I really can't figure out how Rikishi stays in business.
Located on Bloor just west of Christie Pits, it seems that every time I pass by this poorly advertised locale, it is empty. No one goes in and no one ever comes out. Contained within a relatively drab row of retailers a block away from Ossington, from the exterior, Rikishi certainly does not dazzle.
Finally, despite my fears of Hepatis A and food poisoning, I just had to try it.
What I found inside was a pleasant surprise. While the decor is simple, the place felt authentic. Waitresses dressed in traditional Japanese garb, a grey haired chef slicing up sushi in the back and walls decorated with pictures of sumo wrestlers all around.
How apt.
Rikishi means sumo in Japanese.
The food was authentic and delicious. Dined with someone who had been in Japan and he said this was quite close to how they do it. I ordered a bento box with salmon teryaki. The fish was of excellent quality and extremely fresh. Paired with a small helping of steamed white rice and vegetable rolls, it was pretty close to perfect.
This place stands in stark contrast to the student filled dime-a-dozen sushi places down the street in the Annex, but costs double the price.
Worth the experience.