About
Welcome to Sushi Masaki Saito, a distinguished jewel nestled in the heart of Toronto at 88 Avenue Rd. This 2-Michelin-starred establishment is not merely a restaurant; it's a culinary sanctuary where tradition meets artistry. Chef Masaki Saito, revered for his meticulous craftsmanship, masterfully curates an omakase experience that is both intimate and immersive.
As you step inside, you are enveloped in an ambiance that feels meditative, every detail carefully curated—from the elegant woodwork to the attentive, yet unobtrusive service. The moment you are seated, a journey through the delicate flavors of Japan begins. The appetizers offer a taste of what's to come: indulge in the Grilled Unagi with Pickled Cucumbers, sip on a warm Miso Soup, and savor the distinctive notes of Grouper with Uni and Myoga, elegantly presented with Sansho Sauce.
The star of the show, however, is the sushi. Each piece is a testament to Chef Saito's unyielding commitment to quality and flavor. The Toro Hand Roll, with its luscious, buttery texture, and Cherry Blossom Trout Marinated in Soy are just a glimpse into the careful balance of taste and tradition you can expect. One review aptly captures the essence of this dining experience: "Dining at Sushi Masaki Saito is more than just a meal—it’s a masterclass in precision, tradition, and pure culinary artistry."
What truly sets Sushi Masaki Saito apart is the deep connection Chef Saito fosters with each guest. His storytelling through food transcends the simple act of dining; it invites you to appreciate the art of sushi making. With each bite, the chef highlights the finest ingredients and unique preparations, such as fish aged to perfection and sushi rice seasoned with a signature red vinegar blend. Every grain is warm and distinct, enhancing the overall experience.
The service is nothing short of impeccable. Guests have noted how the staff is ever-attentive, ensuring glasses are filled and conversations flow seamlessly. Every detail is executed with finesse, allowing you to immerse yourself completely in the moment. Reviews from diners emphasize the stellar experience, dubbing it the best omakase and sushi they've ever encountered, rivaling even the finest establishments in Japan.
In conclusion, Sushi Masaki Saito is not just a meal; it is an unforgettable journey through flavors and artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned sushi lover or someone looking to explore Japanese cuisine, this restaurant promises an experience that lingers in your memory long after your meal. Reserve your table, and prepare for an extraordinary evening defined by the elegance of Chef Saito’s culinary vision.
“ Unforgettable experience at Sushi Masaki Saito, Toronto's 2-Michelin-starred gem! Omakase was exceptional, with impeccable service that exceeded expectations. A MUST-VISIT when in Toronto! ”
“ Dining at Sushi Masaki Saito is more than just a meal—it’s a masterclass in precision, tradition, and pure culinary artistry. From the moment you step inside, you’re transported into an intimate, almost meditative space where every detail, from the woodwork to the service, is meticulously thought out. Chef Masaki Saito isn’t just making sushi—he’s telling a story with every piece. His approach, with its focus on aging and perfecting ingredients, brings out flavors you didn’t even know fish could have. The sushi rice, seasoned with his signature red vinegar blend, is a revelation on its own—each grain distinct, perfectly warm, and complementing the fish like they were always meant to be together. The service was impeccable. Attentive without being intrusive, warm yet professional—everything you’d hope for in a place of this caliber. Sushi Masaki Saito isn’t just the best sushi in Canada—it’s right up there with the best in the world. If you appreciate sushi as an art form, this place is an absolute must. It’s the kind of meal that lingers in your memory long after you’ve left, making you count the days until you can return. A truly extraordinary experience and perfect birthday celebration. ”
“ Wow! I finally had the opportunity to experience the 2 star Michelin establishment Sushi Masaki Saito. The experience was stellar from the onset. The service was stellar. The servers were attentive to every moment of the diner's journey. Every spot left was swept away. The glass was always filled. And all of the staff took time to share in conversation. The chef was, of course, very engaging and put on a wonderful visual show. The food was all beyond description. So amazingly fresh and delicious. Such attention to every detail visually and in the fusion of ingredients was genius. 5 x ”
“ This is the best omakase and best sushi I’ve ever had. I’ve been to Japan. I’ve been to many Michelin star restaurants. This is my favorite. Chef Saito deserves 3 stars. ”
“ Authentic Japanese experience tailored to only a handful of guests. I felt well taken care of as service was attentive and it felt they were always one step ahead of what my next ask would be. Chef Saito's craft and expertise brought out the best combinations and flavours in every course that was served. A memorable dinner and, more importantly, a memorable night. ”
“ This visit was the absolute highlight of our trip to Toronto. Sitting at the counter and witnessing the sheer perfection in every step of the preparation up close was nothing short of incredible. From the very first bite to the final course, every dish was an absolute masterpiece – thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and bursting with flavor. The entire team was exceptionally friendly, attentive, and passionate about what they do, which made the experience even more special. Time flew by as we were fully immersed in the atmosphere, the flavors, and the hospitality. If we ever find ourselves in Toronto again, we will return without a doubt. It was truly an honor to dine here – an unforgettable evening that we’ll cherish for a long time. Highly, highly recommended! ”
“ I can talk about the wonderful sushi, but dining at Sushi Masaki Saito is less about simply eating sushi and more about stepping into a carefully orchestrated performance, a specific vision of Japanese tradition brought to Toronto. The experience begins the moment you enter the minimalist space, when you’re taken to a nice waiting room off to the side. The limited seating fosters an immediate sense of intimacy and exclusivity, which allowed for direct connection with the chef. The true centerpiece of the experience is, of course, watching Chef Saito himself. His movements are precise, economical, and possess a quiet intensity. There's a certain theatricality to observing his focused preparation of each piece – the slicing of the fish, the forming of the rice, the delicate brush of sauce. It feels less like interacting with a host and more like being granted an audience with a master artisan deeply engrossed in his craft. While interaction might be minimal, his dedication is the communication. The service staff operates with similar quiet efficiency, knowledgeable about the offerings (especially sake pairings) and attentive without being intrusive. They support the chef's rhythm, ensuring the pacing of the omakase flows smoothly, allowing you time to appreciate the details without feeling rushed or awkwardly delayed. While the sushi itself is undoubtedly high-quality, featuring carefully sourced fish prepared in a very traditional Edomae style, the lasting impression is arguably more about the way it's presented and the environment it's served in. Each course feels like a deliberate step in a well-rehearsed ceremony. This intense focus on tradition and process makes for a unique and memorable event. For those seeking an immersive, almost meditative observation of high-level sushi craft in a transportive setting, Sushi Masaki Saito offers a commendable and distinct experience. ”
“ Highest quality ingredients will produce perfection in every bite. Flavour, texture, and aromas were all 10/10. Chef does not settle for anything less, only the best. Benjamin and team were super attentive and knowledgeable. Benjamin especially went above and beyond. Believe the staff to diner ratio was 3:1 so we were very spoiled. Early seating was intimate with 4 guests in total. Chef is unexpectedly warm and funny! Loved the whole experience!! ”