Yokai Izakaya in Woodbridge

3175 Rutherford Rd Unit 28, Woodbridge, ON L4K 5Y6, Canada

★★★★★
(769 reviews)
Categories: Restaurant

About

A high-energy, contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar serving spirit-forward drinks and delectable bites.

Website
yokaiizakaya.com
Address
3175 Rutherford Rd Unit 28, Woodbridge, ON L4K 5Y6, Canada
Plus Code
RFH7+79 Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
Time Zone
America/Toronto

Business Hours

Monday
5–11 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
Closed
Friday
5 PM–12 AM
Saturday
10 AM–3 PM – 5 PM–12 AM
Sunday
10 AM–3 PM – 5–11 PM

Services

Service options
Outdoor seating Kerbside pickup No-contact delivery Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Great cocktails
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Healthy options Late-night food Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Catering Dessert Seating
Amenities
Bar on site Toilets
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Photos

Reviews

4.5
★★★★★
769 reviews

Most Mentioned

wagyu sliders (59) lobster tacos (40) brussel sprouts (29) beef tataki (20) corn croquettes (16) salmon tartare (16) vaughan mills (15) hamachi ceviche (13) umami fries (12) tokyo banana cake (6)
5 stars
571
4 stars
108
3 stars
41
2 stars
24
1 stars
25
★★★★★
December 7, 2024

Amazing customer experience. The food and cocktail offerings were spectacular. Some cool photos attached, but they don’t do enough justice. By far the service was over the top and memorable. Nina, our server was on point. Her smiling face, great attitude and spot on recommendations. We definitely will be returning customers. Thank you Nina!

★★★★
November 23, 2024

4.7/5 Came here for my first time with a friend and had a wonderful experience ✨We arrived at 6pm and the place was pretty empty but by the time we left at around 7:30pm the restaurant was buzzzzzzin 🐝 Service was quick and servers were attentive. The vibe inside is fantastic and the menu boats a plethora of tapas style Japanese cuisine options. What we ordered: 🍸Sake flight 🍸The floating world 🍸 Seven samurai sour 🍆 Eggplant agedashi ‣ Disappointing. Was served cold and this was unexpected 🦪 A dozen oysters ‣ Cant’t complain for $1 oysters. Came w. hot sauce, onions & vinegar, and horseradish so that was fab 🐟 Salmon tartare ‣ Very tasty but ran out of chips. Asked for just a few more but was told we’d be charged 🐄 Wagyu beef tartare ‣ Delicious but butter was too overpowering and took away from the beef tartare 🦞 Lobster tacos ‣ These were delicious. Ordered the 4pc 🍣 Yokai signature maki ‣ This was decent but nothing to rave about 🥩 Wagyu steak bavette ‣ Delicious but rapini had too much of a burnt taste 🤨Overall: Food was bomb and and would order everything again except for the eggplant agedashi. Can’t wait to come back and try other cocktails and items on the food menu! 😋 - - - - - - 💡Pro tip: Be sure to make reso’s as this place gets BUSY! (We came on a Wed @ 6pm and were told there’s only bar seats available - which was fine, but goes to show how popular this place is - even on a school night 🤓

★★★★
October 20, 2024

[visited 2024 October] I came in for brunch service. I ordered the King Kappa Burger but they had the spongebob edition on so it came in a box. I enjoyed the burger though I think they can be more generous with the jam. The foie gras butter is a nice touch. However I was quite disappointed in the box—this was not a pleasant experience. I had to ask for plates for this. I would really prefer to eat on a plate when I am dining in at a restaurant. The burger was dripping and eating out of the box was not an option. The paper wrap should also be more secure as it did not help with the box situation. My waiter was very receptive of our feedback about the box and reflected this to the kitchen, and I hope that the team improves this. Other than this, the food was good and service was great. I am not sure I will return for the brunch service based on the menu options however I will be back to try out the dinner menu.

★★★★★
October 16, 2024

Yokai Izakaya offers a modern and sophisticated dining experience that stands out. The fusion of Japanese flavors is not only rich and delicious but also presented in a unique and artistic way. Each dish feels like a work of art, making the dining experience even more special. The flavors were new to me, but the combination of textures and tastes was truly impressive. If you’re looking for a fresh take on Japanese cuisine with beautifully presented dishes, Yokai Izakaya is a must-try!

★★★★★
October 14, 2024

This Izakaya is my go-to spot whenever I’m in Vaughan, whether it’s for a date or a group gathering with friends. The location is convenient, the food is fantastic, the vibes are cool, and the staff is always amazing. We booked a table for 5 on a busy Sunday night but showed up with an extra 4 people. Despite the crowd, they went out of their way to accommodate us, which was really impressive. To top it off, they surprised two of my birthday friends with complimentary desserts without us even asking! Big thanks to Chris and the whole team for making our night so great, as always!

★★★★★
September 28, 2024

Came here for brunch, the staff are friendly and attentive while the food is amazing! Wagyu and eggs were soft and well-seasoned, plus their fries are actually pretty good. Definitely recommend for a good meal. The store itself is rather nice as well, even their washrooms were lovely 😳

★★★★★
August 21, 2024

We came for the Lucky Monday Specials where select dishes are only $8. Our favourites were the wings, sweet corn croquette, and crispy ume brussel sprouts. If you like spicy, definitely ask for their in house hot sauce. It’s so good I wish they would sell it by the bottle! Overall tasty food, attentive service, and fun atmosphere. Will definitely be back!

★★★★
August 20, 2024

First time at Yokai Izakaya last night and it was an incredible experience. The food and service was fantastic. Our server was Gabriel and he was so nice and efficient. We did the full tasting menu for $80 monday special and it did not disappoint. The menu says serves 2-4 people but i'd say its more for 2 people if you're looking to get full just off of the $80 tasting menu. If this is an appetizer for you then yes it'll serve 4 people. The reason I gave 4 instead of 5 stars is because the space itself was very small and not much room to get to your table or bathroom. You're kind of squeezing by other tables and sitting pretty close to others. Other than that, it was a fantastic time and we'd 1000% be back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 22, 2024

This is a great fusion Japanese eatery worth visiting for its super delicious food and the ambience. We had a small issue with our reservation when we were informed there has been a double booking from online customers and so we wnt get our hour and hour but just an hour.But after the initial hiccups the issue was sorted out eventually. Make sure to visit for the weekend brunch. Recommended dishes : 1)Lobster tacos - extremely flavourful and you will appreciate the layers of flavour 2) Yokai big breakfast 3) Butter prawn Florentine You can also take advantage of the $8 priced apps during dinner menu on lucky Monday

★★★★★
December 22, 2024

I love this place! Food, service and ambiance are next level. Staff is very welcoming and friendly. 10/10!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 21, 2024

This was my second time visiting the restaurant (my first was right after they opened) and they did not disappoint! Food was delicious. Ambiance is so cool (hard to find in the suburbs). Perfect spot for dinner with friends or a date night. Go - you will not be disappointed!

★★★★★
December 17, 2024

Went for the first time today and had the most amazing experience. Felt at home and taken care of, all the staff are super inviting and kind, Our Server Arriela was very helpful and provided very high quality service. The food was amazing, served fresh and hot. The chicken karrage was flavourful and juicy and highly recommend coming on Monday to take advantage of Lucky Monday. We got a good variety of food at a great price. Would highly recommend and would definitely come back. The bathroom also is super cool, it even has mouth wash and toothpicks. Perfect date spot. Make sure to make a reservation! Definitely worth it!

★★★★★
December 17, 2024

Amazing overall experience. The food was perfect, service 10/10, good music, very intimate & well-thought out restaurant. Will be back most definitely. Food : 5/5

★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

The place is small and tends to be busy but the food is great and service is fantastic Its a very tasteful restaurant for a different take on Japanese cuisine that isnt just sushi Vegetarian options: Vegetarian options are little to none as this place does primarily have seafood on the menu

★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

Not sure why the hype. Food was just ok. Very saucy and salty. The only dish we really enjoyed was the seafood risotto.

★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

Great Service and atmosphere. Food recommendation: - Steak frites - mushroom skewers - oysters ($1 on tuesdays and Wednesday) - jumbo gozzilla shrimp the pork tonkatsu was not so good, pork was too tough, sauce wasn t right.

★★★★★
December 16, 2024

Came here with my girlfriend for the first time and I have to say this place has amazing food. The chef was a really nice guy aswell.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

Many varieties to try from. We tried four types of food and they were all excellent - both taste and presentation. Cocktails, the seven samurai sour and the lychee martinee are flavorflu, well powered and refreshing. Service was friendly and professional. Shar and Michelle were great. Will be back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 16, 2024

We had a wonderful experience from start to finish! We walked in without a reservation (recommended for next time), and we were seated at the bar. Chris, who we believe is the manager, walked us through the menu immediately, filled our water and chatted with us throughout dinner. Shar was our server and was lovely (thanks for the dessert on the house!). We had the brussel spouts, wagyu sliders and hamachi ceviche. We already discussed when we want to come back next time we visit to try more of the menu. Highly recommended! We went to Japan several years ago and have been to izakaya s. This is one of the best!

December 16, 2024

Firstly, the atmosphere was very nice with the lights and music BUT the food was bad. The fried chicken with only 5 pieces cost a grand total of 8$ and it has absolutely 0 taste! The steak came with a mysterious green sauce that was not in its description. We had to ask the chef to manually scoop it off . It s expensive with no good taste .

★★★★★
December 9, 2024

Food and service is fantastic. Ive been many times always a nice night out

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 9, 2024

Great food. Very reasonable prices. We sat at the counter and would definitely recommend sitting there if theres just 2 or 3 of you. The lobster tacos were excellent. Wings were very good and so were the brussel sprouts and the sangria. Shar was our server and she was great.

★★★★★
December 2, 2024

The food is absolutely delicious, and most items on the menu are a true chef s kiss.

★★★★★
Local Guide
December 2, 2024

On the pricier side but absolute gold. Drinks are fantastic!!!

November 23, 2024

Unfortunately, the food wasnt good. Ordered the chicken wings and they came out raw, notified the server they offered to replace it and comp it. When it came out the second time it was still raw. I came with my friends and one of them ordered the ebi risotto, the two shrimps that it came with were overcooked and the rice was sour ??? We also ordered the salmon tartar and it was underwhelming. At least the washrooms were cool. Overall, would not recommend.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Fantastic food and drinks. The service was great, attentive but not overbearing. The cocktails are a must try, wagyu sliders delicious. Would definitely go back.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Plenty of fantastic food options to try that you ll absolutely want to go back for! Booking a reservation online was easy. Staff is knowledgeable and food was prompt along with drinks. You cant go wrong coming here!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Amazing food and good service. Loved the beef tartare! Food : 5/5

★★
November 23, 2024

Main takeway : overrated, overpriced, terrible food, great marketing and hype though Had a large family gathering here on a Saturday, place was packed and busy. Here s what went down : Atmosphere: reservations are quite straightforward, they open at 5 and you have to leave at a certain time to accommodate more guests as Izakayas are quite small, this is understandable, not a good a idea to go here for a large family gathering though, space is quite limited and food is better paired with a drinks menu which isn t very child friendly, nice idea for a drink with friends or as a couple instead Service : very prompt service! I have no complaints in this department, they are fully staffed and staff is quite attentive to our needs, also very efficient- gratuity is added to the bill automatically so they have a set percentage that you HAVE TO pay, most places do have this system in place and I understand this is a very service heavy kind of dining but it would be better I think to trust customers to pay equal tip to the level of service given by the place, just a preference! Food : okay, this is where it all went downhill for me, the menu looks very good on the website and on the photos posted by the Restaurant and the food did arrive with care and attention in plating - but the quality and taste of the ingredients are not on par with the prices they charge , the mains consist of Wagyu - always a buzz term when restaurants have this type of meat but the wagyu steak was underwhelming, the cut wasn t extraordinarily good, it was decent wagyu but I wouldn t go here for their wagyu steak, a bigger disappointment would be their wagyu steak tartare which is advertised as one of their mains but when it arrived seemed more like a side dish at it was 95% bread with very thin wagyu tartare on top, this took me by surprise as I was quite excited for this dish but was sorely disappointed, the other food were as expected, all were decent but nothing truly mind blowing, the tataki was cut thick, and so was the salmon tartare, some sauces complement each other but after eating almost all their dishes in a short time ( we had no choice since booking is only for a limited time) the food started to taste singular, everything tasted almost the same with no major difference may it be the wagyu sauce, the brussel sprout sauce, the sauce for the meat bowl, the taste buds get fatigued by the same flavour profile after a while so its better to eat less and pair with drinks Drinks - this might be the main reason people go here? We didn t drink much, I personally just ordered a yuzu beer but I am assuming their drinks are specially curated to accompany their food, would probably have been better if we mainly ordered drinks and less food as the food was not the best in my opinion, by the way I didn t enjoy my yuzu beer either as their service people opened it with bubbles LITERALLY overflowing on the can, i was only able to drink 80% of the drink because when I poured in the glass the remaining liquid from the can it was bubbling so much it spilled more, also the temperature wasn t even cold, lukewarm beer is THE WORST, so yeah didn t think of ordering more after that

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

We made reservations for a Saturday night for a birthday celebration for a group of 11 and had a great experience. We were seated on time and the entire team was so friendly and welcoming. Nina was our assigned server and she was so helpful. The hostess would also occasionally check in, interact with the kids, making them feel like valued guests. Everyone in our group had a different favourite dish, so it was great that the menu had diverse flavours to cater to different palates. The only downside was that the space didn t allow for all of us to sit at one table together but they were great at seating us close enough to each other to talk and share dishes. Overall a great experience and venue for a celebration!

★★★★★
November 23, 2024

Amazing experience here! We tried the brussel sprouts they were out of this world soo tasty! And the corn was good but small portion. The wagyu sliders were AMAZING! 10/10 and the sushi was very delicious and melt in your mouth. Lobster tacos were a no for us too much sauce and not the greatest. Wagyu steak was good as well but it wasnt to die for. Spicy marg 10/10

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Great food and fun environment for a nice night out. Manager Christos and his staff are wonderful. Providing excellent service along with unique Japanese dishes. Highly recommended.

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Amazing value, go on a Monday and be overwhelmed by the sheer value and quality of the food and service!!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
November 23, 2024

Great food flavors and service. Their wagyu slider, tenderloin skewers, and maki roll are great! We also tried their pickle salad, which had new flavors and was good. You need about 5 plates for 2 people. Their chicken and meat are mostly halal as well, which is a huge plus

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Hip and lively vibe. Lots of fun! Great tastes, eclectic, experimental menu. Well priced on a Monday night for some items. Special menu items every day of the week! Downfalls: The seats are benches so you can t sit back and stay too long. The wine list is iffy. Vegetarian options: Lots of options!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Came for my wedding anniversary to try something different and it was amazing !!! Excellent service and atmosphere! The lobster tacos are to die for !!

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Everything was incredible from food to service. Will definitely go back I was beyond impressed and the reason itself it s so well designed, they made sure it has great ambiance. Great addition to this area

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Amazing service and food. SHAR provided amazing customer service. Thank you.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Food was amazing, and servers were super nice and attentive. Just my preference, a bit noisy is all. But washrooms were super clean.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

A hidden gem for good food, drinks, a date night Love the ambiance, service, very friendly and accommodating staff It s small but cute and cozy Went there twice, always packed Made a reservation for the 2nd time A must try for Asian food lovers Recommended drink - sake bomb and it s surprise Definitely going there again

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Decided to try out a new restaurant for date night, and I m really glad we came across this place! The atmosphere had a very downtown type vibe, with a great selection of food and drinks. I would definitely recommend the Wagyu Sliders and Stone Bowl Gyudon. We had Ariella as our server, and she did a great job recommending food that we were looking for. We will definitely visit again soon!

★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

This is a nice spot to enjoy a nice meal out with family and friends. Perfect spot for Sunday dinner when you just don t want to cook. Or a nice meet up with friends after shopping at Vaughan Mills mall. The restaurant us right beside the pharmacy and doesn t have a flashy sign, so you Gotto keep your eyes open to find it. The restaurant serves Japanese tapas, so order multiple food selection to get a taste of a lot of things. the orders were fulfilled and delivered steadily, not brought together at once. Don t expect that one order will fill you up, cause it likely won t. I find the portions small, just enough to wake up your tastebuds. Order multiple to feel full. Lots of choices on the menu, so we decided to have a little bit of this and little bit of that and share everything. Well everything except the really small portions ( like the eggplant). Food was fresh and tasty. Sweet corn coquette, karaage, wings, Brussels sprouts, and eggplant all hit the spot and woke up the tastebuds in preparation for rest of the order from the back kitchen. Stand out order was the stone bowl Gyudon. The Risotto was interesting combo of seaweed and parm. Definitely worth the try. Good portion and yummy, jumbo shrimps. Everything was surprisingly good too. Nothing was left on our plates. I wasn t expecting the eggplant appetizer to be served cold, but I ate it anyway, so clearly it was still a hit. My maki was topped with gold, so I felt fancy for a second as I ate the rolls. This was a lovely evening out. We sat on the patio and though it s by the driveway, it was still private as there are entwined ropes blocking the view of prying eyes. Customer service was good. I didn t give all 5 stars cause one of the orders took forever and we ended cancelling cause we didn t want to wait. The just was gracious and gave us complimentary cheesecake that is to die for!!! That cheesecake made my tastebuds do backflips. That alone will have me back. Loved my time there and ended my evening going to the washroom where I got stuck in a mirrored maze trying to figure which door/mirror would let me in! This made the evening a little more fun. Will try this spot for lunch next time to see what s it like. Parking: This store is in a busy plaza. Shared parking lot. Lots of spaces

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

Absolutely loved this place, food, service and atmosphere were all spot on. You know it s a great spot when it s packed on a Sunday evening. Next time we re going to try the patio, it looked really nice

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Had a great time at Yokai. Tried most of the recommended items on the menu and they did not disappoint. Was so hungry I forgot to take pics lol. The risotto and brussel sprouts were my personal favorites. The one item I dont suggest is the oysters. They were tasty but tiny and overpriced. Aside from that Ill definitely be back

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Truly a hidden gem of Vaughan. Always a great experience with amazing food and friendly staff. Go with a group so you can try a bunch of the dishes.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

I really enjoyed the experience at Yokai. The food was delicious and the service was top notch. Arriela s food recommendations were excellent - not only was she able to describe the dishes and ingredients, but she took the time to ask what I like. I will definitely be back.

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

This restaurant is hidden gem !!!! Awesome Food - super delicious and friendly efficient service . Our server Arriela made our lunch effortless and was very pleasant . Cant wait to return for a dinner . Cool music and exciting vibe would highly recommend Food

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

It was amazing! Lobster tacos and beef sliders were definitely my favourite Food

Local Guide
October 23, 2024

I went into this place with high expectations. The overall experience was subpar at best. The portions of the food was extremely small for its cost, compared to other izakayas in Toronto. The service was disappointing, the server basically threw the plate at us when presenting the dish. The presentation of each dish got ruined by laziness and the lack of care. The quality of food wasnt great. The food was under seasoned, the fried rice had a puddle of oil at the bottom of the bowl, the beef tartar was basically a beard dish. I left the restaurant still hungry with a bill of $70 per person.

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Absolutely Incredible Tuesday Dining Experience at The CHEF s Counter at YOKAI IZAKAYA . We ordered practically all the best dishes on this amazing vast MENU. Thank You for today. - JAY T WARSH - @JayTSandals

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Chic spot and a great brunch!

October 23, 2024

We used to go this place twice a week for years but we are nit going there again because the old lady who pretended to be a manager ( which I personally dont believe, because she cant even provide proper customer service) told us to get out after 2 hour dining because theres another reservation coming. She was yelling at us when we kindly requested to extend our time. She could have declined our request in an appropriate manner instead of giving us attitude. And by the way, we were only allowed to extend by 30 minutes.

Local Guide
October 23, 2024

Rob is notoriously unprofessional. Avoid at all costs. The service is terrible, the ingredients are subpar, and there s a complete lack of empathy. Absolutely unacceptable

Local Guide
October 23, 2024

There is no option to give 0 star . Unprofessional and unhygienic food We ordered Honey Butter Home Fries- and they served us McCain sliders are also the frozen one .. Never recommend and will never go again

★★★★★
Local Guide
October 23, 2024

The food was spot on, the servers were all more than accomodating, and the vibes were everything I could ask for. Will definitely be back!

October 23, 2024

What kind of B stuff is it? It s so expensive even if the dog doesn t eat it.

October 23, 2024

Parking: Don t have any place to park Kid-friendliness: no Wheelchair accessibility: don t have

★★★★★
October 23, 2024

We came for their Lucky Monday $8 menu and it was totally worth it! The quality of the food was great, and you can t beat the price. My girlfriend had been wanting to check this place out, and we weren t disappointed. Friendly staff and good vibes all around. We ll be back for sure!

October 23, 2024

Major disappointment; Yokai Izakaya delivered poor food and service. My friend and I went for the brunch menu. We got a mimosa each ($12/drink); the drinks tasted fine, but presentation was poor with slightly dirty glasses. The appetizer was chicken karaage ($13); it came with 5 pieces, some pieces were juicy but others were dry/hard on the corners, the breading was not as crispy as I expected. I ordered the King Kapa Burger ($25). On the menu it stated there was a choice of side, however, it is actually rebranded as the Krabby Patty burger meal at the time I went and comes with a set of regular fries (think McDonalds without the salt). The burger came wrapped in oily paper so I could not eat out of it. The meat looked great (very greasy and juicy) but flavour was tasteless, the bun was a cheap brioche (thin) and though I ate my meal quickly, it was damp from the pattys grease. The presentation was really cheap, like a Happy Meal, and I would have preferred a fast food burgers taste, esp at this price. My friend got the Miso Beef Benedict and he was not impressed either. Food overall is the worst Ive had at this price point. The music at the restaurant was very loud. Service was awful; waiter did not understand the menu well when we had questions, did not refill our waters, and the timing of bringing out the food was not optimized (they brought my friends meal 10mins before mine was out...). One waiter had their finger in my food when delivering it. Honestly, I have never been so appalled at a restaurant. High bill for low quality everything.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

This was our first time here and it did not disappoint. Friendly staff, fun atmosphere and delicious food. Gabriel was great and his recommendations were spot on. The Flirty Boy Sangria was refreshing. We will definitely be back!

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Just a great place...!

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

We visited for the first time tonight, sat at the bar, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The service was on point, staff was friendly and helpful, the food was excellent, and blew our expectations away, the brussel sprouts, (yeah, I said brussel sprouts) were the best Ive had at any restaurant, and thats a long list of places. We look forward to coming back to explore more of the menu. Great job, and thank you to all the staff!

★★★
September 23, 2024

Food was fresh, but honestly the brunch menu didn t give much variety, wish they had more their Japanese authentic home meal/comfort type with seafood was added for selection. But service was a bit disappointing. I loved our server, but the manager?! had to come talk to me that the table was reserved for 12:30pm when I arrived for our 11am reservation. When we left around 12:27pm, there were more than 10 tables available. But her tone wasn t being sorry or excused or anything. Just told me straight up with no smile on her face. Lol Like why? You had to come tell us to rush eating our meal?! I don t understand that manager s attitude. Other than that food and server was great, but I won t go back to this place as there are so many great seafood Japanese places in the city, don t need manager telling me to leave by when, when I clearly made a reservation a few days before.

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Lobster taco were did not know about the oyster special dollar each was amazing value.

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

The atmosphere was great, the service was excellent & fast, the food was very average & the portions are pretty small, my hubby & I got 8 mixed courses to share and 2 margaritas and our total was about $250 with tip.

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I think the service was great and the atmosphere would be great for a family, couple or a single. I ordered a karage, wagyu steak signature, and mimosa that I enjoyed.

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

It was my first time going to this restaurant and honestly the food was amazing. Everything I ordered I was very pleased with. Unfortunately, I did not get the servers name but she was very efficient and friendly. 10/10, will be returning.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

What a hidden gem. Great vibe and cocktails. Excellent food. Those brussel sprouts are 100.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

A great vibe with greater food. The food was flavourful and presented beautifully. Brunch is a must try. Bring the homies

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Me and my friends decided to have brunch here and it was the best decision ever. Our server Michelle was friendly and attentive and answered all my questions. She recommended the beef bene and it was delicious. The food and the vibes were immaculate and I will be back.

★★★★★
September 23, 2024

Dietary restrictions: They were able to accommodate allergies (confirmed no peanuts / tree nuts used and ensured no sesame was on any of the dishes at our table). The server was great and there was very good communication as each dish was brought to the table to reconfirm no allergens. Food

★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I love coming to Yokai! It s one of my favourite places to go to in Vaughan, it feels like you are in a nice Izakaya in the city rather than the suburbs. It s a great place to hang out and the food is quite good.

★★★
September 23, 2024

Service was great and interior design was nice. The food is not very good, the skewers lack the Smokey flavor, the waygue sliders were dry, and the pork belly texture and flavour was lacking.

Local Guide
September 23, 2024

I have no idea about this place

★★★★★
Local Guide
September 23, 2024

Cant wait to go back again. We had the brunch and it was so good

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

the food was amazing differently we go again.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

We went here for breakfast with our friends and it went great. Food was delicious, and so as the drinks. Ambiance was good too. Would love to come back.

★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Came here with high expectations tonight. Was a bit of a let down. We ordered: -wagyu sliders -umami fries -AAA tenderloin skewers -ebi risotto The atmosphere was ok, could have been better. For an izakaya, the staff was very quiet. If you been to other izakayas in the GTA, the wait staff and kitchen staff communicate with each other in Japanese by shouting whenever guests enter and leave, or when orders are placed. (Kinka Izakaya or Guu comes to mind.) Wagyu sliders were dry as a brick. And cold. Calling it wagyu is very questionable as there was no moisture at all, it was devoid of any fat. And wagyu is suppose to be fatty. It was like they used regular lean meat patties and called it wagyu to mark it up. What s going on here? We also noticed in the kitchen the meat patties were pre cooked and left to rest and then threw back onto the grill whenever it was ordered. No wonder it wasn t juicy like a wagyu slider should be. All of the delicious juices were drained beforehand. Maybe if these sliders were made fresh to order it could retain its flavour. The umami fries were decent, the fries though was devoid of flavour if not for the mayo and eel sauce. The fries alone tasted like they were frozen and store bought. Other izakayas we ve been to do fries much, much better. The skewers though were good, full of juicy flavour. This was the best part of today s visit. The portions was just right, only complaint was how lukewarm the skewers were when they came out. A very common theme here, temperature of food just isn t there. More on that later Finally, the risotto was rich and creamy in flavour. It did have a very strong, overpowering seaweed taste. The risotto should shine through on its own; not be hidden behind seaweed flavour. Wish it came with more shrimp though. The rice itself was slightly overcooked, you could barely taste the individual rice grains themselves like a well made risotto should. It was also very lukewarm. A common theme here is how all the food we ordered had a smoky taste to it. And none of the food was hot. We ve never been to a restaurant where the food wasn t hot coming out of the kitchen. Too bad, it seems this place still has kinks to work out. Finally, the service was slow. Our water wasn t refilled at all until the very end. It s a hot summer night; water should be paid extra attention to. Yokai Izakaya could be great; but for now, it s just ok. The food is cold, how this is possible is not known as the restaurant itself is not that big. It doesn t even feel like an Izakaya right now, it s far too quiet. It s devoid of that lively atmosphere that Japanese izakayas are known for. The kitchen staff was dead silent, they barely talked to each other from what we saw. All you could hear is the loud techno elevator music and patron chatter, nothing else. It ll be awhile we consider coming back. The plaza has so many more choices of food to choose from.

★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

TL:DR Food is great, waitstaff are excellent, 45-minute wait time, washrooms are cool, but not well maintained. The food was delicious. Went as a party of 4 for the Big Boozy Brunch, ordered the Sweet Corn Croquettes, two Miso Beef Benedicts, one Wagyu Steak and Eggs, and the Boss Burger. Everything was very tasty; big ups to the White Miso Taleggio Cream on the Miso Beef Benedict, best if ordered on the side so you can dip your Honey Butter Home Fries into it. Their house-made Inferno hot sauce is also a hit, great mix of powerful heat and sweet finish. Front of House staff were kind and welcoming (thanks for the Spotify Playlist recco), attentive throughout the meal, waters filled promptly, empty dishes cleared shortly after finishing our meal. Fantastic work! Now, why 3-stars? Our meals came out staggered over 45 minutes! Half an hour after ordering, The Wagyu Steak and Eggs came out first, 10ish minutes later the Benedicts, then the burger shortly after. Mind that the restaurant wasnt overly busy; some empty tables, but majority of tables were occupied. We also werent the only table frustrated over the lengthy wait times. Another table near us left before their food arrived. The washrooms also had some room for improvement. All washrooms are gender-neutral private cubicles, aesthetically beautiful, moody lighting, modern design, and mouthwash available (nice touch). However, there were napkins and toilet paper strewn about, and the modern integrated sink didnt drain properly, a bit of an ick. Based on the other reviews, it looks like they were just having an off day, but either way, a 45-minute wait for food is just egregious. I am willing to try the restaurant again for their dinner menu, but not planning to arrive starving.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Amazing place . It was first visit but didn t disappoint me.Food was so good . Service was fast but the atmosphere was loud . If you are foodie and like sushi you should try this place . We just loved slider must try

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

I came with one friend and loved it so much, I came back the week after. Food was amazing and great vibes. Also check out all three bathrooms stalls. They re all different

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Always come here for special occasions and was never disappointed!!! Love this place!!!

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

They fit us in and it was very busy. The food and service were amazing and it was a great upbeat atmosphere inside

★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Was excited to give this place a try after seeing it trending on social media and talked about between friends. First impression wasnt the best; we entered the building and noticed it was a pretty loud & busy on the inside and the outside. However, we were not greeted until later when we questioned a passing server if there were any spaces for two. The server notified us that a host would be with us soon and advised that we wait on the bench near the entrance. We proceeded to wait for almost 10 minutes as we watched the same 5-7 servers pass by in front of us with no host in sight. Eventually my accompanying party got tired of the wait and asked again if the server had any idea where the host was or if there were any space for two. They then decided to seat us outside after we requested patio. Still, no sight of the host thus far. I wish I was able to grab the name of our server though, who was very apologetic and kind even though I find no fault with her for the wait or the service. She told us that only the manager was allowed to seat guests, which I understood completely. What I didnt understand, however, was how that host manager managed to leave the front of house (FOH) completely unattended for 10-15 minutes. Overall, the meal was good. The wings were very flavorful and udon noodles we ordered were creamy, although a bit on the saltier side. Thank you to the server/staff who tried to offer us drinks or dessert on the house because of the situation FOH.

★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

EDIT: Yokai has excellent customer service. They reached out and thoroughly addressed each of my concerns. I would happily return and give it another chance. My family and I were really excited to try Yokai s brunch as we ve heard great things, but sadly we were disappointed. We ordered the salmon and avocado toast and upgraded to a salad, but the salad we got was still slightly frozen. The bread that came with it tasted stale. The butter prawns florentine had this distasteful sweet/mint-like taste. And the three yokai big breakfast dishes my family got all had cold miso soups. Although the atmosphere and service were great and we enjoyed being there, we were disappointed at the quality and taste of these dishes.

★★★★★
August 23, 2024

Came to Yokai Izakaya to try their brunch menu and had a great experience! The place was very aesthetically pleasing from the dining area to the washrooms. The service was great, food came out quickly and the staff were friendly and attentive. All of the food was delicious - I recommend trying their matcha cereal milk french toast! Overall great experience, I definitely will be returning!

★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

This is the second time i ve been to Yokai, and I was not terribly impressed by them, again. Ordered a bunch of items but none of them particularly stood out or was that good, except the brussel sprouts which you can get anywhere and it would taste the same. At the end we got our skewers but they were room temperature, signalling that they d been left out for a while before serving. We did get them reheated but it was just the outside that was hot again while the inside of the meat was cold still.

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

July 28, 2024 - 1 dropped my niece and nephew off to Canadas Wonderland and I was feeling a bit hungry, so I checked Yelp and found this spot. Love the decor, the interior looks so nice but we decided to sit outside as we had a very rambunctious toddler with us. The outside seating was spacious. The staff were all nice and attentive. Ordered: YOKAI BIG BREAKFAST 2 eggs your way, Japanese thick cut bacon, honey butter home fries, steamed rice, miso soup, pickles, shokupan toast with miso maple butter LOBSTER TACOS 3PC Spicy sesame spiked Canadian lobster, mentaiko aioli, lumpfish caviar, coriander, lettuce, wonton shell MATCHA CEREAL MILK FRENCH TOAST Brioche French toast, white chocolate matcha mousse, yuzu curd, seasonal berries CHICKEN KARAAGE Boneless chicken thigh, yuzu aioli, lemon 2 Iced Matcha Lattes Everything was delicious! I dont know when Im going back, but Im going back. The Yokai big breakfast is definitely worth it. The lobster taco was a little under seasoned, but you just have to add a little bit of salt. My sister didnt really like the Matcha latte, but I found it to be pretty good.

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Great spot just off the highway. Minima wait, fair priced food and very tasty. Got lucky and came on $1 oyster night!

★★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Great food. Great vibes. Drinks are a little expensive. But fun place. Food : 5/5 |

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Service was impeccable. The food was really good. Although I did mention to the server that the lobster taco which was pre prepared was dry. We had the Miso Calamari. The Wagyu sliders, The Risotto, the egg plant agadashi and three beers......$170 including tip. I have given the atmosphere a low rating because something was very wrong with their HVAC system. The inside of the place was not properly ventilated and it was smoking. Other than this issue, I would recommend it.

Local Guide
August 23, 2024

When you walk in you are assaulted with music so loud you cant hear the server talking to you. Manager said the music volume cannot be turned down. Ok so forget conversation at your table. Also its incredibly smoky so you will be dry cleaning after this. Food is supposed to be very good but more expensive than Toro Toro. So while waiting for our friends to show up we walked out at is seemed they were more focused on our order rather than understanding we were waiting for our plus 2 and I got tired of shouting to our server so she could hear. We decided to spend $450 for dinner elsewhere. So when customers are forced to endure a poor customer experience it never works long term. I love Izakaya and was surprised by the poor Japanese beer selection with a heavy focus on expensive sake. Why do they suggest a patio seat during a thunderstorm with people already asking to be seated indoors? I would love to come back for brunch but would sit outdoors. In the true Japanese spirit of Izakaya this place missed several check boxes. Wheelchair accessibility: No stairs but spacing between seats is tight.

★★★★
Local Guide
August 23, 2024

Service was excellent, very attentive server. Food was delicious, perfect for sharing. Atmosphere and decorations modern. Bathrooms are unique, downside very smokey from the grill, definately clothes has an odor Food : 5/5

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Super vibey spot! Monday $8 deals are great value!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Went to the weekend boozy brunch and it was phenomenal. The service was great as well and we got our food really quick. We tried the wagyu steak and eggs and the yokai big breakfast. Both were really good but I prefer the big breakfast due to the value and different taste. Iced matcha latte was also really good.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

EXCELLENT customer service!! Even had to commend the manager on my way out. The food was FRESH, HOT in temperature and flavourful. However, thr portions were a tad small for the price. But, Ill definetly be back. Clean atmosphere and just an overall vibe. Can imagine this spot on a weekend with some good music this would be a total summer vibe. PS...The lobster tacos is REAL lobster pieces, the brussel sprouts were amazing and the steak...Was beautifully prepared and tasty.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Im thoroughly impressed with this place! Despite our lack of a reservation, they managed to accommodate us, showcasing their excellent service. The food was a delight; our waiters suggestion to share multiple dishes was spot-on. The steak tartare and yaki udon were incredibly flavorful, and the maki was exceptionally fresh with the perfect touch of unagi sauce. The true standout was the dragonfruit sangria an absolute showstopper and the best Ive ever had. I highly recommend it. Ill certainly be returning for another delightful experience.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Food was pretty good. Not bad but not my best. Sorry. Risotto was really good. Pork belly is kind a so so. Taco was good too. Others are nothing special. Cocktail was good. Good restaurant for overall!!

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Went there for Sunday lunch at 1:30pm. We had a booking but they had a few tables available. We had croque madame, salmon avocado toast and corn croquette. All the dishes were good & portion was generous. Staff was also very nice. Very pleased. (Not many options in the brunch menu)

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

The atmosphere of the restaurant was amazing. Service was great as well. Tried the lobster tacos and Wagyu burger. Will be back again to try more items in the menu

★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Went for the Monday appetizer special, after hearing great reviews on social media. Food was fresh, but flavour wise did not hit the mark for me. The atmosphere was nice on the patio, was quieter than inside, and ambience was nice. However, the service fell short, our waitress was dismissive and had a bad attitude. I wish I would have had as good as an experience as others.

★★
July 23, 2024

Food was great appearance wise, but i was skeptical of finishing my food due to reasons below... I came here during the peak busy hours of the July 4th weekend, and to be honest after eating at this place I have gotten sick. Immediately felt my throat itching after leaving the restaurant and within the next day I had a bad cough. Looking back, I noticed that the kitchen was open and heard constant coughing in the kitchen area and caught a glimpse of one of the cooks coughing into his hands and then touching the plates and pushing them out. I don t know who s sick, but this is a health and safety liability because you re handling food while being ill and transferring it to customers.. You re putting everyone at risk. Servers and hostess was amazing though.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Great little izakaya spot to go with your friends or on a date. $1 oysters on Tuesdays and fantastic wagyu sliders. We came here on a Tuesday and got 2 dozen oysters for only $24! Also got the wagyu sliders ($20) and stone bowl gyudon ($23). The oysters werent the biggest, but for a buck an oyster, whos really complaining? The hot sauce that paired with them is one probably one of the best Ive ever had. The wagyu sliders, although a bit gimmicky, were oozing in fat and flavor. Finally, I thought the stone bowl gyudon was a bit too mushy and wet, so Id pass on that next time. Overall, Id definitely come back and try a lot of the other awesome things they have on their menu. Service and style of the restaurant were great. Give this place a try!

July 23, 2024

Overrated food. Portions were small. Service was bad. Had to ask 3 times for the status of our maki that we ordered. They forgot about it and then after our signature mains, they finally gave it to us. It just didnt seem to me as traditional Japanese cuisine. I felt like it was a fast-food version of Japanese food. I ordered their popular STONE BOWL GYUDON. It was pretty gross. It was like a rice pudding. So mushy and overcooked. The over easy egg they break into it makes the rice even more mushy. It also had way too many caramelized onions in it and the pieces of AAA ribeye steak in it was like bubblegum. What made matters worse is that the stone bowl is so scorching hot. Because the bowl is so hot, it resulted into the over-cooked rice still cooking inside the bowl which made it more over-cooked. They didnt even warn me that the stone bowl is scorching hot. There are better Japanese restaurants out there that are healthy and traditional in my opinion.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Went for brunch and sat outside. It was very well set up with umbrellas, making it cool even in this hit weather. Service was very good. Food was hit or miss. I ordered miso beef benedict which I really liked. Homefries were very good. My partner ordered yokai big breakfast which was just okay. Bacon was too salty and miso soup was flavourless. Karaage we ordered was also too salty. I might give it another try in the future.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Came here to try their Lucky Monday Specials and was not disappointed! Food was delicious and came out really fast. My favourites from their special was the brussel sprouts, corn croquette, chicken karaage, and yokai wings! I ve dined here a few times prior and the food and service has always been consistent even though I see new faces every time I go. Highly recommend and big thanks to Alex and Ray!

★★★★
July 23, 2024

The place was nice and cool. And the service was amazing they treat us good. We had some food and cocktails and it was great. Nice vibe

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

This is my first time visiting Yokai Izakaya, and I would say that it did surprise me in a lot of ways, which I did not expect. Location and the atmosphere itself was unparallel to a lot of other places I have visited. Branding in the time and money spent in creating this experience was well worth it. I did not expect a place like this to be just hidden with a plaza like that. Coming to the overall service it was very accommodating and very quick, the time for food is very minimal, and also coming in with no reservation and getting a seat right away, even though it was very busy was one of the highlights. The food itself was also very good and the quality of food being served was at the price point it was being served that was understandable, I would say that there are a few combinations that should be changed to create a better food experience, but that is my personal opinion. Like the udon it was not authentic, there were a lot of items on the menu that were not authentic at all even like the karage. But again I I was not expecting a very authentic experiences would be more like high end bar type of restaurant, with a Japanese theme. My overall review place is pretty good, and I will be coming back to try the other items on the menu and experience the ambiance that was present there. The reason for the five out of five even though this place was pretty good, and not Out Of This World is because of the time and money spent on the experience itself.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Service was great, food was tasty but it was a little loud and tables were sticky. We came on lucky Monday and ordered a bunch of dishes to try. Hamachi ceviche, Godzilla shrimp and corn croquettes were standouts. The negroni with salty foam was also amazing! The crab fried rice was too salty and it was unexpected that we had to deshell the crab ourselves, I just assumed it would be in the rice. The wagyu tartare fell short because the bread was so thick and heavily buttered, overshadowed the beef. And also the mental caesar lacked mental flavour - it was more of a bonito Caesar. Tasty but not what is described. The beef skewers were a touch over cooked but had good char. Overall, worth coming on lucky Mondays and trying if you ve never been before! Suggestions: serve the food in the order of menu (apps and raw first, proteins and mains later), less is more on some of the richer ingredients and dishes, and turn down the music a bit.

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

I tried the king oyster mushroom skewers, yuzu chicken skewers, beef tataki, salmon tartar, and wagyu beef. The flavors and presentation were outstanding, and Id love to come back to try more dishes. The oyster mushroom sauce was a bit too sweet and salty, but everything else was well-cooked and delicious. This is a great spot for a catch-up or a casual hangout, though its quite pricey, so I wouldnt come expecting to fill up my stomach satisfactorily. The staff were friendly, attentive, and responsive. The vibe is chill, and the aesthetics was on point. Music was a tad too loud, I couldn t hear the server well.

★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

An amazing establishment with amazing japanese fusion eats. I highly enjoyed my time here but I loved the food the most. Their lobster tacos were excellent and their torched sushi as well. I had tried their matcha and it was not that good haha but they are not known for their matcha. The food was amazing and the atmosphere was really nice.

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

everything is amazing and looks great, the atmosphere is brilliant :)

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Tried their weekend brunch menu and it was sooooo good! Had the Wagyu and Eggs Will definitely go back! Must try restaurant if your in Vaughan area. Located across the street from Vaughan Mills Mall. Ps. CHECK OUT THE BATHROOMS!

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Came here today the food was SPECTACULAR our server Nina was well polite very accommodating the lobster taco was out of this world and the cereal matcha was finger linking good I recommend this place

★★★★★
Local Guide
July 23, 2024

Top 10 places I ve ever been to everything was excellent. The atmosphere was great it kinda reminded me of kimestu no yaibas infinity castle. The seating was a bit too close to other tables but the music was unexpectedly good not too loud but very on trend amapiano, pop, house, everything! The service was unbelievable I tipped as much as I could because wow! They allowed us to bring a cake and keep it in the fridge, they helped take pictures of the group, they brought out free Prosecco for the birthdays, they waived a dish from the bill bc it took too long to come out, was attentive despite the busy weekend evening! I can t rate them high enough truly. The best part is that they were careful to serve all the food we ordered in rounds so we could talk and digest before the next one came out which just made us wanna order more The food my regards to the chef my god I think we ate half the menu and it was delicious. The chicken karaage puts kfc and Popeyes to shame on every level, the wagyu burgers were juicy without being overly fatty, the corn croquettes were crispy with a light sweetness, the tenderloin skewers were super tender, the passionfruit, ginger and procecco drinks were so refreshing, the crab fried rice was good but seemed to be a bit too starchy, the oysters were great especially with the special house sauce and finally the risotto had way too much of a seafood flavour and the mascarpone made it overly creamy Parking: It s in the Vaughan mills plaza so there s plenty of free parking

★★★★★
July 23, 2024

Fantastic. I would really recommend. Ive never been to anything like this before

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Follow @bredgyeats for more food posts! Skip the food court at Vaughan Mills and make the short trek to this izakaya, where you start with an appetizing Asian-style ceviche with fresh hamachi thats dressed in a sweet, fragrant and tangy yuzu sesame sauce and topped with grated daikon, serrano pepper and grapefruit. Then comes to main characters of their signature maki and ebi risotto. Their maki roll is an absolute flavour bomb in your mouth when you first taste the sweet and savoury unagi sauce thats rounded out with a subtle acidity of yuzu, followed by the pop of umami from the ikura. Then you taste the fragrant char of the salmon plus the crisp of the salmon skin, with a tender, creamy texture thanks to the raw salmon and avocado. Each bite of the risotto perfumes a rich, umami and creamy taste thats thanks to the savoury umami of a dashi base, miso butter, mascarpone cheese and nori flakes. Finally, the giant tiger shrimp are grilled to perfection with a crisp and bouncy texture and are so tasty youd want to eat the shell too. The 48-hour short rib was cooked to tenderness, highlighting the beautifully natural beefy flavour, where each bite juices out more and more beef aromas that will make you say moo. To finish it all off is a banana chocolate cake, and I cant deny a banana-flavour dessert especially when its paired with chocolate. Pictured: Short Rib, Hamachi Ceviche, Yokai Signature Maki, Ebi Risotto,, Tokyo Banana Chocolate Cake

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

A hidden gem just outside of Vaughan Mills. This place offers such a nice ambience serving some amazing food and drinks! Just a few highlights of our evening.. Wagyu Sliders, Hamachi Ceviche, Bluefin Tuna Crudo, Yuzu Chicken Skewers and Truffle Mushroom Skewes. Definite bangers we paired with some yuzu beer and a flight of sake. Thank you for an amazing night!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

First time going to this restaurant and the food was amazing and so was the customer service. Definitely will be back!!!!

★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

I m not sure why there are so many 4 and 5 start reviews as the lesser 1 and 2 star reviews are more accurate. Atmosphere and service were great but the food and price leaves a lot to be desired. Portions were small, taste was bland and flavourless (probably because someone had complained about things having too much sodium) and price is high for what you re getting. I d give this a miss and dread how my girlfriend went because of the rave from instagram.

June 23, 2024

Love this place, but why the heck did we get charged SEVEN DOLLARS for a bottle of water that was brought to the table without being asked? Obviously we just assumed it was free!

Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Came for weekend brunch to see what the hype was about and was very disappointed. Signature Wagyu steak and eggs - subpar, served cold with eggs overcooked. The cut is questionable for Wagyu. Eggs Benedict - flavours were bland, comes with 2 shrimps and not much else. Buttered toast, Americano and passion fruit mimosa - kid-sized and not very good. Found a bug in my water which the waitress acknowledged and did nothing about. Maybe theyre better for dinner Izakaya? Decor is nice. Paid $100+ and left still feeling hungry.

★★
June 23, 2024

the food is too salty. the beef is over cook and over grilled. This cow died with no eyes open.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

The food was flavorful and cooked to perfection! The Chicken Karaage and the Crispy Brussels Sprouts stood out. Gabriel was a pleasure and the music was a vibe!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Great food , service and atmosphere. Loved it all.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Loved my experience here at Yokai; made extra special by my wonderful server Nina.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Phenomenal restaurant, a real hidden treasure. The food and cocktails were delicious, service was impeccable, and the atmosphere is very vibrant and trendy. I absolutely recommend!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Food is amazing and unique! We order the wagyu sliders every time we go. Stone bowl gyudon was super flavourful and delicious. Only downfall is the restaurant is cramped and the service can be a bit slow during peak times.

★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Went for Brunch. Overall 3.5/5 Overall, food was decent, service was good, and venue was nicely decorated and chic. The prices were higher, and the menu for brunch was quite minimal. Unfortunately, my 3 star rating is based on the following: Butter prawn benny 3.5/5 - 2 nicely poached butter prawns, delicate, not rubbery, good flavour overall - eggs were slightly more medium for my liking, but my friends had a nice soft poached, so slightly inconsistent but i think thats normal! still a good egg - hollandaise didnt really have much yuzu notes, to me was quite buttery and heavy - quite a small portion for the price. youre paying for the prawn i believe, but i wouldnt think it was a dish worth $23 Yokai Breakfast 3.5/5 - rice nicely cooked - potatoes were quite rich and sweet with the outer coating of caramelized sugar, i enjoyed them but some were a bit overfried - bacon thick cut, was slightly overcooked and not as soft/tender as i would like - eggs were good, nothing too out of the ordinary - miso butter was nice and delicate with a hint of umami - shokupan was like any bread Overall, quite small portions for the price, and i think if thats the case, then the food must be stellar, but unfortunately to me it fell flat. Perhaps their lunch/dinner meals are more worth it? Wouldnt mind coming back to try those but for brunch, i might pass for now!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Very friendly servers and tasty food options. Drinks are a bit on the expensive side. The interior is straight out of a Pinterest board! Parking: Lots of parking.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

It was a great experience, the service is good, and there are limited tables and better book reservations. But they do have a bar sitting area with high chairs, also a patio outside.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

NGL the thick cut bacon is probably one of the best items on the brunch menu. Our server was amazing and friendly. She knew all the best items and was incredibly attentive despite a full restaurant packed full

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Second time coming to this spot and it never disappoints! The food, the vibes and the service are great. Definitely will be coming back.

★★
June 23, 2024

I dont understand why so many people are giving 4-5 star reviews. The food is mostly bland and portions miniscule but the prices are way out of what the food deserves. Among other dishes we ordered scallops in half shell. What we got instead were 2 minuscule dried out so called scallops for $18.00 I wouldnt even serve them to my cat! The rest of the food was less than mediocre.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Love the experience at Yokai! Foods and drinks were great! Service is excellent! Will be back

★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Attentive and friendly service paired with inventive and tasty dishes, thats Yokai Izakaya in a nutshell. The place was a tad loud for a business dinner, but the food and service more than made up for it. The chicken karaage was fried just right. Grilled squid was savory. And tuna sashimi was a big hit and a big surprise. Instead of serving it with traditional wasabi, it came in a truffle oil infused aioli. In terms of food quality, this one is a step above many other izakaya restaurants.

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

My husband and I went for Sunday brunch. We had Lobster Tacos, Mentaiko Caesar Salad, Wagyu Steak and Eggs and Matcha Cereal Milk French Toast for dessert. Everything we had was so delicious! We ended up leaving with clean plates. My favorite was the Matcha French Toast, I love the combination of the flavors with yuzu!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

I visited on a Monday to try their Lucky Monday $80 special, and it exceeded my expectations. The dishes were not only delicious but also well-presented, and the service was impressively quick. From start to finish, the experience was seamless. Highly recommended!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

We had a great time here. Staff was very friendly and the service was great. Food was flavorful. We tried all the appetizers which were all great! Highly recommend this place. Food

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Highly recommend this place for a night out! They got amazing specials like their $8 lucky Monday menu and the staff are always on point with the service and any info about the food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Amazing option for dinner or brunch! We love their japanese share plates & cocktails. The patio is a nice addition too. A must try if you re in Vaughan!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

We had such a great experience at Yokai for their Big Boozy Brunch. The food was amazing. We had the lobster tacos, wagyu steak and eggs and matcha cereal milk French toast. The steak was a perfect medium rare and the chimichurri sauce was so flavourful. The honey butter home fries are like candy. We couldn t get enough of them. Their cocktails are strong. They definitely don t water them down here. This restaurant is giving downtown vibes but with more accessible parking. Will definitely be back to try more of their menu.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Love the food and ambiance of the place! Really nice restaurant with patio space as well!

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Great food and surprisingly the prices werent that bad .

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Food was excellent ! Loved the Lobster Taco, Corn Croquette! Service was good and friendly stuff. Food was delivered very efficiently as well and they come in sequence.

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Nice place to dine in!

★★★★★
June 23, 2024

Wagyu is really good, friendly staff

June 23, 2024

Garbage. Came for Father s Day brunch. Was told they ran out of steak and to order before 2:15 as the bar and kitchen would close. Place is filled with smoke and took ages to get our food. Would rather go anywhere but here.

★★★
June 23, 2024

Food was alright. Servers are kinda rude approaching with the same question a bunch of times and the worst thing was that they topped my SPARKLING WATER with tap water without asking .

★★★★★
Local Guide
June 23, 2024

Amazing place great hospitality. I ve only been here for dinner a few times, but this is my first time going here for breakfast. It doesn t seem like a typical breakfast spot, but it surpasses the typical breakfast please like Danny s or Cora in the general area. I was flabbergasted by the menu items for breakfast very impressed. Will be coming back soon and some other things.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Probably some of the best chicken wings I ever had. The Yokai Wings are actually to die for. I also had wagyu sliders which were great!!! The price is a bit up there, but IMO its worth it. The waiters were extra careful when handling my allergies. Dietary restrictions: I have an egg allergy that was taken into serious consideration. Felt that my allergen concerns were taken seriously.

May 23, 2024

Misleading photos, portions were much smaller than pictured.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

5 star food, excellent environment

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Delicious food. Good service. Cool atmosphere.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Loved it!

May 23, 2024

As much as I like the atmosphere and vibes of the restaurant. The food itself wasn t anything to rave about. Especially with the price point. You can get a better and better potion meal then what they offer here. Overly hyped and I went in with high hopes. The Waygu steak and egg was nothing to rave about you d think their signature meal for brunch would knock it out of the park but was subpar at most. The host at the front was really welcoming and friendly but I can t really say much about the rest, no take aways good or bad just there. The question is why I visit again probably not because I travelled from Scarborough to see what the fuss was about but maybe one day I ll give it a shot but for now that ll do.

★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

The music was a bit loud but I would still like to try the dinner menu next time.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

First time at this spot and I have to say, it was a pretty good vibe. For starters, our server Nina was the star. She was super friendly and provided good, honest feedback and recos for us to choose from. More restaurants need people like Nina. I wish the bench chairs had a different design, bc they arent that comfy and have no backrest. The food we had was great (sliders and wings). Will def come back!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

I loved almost everything about this place! The service was super amazing and on the ball! Every time a plate was empty they picked it up immediately. Our server deserved a bigger tip and I will be sure to give one when I come back! (Definitely soon) The food was flavourful! The snow crab fried rice was delicious and it had bacon in it. The beef skewers were really good and tender! The karaage is probably the best Ive had, and Ive had quite a bit from other places. The lobster tacos were perfect as well. I dont regret any of the food from here! I noticed a lot of couples here and I can see why, although it is a little small, its perfect for an intimate date!

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Been here a few times, even before its full opening. Decided to return, even though we worried that the menu may be unchanged. We were pleasantly surprised to find new menu items and cocktails, which added a fresh twist to our experience. We also enjoyed the $1 oyster special. However, the oysters themselves weren t perfectly prepared; they were a bit dry and still attached to the shell, requiring some effort to remove. Despite this, the other dishes were delicious and the service was top-notch. We ll definitely keep coming back and look forward to more pleasant surprises.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

My husband and I had such an amazing experience. The food was delicious and the service impeccable! I can t get over how our plates would be changed and new napkins provided and constant checking up if we needed anything else. Food comes out so fast and is oh so good! Would definitely come again!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Ver good experience! All food are delicious!!

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

great atmosphere, with super helpful staff and delicious food.

★★★★★
May 23, 2024

Amazing

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Had Such a a great experience! The food was incredible and the staff was so friendly. The atmosphere was so perfect. This place is an absolute gem. A must try for so many unique flavours. Parking: No issues finding parking. Large lot.

★★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

You only have 2 hours. It doesnt matter if anyone is waiting. They will tell you to leave.

★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Food and service is always great but the tables are just way too tight. Not a problem when you re seated (and the seats are surprisingly comfortable despite being stools) but getting in and out can be a hassle cuz you don t want to invade people s personal space. Or worse. Someone s kid is laying down in the aisle and the parent isn t paying attention to their surroundings. Making it even more difficult

★★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

The food was honestly okay, the nice service and overall vibes made up for it!

★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Hit up Yokai today for lunch. A very cool setting with dope looking bathrooms. The service we experienced was only ok though. We asked for water upon being seated, but our waitress forgot until midway through our meal when we had to ask again. We ordered the wagyu burger and asked if the kitchen would be able to help us cut it in half since my wife and I were going to share. We were told we could do that ourselves with the utensils provided. First world problems. Lol. In addition to the burger, we ordered a dozen oysters (with no explanation of which type or location they were from, nor were they shucked properly being still stuck to the shell). The kids had the chicken karaage and an order of fries which were fine. We liked the crispy ume brussel sprouts, but sadly the matcha cereal milk french toast was a paltry portion for the price (we each had a quarter piece which ended up being a total of two small bites per person). All in all it was an ok experience. For the price we paid ($135 tax and tip with no alcohol) we felt there could have been a bit more value or at least a better overall experience. Id rate this place a solid 6.8, but Google doesnt allow that type of scoring so they get a 3* instead. #tomeatsyummyfoodbecausewhynot

May 23, 2024

If I read the reviews I wouldnt have went here....the one star reviews are very accurate. The atmosphere and service was very nice. However the food was horrible. No flavor or seasoning...everything was blah. The portion size was ridiculous considering the price point. Not one item was executed properly not even something simple as poaching the eggs..they were hard on the inside. The sad thing about this experience is that I believe they know the food is not to up standard because the manager offered a 15% off dinner coupon...but who is coming for dinner after wasting $130 on brunch....definitely not me.

★★★
Local Guide
May 23, 2024

Food was good, tried the chicken karage, smoked salmon sandwich and the butter prawn benny. The food was average, the sourdough bread was really tough in the smoked salmon while the butter was missing in the prawn dish. Please not they only have brunch options durinf the day, and the nicer dinner menu is available after 5pm.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Got their Boozy Brunch - it was an amazing experience - amazing food, amazing service, amazing atmosphere. We reserved a table for 12:15, got there early around 12:10, ordered an appetizer, drinks, and two mains. Sandy was amazing and everything was out in less than 10 minutes, hot and fresh. The food was delicious - had the Wagyu Steak & Eggs, Lobster Tacos, and Matcha Cereal Milk French Toast. Sandy and other servers were always around making sure our water was filled, everything was tasting good, just overall amazing service. This was actually an anniversary brunch with my girlfriend, and they definitely made sure that we had a great time. Thank you so much to Sandy and to the rest of the staff - would highly recommend eating brunch here. Will definitely be coming back for dinner!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Second time at yokai izakaya. This time had to come for their brunch. We had Sandy serve us today and she was amazingg. Food was amazingg +++. Love this place and will be back

★★
April 23, 2024

People overrated the food, the taste so so

★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Came here for the first time for brunch. The food was pretty interesting and tasted good. However, the portion is definitely on the small side for the price. Overall, would recommend if you don t have a big appetite.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Yokai Foods is truly an extraordinary dining experience. From the moment you step in, youre greeted by a team of exceptionally friendly and professional staff. The ambiance exudes warmth and vitality, setting the perfect tone for your visit. Their weekend brunch offerings are nothing short of spectacular, offering a delightful array of dishes to tantalize your taste buds. And lets not forget about their cocktails theyre simply divine. Chris, the talented bartender, crafts each drink with precision and flair, leaving you wanting more. Im already looking forward to my next visit, eager to explore more of Yokai Foods delectable menu. Trust me, you wont want to miss out on this culinary gem.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Went for the weekend brunch. Had an amazing time. Service is amazing.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Went twice, once for dinner and once for the weekend brunch, and both times were fantastic. Great food and drinks, and the service was top notch. Make sure to reserve ahead of time for the brunch, as spaces full up fast!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Fantastic little spot! Feels like downtown Toronto, very cool vibe. The brunch food and drinks are great, Sammi and Ariella were our servers, very sweet and helpful girls! Will deffs be coming back for dinner

★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Aside from be prepared for breaking your bank (We paid almost $200 tips included for 3 people), 3 more things I would suggest you to remember when you are coming to YOKAI IZAKAYA. 1. Make sure you make your reservation ahead of time. My friends and I just thought we go try it out to see what does it mean Japanese style brunch, so we went without making a reservation on a Saturday noon. Huge mistake. We got there 12:15 and we were told the earliest table would be 1:45 and the last call for the kitchen is 2:15 if I remembered correctly. The place was packed and that was a hard lesson for us. The front server was very nice, he called us around 12:30 letting we know if we want the bar there were availability now but we wanted to sit down so we waited. 2. The space were so tight between tables, I got hit accidentally by the person behind me couple times Because they were taking of jacket or putting things around and no place to hang your jacket so you should either leave it in the car or be ready that you will need to put your jacket in the box under the seat. 3. The seatings were just wooden stools, I actually got wood chip in my finger when I just tried to move the seat beside mine, so be careful. Other than those, the presentation of the foods were good, taste were decent, portion was on the smaller side. Great for the pics. Our server was kind of rude, when shes asking for the last call, my friend asked if there desert menu she said What do you mean, its whatever on the menu you saw with an annoyed tone. My original water cup had residue left it was disgusting but thank god we had a spare one on the table. Overall it was just okay for whatever we paid and We dont think we will come again. Wheelchair accessibility: Minimum wheelchair accessibility. The tables are so tight between each one.

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Went here for dinner and the food was amazing! My daughter brought me here for my birthday and the atmosphere was great. The staff was super friendly and welcoming. Our server Zazz was super sweet! Will definitely be coming back here to try out more of their menu.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

was blown away by the service here from my bartender (Kevin, if recall correctly). he really knew his way around the drinks and made some amazing recommendations. bonus points when i found out he was a raver also, no wonder he was so chill!

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Amazing food, fantastic service and delicious drinks! 20/10 recommend to anyone who loves authentic japanese food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

First timer. Service is 2nd to none. Portion size I like. Food is tasty. Will return.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Amazing service and staff! The food is delicious. Great atmosphere as well! Food

★★★★★
April 23, 2024

Recently had the pleasure of trying the food here! I ordered the sliders and the ebi nori risotto! Both were amazing and filled with flavour. The service was also impeccable. I received outstanding service from Nina, who was very knowledgeable about the menu, and took the time to explain the flavour of different items. Would definitely come back for the amazing service, vibes and food!

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Great experience, and delicious food.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

went with a group of six recently and it was absolutely amazing. the quality of the food is fantastic, and the pricing is in line with both the portions and the flavour. ambience is very energetic and fun. the washrooms are super cool. honestly i give this place five stars just based on the fact they have mouthwash available in the washrooms for guests to use. wish more places would adopt that. service is fast and friendly with good menu knowledge, wish i remembered our servers name. she was great. anyways definitely will be going back and if you are looking for a fun, tasty izakaya experience without breaking your bank account this is for sure the place to be.

★★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

Simply outstanding, Food , Service, Ambience everything! Host - the guy with the white cap - Great hospitalitly . and even the entire staff. Money well spent! Loved it! We orederd eggplant , Chicken karagee,Pork ribeye stone bowl, Signature Maki, lobster Tacos and cheesecake!! Delicious. I would def come back there! Vibe was super chill!

★★★★
Local Guide
April 23, 2024

The matcha French toast was a really great choice. Very fluffy and light and the cream and jams had the right amount of sweetness. The wagyu burger seemed to be way too over done for my liking. The meat was not as tender as it should have been. Besides that, the fries seasoned with furikake was a good choice. Both dishes came out super quick, within 15 minutes or less. Atmosphere was very nice, there is little space in between tables but everything is decorated very nicely.