Hashi Izakaya is a surprisingly spacious restaurant with a
row of wooden tables flanking one side of the dining room, easily accommodating
groups of 30. An ingenious bamboo overhang can be released to provide privacy
between tables, but does little to block out the cheers of semi-drunk diners. But
then again, no one really goes to an izakaya excepting a quiet romantic meal;
it’s the noise, drinking and sharing food that makes the restaurant fun.
Sharing is strongly encouraged as Hashi serves sizable
portions. For example, the squid butter yaki
($9), essentially a squid cooked in butter, arrives whole and cut into thin
bite sized slivers. The squid was overcooked and a tad tough. Moreover, the
sweet soy butter glaze was rather muted and the mayonnaise dip is definitely
not the flavour I wanted with the dish.
Similarly, the grilled gindara
($13) could use more of the saikyo miso
marinade given the black cod is such a neutral fish. The dish is an improvement
over the last, with the fish cooked well, although could benefit from a
crispier skin.
The kamikaze ($12) and dynamite rolls ($13 on menu; $10
actually charged) were large and filled with spicy tuna (kamikaze) and shrimp
tempura (dynamite) along with avocado and cucumber in both. Perhaps a bit too
much sauce was doused over the kamikaze; not a drop of soy sauce was required
for either roll.
There were a number of dishes I enjoyed: the karaage ($6) was hot and juicy, with an
unexpected ginger twinge in the marinade.
Calamari rings, shrimp and bay scallops were abundant in the
seafood yaki udon ($13). While the plump
noodles retained a springy bite and had a spicy kick from the oyster sauce
mixture.
For larger tables, the
oden nabe ($13), a comforting soup brimming with assorted fish cakes, tofu
and mushrooms will help wash down the heavier dishes. Served on a portable
stove, diners can go back and grab sips without fear of the broth getting cold.
Overall, the food at Hashi isn’t fantastic, but it’s decent
enough. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable and tables are abundant.
For affordable, stress free dining, Hashi is an ichiban choice.
Overall mark - 7 out of 10
How To Find Them
Location: Toronto, Canada
Address: 5582 Yonge Street
Address: 5582 Yonge Street
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
Is That It? I Want More!
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