Hello dear
Welcome To Sakai Bar
Sakai Bar, located at 1576 Dundas St W in Toronto, is a delightful izakaya renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive sake menu. Guests rave about the exceptional service, often highlighting the staff’s deep knowledge of sake and their ability to make dining feel like storytelling. The menu features standout dishes like the creamy, flavorful potato salad with a hint of dill, tender beef tongue, and crispy pork filet sandwiches. Each dish reflects a blend of traditional and innovative flavors. A community hub, Sakai Bar captivates with its welcoming energy, making it a must-visit spot for Japanese cuisine lovers in the city.
About
Sakai Bar
Welcome to Sakai Bar, a charming izakaya located in the heart of West Toronto at 1576 Dundas St W. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming ambiance, Sakai Bar is more than just a sake bar; it is a community hub where food and culture intertwine. Upon entering, one is greeted by a knowledgeable and friendly staff, eager to guide you through an extensive sake menu that impresses even the most seasoned enthusiasts.
As you settle at one of the coveted bar seats, prepare yourself for a culinary experience that walks beyond mere dining. The dishes here tell stories — from the creamy, crunchy potato salad accented with dill, which has garnered rave reviews for its unique flavor profile, to the impeccably tender beef tongue that is a feast for the senses. Each bite elevates the experience, evoking rave sentiments from patrons who leave with promises to return.
Beyond the food, the energy at Sakai Bar is palpable. Guests are enveloped in a blend of camaraderie and enthusiasm, often finding themselves captivated by the charms of Stu, whose passion for sake and hospitality shines through. The enthusiastic discussions around the menu, paired with his unparalleled knowledge of sake, transform a simple meal into a memorable adventure. As one guest noted, the essence of dining here lies not just in the food but in the collective enjoyment of the experience.
Sakai Bar stands out not only for its innovative dishes like the famed pork filet sandwich—juicy with a perfect crispy skin—but also for its sense of community and warmth. Whether you’re indulging in the popping flavors of fish roe or enjoying a fresh sashimi selection, each dish is crafted with care and perfection. Reservations may be optional, but the experience is a must if you find yourself in Toronto. Every visit promises a delightful journey through the flavors of Japan, ensuring you leave with a happy palate and cherished memories.
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“ A cute little Japanese restaurant in West Toronto. The bar seat is a must here. The servers are kind, friendly and very knowledgable. Their sake menu is huge and on Thursdays they offer 25% off for the bottles. I enjoyed all the food I ordered but I especially liked the potato salad. It’s not a typical potato salad you get from the grocery store - it is creamy, crunchy and flavourful. The dill was a nice touch. Overall, I would definitely come back. But it’s not cheap so I won’t come here every week, at least not for a full meal ”
“ We had a trip to Toronto, and a family member recommended this place. It was AMAZING. The food was delicious. The way they described what was on the menu was like they were telling a story. As a table we talked about ordering Sake (not when there was a server around) and magically one appeared. Stuarts knowledge of sake was unparalleled to anything we've ever experienced before. If you ever are in Toronto you need to check out this place. It's definitely on the list for a must do in Toronto! ”
“ This is the most impressive izakaya I’ve tried in Toronto so far. The mashed potatoes had a unique flavor, and the way the fish roe popped in my mouth was amazing. The beef tongue was tender and perfectly bouncy, and the fried pork cutlet sandwich was cooked just right—crispy and delicious. I will definitely come back! ”
“ An OG gem of a bar. It’s a sake bar but it’s so much more! A community hub and just a comfortable, yummy place. Great sake program, food and energy. Stu’s personality shines through in every aspect! ”
“ This is my second visit, and it’s just as good as the first. The pork filet sandwich is especially outstanding—still juicy with perfectly crispy skin. The potato salad, I’m not sure what they added (maybe pickles?), but the texture is surprisingly rich. The beef tongue is cooked beautifully—tender and luscious. The sashimi of the day, which I believe was tuna, is also fresh and mellow. I think this is one of the best izakayas in Toronto. ”
“ Had such a great experience here. Food wise, I was very impressed! Each dish gave me a wow factor. The beef tongue was succulent and just cooked enough. The udon had the perfect chew on the noodles and was complemented by the various veg, mushrooms, and beef stir fried with it. The potato salad was very unique, with creamy potato and little bits of crunch mixed in. The tonkatsu sandwich also amazed me, it was perfectly pink inside - never had pork that tender! And finally, my favourite dish - the buckwheat cake with Koji cream. The cake itself was nutty and sweet, but the Koji cream wasn't sweet at all and had a slight almost savouriness. This dessert has been living in my head rent free ever since trying it! ”
“ They basically jave 2 services, from 6pm then around 8pm. Expect to spend 2h there. The dishes are cooked in batches, so it may take a while for it to arrive! Great dishes, everything tasted quite authentic. We were not disappointed by any of the dishes ordered. ”
“ This is my first time here, and I really like the food, the vibe, the service, and the drinks. Foods: Must Try! Daily raw fish, Warm potato salad (10/10), Beef tongue. Drinks: I got Sake and Yuzu Collins 10/10 Service: 10/10 I will be back!!! ”