.S. On a normal outing, we would eat way less - we simply wanted to check as much as possible. Food prices are not high for the quality offered. Drinks are, indeed, on the expensive side. But we are looking at these outings as experiences, traveling to far places.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

Visited Kintaro Izakaya for a friends gathering and was immediately impressed by the beautifully dimmed interior with Japanese posters, lanterns, and wooden accents. The ambiance was simply beautiful. The service was prompt and efficient, ensuring our needs were met throughout the evening. Opted for Set A, a variety of skewer set featuring a delicious mix of meat and vegetables. Additionally, we chose a cheese chips and spicy salmon sushi, both of which were excellent choices. Overall, a fantastic spot to unwind on Church St. Highly recommended!

★★★★★
February 21, 2024

Quick service and great atmosphere! Would come back another time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

Jjamppong is really delicious!!

★★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

We ordered spicy beef yaki udon and it was good but the meat was a little tough. Waiters did not pay much attention to us and were more concerned about clearing up tables for new customers than taking care of their current customers. Music was obnoxious rap and the speaker was right over our table so we could barely hear each other talk. Would not recommend.

★★★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

Lively and happening, great decor. Food was satisfying.

★★★★★
Local Guide
February 21, 2024

Fantastic cozy little corner. I Highly recommend the pork neck skewers.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 21, 2024

Everything was yummy for our social night

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 21, 2024

This was exactly the vibe I was going for and IMO what a Izakaya should look/feel like. I am not a huge fan of the modern day take on an Izakaya with clean lines and wide open spaces. A true Izakaya should have a homie feeling. I went here with my GF and we had so much fun and ate great food. If you do plan to go with a larger party, remember to book a table in advance!

★★★★★
January 21, 2024

The most delicious food in all of Toronto!! The servers are so nice and the atmosphere is very cozy. 10000% recommend to anyone.

★★★★
Local Guide
January 21, 2024

Decent Japanese restaurant with delicious food and nice stuffs, except they are not designed for group of 6+ pax

★★★★★
January 21, 2024

Nice service and amazing food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 21, 2024

I love the vibe and the aesthetic of the restaurant. Its cozy and feels intimate. The food was good! Its like tapas portions and definitely good pairings with some cocktails and spirits. I dont usually eat fish (unless its raw in a sushi, dried or in a can) but I challenged myself and got the Black Dragon Roll which has Unagi or Eel on top. It tasted good and it was not fishy at all. The grilled set menu is definitely the way to go cause you get a taste of the variety of grilled stuff they have.

January 21, 2024

Extremely slow service for a couple of overly salted skewers and an anemic plate of fried chicken. Cost was outrageous at $5-7 per skewer with about 2-3 bites on it. It was terribly disappointing given all of the positive reviews around their skewers. A lot of it was too salty and not much charcoal flavor. There s better skewers at street food stalls. Only positive was the beautiful interior.

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 21, 2024

I had an amazing experience at Kintaro Izakaya! It truly transported me to Tokyo with its genuine Japanese Izakaya feel. The skewered meats, sushi, and rice bowl were all delicious. The service was fast and efficient. I highly recommend making a reservation because it can get busy, but its totally worth it. Well definitely be coming back. Thanks, Kintaro!

★★★★★
Local Guide
January 21, 2024

Amazing Agedashi Tofu

★★
Local Guide
January 21, 2024

Way way too expensive for the portions Save your money and go elsewhere Food

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Food was fine for certain items. Definitely the yakitori skewers were a bit less to be desired as most items were overcooked. However, in terms of the nigiri sushi the fish was as fresh as you expect in a landlocked area in Toronto (and in comparison to the west). Their highlights was the yuk-hey (raw Korean beef tartar) and sushi rolls.. I would highly recommend that. As for the other items...the yakitori wasnt as good as I expected to other places Ive been. But servicer was very attentive and food comes out super quick.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Polar beer is really nice! Recommend both Set A & B.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Perfect

★★★★
December 21, 2023

Lively ambiance for dinner and hangout. Izakaya skewers were a hit or miss, the beef skewers were moist and flavorful but the chicken gizzards were dry and bland. Sushi rolls were pretty good too.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

My recent visit to this Japanese restaurant with a group of friends was nothing short of fantastic! We ordered a variety of dishes, aiming to try and share as much as possible, and it turned out to be a memorable experience. While Ive never been to Japan personally, some friends in our group mentioned that this place evoked an authentic Japanese ambiance and cuisine, making them feel transported. The selection of dishes was impressive, and each one was a delightful journey of flavors and textures. Everything was meticulously prepared and delicious. The attention to detail in presentation added to the overall charm of the experience. The restaurants ability to recreate the essence of Japan, even for those who havent been, is a testament to its authenticity. Its a place that Id gladly return to for more shared culinary adventures with friends.

Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Food is excellent here but one hour wait for a table. Wait times between ordering and food delivery to the table could be improved. 90 minute seating limit has to go. Telling people they have to place their final order because their time is up really puts customers off. What if the table orders another $100 in food? We have to eat it all really fast then leave quickly? Also they cannot split bills for a table of more than 4 people. One server simply said they cannot do it, another server said it was their nighttime policy. I suspect they can, but management has told them not to in order to save time. This seems very odd you cant split the bill 5 or 6 ways. You just take individual payments. I hope this location reviews their odd policies and procedures and makes changes that make it easier for its customers. Too many restrictions and rules that make dining restricted and unpleasant.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Always having good food here, and a nice atmosphere, felt like I was in Japan

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

My partner and I came here searching for Okonomoyaki after getting a taste for it in Tokyo, Japan and we were not disappointed! The Okonomoyaki is premade and delicious! The restaurant is beautiful and cozy. We enjoyed our time there and plan to come again in the future.

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

I had an okay experience at Kintaro. The dishes overall were pretty good, there were a few misses such as the Agedashi Tofu and the Japango roll. The biggest problem was the service as the staff was very inattentive. It took us 10 minutes to catch a server to order after being seated, but they made sure to tell us that we had a 90-minute seating limit beforehand. Priorities. Throughout the night, it was again impossible to flag down a server. However, we decided to order one last thing after the server came to tell us it was last call. The server gave us a hard time and we didn t end up ordering. Additionally, the server could not split the bill so I had to pay a $270 tab on my own. Their payment machine was stuck processing my payment and the server decided to use another machine. However, the original machine was still processing the payment. So I refused to pay until the original machine cancelled the transaction as I did not want to be charged twice. She was really rude to me despite explaining I was going to pay only after the original machine shows me it declined. The food was good enough to come back for, just not the servers. They should retrain their staff on customer service.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Great food and service. By far the best Izakaya in GTA.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Overall great first experience. Food is well priced with many options to suit all sorts of palates. Cozy and warm environment. Music is at a reasonable level and a decent cocktail menu. Will return

★★★★
December 21, 2023

quick service and tasty food!! the soft shell crab was my favourite :) the sashimi was very thick, which was great for the price but difficult to eat, and they were out of stock of the asahi black :(

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Amazing place.

Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Great food, worst service I n toronto... Rude server, empty restaurant, she wouldnt turn down the music. If youre looking for a nice japanese restaurant go to any other izakaya... Service : 1/5

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

The atmosphere was pretty and the skewers were all delicious! The fruit cocktail wasnt that good... The service was ok...

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Fun little izakaya, food was a little hit and miss, but overall experience was great. Fun environment, super nice staff. Will say door can be a bit tricky to see at first, but that might just be me

December 21, 2023

Food is ok. But the service is freaking bad. The waiter is absolutely rude and unprofessional. No respect at all.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

If i`m going to go anywhere in Toronto for Sushi, it would have to be here,Best Dynamite sushi ive ever had & they have great service

★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Not the best izakaya experience in Toronto considering the amount you pay vs the portions you get. We ordered takoyaki, shrimp tempura, una don, momo mochi, karubi, and the aburo beef roll to share among 3 people and we were still hungry. There are some unique rolls to try but other than that, Kintaro left us sightly disappointed.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Great authentic Izakaya with everything we wanted. The atmosphere was also good, feeling like I was in Japan again

★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Great food and service. Bit loud though.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Beautiful place, incredible food. Kinda loud but its lively. Everything we ate was perfect, which is unheard of these days. Definitely worth the price.

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Went on Tuesday after work. Foods are delicious, but the price was not too friendly for the portion. The skewers are a must try. Had one wasabi octopus, one set b skewers, two bowls of ramen, and one mochi dessert, paid about $100. Not 100% satisfied with the service, lack of training for the front of house, especially the lady who does phone reservation.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Tucked in with colourful neighbours on Church St., and requiring a flight of stairs up to get into the front door, you could easily miss this place. But dont! Kintaros food is very solid right across the menu, from the skewers to the karaage to the mochi to the noodle and the sushi and sashimi. We enjoyed all of the above and more. Our Japanese cuisine loving friends and family have only positives to say. I guess if i had to pick a favourite it would be the mochi. The saki selection isnt extensive, but they have selected well. The chilled sparkling saki we tried on the last visit was a hit with all of us. The interior is traditional wood, with wooden chairs and benches and Japanese themed decorations. The seating might not be comfortable for everyone, but the 90 minute limit on the tables makes this less of an issue. Service is good. Negatives? The music tends to be loud, which can impede conversation. This is more of a problem at the front of the restaurant, so if you want it quieter, all for seating further back near the bar. Or best, sit in the back patio when the weather permits. Pricing is typical of a nicer Japanese restaurant. Vegetarian options: Limited but tasty vegetarian options. Kid-friendliness: Loud and more bar atmosphere in the evening. Might not be good for kids. Wheelchair accessibility: Didnt see any lifts. Front stairs and long narrow stairs to the washrooms in the basement might make this place challenging!

★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

The skewers are on the small side and quite salty. A couple meat skewers were overdone & dry. Not as much variety as some other izakayas -- ie. No ramen or udon. The polar bear is cool though. We were sitting right by the window so though it was very private, service frequency was a little lacking.

December 21, 2023

horrible experience! the food is very overpriced, my beer took 20 minutes to arrive and they literally send us away after 90 minutes. Waste of money

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

Sushi is so good and I love tako wasabi the most. Properly go there more than one

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2023

Delicious food, beautiful space.

★★★★★
December 21, 2023

The food was DELICIOUS, the service was amazing and quick, and the atmosphere was so cozy and warm. My favorite part of the experience was the music they play; I swear every track was a hit and we were all dancing in our seats. It was such a fun vibe overall. Id love to go again!